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changingmylife2021
on 1/22/21 6:19 pm
Topic: RE: 5 Bad Habits | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | Questions and Answers

I am considering the VSG and thank you very much for your video.

califsleevin
on 1/21/21 8:53 am - CA
Topic: RE: Why did you chose he VSG surgery and are you glad you did?

I had a VSG close to ten years ago, and went with that over the DS (as my primary alternate) as I didn't think that I needed the extra power that it offered. My wife had had a DS around six years before, and I had lost about a third of my excess weight "the old fashioned way" as she was going through that process, and I managed to keep that off over the next few years, but was not able to make additional progress, so the sleeve seemed to be a good for me (and it was/is).

My third choice would have been the bypass, but as it offers very similar weightloss performance to the sleeve, at a higher cost in limitations and potential complications, it didn't seem to make much sense.

Any of these procedures will be predisposed to some kind of potential complication or compromise, as you are changing the way your body evolved (or was created, if you're into that), so we always need to weigh those potential tradeoffs against the expected benefits of the procedure (as in, losing lots of weight and all that goes with that.) A predisposition simply means that a greater number of patients will see these effects than is seen in the general population, not that you will have a particular problem; it's just a risk calculation.

The VSG is predisposed toward GERD, as the stomach's volume is reduced much more than its' acid producing potential, and sometimes the body doesn't fully adapt to that change. If one has preexisting GERD that does not have an identifiable cause that can be corrected at time of surgery (such as a common hiatel hernia), then the VSG may not be the best choice, and the RNY may be preferred despite its greater limitations.

The RNY is predisposed to dumping and reactive hypogycemia due to rapid stomach emptying owing to removal of the pyloric valve from the active digestive system. It is also predisposed to marginal ulcers owing to the relationship of the stomach pouch to the intestinal bypass (this is the basis of the "no NSAID" rule in bariatrics.) This also applies to other medications that are known to cause gastric distress, so that, along with difficulty with some extended release meds, means that over the long term, one may run into more medication limitations as we get older. Another limitation that can get in the way as we get on in years is that there is a blind loop containing the bypassed stomach remnant, duodenum and upper intestine that can't be easily scoped for diagnostics or treatment - more invasive techniques must be used if something is suspected, which means that something serious may not be caught early enough to be treated successfully.

The RNY is also somewhat fussier when it comes to supplements owing to its malabsorption. This usually isn't a big problem as long as one keeps up with their needed supplements and lab tests, but it is an additional imposition, and can cause problems if one tends to be overly casual about such things. All things being equal, one will likely need to supplement more with an RNY than with a VSG, and in some cases that may not be enough - things like iron infusions are much more commonly needed with the RNY than with the VSG (if one needs any supplemental iron at all with that.)

The DS, in contrast, is similarly fussy on supplements and lab testing, probably somewhat more so, and likewise doesn't mix well with many extended release meds, but doesn't have the marginal ulcer problem, so like the VSG, is more tolerant of those meds that the RNY must avoid, and doesn't have the problem of the blind remnant stomach (though the duodenum is partially disrupted, so some of the newer endoscopic techniques in diagnosing bile or pancreatic duct problems are similarly off the table. However, in exchange, it offers better weight loss performance, better diabetes remission rates (typically 98-99%) and most importantly, better regain resistance than either the RNY or VSG, so there is some tangible value being provided for those additional costs.

It really all comes down to matching the right procedure for one's own cir****tances, and there is no one right answer for all.

1st support group/seminar - 8/03 (has it been that long?)  

Wife's DS - 5/05 w Dr. Robert Rabkin   VSG on 5/9/11 by Dr. John Rabkin

 

Dr. Guillermo Alvarez
on 1/21/21 8:10 am
Topic: 5 Bad Habits | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | Questions and Answers

Good Morning!

I made this video with 5 Bad Habits that you should avoid in order to lose weight.

Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/-32v8rySb14

Regards

Dr. Alvarez

HannahClark
on 1/19/21 3:58 pm, edited 1/21/21 4:57 am
Topic: RE: Make all your relationships an ?eight? or better. ? John Salunek

If my relationship is not a 10... I'm not staying ;) I had a few relationships over the last years and it took me a long time until I've found a 'perfect' partner. Just then it was possible for the relationship to be a 10, we meet halfway every time. I admit I might have been the toxic one before because I couldn't get over jealousy. Before entering a relationship you have to think twice about it. It's not like buying a hamster, you literally choose a human to love and live with and that can be pretty hard sometimes. This is why you have to learn how to love and live with yourself before sharing it with someone else :) And this is how it'll be possible for your relationship to be a 10 as well.

(deactivated member)
on 1/19/21 2:01 pm
(deactivated member)
on 1/19/21 8:09 am
VSG on 04/02/15
Topic: RE: Why did you chose he VSG surgery and are you glad you did?

I had my sleeve in April of 2015 and have never regretted my decision once. I've lost over 120 pounds and kept off about 100. I had it because the digestion is normal and I can eat what I like, within reason and be satisfied with less. I've combined the surgery with intermittent fasting and had great results. Until recently, I maintained 185 pounds for over a year. My mom passed away last month and I'm working through my grief with food. But it has nothing to do with the surgery, it's mental. I'll get back under control in time and still don't regret my decision!

Best of luck in your decision! What ever you chose will be the best choice you make for your health!

(deactivated member)
on 1/19/21 8:01 am
VSG on 04/02/15
Topic: New member post

Good morning! It?s been a long while since I posted in this community. So long I had to set up a new account because I forgot my user name and password.

I had a vsg in 2015 and over time I?ve lost 120 pounds. I went from a high of 302 to a low of 184. I?ve bounced around some, but I think that?s normal. I always know what to do to get back in control and have the willpower to do it. I can motivate to exercise and fast and eat healthy. Except right now, I?m dealing with the recent loss of my mom. She died 12/11/2020 and I was her primary caregiver so my life has drastically changed. She declined in health over 8-10 months after a stroke. I spent many hours helping her and sitting with her. I still have my Dad to care for so my job isn?t over. I just can?t control my eating. I k ow it?s grief, I?ve talked to my doctor about increasing my antidepressants and have regular appointments with my therapist. I?m bipolar 2 and I deal with low level depression most of the time anyway.
I?m looking for encouragement and advice.

Thank you for reading and any help or words will be appreciated!

Kara

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