Hi All,

Several months ago my gastroenterologist of 5 years whom I trust suggested bariatric surgery. I've spent the time since abusing my access to scholarly journals through work and had initially settled on the sleeve. I've got an initial consult with the local sleeve expert surgeon 1 week from today. It's all he does and all he's ever done, I'm so excited! I want the sleeve!

However, while continuing my obsessive research last night, I decided to look specifically at "super-obese" patients with a BMI between 50 and 60 (my BMI is 54.1) and what I found was devastating - according to the NIH, among the super-obese, the average EWL for VSG is 40-50% whereas the DS has averages of 70-90% in the first year and early studies suggest a much higher success rate at 10-years post-op.

Anyone here have the sleeve with a BMI similar to, or higher than, mine? What success have you had? Has anyone started with VSG and then switched to the DS? What that process like?

I am a teacher and can't currently qualify for a loan large enough to cover DS, but don't want to waste time and money on VSG if I'm only going to have to save for several years and take out a second loan later for revision to DS with only 40% EWL in the meantime.

I know DS is often done in two stages with VSG as stage 1, has anyone here done this? How does the cost and experience of doing it in two parts compare with doing the full DS in one fell swoop.

Thanks for putting up with this rambling post. I'll be posting in the DS forum as well, please forgive the cross-post.

Edited January 1, 201511 yr by Smye

For those wondering, here are some of the articles I was looking at:

RYGB> VSG for super obese

VSG EWL rates for super obese

DS>RYGB for super obese - found on NIH (in tandem with the first link by the transitive property, it seemed safe to assume if DS>RYGB and RYGB>VSG, then DS>VSG)

And lastly, because I wasn't satisfied with the transitive proprty alone - staged DS > single-step-DS > VSG for super obese

I'm also curious as to whether the staged DS (VSG->DS) is cheaper than the cost of VSG+DS.

It seems like you're planning on the changes in lifestyle, diet, exercise and surgery not being enough. I researched a lot before VSG surgery, went to support groups, talked to people. There wasn't a lot out there anectdotally or otherwise to support the idea that people over 380lbs have long-term success with VSG surgery alone. In fact, many don't even complete initial weight loss goals before they start gaining again. However, even this site is full of people who defy that grim statement.

The reality is that you sort of have to look at the real picture. The food/weight issue is a dangerous, destructive addiction that stalks and kills just like other dangerous/destructive addictions. There are no magic cures, not even surgjcal ones - just tools to help. Whatever surgery you choose, your long-term success might be directly proportionate to the effort you put not only into beginning and maintaing a healthy lifestyle but also addressing the issues that led you to becoming obese in the first place. This has been my experience and my journey so far. I hope my two cents worth helps.

Peace

My starting BMI was 58...5'6" at 360 lbs. I had the sleeve 7/14. I have lost as of today 134 lbs. My current BMI is .... 36.3. If you want the sleeve it can work for you. As the previous poster wrote you have to be willing to put the work in. I stay on plan and I exercise. The surgery will only help you so much and then it all you. That is true of every weight loss surgery type. Do not do any of it if you are not committed to a life style change because in the end that is what will make you the most successful. Good luck on your journey!!

I would not qualify for the sleeve today because I wouldn't meet the criteria. That is a wonderful feeling.

Edited February 2, 201511 yr by vanessak8