year or longer vsgers

Okay is anyone five foot three and start out at 345 pounds and get to thier goal weight have you regained ? Do you regreat having vsg instead of rny?  I have a so many questions about long term results and if the surgery worked I just need to talk to someone that is several years out.

Statistically VSG and RnY show similar weight loss results.

I'm 5' 0.5" and 2.5 years out from surgery. I ended up settling around 120 pounds after starting at 225.

I don't fit your criteria (5'8", lost 105 lbs, almost 4 years out) but I never even considered the RnY. If you are looking at a surgery that includes some malabsorption, you might want to consider the DS. It has the same fully functioning (small) stomach as the vsg plus you malabsorb protein and fat. For what it's worth, my doctor, who does all the surgeries, told me that he feels IN GENERAL, the vsg is best for people with a BMI less than 45-50. In that 45-50 range, he suggests considering the DS. However, there are people with VERY high BMIs who have successfully lost all their weight with the VSG and I'm sure they'll check in. But if you are considering a malabsorbtive surgery, you might check out the DS board as well...

Best of luck on your decision!

Lizanne

If you look at the long term stats of the RnY you'll see TONS of "possible" complication and regain. 

I am over a year and a half out. I am a bit shorter and started out a bit higher. I still have more to lose but I am very pleased with the result so far. Rapid weight loss occurs for the first 6 months, the next 6 months its about half of that and after a year it is really up to you. That has been my experience. I have no food issues or complications, in fact, my health has improved dramatically. The sleeve really is just a tool, the motivation and follow through is up to you.

 I am 5'5" and started out at 352...I only got down to 240 (so far) but I wasn't able to exercise (had a torn achilles) for the first nine months...
and any time I do the program completely I can still lose 4 years out...

RNY your pouch restretches after a while, there is far less change in size in the VSG.
MC

I think the VSG is a great option, as I have seen many lose down to normal weight even when they were heavyweight to start with.  On the other hand, it takes longer and requires a great deal of determination to get there.  You might consider the DS, I would have looked into it if I was a heavyweight and especially if I believed I had metabolism issues.  Between the RNY and DS, I would choose DS every single time.  Just read the boards long enough and you will see why I say this.

I'm about a foot taller than you.....but I was 580lbs too!  It has NOT been easy.....but I am slowly getting there.....I've lost over 300lbs at this point!  If you are willing to put in the "work" it is "do-able"  I agree the DS  may be another option for you.  Just wasn't my choice.  Like the DSer's say.....think twice....cut once!  I would have needed 2 surgeries for the DS.  If I can do it W/ 1.....why not? 

I'm not yet a year out, but I started at 410 and 5 foot 4 inches and I've lost about 180 lbs in just 9 months.  It is HARD work.  But the smaller stomach really works when you follow most of the rules, and especially if you can couple it with exercise. 

Not sure I'll make it to normal BMI.  But even if I stopped losing today I'd be the happiest girl in the world.  My life is so much better and I feel great.

Hally

well i am not in you same size range as max weight was 247. Read my blog page for my story. But having been on Oh daily for over two years I can tell you that there are many many people who have had the vsg and lost the amount of weight you are looking at. The key is to get a good surgeon who does the sleeve right to maximize its effectiveness and to be mentally ready to change your relationship with food for life. Doesn't mean when you get to goal you can't enjoy exquisite food because you can, but quantities will never be the same and white carbs and sugar may always have to be watched for some folks. I thought long and hard about this and was mentally ready to start a new phase of life in which food was no longer a central entertainment and comfort. Might not have been able to do that at a younger age.

I chose the vsg because i am older and needed to use advid and such and don't want to be restricted on medications i might need as i age. Also, i am just grossed out by the idea of rearranging my intestines even though removing most of stomach is not exactly a "natural" thing. vsg is an easier faster surgery by a skilled surgeon and i highly recommend it. I am hoping my husband will do it and he is 400 lbs. My older brother is going to do it next month and i bet he is close to 400 and only 5'8". Lapsf will have a 5 year study out this summer which i am hearing will show good results. Rny people can have long term complications if they neglect supplements and can never take aspirin or advil again.

So at only 17 months i am a very happy camper and i think i can make this work for life. I know one 8 year sleever who does not come on this board but he lost at least 150 lbs maybe more, had a little regain but lost it again. he looks good and is doing well.

Member Rana is a longer term sleever with a detailed blog and you might want to read her experiences. she has done well i think with only very slight regain. GL   Diane