Those with Lap band or VSG, help me out!

So, I am going for a seminar Tuesday (yay!) and will either be getting the lap band or a vsg. I'm 5'5" at 315, so my BMI is 52.4.  I am leaning a little towards the vsg, but I was hoping to get some stories and advice from you guys!

Please tell me which you had, why you chose that route, what obstacles you've faced, what triumphs you've had, and whether or not you'd choose that procedure if you had it to do over.

TIA!!

I had a VSG performed 11 weeks ago. My surgery was pretty routine (just a few minor hiccups). It was about 4 weeks until I felt 80-85%. I would probably choose the same surgery all over again. Though, sometimes when I see how rapid the RNY girls lose their weight, I wonder if I should have considered it longer. But, in all honesty, that is because I am impatient. I know that for me the VSG was the right choice. The lap band was too slow and too much maintenance for me (I was unhealthy before the surgery and I have a 2 year old.) I paid for the surgery out of pocket, and the VSG saved me $10,000 over the RNY. I do have to say though, as my weight loss slows down, this is a tool. You can be successful, but it is still work. I am sure that you already know that. =) Good luck to you!

Thanks! I definitely realize it is a tool, but I think it's one I need to be successful! :) I have a 16month old, btw.

It really is amazing. I have to say that after years of loss and gain, I spent 2 months expecting that this would fail, but I worked it any way. I am just coming to grips with the fact that I may actually be able to beat this once and for all. (high hopes=)) Good luck  and much success with your journey.

Thanks again. I am glad that it is working so well for you, what great progress you've made so far! I can't wait to join the LOSERS! ;)

Hi Erin, I researched for a long time, & changed from band to VSG. I am SO GLAD I DID......I have had 0 complications. Everything has been textbook. I thank God every day for this. Best wishes to you!!!

I had VSG almost 4 weeks ago and am feeling great. I had originally wanted the lap band but since researching it, I found there are so many potential complications and it seems more and more people have to have it out because of one issue or another. I'm really glad I chose the VSG.

There is a Group on OH for VSG with over 150 pounds to lose -- it may have some good posts for you to help you decide.  One important thing to find out, is VSG covered under your insurance.  Another thing to ask the surgeon, what is the BMI cut off for Banding.  I have been to different doctors seminars, and all of them said they do not Band on people over 45 BMI.

My boyfriend is over 70 BMI, wanted VSG over RNY, so he actually changed doctors, as the first hospital did not perform VSG.  I am also over 70 BMI, but I have decided for various reasons that I want RNY, as I think I need malabsorption to an extent.

Lot's of reasons to consider different procedures.  Talk to the surgeon, and do as much research as possible ;)

Good luck!
Brenda  : )~

The Link for the VSG Group...

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/vsgswith150ormoretogo/

Hope that is useful!
B  ; )~

Thanks! I have pretty much decided on the VSG. I am going to be cash pay. They *do* the band on people up to 55bmi, though, so that would be an option, I just don't want the band. :) I will check out that group you posted!!