Hi,

My name is Gigi. I am considering WLS and have been doing research on the lap band and VSG. I went to a seminar on 8/19 thinking I wanted a lap band and realized it was not really a good option for me. I have a lot of allergies and do not think the idea of putting a foreign object in my body a good one. As a result, I have been thinking about the VSG. I am 5?7?, around 282 lbs with a BMI around 45; I also have asthma, high-blood pressure and moderate to sever sleep apnea? so I am a good candidate. I still have some concerns especially as I have never had to have an operation. I?m scared!

My insurance covers the procedure but I have to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet and exercise plan. I am mainly considering this procedure to improve my health before I add more complications to the mix. Looking better is just a plus. I have been reading the entries on here for while so most of my questions about complications and results have been answered.

I am still interested in knowing if there are any major restrictions to exercising after the procedure. I have always been a big girl ? size 14 in high school, while all my friends were size 9 -10 ? and extremely active. I have taken dance lessons most of my life and even when I was in a dance troop where I was dancing 6 days a week, I was never smaller than a size 12/14. So what I am interested in knowing is ? after the procedure do you lose your muscle? When you lose all that weight, is your skin extremely lose that you require surgery to correct?

Do you know if I will be called for my initial appointment before I start the dr supervised diet and exercise plan or is that something that typical takes place after you have your initial appointment? Has anyone had there VSG done at Columbia University Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York? That is where I would be getting my surgery if it proves viable for me.

Thanks for any information! It is greatly appreciated.

I can't answer any questions regarding ins. I was self pay. but, I wanted to welcome you to the forum and wish you the best of luck.

...As a result, I have been thinking about the VSG. I am 5?7?, around 282 lbs with a BMI around 45; I also have asthma, high-blood pressure and moderate to sever sleep apnea? so I am a good candidate. I still have some concerns especially as I have never had to have an operation. I?m scared!

My insurance covers the procedure but I have to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet and exercise plan. I am mainly considering this procedure to improve my health before I add more complications to the mix. Looking better is just a plus. I have been reading the entries on here for while so most of my questions about complications and results have been answered.

I am still interested in knowing if there are any major restrictions to exercising after the procedure. I have always been a big girl ? size 14 in high school, while all my friends were size 9 -10 ? and extremely active. I have taken dance lessons most of my life and even when I was in a dance troop where I was dancing 6 days a week, I was never smaller than a size 12/14. So what I am interested in knowing is ? after the procedure do you lose your muscle? When you lose all that weight, is your skin extremely lose that you require surgery to correct?

Thanks for any information! It is greatly appreciated.

I was also self-pay, so I cannot answer the insurance questions, but I may be able to help with the rest.

First of all - bravo for you for taking control of your health! Second - glad to hear that you are considering VSG. For me, it's been a life changer.

If you've read many of my posts, I am not very good about the formal exercise. What I have found is that I lose weight, I find myself being more active in my day to day life. It used to be a trip to costco, loading the car, unloading the car, and putting the items away would do me in for the entire day. The other day, I found myself doing just that, going around the house and cleaning up, starting dinner & then realizing that I might want to slow down a bit. When I pointed it out to my husband (the naturally thin, trim and fit guy), he laughed and said I was wearing him out just watching me.

My BMI was 32.8, but my skin is doing well. I had really bad bat arms at first, but they are starting to shape up nicely. I even found that there was some muscles in there! :confused: The only excess skin issues I have right now are my tummy (lots of jell-o skin there) and some in the inside of my thighs (I have lost about 10 inches on each thigh in 7 months).

I'm really trying to get myself into more cardio and strength training exercises - I know those will help with my problem areas. It won't fix the loose skin issues, but it will make them look better & long shorts work wonders!

Best of luck with your decision and welcome.

Thank you for the welcome and encouragement!

Welcome!

Your story sounds a lot like mine? all except the sleep apnea. I wish you very well! I?m here to tell you also that making the choice of the sleeve is much better. You will lose faster and your chances of keeping it off long term are much better.

Hope to see you around and let us know how you?re doing!