Over 400 pounds

My top weight was 361 at the start of the process. I'm close to 10 months out and just pounds away from a healthy BMI. What a change from a year ago! It isn't automatic, I have to do my part and my head can still get in my way. But, the difference between trying to lose the weight with the sleeve vs pre-sleeve is night and day. It is SUCH A RELIEF to have found the reset button.

I understand that that things will likely get tougher later on in maintenance but at least I won't be starting with an extra 200+ pounds.

I was never someone who wanted to have surgery to lose weight---I doubt that any of us were. But, would totally recommend!

Michelle

Thank you I have struggled with this decision now for over 3 years. I have tried everything to lose the weight diet exercise pills and it seems like it just won't stay off. at this point in my life I think the best thing for me is to have the surgery to help me through this process. I'm very scared ,very nervous but I know in the long run but it's going to save my life

It is a pretty personal decision, right? I didn't make my final decision to move thru with the surgery until I had almost completed the 6 month pre-op diet.

I did pretty well as a slightly obese person and even several years as a super morbidly obese person. But in the last few years I could easily see that my health was rapidly declining. I was no longer inching towards diabetes -- it was more like a freight train. And I was getting to the point that staircases were starting to seem impossible. The staircase thing was probably the last straw....I had always taken pride in being "able" to run/bike long distances even if I had some extra weight on.

My sugar levels are entirely normal now. I do yoga every day and will eventually add on some running/biking. I have started to shop for a new bike and expect new hiking boots under the Christmas tree. Those rewards are truly sweet and makes it easier to keep with the program.

Best wishes for your journey!

My husband's high weight was 475. He had VSG in May at 425 and just weighed in at 310 5 months post-op. Sleevers might notice they lose a little slower than RNYers because of the lack of malabsorption, but stats are pretty similar 5 years out. I would've opted for VSG if not for my GERD.

Oh yeah. I went from 420 (really higher at my peak) to 180 (currently some higher than that...working on it). It really does work.

I was 430 June 1st, and on June 22nd when I had my surgery I was 401 pounds or so. I was 329 this morning. The surgery works if you follow the plan. Generally, though, the DS is regarded as better for most of us with very high BMIs, however I did not want to deal with the malabsorption. My surgeon did his residency at the University of Chicago where they do the DS and he still suggested the VSG. After talking with a few other doctors and doing research I went ahead with it.

Thing is, any WLS will have regain, and even with the DS, you will regain if you still keep your old and crummy eating habits. Having said that, if you are over 400 pounds like I was for many years, the VSG can absolutely work, and work well, if you follow the plan. Same for the DS. Same for the RNY.

To add to this comment above:

Vsg is the first step in the DS anyway. If you go VSG and down the road need further intervention, there are options. If you go DS first, you cannot undo it. Don't get me wrong- DS is a wonderful surgury if it is a good fit for a person. Don't be scared of having surgury. Be scared of what will happen to you if you don't.

Thank you Donna, the best thing for me is that I've already started working on the eating right and working out so the surgery is going to help because I've already learned the basics