help needed!

[MissSparkle 0]

Hi Everyone,

I have just joined the forum as I have found the advice on here so useful for me.

After waiting nearly 3 years (It can be painfully slow here in the UK) I am finally seeing a surgeon this Friday (18th June) to see if he will perfrom a sleeve on me. So I'm very very nervous . :scared0:.. I have a question though, all the information my hospital has given me (an information pack) tells me only to expect to lose only 20% of my excess weight. Does this sound correct ?? Seems a very low percentage? I realise that I may never get back to a 'normal' weight again but after reading about different successes on this forum it seems that most lose more than 20% of their excess. Do most surgeons do this or is this hospital I'm going to being very cautious ? Or could it be to do with the size of the stomach that they leave behind?

I hope the above makes sense ...... Does anyone have any advise so I can ask the surgeon the right questions on Friday....:confused1:

Thank you

[MINI-Me 196]

I will try to answer question by question:

I have a question though, all the information my hospital has given me (an information pack) tells me only to expect to lose only 20% of my excess weight. Does this sound correct ?? Not from my personal experience and what others on the board have shown. Doesn't seem possible to only lose that little bit with the little you can eat from the restriction.

Seems a very low percentage? I realise that I may never get back to a 'normal' weight again but after reading about different successes on this forum it seems that most lose more than 20% of their excess. Do most surgeons do this or is this hospital I'm going to being very cautious ? Sounds like they are being VERY cautious. Most studies I've read say 50-60% of excess weightloss (and this included stomachs made with 60 boughie).

Or could it be to do with the size of the stomach that they leave behind? Yes, I believe so. Also, some surgeons have been known to make goals that are very conservative so that you don't come back and say "You told me that I would ..."

Definitely talk to the surgeon and ask him what he expects for your results. Talking averages is just that, an average.

I have had my down moments, but when I look back at where I was just 19 weeks ago, it is amazing!!!!

[MissSparkle 0]

Hi MiniMe

Thank you for your post , very helpful. I am excited but so nervous , I hope he agrees to operate and that it can be this year!!!

:confused1:

[jerryvic 3]

MissSparkle, I think if you go to one of the last forums, "Ask Dr Jossart" you will get a wealth of information. I agree with MiniMe that the size of the stomach remaining is important. Dr. Jossart (a prominent San Francisco surgeon) recommends about a size 32 Bougie. Ask your surgeon what size he/she prefers. Anything larger than a 36 or 38 may be too big and you will not lose as much in the long run. Good luck!

[MissSparkle 0]

Hi Jerry,

Thank you so much I will go and read that now.

Take care

Sue :-)

[Dansha 16]

Wow... three years and I thought three months was to long. I just had a consultation with my surgeon yesterday on the 14th and he uses a 34f bougie and he fully expects me to lose all of my excess weight as long as I follow the guidelines. Which I will!!!! Good luck Sue.

Deb

[MissSparkle 0]

Hi Deb

I will definately be checking the size bougie he wants to use. I have quite a lot of weight to loose so I really want to make the most of this oppotunity.

I hope everything goes well for you Deb .... Hopefully we will both be getting smaller very soon....!!!!

Take care

Sue

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

There is no reason you can't get to your goal weight if you follow the rules of Protein first, veggies if you have a little room, and under 30 grams of carbs per day.

[SParkle 4]

Hi there and welcome to the board.

To me it sounds like the NHS are being very cautious on the weight loss predicition ... but it may also be that the VSG isn't that well known in the UK..... I got quotes from the UK and here in Spain before going ahead, and not that many places were willing to do it.

Do ask at your consult when you see them.....and they'll be able to give you a more accurate idea.

Good luck - and let us know how you get on with it.

Kathy

[tbarnes18 1]

My surgeon didn't specifically target the VSG, but all of his WLS procedures and mentioned that the weight loss overall is in the 60% range.

Even with 60% (if I believe that I am the 'norm' because I have always been great on diets and it has been after the diet that I have my main problems), that would mean 60 pounds less for me. At 60 less, I would be in the 180 range which wouldn't be shabby and would help my overall health by allowing me to walk and golf more. It should also keep diabetes from my doorstep. (Mother and sister with diabetes, but I haven't got it, yet).

And yes, I agree, the ask the doctor section explains a lot and is very useful. Too bad I had never scrolled down to that section before the surgery, but the message boards were very helpful and informative.

Terrie

Edited June 16, 2010 by tbarnes18

[MissSparkle 0]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the help and advise. I feel much more confident about my meeting with my surgeon on Friday. Its so good to have this forum to help me.... Its been great. I think the NHS in the UK are just over cautious as the Sleeve is not so well known over here.

I can't wait to start my journey and get that thin person hiding inside me out and about !!! I will let you know if I get a surgery date on Friday... heres hoping .....

Take care and have a lovely day

Sue