Choosing a WLS
Due to the fact that I take meds for diabetes, HBP, and Coronary Artery disease, I didn't want any malabsorption, thus , no desire for bypass.
The number of complications reported by gastric banding patients, plus the need for fills, and unfills took the band off of the table.
The VSG is a set it, and forge*****pe of surgery which fitted my needs to a tee. That's what I went for, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results, so far.
HTH,
Fred
If it feels good, do it! And if it smells good, eat it!
I knew about the RnY but many things did not appeal to me. I did not want a IMHO "false" stomach, ie the man made pouch and stoma that often enlarges and is cause for another surgery to tighten. I also did not want to have my intestines rerouted and the potential for complications from that.
This lead me to the GastricBanding. After much exhaustive research although I wasn't 100% comfortable with it, given the way to many many complications and life that "some" experience with the band, it was still a good option for me....UNTIL.
I learned about the VSG. It gave me instantly what I wanted which is the ability to feel satisfied off small even sometimes "normal" amounts of food. I also learned about the DS but for the same intestinal reasons as I gave for the RnY I didn't want that either.
I did exhaustive amounts of research on Partial and Full Gastrectomies, ie living without a stomach at all, and decided that this surgery was the surgery for me!!
Ms Shell
"WLS is only for people who are ready to move past the "diet" mentality" ~Alison Brown
"WLS is not a Do-Over (repeat same mistakes = get a similar outcome.) It is a Do-BETTER (make lifestyle changes you can continue forever.)" ~ Michele Vicara aka Eggface
"WLS is only for people who are ready to move past the "diet" mentality" ~Alison Brown
"WLS is not a Do-Over (repeat same mistakes = get a similar outcome.) It is a Do-BETTER (make lifestyle changes you can continue forever.)" ~ Michele Vicara aka Eggface
My cash pay surgery was under 10K in New Iberia, LA, USA PM me if you have quesitons about Dr Borland Normal Weight Achievied July 17,2009Surgery Weight 221 Size 18WCurrent Weight 130-135 Size 4
My husband and I both have VSG's. He had his in 5/2006 and me in 6/2007. We have similar reasons for choosing the sleeve.
We both knew right off the bat that any type of malabsorptive WLS was not for us. He is a firefighter and has to be strong and ready to go all the time. We did not need the intestinal bypass part and were not willing to deal with the possible complications from malnutrition. Our research also told us that the risk of re-gain and revision to tighten the stoma is high (not talking about the DS in this sentence).
We have 3 children, 2 of them young, and all of them very active. We also live a very active and busy lifestyle. For these reasons we did not want to have the LapBand, which would most likely have to be revised or replaced down the road in 10 years or less. We thought the risks of slippage, erosion, getting stuck and such were too much for us. We also did not want to have to put worth the time and cost of fills and unfills.
So, then we came to the VSG. Restriction without the maintenence and temporary risk of the LapBand...PERFECT FOR US!! Very small changes to our lifestyle, ie: eating small amounts, protein first and then adding in other healthy choices. We are able to eat anything, if we chose to with no problems. Done Laprascopically. Short recovery time. Ability to absorb all food and vitamins. And cost similar to LapBand.
Our insurnace would have paid for LapBand or RNY but we chose to self-pay for VSG because we were sure it was right for us.
Continue to do your research and chose what will work for you...I believe all WLS works for someone but not all WLS's will work for everyone!
And again, these are only our own family experiences, this is NOT meant to be medical advice!! lol
married to Fireman John VSG 5/06 @ LapSF - 6'2" and 190 pounds
I am Thankful for all the Servicemen and Women because
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
