What percentage of excess weight can you expect to lose with VSG?

[dreamingofasleeve 89]

1 hour ago, Lenibug said:

I'm actually new here - I came looking for information about some Vitamin supplements, but I'm glad I found this ! I had VSG ... the only long term side effects so far have been new onset GERD (just started within the last year and a half or so) and anemia (tried every kind of Iron supp. - eventually came to the conclusion i just need annual Iron infusions). The anemia may not be related, but my hematologist does blame the sleeve for it. My only concern the older I get is whether I'm getting enough Calcium (and whether I'll end up with osteoporosis). I can't find a lot of studies on that. I would love if anyone had information on the % of people who have long term bone issues after VSG.

Life feels absolutely 'normal' .. though I'm not sure if that's just because it has become the new normal for me over the years. I can eat fairly normally (much smaller portions than most people of course), though there are still bad days. Every now and then, I'll feel sick or even throw up after just a bite or two of something that I can normally eat fine. It happens rarely enough that I don't feel like it hinders my daily life. There are certain foods that I absolutely don't handle (eggs, for instance ..unless cooked into something.. so sad about that one), but I know that and stay away. Biggest change since surgery has been my sugar intake - more than a couple tiny bites of something even now (ice cream, candy, jelly/jam, Cookies, etc) makes me feel absolutely awful.

I can still go out to eat - I just order a side/app or bring leftovers home. I don't completely stay away from carbonation like I've seen many people talk about .. but it hasn't prevented success and it doesn't make me feel bloated, gassy, etc. Calorie counting has long since gone out the window - how much and what you eat everyday to maintain becomes a habit - you'll know if what youre putting into your body is going to mean you have to exercise a little more or choose better at your next meal.

The last thing - never a day since my surgery have I regretted this decision. It was the catalyst we all hope it will be - the push needed to get off my butt and start living and being healthy. Once I started exercising, eating better, seeing the weight drop off - I started noticing a significant change in my mental and emotional health. Not only did I become physically healthier - my mind starting keeping pace. It is so true that when you start loving yourself, you can really start loving and appreciating everything else in life! (BTW - not that I didnt love myself prior to my weight loss--we should ALL love ourselves anyway .. we are beautiful regardless of our weight, but its a different feeling that blooms when you start feeling accomplished, confident, and proud of yourself).

Please dont hesitate to ask more questions! I hope this made sense -I kind of rushed through it before having to go to work.

Well i hope you are finding the community helpful! i really enjoy reading through the forums there are so helpful and encouraging!

You seem like you are doing amazing! I have also heard osteoporosis can be an issue but i as well have not been able to find any studies done on it. I think a sleeve has a less likely chance because the mal-absorption in lower than other wls but it is still a possible side effect!

I have yet to hear someone who after the healing phase regrets this surgery! I understand when you say we should all love ourselves but it can be hard when you are loosing a battle, and feeling uncomfortable in your own skin!

I am glad you have had minimal effects long term! this gives me hope that i can do this!

Do you still have your gallbladder? This is one thing i am slightly worried about i know it is only about 20% of people who have issues...

Thank you so much for sharing you're inspiring it is amazing to see people doing so well!

[Lenibug 28]

4 minutes ago, dreamingofasleeve said:

Well i hope you are finding the community helpful! i really enjoy reading through the forums there are so helpful and encouraging!

You seem like you are doing amazing! I have also heard osteoporosis can be an issue but i as well have not been able to find any studies done on it. I think a sleeve has a less likely chance because the mal-absorption in lower than other wls but it is still a possible side effect!

I have yet to hear someone who after the healing phase regrets this surgery! I understand when you say we should all love ourselves but it can be hard when you are loosing a battle, and feeling uncomfortable in your own skin!

I am glad you have had minimal effects long term! this gives me hope that i can do this!

Do you still have your gallbladder? This is one thing i am slightly worried about i know it is only about 20% of people who have issues...

Thank you so much for sharing you're inspiring it is amazing to see people doing so well!

Thank you ! You CAN do it!!

I had both my gall bladder and appendix removed at the time of surgery, as my surgeon felt it would reduce the risk of issues later. I'm not sure if that's abnormal ? I'm grateful though.

Good luck!

[allwet 868]

On 4/14/2018 at 11:31 AM, AK37 said:

I am going through the process of getting vsg surgery. I've read varying numbers about the average excess weight loss after the surgery, from as high as 90% to as low as 60%. I understand much has to do with diet and exercise after the surgery, and committing to a lifestyle change. I just want to know what is realistic.

I'm 5 foot 4 inches tall, and weigh 245lbs. Would losing 100 pounds after the surgery be a realistic expectation, or is that higher than average for my height and weight?

Sent from my XT1575 using BariatricPal mobile app

just found this. Look at the 1, 3, 5 numbers but mostly look at the range +- 29% at the 5 year mark.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5406732/