Hello. I've been lurking for months now, but finally decided that this would be the week to come out of lurk mode. I've been considering wls for several years now, but it was only after learning about VSG last year that it seemed that the time was 'right'. I have been obese for most of my life since adolescence, and when my BMI peaked out at 41 I decided it was time to do something more effective than the endless, and ineffective, diets I have tried for the past 30+ years. I am a PA (Physician's Assistant) and have seen both the good and the bad after wls. The benefits are impressive, but I have seen just about every complication there is. The idea of a foreign body deliberately placed inside me is not appealing, and the significant post-op malnutrition issues that are are a real risk of RNY and DS are, quite honestly, scary when you see what can happen 20 years down the road. The pure restriction of VSG and the ability to do it laparoscopically is a perfect solution for me. I'm in the process of working my way through all the insurance requirements and I am on track to have surgery in March. The few co-workers I have told have been very supportive as has my partner. I haven't told my immediate family yet as they will worry endlessly until after the surgery is over. There will be time for that soon enough and I expect they will be supportive once they know it is a done deal.
i have found this site to be great in the practical information that I need to know as a patient, which is quite different from being the health care provider.
Dee