Needing advice from anyone that has had VSG

I don't know where you've read the negative comments from...as most people on these boards are super happy w/their sleeves.  Some of their posts when they are newly sleeved may be negative..as they aren't used to how things have changed for them at that moment..but read through the forums..i'd say most everyone is very happy they made the choice to have the sleeve.

I started at 354 lbs..now 16 mths later i have lost 151 lbs..and i weigh 203 lbs..wearing between a size 14 and a 16. 

I posted down the page a little bit..about being 16 mths postop..i have pictures added there if you want to peek.  I'm still losing weight also...but am totally thrilled w/my choice.

I have lost 137 pounds in just 1 year with my sleeve so I do believe that you can lose the amount of weight that you want with this surgery.

Yes, there are successes. Yes, many have lost all their excess weight with the VSG. Some lose a good amount of their weight and end up very much healthier, but perhaps not at their goal.. this is the way of all WLS in general. WLS does not promise to make you skinny, or a particular size.. it's a success if you lose down to a certain level, which may still be "overweight" but a hell of a lot healthier.

To me the negatives and positives are one and the same..

This is a restrictive only surgery, with a small hormonal aspect that for some (not all) reduces or eliminates hunger. There is no malabsorption that counts (B12 is malabsorbed, and rarely it seems, possibly protein) Generally there are no major food intolerance post-op after the healing period. Those to me are both positive and negative. I'll explain..

The restriction causes the weight loss. We eat per a good plan, and we lose.. unless you have a serious metabolic issue (do rule this out, it's very important).. But we maintain by our own vigilance. If you do not do the requisite head work, you may likely see regain happening as the level of restriction lessens a bit after 6-12mo or so. 

With a malabsorptive surgery (I'd only recommend the DS, as it's the only one with true life-long malabsorption) you have that aspect of the surgery to help you maintain for the rest of your life. It is up to you to research the heck out of it and determine what surgery suits you for the long haul till you kick it. If you have a major metabolic issue, or diabetes, you owe it to yourself to at least research the DS.. in fact that should be a requisite for anyone having any WLS.. research them all. Pick the one you can live with.

Welcome to OH.

I'm happy with my sleeve and have lost about 108 lbs in 9 months. There are several great examples on here of people who have lost nearly 200 lbs (even much more in some cases). It can be done.

I agree with pretty much everything Jo said. Ask your surgeon how successful his/her VSG patients similar to your size have done and ask what his definition of success is. If you feel the VSG won't be a powerful enough tool for you, check out the DS and see if you can live with those requirements.

Congrats on your upcoming date. Very exciting! Keep us updated!

Lindsey

I agree with all the positive post.  I have lost over 200 lbs in a less than a year I started out weighing 473 lbs.  I was back to work in 6 days and I have been running over 3 miles approx. twice a week and biking over 8 miles at least once a week for about 3 months. Before the VSG walking half a block was an accomplishment and required an extended rest afterwards.   I have 500% more energy and able to more than I have been able to do in a long long time. 

Then only side effect i experienced was some thinning hair but it wasn't too bad. 

GOOD LUCK in your decision and journey

I love my sleeve - my tiny sleeve gives me the control that I need to lose weight.  Now - that isn't to say that people who have the vsg can't fail - all types of surgery can fail!  If we don't make the important changes - i.e. eliminate high calorie beverages and foods from our diet and eating protein, then veg, then fruits and carbs.  If you are willing to make the changes and follow your doctors program, I really believe that you can and will be able to lose the amount of weight you mentioned.

I have lost 75 lbs so far - 56 lbs since surgery 6/1 and I believe that I will be able to lose all th weight I want through diet and exercise.

Good luck!

Hi Judylynn,
I have even more to lose than you and I can tell you that I have no doubt that I will make it.
I have already lost 125lbs in about 4.5 months.
Everyone loses at a different pace, but if you stick to the eating plan then 150 pounds should be easily attainable. Maintaining the loss seems to be easier than other surgeries as well (I wouldn't know as I am still losing).
Good luck,

Jason

I have NO idea where you read the negative comments and if THOSE comments are comparing the VSG to another WLS.

But I will say THIS...the VSG as it relates to LIFELONG complications is a surgery that has been done for DECADES for people with stomach cancer and ulcers (research THERE for real long term information).  As such it is the LEAST like to have stomach problems say 20 years from NOW if you have it.

For me comparing say the RnY, VSG and DS.  Almost ALL will get you to goal if YOU are willing to do YOUR part.  I prefer the VSG and DS because they leave you with a perfectly similar stomach to what you already have just way smaller and LESS likely to stretch over time.

Are you thinking of getting another WLS?

MS Shell

 THANK YOU for all of the positive posts!!!  I am getting very excited about surgery next week and hope to do as well as all of you.  I am still in the process of figuring out this website and will post pictures soon.  Thanks again for the positive reinforcment.