Hello,

I am just starting my journey! Well, actually I checked into this a few years back and thought I'd give diets another try... I went to my first seminar last week and I think VSG is for me. From my understanding, it is purely a restrictive procedure. I am worried about malabsorption as I have celiac disease and thyroid disease and am already at risk for Calcium deficiency. This is why I believe VSG is my best option. I would appreciate any thoughts you all may have and how you chose this procedure!

Thanks!

I chose it because it seemed to be the best option. It has the least issues with malabsorption. Although there are titanium staples in me now, I found that more acceptable than having an extreme foreign body in me like the lap band. There are not usually dumping syndrome issues like with the bypass, although I plan to stay away from sweets anyway. Overall, it just seemed like the best option for me. I was sleeved on Monday, 5/14, and am feeling great right now. So far it has been the best thing I have ever done for myself!

I started out wanting a band. I did NOT want bypass as re-routing my intestines and causing malabsorption did not appeal to me. The "idea" of the band sounds great. A smaller stomach means you eat less food and therefore are full on less. However, as I researched the band, I learned about the vomiting (something I cannot deal with!) being stuck and not having food go down, yet still being hungry, etc.

I started researching the VSG and while it is a big deal to lose 85% of your stomach, it sounded SO much better than the alternatives. It is purely a restrictive procedure, so you are full on less food. You still have to make good food choices, exercise, plenty of Water, etc. The one thing that I can say that has helped me tremendously is the fact that I do not have hunger. Not every sleever loses their hunger but a large majority do. It's amazingly easy to make good food choices when you are not driven by hunger. I also just had my labs pulled again at my 18 month checkup and everything is completely normal and perfect. My surgeon doesn't even think I need labs again at my 2 year based on my results.

I'm almost 19 months post-op and I can't imagine having had any other surgery as I knew VSG was right for me.

Thank you Michelle! That is exactly what I am thinking. Don't worry about a few titanium staples in the belly. I've had a plate and screws in my leg for years without issue. I am hoping to move this along to making it happen by fall. The doctor I have chosen requires a 3 month supervised program. My only concern (mild) is that right now my insurance company doesn't have this as an option- only bypass and band. However, it is a small company, and they said that they will take a look at the procedure and if it is the best for me, it shouldn't be a problem. Since I have been with them forever... they have paid for all of the junk associated with my weight- several knee surgeries (because I still try to do the sports I did when I was thin), gallbladder, multiple meds...

I choose VSG. Because there were No cutting Of the intestines for the malabsorption.

Just remember this is a life style change; not a short term diet. Most all the reason we over eat is in our minds. This is where you have to commit to and remember to control.

My DR put me on a 10 day pre op liquid diet; in those 10 days the first 4-5 were difficult; day 6 I was off diet coke and chocolate; no more cravings; even now day 10 post op: I don't crave them. Though when I look at them; it's like my hand wants to grab them; I have to slow down and think; you really see your habits once on liquid diet.

My Dr does this:

Pre op -10 day liquid diet. ( last 3 clear)

Post op- 2 days Clear liquids

2 wks full liquids

2 wks puréed

2 wks soft foods

Then regular food

Each meal is 4 oz

All DR. Are different. I stayed 2 nights in hospital. No complications so far. It is likely you will have gallbladder problems with any of these surgeries. Mine is ok so far. But I anticipate issues, based on knowledge of how things work.

That is wonderful M2G, you look amazing! Thank you both for the reply, this reconfirms my thinking exactly!

Agree with all the others. I also choose this because as a tool, it was the most successful and least evasive. It was the best decision I every made.

Here are the reasons I chose the VSG

1. NO rerouting of digestive plumbing

2. No dealing with dumping syndrome

3. The remaining part of the stomach is the less elastic part of the stomach so will not stretch back to previous size

4. Ghrelin hormone is removed with the stomach so much less hunger issues.

5. Significant higher risks with Roux-en-y procedure and post surgical complications.

6. Surgery takes half the time of a RNY

7. Band has proven to be less effective than any of the surgeries.

Thank you very much for your input! This is very helpful to reconfirm my decision! I honestly don't understand why you would choose the other options. Maybe this is how it all evolves and improves. Can't wait to get started!

I initially was going with the band but when I discussed it with my PCP, she suggested the sleeve and gave me the run down. Her view on wls is that if you are going to do it, go all the way. The band can be adjusted and

I choose the sleeve because to me it is simple and i only have 4 mini incitions that are almost going away, they healed pretty good.

The band i hate the fact of having something inside me that i may have to take out at some point and the fills are expensive and painfull.

About RNY i will not want re-routing my intestines and causing malabsorption, that is something i was going to be always concerned.

I originally wanted the band, until I went to the info meeting. The idea of a port in my side and fills, etc. just wasn't appealing. And the thought of even messing with my intestines was just out of the question. So, I spent alot of time on this forum and watching videos on you-tube and discussed this with my husband and my best friend ( my sounding boards ) and decided the VSG would be the best option for me.

I need the tool; I just don't need malabsorption or dumping. I feel confident with my decision.