Questions From Someone Considering Vsg

[Finding Myself 146]

Hello Everyone,

I am so glad I found this message board! I have so many questions and it's hard to find one place where you can just have a good conversation!

I have a BMI of 35, which puts me below the range for most places in the US. I don't have much in the way of secondary problems - YET. But my cholesterol is creeping up, my knees hurt, etc etc. Problems are just around the corner.

I am approx 60-70 lbs overweight (5'2 height). I know this is not quite as much as some people who have gastric surgery, but the reality is that over the last 15 years I have tried several diets that have failed me. Now I am 43 and wondering when I am going to start having problems?

So I am considering gastric sleeve surgery. I do not want a lap band at all. I want a tool that will help me with my efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Because I am in a "gray area" with my BMI, I would like to get other's opinions on this.

My problem with weight management is Portion Control. If I eat a healthy portion, I am STARVING still. I am never satisfied. Even when I make good choices, I overeat. This is why I'd like to consider VSG.

Can anyone give me some advice and/or their opinion?

Thank you.

[SleeveDreamer 383]

I was only 55 lbs. overweight, but it was all in my abdomen (very dangerous area). I have lost 35 lbs. and almost 7 inches in my abdomen. I also had a very complex hiatial hernia repair from a surgery I had in 1999 that reversed itself somehow, so 1/3 of my stomach was over my diaphragm lodged between my lungs. I feel so much better and only have 20 lbs. more to lose. My BMI was only 32, but my body fat % was 51% and is now down to 38%. My surgery was 12/14/11. I would definitely do it again. I feel sooo good now, and so will you!

[Foxbins 625]

My BMI was a little over 35 and I had no co-morbid conditions so no chance of insurance covering my surgery. I went to Mexico and had a wonderful experience. I am at a BMI of 21 now and so happy!

[RickM 1,753]

Have you had a sleep study done, to see if you have sleep apnea? That could be your ticket to insurance coverage for a sleeve.

I was in much the same boat as you - I had adopted the classic healthy lifestyle changes to drop a good part of my weight and maintain it, but couldn't get past a certain point due to the volume issue - good healthy diet except for the portions required for sataity. The sleeve works very well for us relative lightweights (BMI 42 to start here,) and if you already have decent dietary habits, you don't need to make overly radical changes to make the sleeve work - during the loss period you will be emphasizing Protein, but you can keep the remainder of your diet well balanced if that is your desire (it was mine,) rather than going to any special diets like the ultra low carb/ketosis diets that are popular now.

Good luck, and welcome to the prospective club!

[Finding Myself 146]

Unfortunately I really don't have any secondary illnesses - yet! That's my whole line of reasoning here, for being so extreme. I don't want to wait until I DO get sick before considering this. I figure if I can do it BEFORE I develop problems, then I'll probably be healthier in the long run.

Last night I was talking myself out of it, in that it does seem SO extreme. Then I sat down and ate 3 pieces of pizze, half a sandwich and a bread stick before I even took a breath. THIS IS MY PROBLEM! When I get hungry it's like a demon takes over and I eat a huge quantity of food. I should be able to push away and say "enough!" but I don't. I overeat most of the time! IT SUCKS!

I'd love to say I could do this and make it work without surgery, but at my age (42) I kinda know that I shouldn't fool myself AGAIN - been down this diet road too many times - so that is why I'm considering this surgery. I see it as a tool to help me maintain a healthier lifestyle.

I don't see it as a miracle and I don't see it as a way to drop a massive amount of weight quickly. In fact, I WANT to lose 1-2 lbs a week because I know I'll keep it off and stay healthier. That's how I see this - a wonderful gift and tool.