Low Bmi and VSG

Hi Guys,

I am 216 with a BMI of 37, I have several co-morbities; my question is for those starting with a low BMI did it take longer to lose the weight, and did you lose all, more or less than your excessive weight?

My doctors say I will most likely lose 70% of my excessive weight
I am just wondering how others turned out

Thanks!

I started at 203 and BMI 37 or 38 with the comorbidities that you listed previously. I am considered a lightweight and have lost less number of pounds in the same amount of time than those who start heavier. What you will look at is the percent of excess weight lost. That way we all compare oranges to oranges. Ask your doctor what percentage of EWL he or she will expect in 3 months, 6 months and so on. That will give you a better idea if you are on track as you are losing. I have lost 57 pounds since day of surgery and I am 17 1/2 weeks postop. I want to lose 20-25 more and my doctor said it is very do-able for me. It may take me 5-6 months more but I can get there. My weight loss has slowed to about 1-2 lbs per week now. I am 5 ft 2 in and weigh 146.

Mimi I sure hope I do as well as you have.  I started the sleeve journey at BMI of 36.  If I lost 57 pounds in 17.5 week I would be ecstatic as I would be at my goal.  Which is 30 pounds lower then what we set for goal when I had the band.

You can do it!

Thank you so much! Your advice is realy helpful; I never though about asking about EWL at increments.

It sounds like you are doing an wonderful job, and its very inspiring! Did you consider the RNY? If so, and if you dont mind me asking why did you go with the VSG?

I was considering the RNY, but I am now feeling it may be to excessive of a surgery for me.

Hi! My highest weight was 222 & was 212 on the morning of surgery. I hit my goal of 140 at 6 months & am now down to 132. I make sure to follow my plan & get a lot of exercise & the weight came off pretty steadily. But everyone is different; thats just my story. Best of luck to you as you begin your journey! It is so very worth it!

 Becky 😊

Edited to add: my BMI was 37 something when I started. I am 5'4". I had hypertension & high cholesterol & both are now gone :)

My BMI was 31 when I had my surgery.  I lost 55 lbs and now weigh 130 at 5'4. My goal weight was 120- 125, and my lowest was 126.

It seems many surgeons tell you that you can only lose a percentage of your excess weight, but if you are motivated you should be able to get to a healthy BMI goal.  

I picked the band over RNY.  When the band failed I still kept trying as my only other choice was RNY  When I finally was able to get the sleeve, I never looked back.  I did good with just the restriction.  With the RNY, you have malabsorption of calories for about 2 years but you have malabsortion of vitamins for life.  At that point the VSG is a much better choice than RNY.

My surgeon, that does RNY, Band and Sleeve believes the sleeve is best for most people.

Oh my gosh! You all are doing great! Thats really inspiring to me because i mostly hear stories from friends who had RNY, and I am feeling that VSG is a better choice for me.

Did any of you consider RNY and if so, what made you go with VSG

My BMI was 37 before surgery, I was 197 lbs. and 5'1".  I lost down to 101 lbs in 6.5 months and had a planned regain up to 105 lbs.  That is where I have been for three years now.  I don't have a single complaint about this surgery, it was the best thing I could have done for myself.

I, personally, see no reason to get the RNY form most people.  Why would I choose to have malabsorbtion of vitamins and nutrients for the rest of my life if I don't need it?  Why would I choose to give up my pyloric valve?  If you are not familiar with this term, research the heck out of it.  It is a pretty important thing to have.  I really see no upside at all to the RNY.