Q: Can one lose 200 lbs+ with VSG????

who is your son, if you dont mind my asking?  that is phenomenal!

Lisa 1023,   His user name is:   bubbaluvspong

Great name. I'll keep an eye out for him, I'll add him to my list of inspirers.

Frisco gives good advice and Sleevegirl, Mom, PinkJellyBean and Happiegirl all know what it takes.  Here is another thought that has helped me.  I no longer think of this as a diet.  I eat what I want but what I want to eat is food good for my goals.  I eat very well and enjoy it.  Just check out Cafe' Frisco to see the art of the possible for food.  Exercise has been a necessary thing for me.  Beyond the physical benefits, it has helped fill in the gap when I'm under stress or have another emotional issue for which I would have turned to food.  Don't just work out though...find a hobby that is physically challenging.  Make it fun and make it part of a means to an end.  The weight loss will eventually not be your focus so you'll need more motivation to keep going (I'm not there yet, but I can see it coming).  Focus on your accomplishments and your goal.  Looking at your day to day progress can sometimes be defeating - especially with the inevitable stalls most of us experience.  Shelly over at the world according to eggface says (I may have this paraphrased) - Don't give in for something today that prevents you from achieving what you want forever.  Follow the plan and advice of those who are successful.  Frisco is right that the vets here tend to be more successful and those that are not drop off the site.  So sometimes it seems that they are more strict and focused....they are!... and it paid off!  I continue to come here each day because I started the journey learning from them and I continue to learn from them each day.  The surgery didn't make me well.  It doesn't make me lose weight. It is your commitment to the end and your attitude that keeps you moving along that makes it work.  No magic...hard work.

My plan - initially (once on all foods) I stuck to 600-700 cals a day for months.  The numbers daily have creeped up but I record EVERYTHING that I eat.  Focus on protein of course and limit carbs (I use net carbs... that works for me but not everyone).  I work out at least two to three times a week with intensity (at least 600 calories per workout) but I am active to some lesser degree every single day - just not at the gym.  I have returned to  scuba diving which is a big calorie burner too as well as hiking and other activities that keep me in motion.  I have not had plastic surgery but may do it after I have been stabilized for a year or two.  As I approach my first goal I now think I'm going to lose another 15-20 lbs (at least).  You won't know where you want to end up until you get there.  My insurance will cover the plastics as long as I meet certain criteria.  At this point I don't meet it all.  I would need to have lots of skin breakdown, infections, and sores.  Water Aerobics helps me keep that under control - not to mention that I am not sweaty all the time and that has cleared up my problems under my stomach that I had before I had the surgery.  So check back with me on that one.

This is not a picnic all the time, but honestly, as long as I stay focused on my accomplishments and my goals it has been easier than I would have imagined to get here.  Not because it isn't work, but because I have learned to enjoy the lifestyle changes that have contributed to my success.  Also, in addition to the great folks here and in my surgical support group, my wife has been so supportive through the process.  If you allow people to help you and support you, they generally will and you will benefit in so many ways.  My relationship with my wife is so much better than ever (and it was great before the surgery).

Hope that helps.

I have lost over 200 lbs - I had a much less structured diet than most, but in the end, there are a few basics that are required and I think they have been touched upon already above. I do believe that exercise is much more important for those of us that have more to lose - we are going to lose a ton of muscle mass along the way (it's just the way it is) compared to others only losing 100lbs or so. Exercise will help slow that loss down to some extent (but wont prevent it - we have more muscle mass than we need just to support our extra weight). We also cant rush to goal in 6 months like others so WL usually turns out to be a longer process and we have to build healthy habits. 

I recently had plastic surgery/skin removal. Not fun but necessary as a result of the abuse I did to my body. 

 

You can do this with the sleeve - the question is how bad do you want it?

Most people can lose an enormous amount of weight with any form of WLS---even the Band. The trick is keeping it off, long-term. There are several posters here who've lost over 200 pounds with the VSG, but---how far out from surgery are they?

The question you need to be asking yourself is "What will help me the most, long term? Will my metabolism fight my WLS?" If you think you have a really thrifty metabolism, you really need to research the DS (duodenal switch) as well.

The DS has the same stomach as the VSG, plus an intestinal bypass that causes dramatic, permanent metabolic changes. It has the very best long-term, maintained weight-loss stats, and the best stats for resolving or preventing co-morbs like diabetes and high cholesterol.

It's not just about losing weight. You need to consider any other health problems you have, or that run in your family. And keep in mind that most people only ever get one chance to get WLS right, so choose carefully.

Im 8 months post op and am down 158 lbs so far. I have another 25ish to go to get to a normal bmi. I havent really exercised.. on a lazy week I walk 1-2 miles and on a good week ...maybe 5. I am following the "diet" of almost everyone *****sponded above. Low cal/low carb/high water. Really I am satisfied with the food I eat and it doesnt feel like a diet. I have had a few cheats and could count them on both hands. I figure if Im not exercising hardcore...I need to be on plan always to make up for it. The skin...yep Ive got it. It tucks very nicley into my size 10-12 jeans. . I started in 24's and have never been this size before. My bat wings are big and my tummy is a wrinkley mess. I wouldnt trade it for anything. Good luck with your decision!

Wow, I want to thank everyone who took the time out to write a reply. I've read them all and you guys have really made some good points. Now, I definitely feel as if I can do this, I can loose 200 pounds with the sleeve and WILL loose 200 pounds with the sleeve. My surgery is Feb. 4th and I can't wait! Thanks again!