I am new! Please help me decide! I am 220 pounds (5.3") and am the heaviest I have been although it is a lifetime struggle. I have gained 40 lbs in the last 18 months so I am not sure if doing a surgery like this is really me not wanting to just lose what I have gained recently (I have always been in the 175 range most of my 40's.) My father died at 40 and he was probably 400 lbs, so for me, I just feel like I am bound to increase my weight. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure.

I am interested in this particular procedure since I would have to self pay and it would be ideal for what I could afford

My concerns are this:

the long term results of the procedure being unknown since it is new

any complications that would arise during the procedure if I would have to be admitted. I am assuming that be self pay as well which would be financially devastating. My interest in this question is not because of underlying health issues but my blood is very thin...like every procedure and surgery I have every had, I have had an issue with bleeding (I am not on blood thinners)

all of my friends and family who would be thinking , "just lose the 40 lbs you put on in the last year the old fashioned way" and would not be supportive

I would be looking at getting it done at Hopkins.

Any help or input would be appreciated!

Edited August 18, 20179 yr by Bigsuzy1969

Anyone??? Did I post this in the wrong category?

Very few have had this surgery yet, so you may not get many responses.

We can't give medical advice and everyone is different due to individual health issues.

Don't let family opinions persuade you to do what YOU have decided you need to do. Money should not be the deciding factor as to what type of surgery is best, there are options for payment plans at most hospitals or some finance companies. Pick the best type of surgery for the best outcome.

Good luck.

I don't know anything about Anyone else. I can't advice. I had the usual vsg 6 weeks ago. 244 pre op 235 op day. 216 now. Happy with my choice. Can I ask the benifit of endoscopic to laparoscopic,?

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14 minutes ago, dreamingsmall said:

I don't know anything about Anyone else. I can't advice. I had the usual vsg 6 weeks ago. 244 pre op 235 op day. 216 now. Happy with my choice. Can I ask the benifit of endoscopic to laparoscopic,?

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My understanding this that since it its done via the esophagus, it technically is not a surgery but a procedure. The procedure is $16,000 but if a complication arises I would have to be admitted and am assuming would not be covered by insurance. That is the part that concerns me.

2 hours ago, Bigsuzy1969 said:

My understanding this that since it its done via the esophagus, it technically is not a surgery but a procedure. The procedure is $16,000 but if a complication arises I would have to be admitted and am assuming would not be covered by insurance. That is the part that concerns me.

Is there a reason the standard vsg is not for you?

since it is self pay, the VSG would be a little more expensive and i like the recovery time of the endoscopic vs laprosopic since it is not a surgery. I could be wrong about this but was thinking that the ESG was for lower BMI

2 minutes ago, Bigsuzy1969 said:

since it is self pay, the VSG would be a little more expensive and i like the recovery time of the endoscopic vs laprosopic since it is not a surgery. I could be wrong about this but was thinking that the ESG was for lower BMI

Goodluck . Sounds like you know why you want to do this one. I dont consider 220 and 5.3 lower bmi but i supposed compared to people who are 500lbs.

If its for lower bmi why is it for lower bmi? like are they removing less stomach? I would rather go for the full surgery and have the stomch removed lol thats me .

I was 235 on surgery day 5 foot 2 so similar to you, you know whats best .

Do you know how much your surgery cost? Cost was a factor in choosing ESG vs VSG. The ESG doesn't remove the stomach but stitches it from the inside to leave about the size of a banana. Medically speaking I am not sure why it is for lower BMI. I probably am 5 foot 3 1/2 and weighed this am at 217

Edited August 19, 20179 yr by Bigsuzy1969

15 minutes ago, Bigsuzy1969 said:

Do you know how much your surgery cost? Cost was a factor in choosing ESG vs VSG. The ESG doesn't remove the stomach but stitches it from the inside to leave about the size of a banana. Medically speaking I am not sure why it is for lower BMI. I probably am 5 foot 3 1/2 and weighed this am at 217

Yes, I know how much mine cost, as I paid for it myself. All the best.

I received a quote of $22,000 for the VSG and $15,000 for the ESG. So I was hoping that the ESG would accomplish the same for less cost and a less invasive procedure with quicker recovery time. Perhaps since it is so new I will have trouble finding answers. Thanks though.