I have MS and very much want the VSG. Do you think that patients with MS would be automatically exempt? What would be the concerns?:confused1:

I have Myasthenia Gravis, not MS. It is an autoimmune disease that attacks the muscle receptors. And I have a sleeve.

My neurologist was very supportive and has been with me every step of the way providing information and support.

My surgery was a team effort by the VSG surgeon, my neuro and my PCP.

One of the reasons I even know about the sleeve is due to a friend at work. She has MS and had the sleeve last February. She hasn't any any issues and sees all of her doctor's regularly to coordinate her care. She lost 80 pounds in about 6 months!!!

Obesity is an inflammatory state. That inflammation may actually worsen the symptoms of MS. Weight loss via dieting or surgery should help(in general). The VSG is a good option to consider for a patient with MS as there is no foreign body and no intestinal bypass that could interact with the side effects of MS. There are not many patients with MS that have had weight loss surgery but one of mine told me recently that her Neurologist said she had the best MRI in ten years. She is two years postoperative from a VSG!

Thank you all for your responses. This is something that I have worried about all along. I'm having mine done at a military hospital so my Neurologist and Primary Care Manager are all on board with this. Years ago when I first thought about this it was my Neurologist that referred me, I change my mind then. But now I find myself using a wheelchair primarily and find that my stomach gets in my way as well as it causes me balance issues. This time I was referred by my PCM team and I told my newer Neurologist. Everyone is on board. Interesting enough the only person that brought it up was during my mental health briefing. He commented that it may be difficult to find a surgeon willing to take on this additional complication. I meet with the surgeon next week. Thanks again.