Question:
Has any one ever had JUST the first half of the D.S.?

If so why did you decide not to do the other half of the surgery? Were there problems with your insurance company or doctor if you decided NOT to have the 2rd part of the surgery? How did you come to this decision not to have the second part of the surgery and why?    — chell1957 (posted on August 22, 2008)

August 22, 2008
YES! The first part of the DS surgery is known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). I chose to do only it because it is safer, there's no malabsorption issues, & if it doesn't work I can always have the rest of the surgery later, which is also safer to do it in 2 separate surgeries. Most people have found that the first part of the surgery, which includes removing a portion of the stomach & ghrelin (hormone that makes you hungry), was enough to help them get to their goal weight or at least a comfortable weight. I'm almost 4 months post-op and down 59 lbs.! I couldn't be happier!!!! Google "Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy" & do some research. I think you will be happily surprised with the pro's & con's. Also some people decide to do just the first part of the DS if they have a very high BMI. It's safer & gives them a chance to lose some weight & have a lower BMI before messing with the intestines. Good Luck in whatever you choose!
   — AprilJM

August 22, 2008
The VSG is a stand alone surgery now. I had it, instead of the DS because I didn't have a lot of weight to lose and I didn't want my insides rerouted. I hit goal at 6 months post op and have been doing great. I went from wearing a size 22 pants and 3x shirt to a size 4 pants (sometimes 2) and small shirt. I love my sleeve. If you get the sleeve, be sure to check what size they will make the stomach. For the DS, even in 2 parts, they make the stomach larger than they do for the VSG. I had a 32 bougie used on me, and they say the long term results are better with smaller bougies than with larger ones. I don't think I would want anything larger than a 36.
   — Teresa V.

August 22, 2008
I am on the lower side of the BMI and I am not sure my insurance will pay for just the Vertical Sleeve unless I request it under the D.S. in a 2 part surgery, but then I am thinking maybe my BMI is too low for them to approve it as a 2 step D. S. I have NJ Horizon Health which is a HMO of NJ Medicaid. The more I research the lap band the more I dislike it.
   — chell1957

August 22, 2008
I have the VSG stage of the DS and I love it- I was self pay and so I has complete control over my decision DS is an outstanding option if it is the right surgery for you- as you read more profiles and experiences you will be able to make the right decision, I did not want or need the malabsorption portion on the surgery at this time- if I find later that I need it- I will add the second stge
   — Kristin B.