Too large for VSG?

Hello all,

I'm in the early stages of considering VSG, after years of struggling, and I've really enjoyed reading many of your success stories here as a lurker. I'm starting to get a little worried because I feel like my starting weight is 100lbs+ higher than many who opt for VSG. I know that duodenal switch or gastric bypass are generally more recommended for the super-obese, but I feel much more comfortable with the less-invasive nature of VSG. I haven't yet had contact with a physician, I actually just got the calendar for the WLS information seminars at my local hospital, but I'd love to hear some reassurance that VSG is an option doctors are considering for those with much higher BMIs!

My current weight is 354, height 5'6", BMI 57. Highest weight was 420 five years ago, but I've spent all that time since losing and regaining the same 20 pounds and my health is starting to suffer, I want to feel hopeful again!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I recommend going on youtube and checking out less of sarah. she was I believe 460 lbs. or so at her highest. had vsg, has done AMAZING and is now down to the 210 lbs area. I'll link her youtube channel for ya! https://www.youtube.com/user/LessofSarah

good luck on your journey!

My HW was 441 with a BMI 61.6. I am getting the VSG on 10/6/14

You will have NO issues. My highest was 424 lbs. My consult with the surgeon I was 412lbs. I came out point blank and asked him. Due to my weight can I still have the surgery, as I heard about some docs not operating on people over 400lbs. He said absolutely not, it would an easier recovery for me and easier surgery for him if I was smaller, but being 400 is not a deal breaker. I asked him since I need to loose 200+ would it be better for me to do the bypass or the sleeve, and he said he has had MANY patients loose 200+ on the sleeve.

On the preop I did loose, and at surgery I was 393lb. I'm 4 weeks out now and down another 21 lbs. 

Good luck!

I was a SMO with a 54 BMI and in 13months went to a 23.something with the VSG.

The VSG is not a standardized procedure and it helps to go to a VSG surgeon that specializes in heavies and gets the results.

Best case scenario is to find a surgeon that also does the DS and RNY and discuss whats best for you.

You won't get an accurate assessment if the surgeon does not do the DS also.

Your goals and your surgeons goals for you should be similar.

Many.... many programs now are based on 50-60% EWL as success.

Keep doing the research !!!

frisco

I'm pushing 500 and getting sleeved, I've met one guy that was 580 and totally rocked his sleeve. It can be done! Nikke2003 who posts often lost 250+ with her sleeve.

My highest weight was 383 with a BMI of 59.6.   I'm almost 5 months out and down 66 pounds. I absolute love my sleeve and think it was the best choice for me!

I was 420 when I started, 335 on the day of surgery and was down to 180 at one point. I didn't consider the other options - not for me. 

I weighed nearly 400 pounds pre-op.  Day of surgery I was 360.  My highest recorded weight was 438.  I only considered VSG and nothing else.

I think I've done well so far...

THANK YOU all for your thoroughly amazing replies! I'm so happy to hear of such success for others in my weight range. I'm even more excited to get this ball rolling now!