Hi,

I am a newbie here and this is my first post. I have been reading a lot of the posts here and researching VSG. I would like you all to give me some honest feedback on whether I am a suitable candidate for VSG. I feel that others I might ask have a strong bias one way or other --> The doctors are all for it as after all it is what they are selling. My family and friends are all against any kind of surgery .. seeing it as either weak will or me making a mountain out of a mole hill or worse commiting body mutiliation.

You are all a group of strangers but you have walked in these shoes and been there.. I would be very grateful for your candid advice.

So Am I a candidate for VSG

• 40 yr old female
  
• 5ft 2in
  
• Currently 194 lbs. Never been lower than 125 lbs.
  
• Life long issues with weight
  
• PCOS for 25 years with related issues (infertility, hair loss, dark skin in under arms and neck, hirsutism, cystic acne)
  
• Diagnosed as Diabetic 3 months ago (A1a of 6.3)
  
• High Cholesterol (Triglycerides - 215 / HDL - 3 /| Cholesterol to HDL ratio - 6.4)
  
• Most of the weight I carry is on the mid section.
  
• Family history of diabetes, High BP, and cardiac issues
  
• Have had 2 surgeries prior which resulted in some keloid scarring - C-section and breast reduction for medical reasons (nerve issues, back pain)
  
• Am considering VSG as I really really do not want to do a lapband and have that foreign object in me.
  
• I eat healthy at home with organic foods, whole grains, made from scratch stuff. But when I do eat out, it is harder. I do have a sweet tooth.
  
• Vegetarian --> Protein is going to be an issue. I eat dairy and eggs.
  
• I do have 100% coverage via my insurer. This should not influence my decision but I am reading it as medically supported proof.
  
• Exercise - I exercize at least 2-3 times a week. Last 6 months I have been working with a trainer on resistance training. I love to hike.
  
• I really really do not like to take pills.
  
• I am tired of being fat, too sick to do stuff, not finding nice clothes, not being able to keep up with my kid, avoiding photographs and generally feeling like I am going to be miserable till I die.
  

Hi, I am a vegetarian too (although I do eat seafood in addition to dairy and eggs). I am pre-op now with surgery 12/11 but my nutritionist has had me cutting back carbs A LOT and upping my Protein. I have been doing okay although I was a big carb eater before. There is a vegetarian board on here that may be helpful for you. It all depends on whether you feel okay with lower carbs and keeping up your protein. You can do it by protein shakes too.

It looks like your bmi is 35 but with the diabetes and cholesterol, I think you should qualify (and maybe even with just one. I think some insurances will do it with just one.) I would suggest going to a seminar and seeing the surgeon now before losing any more weight so your current bmi on record for them to go by. I saw two different surgeons and they both said they go with the first weight so as I worked on losing some weight, they would still go by the higher one because now I would be just below. Plus, the pre-op testing can take several months so it will give you time to do some research. And you can also tell them you don't want to do it or want to hold off for a while. You will also get a lot of information about the surgery from the seminar which might help you decide. And reading and posting on these boards along the way should help too. Good luck!

Caroline