X-POST DS vs VSG - WARNING - whining ahead

I  applied for  duodenal surgery and have been denied by OHIP, which is my provincial health insurance provider, because my bmi is less than 50 - it's less than 40, actually.  I have appealed the decision, and I think that I will probably be denied, again.  

This has become very frustrating, and I am at a point where I am wondering if I am being cosmically directed to another type of wls.   I have had cancer and  the malabsorptive aspect of the rny and ds was a concern for me.  (I have degenerative disc disease and have to take nsaids, so the rny is out)
So...  I am here  asking about having the VSG.  I am afraid that I will once again fail at losing and keeping off weight if I have the vsg instead of the rny or ds.  I am also scared to death that I will be too old (I'm 57) or something will get in my way before this can be worked out.  I see so many people being approved, getting their surgery and losing massive amounts of weight and I am happy for them but I am frustrated that I am unable to seem to be able to move beyond my fat self, if you know what I mean. 

Can I have enough weight loss with a vsg to lose most of or all of the 80 excess pounds that I'm carrying?   Will it be harder for me to keep off than for someone with an rny or ds?    Are people really successful with just the vsg?   What are you able to eat?

I am coming to the experts who have been there, done that.  Can you give me your wisdom and let me know how/if the vsg has been successful for you??? 
Thanks a lot; I am really in a turmoil. 
Margaret in Canada

 

Well hello Margaret in Canada,

Cosmically directed to  us for information and information is what you will get.  I have been on this VSG forum about 18 months and have seen way to many VSGers with lower BMI's surpass ME in losing weight.  I almost wish I had started lower cause "maybe" that the magic number.

I have, to me, effortlessly lost 80lbs in the last 10 months.  Many of my sleeve sisters lost 80lbs in like 6 months...but I'm not jealous !

This is HUGE for me because for the last 20 years I could never diet UNDER 300lbs.  For me my lifestyle wasn't much into really fatty foods, or sweets (don't get me wrong I LOVED both types of food) my main issues was volume and because of that I believe and so far am proff that the VSG can be enough.  The last time I weighed 221lbs I was probably 14 years old.

Good luck in your research.

Ms Shell

Thank you Ms. Shell!! 
My main issue is volume, too, so I think that I' m on the right track.

Margaret

The sleeve is the gold standard and is the best and I hope or fellow sleevers let you know, but we want you to join us in the wonderful journey ...Your gonna love it and the way you look.

Thanks rhinorg.  I'm looking forward to  asking lots of questions!  Margaret

Remind me Monday and I send you the motivation you need...Until then keep charging

Aloha Margaret in Canada! I elected VSG and self paid rather than go with an insurance covered RNY or DS because of the malabsorption issues- I'm in the medical field and understand the ramifications of my choices.....I figured a slower weight loss ( hasn't happened) and that I might need to convert to a DS in the future if my loss is insufficient or unsustainable. I'm 47, hypothyroid,  and cannot do any weight bearing exercise on land like running, walking, treadmill or rowing because of a horribly arthritic ankle ( trauma 30 years ago, 8 surgeries including 2 fusions). I also live on ibuprofen so this was the best surgical choice for me. I exercise daily in the water ( swimming and aquasize) 75-90 minutes per day at this point, and that seems to do it for me. My starting BMI was 54, weight 323 and I have lost fast (down 93 pounds in the 4.5 months since surgery, plus 16 lost pre op). So I am a believer. The beauty of this surgery has been the lack of hunger and feeling full (  you should have both these  with the DS since the VSG is a part of that too). It's been enough for me. Good luck, I wish you success and that I could compress the timeframe til surgery for you! XOLori

Wow.  I love reading all the information that I can about the success of VSGers.  It makes me hopeful, and I haven't been hopeful about weight loss in a very, very long time. Thanks.  Margaret

I am having my surgery tomorrow I weigh 5'4" and weigh 223 lbs.  I am very confident with my decision.  Although many on this borad have high BMIs my Dr says this is the perfect surgery for someone with 40-100 lbs to loose.  Since I am preop (TILL TOMORROW) I am not sure how much weight you will put in my desision.  But good luck with your journey and choose what you feel comfortable with

Good luck tomorrow!!  Margaret