Purdy

Hi, I am from London, England and have been lurking around reading posts on this wonderful website for a few weeks now. I am really grateful to you all for posting it is so very helpful to us pre-opers. I have noticed that many of you (if not all) have starting BMI's of under 40. I was wondering if there is anyone here who had a BMI over 40 and has had satisfactory weight loss with the sleeve. My BMI is 41. The sleeve is my choice of surgery but my surgeon would prefer me to have a bypass. His reasoning is that the bypass is reversible and that he doesn't think I would achieve a satisfactory weight loss with the sleeve. I have a huge amount of respect for my Surgeon and so am trying to make sense of his advice and reconcile with my views. I really don't want a band or bypass because I would like everything to function as it should but on a smaller scale. I am a volume eater and also binge sometimes. Purdy

I am still at the research stage and was wondering if the VSG is sometimes called a mini gastric bypass in the US? I have seen references to this but no information which makes me think it may be an alternative name. If anyone can enlighten me, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you. I have found some information about this now. Appears to be an op performed by only one Dr in the US.

I suffered hairloss when I did a "Lighterlife" diet which is a Meal Replacement program. I had lost 7 stones when I noticed my hair was falling out and was told that this is the body's natural reaction to the weight loss; i.e. trying to preserve energy where it can and not replenishing hair which is low down on priority for survival. My hair did grow back to normal when I stopped losing weight. Purdy

Thank you all very much for your replies. You have reassured me that I have made the right decision. I am still a little puzzled about the advice from my surgeon but I think his doubts are based on his lack of experience of the sleeve as a stand alone procedure. Four years ago I almost had a band fitted and backed out at the last moment. My children were then very young and I probably just wasn't ready. I have also tried many, many years of analysis (v. unusual in uk) but don't seem to be getting anywhere and I feel that life is passing me by. I am so glad I didn't have the band. I would probably still be here asking about the sleeve! This forum is great! Thanks again. Purdy