VSG

Hello Everyone....

I wanted to hear from individuals who have VSG or are going to have surgery for VSG. I already understand that it is not as common in Canada as the USA, and I have done extensive research on both Gastric Bypass and Sleeve, and I would like to hear from people who have had VSG or are having it....I have heard of people fighting for that option, as they truly feel that this is the best option for them and I truly believe that advocating for oneself is very important, after all its a surgery that we have to live with for the rest of our lives.

What was the defining criteria? How did you go about this?

Thank you for the feedback!

In Ontario, your surgeon will decide the most appropriate surgery for you.

I am aware that the surgeon is involved in the decision

I am trying to reach out to those have had VSG. But thank you for your feedback :)

I started this journey wanting VSG 100% and remember saying early on that if I couldn't get it then I wouldn't have WLS. With RNY I didn't like the idea of re-arranging my guts, heard hunger is less with VSG d/t less ghrelin, felt it was more "natural" etc. I researched a lot to find what criteria one needed to get surgeon approval (look at the bariatric network website as I can't remember exactly) but I was prepared.

I met with my surgeon (the second time) and told him I really want VSG and was prepared to argue my case. He (Dr Klein of Humber river) surprised me and interrupted and said "it doesn't matter to me I'll do either RNY or VSG but why do you want VSG?" I explained and he said it was up to me but he recommends RNY strongly over VSG due to: much higher complication rate regarding leaks because the stomach line is very long and he said they are seeing more revisions from VSG to RNY due to reflux/acid even in people who didn't have these issues before. 

After speaking with him, I opted for RNY may 2016 - I'm down 80lbs in 4.5 months and feel this was the right decision for me. 

I hope this helps a bit - I just found there wasn't as much of a fight as I thought. 

Good luck on your journey!

Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate you sharing your experience.

I have a lot to think about. 

I have had a couple previous surgeries, and I will have scar tissue from my band. During the research, I saw that sometimes it is hard to have RNY due to previous surgeries and scar tissue - so I guess I will find out!

I was given a VSG since I have Ulcersative Colitis plus a family history of Stomach Cancer (can't scope the remant stomach). Even with these issues, I did needed to be insantant.  I understand for a VSG to be approved the surgeon has to request exemption with OHIP, therefore more paperwork.

I get gerd, where I didn't have it regularily before but I start my morning with a PPI, which can have some long term effects.  I figure my MO had enough short & long term effects so whatthehell .  

Both surgeries are  tools and really, at 3+ years out, I estimate it only makes about a 20% advantange...the rest is all YOU.

I researched and decided that VSG was the better procedure for me because I have arthritis and take medication.  I was worried about absorption of medication.  I also felt it was overall a less risky procedure in the long term.  I told everyone this all through my appointments and it was well noted in my chart.  The day I met the surgeon (it ended up being a resident, not my actual surgeon), I actually crossed out the part of the release form that said RNY and told him that I didn't want that procedure, only the sleeve.

Dr. Jackson did my surgery at TWH and he agreed with me that based on my situation, the sleeve was the better choice.  He did a wonderful job, I didn't have surgical complications at all and honestly, my journey after surgery has been remarkably uneventful.  I am just past 3 months and noticing a bit more hair loss than usual, but nothing alarming.  No reflux or anything like that, but I didn't have an issue with that before surgery.  But I have also been following the dietary guidelines and not eating or drinking things that would cause problems like alcohol or caffeine.  I also took the Prevacid they prescribed for the full 3 months post surgery as a precaution ... this was the one thing the nurses said was critical.

I know a lot of people say that you lose more quicker with RNY but for me, it was about getting healthy and not really the speed.  It took me a lifetime to put the weight on.  I have had plenty of stalls but as of today, at down 64 lbs in just over 3 months, which I think is pretty respectable.  Most importantly, I am feeling really good.  Healthy and strong.  And no serious food issues.

My best advice to you is to do your own research and to make your case.  And to be vocal through the whole process.  You have to advocate for yourself.  Best of luck to you.

I also have  the VSG due to severe arthritis. I am very happy to be sleeved.

Thank you so much for your reply. I take medication for migraines and severe cramping (I have endometriosis) so when I researching the surgeries the absorption issues really concerned me a lot. I definitely reply on those meds to get me through! 

How are you doing to date with the vsg? Did you get any complications later on