VSG in BMI 50 + Patients...

Hey guys. Question for you.

I'm scheduled to have the sleeve done on 2/22/12 and I'm reading that a lot of people have a gastric bypass after the sleeve to lose the amount of weight desired.

Have you guys had this experience or have you found the VSG to be sufficient? I need to lose like 210lbs...and I'm nervous that it may not be possible with JUST the sleeve.

Thoughts? Opinions? Experiences?

Or is it the Duodenal Switch that they get, not the bypass? Either way...still wondering if it's possible to lose so much weight with just the sleeve.

A guy who goes to my support group, had VSG around the time that I did- he's now lost over 300lbs! And another female friend of mine who I went through the Kaiser program with me, has lost 215lbs.

So yes, it's possible to lose the weight with just the sleeve or for that matter-any surgery. Also, yes it's possible to covert a VSG into an RNY or a DS. I think that's based on what you and your surgeon decide.

Since the VSG is basically just the first half of the DS, I think it's more likely that people would go that route, but that's an individualized decision.

The plan though, should be just for one surgery- you don't want to go through this twice if you don't HAVE to!

If you follow the plan, and stick to it- you can lose the weight!

Good Luck,
:Danni

Sweet! That's awesome to know. Thanks so much!!!

 I asked the same question way before my surgery. Then I started to read all the stats. Yes it is very possible. I think like any of the surgeries it is what you do with it.

I'm not at goal. But, so far at almost 8months out I'm beyond happy with my results. We are very close in stats.

Surgery, whichever you choose, is only a tool. 

If you go with VSG, it is restrictive, which is what MOST folks really need.  If you have issues with absorbing too much, then you should consider RNY.  DS is very malabsorptive, so again, it really depends on how your body presently works.

I know more than a handful of folks in my support groups, as well as on here, who have done fabulously with VSG.  I have known folks who have done well with RNY.  Same goes with DS, but I also know folks who went back to "old ways" and do not see the long term success as someone who follows a new lifestyle and use their new "tool" to help them achieve success.

How many classes have you taken to learn about the surgeries?  Do you belong to any support groups?  Glad you are asking questions!

Brenda : )~

 I'm going to a bran new clinic (the doctor isn't new but the clinic is) and they don't have any classes or support groups yet. I'm only their third patient. So, I think they are working out the kinks with me. I WISH there had been mandatory classes, then I think I'd feel more informed. I've pretty much gathered what I could from here. I really appreciate yall's feedback!!!

I need to loose around 150...essentially 1/2 of me. I'm comfortable with the sleeve assisting me all the way through to that without having to do another surgery. I was concerned in the beginning of my decision making, but after reading the stats & the additional risks involved in the other procedures, I decided this was best for me. Good luck!

Thanks everyone!!!