Question:
VSG vs By-Pass Weight Loss

Can you loose as much weight with VSG as you can with By-Pass? I have about 135-150 pounds that I need to loose. Anyone out there that has lost that much with VSG? Also, why did you choose VSG over By-Pass? Thanks so much for your help...Sally    — troggdog73 (posted on March 23, 2009)

March 23, 2009
I have lost 116 pounds with the VSG. I have just past my one year surgiversary. I am on track to make my goal in a few more months. The VSG is comparable to the RNY according to all of the research that I have seen. It is generally shown to be about 2 or 3 percentage points behind the RNY for effectiveness, but I think the lack of serious side effects, such as dumping syndrome, and malabsorption more than make up for the few percentage points difference, and the difference is statistically insignificant. Most of the research I have seen puts the VSG at about 78 percent effective at helping people meet their goal, while the RNY is about 80 percent effective. Considering that you do not need to have blood work done for the rest of your life, or take special dietary supplements, the VSG looks to be the better option as far as I am concerned. Granted, I am just a layman, and not a medical specialist, but it would seem to me that any operation that lets you live a more natural life would be the better procedure. If you want to find out more information about the various options available to you, check out my profile page at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/ . Look for my post titled "Surgical Comparisons." If you can't find it on the main profile page, look for it in the March 2008 archives. I hope this helps.
   — hubarlow

March 23, 2009
I chose VSG as stand-alone procedure with a strating BMI of 65.2 and high weight of 404 pounds. Since 10/01/08 I have lost 115 pounds...and I've got another 100 to lose. I am confident that I will succeed. Ther are lots of folksw ith BMI's over 50. I;d suggest asking your question in the member forun "VSG'rs with 150 Pounds or more to Lose). Amy
   — maxs_mom

March 23, 2009
I had the VSG instead of the By Pass because I didnt' want to deal with the dumping and serious malabsorption issues. I do have to take supplements the rest of my life (vitamins, B-12, iron, Calcium with D), but even without surgery I should probably have taken those supplements. I am 6 months out and have lost 96 lbs, and still have about 120 to go. My BMI was 64.7 - it is now 47.3. I would do it again in a second!
   — Wendy M.

March 23, 2009
Hi, I choose to have the VSG because I didn't want the complications of RNY. I have about 150 lbs to loose. I am scheduled for my surgery tomarrow but I am confident that I will be successful. My doctor did say that I need to exercise 5 hours a week for effective weight loss and that is a balance of aerobic and strength/toning exercises. I know that I can do it. I hope you choose what is the best solution for you.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

March 24, 2009
I had a VSG June 23, 2008. I have lost 147# so far. It is my understanding that you lose more weight with the RNY, but there are less complications with VSG. I believe that I made the right choice for myself. May God Bless You Abundantly, Kathie
   — KathieV

March 24, 2009
I had a VSG on 11/3/08. I lost 20lbs in 3 wks and have continued at about 10 pounds a month. I could be losing more if I exercised more regularly but I'm happy with the result. I want to lose 100 total and should meet my goal by Sep/Oct. I chose it because it was less invasive, less down time and no absorption problems.
   — candace501

March 24, 2009
I am 4 months Plus post-op and I have lost 80 lbs since surgery. I'm at a total with my pre-op wieght loss at 110 lbs still lossing and feel great. Any questions check out my profile. Scott
   — Scott Ambrose