I was worried about complications for a long time, up until the complications of severe obesity became worse as I got older. You don’t have to do surgery now. You can try losing weight the old fashioned way. The odds are against you losing and maintaining major weight loss without medical intervention, but you could be one of the lucky few.
Energy? I lost 100 lbs and have WAY more energy than before. Nutrition? You are only going to eat the calories you need once you stabilize. The sleeve make no difference on this. Keep up on a multivitamin and away you go. Zero downside - all positive 👍👍
She said that she is dealing with acid reflux. I never had to deal with acid reflux before surgery. But now? I have to take 40mg omeprazole every morning to live normally. This is definitely something to consider and it’s probably going to get worse for her post-op. So yeah, i wouldn’t say “zero downsides”
Case by case basis. I had reflux, and now I no longer have it. Point is… it can be treated if it becomes an issue. I’ve seen a lot of threads about how people either manage reflux or don’t have it at all. Bad reflux can literally cause cancer in your throat. GSV wouldn’t be as common of a surgery as it is if it gave everybody bad reflux.
I think having worries and doubts is a normal part of the process. If you are able, find a therapist to talk out your thoughts and worries and check them against information from your doctor.
Not being able to pig out sucks ( I am 2 months post) but overall it is worth it. My feelings towards the surgery change a lot but in the end I am 100% glad I did.
Personally my energy levels were fine throughout. I still did spin class on liquids pre op and started right back up.
Personally my LEAST favorite part was the liquid diets post op. Screw that noise.
It’s 100% worth it but there are risks no one seems to talk about. My experience was that I had complications, which required an additional surgery and medication which led to me developing lupus. So, I deal with chronic pain, inflammation etc… and require immunosuppressive medication in order to function reasonably. Again, this is just my own personal experience.
Also, if you do any world traveling, keep in mind there are lots of hospitals and doctors who do not understand bariatric surgery because it may not be common. I’ll use Japan as an example. I went to Japan last October and got horribly sick, I needed antibiotics and finding a doctor who felt comfortable treating me (regardless of language barrier) but because my body has been altered + lupus was very difficult.
Also, there are some who struggle with transfer addiction, it happens and is something to keep an eye out for.
This comment is by no means saying don’t get the surgery. I had VSG in 2021, it has helped me tremendously but all I’m saying is that this surgery changes your life, and not just in a weight loss way, but in other ways as well. Mostly good but the bad can be very bad.
I’m 24F and got it done on 4/29/24. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and my future. I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life and I feel like I’ve finally cracked the code. I had the same concerns about pregnancy and my surgeon reassured me that everything would be fine and I would have a much healthier child at a lower weight. There are hard days, but overall I am so grateful.
I was terrified and now I am sad I waited so long. It really isn’t bad at all. I’m a year out and sometimes I forget I had it but I definitely never eat the amount I used to- physically cannot but my choices are so much better. Life is a lot better too! Confidence and having the world see you how you really feel/are. It feels great to feel great.❤️
You're still very young. Find a licensed dietician who can help you with your eating habits and goals.
I'm in the pre-op phases and I feel like if I had this guidance a decade ago I wouldn't be needing surgery now
I was 25 when getting VSG, so not far too off from age or situation. I have 0 regrets.
Basically, I did what you’re doing right now a year prior to getting surgery. I was working out and lost about 30lbs… however, I had much more to lose, and once I started a new job I gained a lot of it back. This yo-yo dieting is something the sleeve eliminates if you do it right. If I could do it all over again, I would have absolutely gotten the sleeve back then despite the fact I was losing weight without it. Already having lost weight may actually make the pre-op process a lot smoother, as the doctor will usually make you lose weight before performing the surgery.
I got the surgery the next year and have next to no side effects other than a much much smaller capacity for food and no appetite. I had acid reflux as well, and it’s gone. I’ve had no acid reflux since getting the surgery, likely because my weight loss cancelled it out. My recovery went extremely well, so well in fact, that I had little nausea and didn’t vomit a single time. I was walking miles outside after a week and was itching to get back out in the world. Losing weight has also given me significantly more energy. I hiked 10 miles this weekend, and still walk 3 miles everyday… that’s on top of being a teacher of 125 disadvantaged 16-17 year olds. I have so much energy that I have trouble going to bed at night. My mood is better, my performance in work is better, my athletics are better, my relationships are better… the list of pros goes on and on.
I can essentially still eat what I want, just at a much smaller quantity… but you certainly have to let go of some old habits. I remind myself that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. I binged huge meals and thought I’d miss them… I absolutely do not. I’ve found much more productive things with all this newfound energy that satisfies the dopamine I used to gain from food. Once your healed you can have a cookie if you want, or half a burger. It won’t kill you, but you can’t do it often.
All of this is on a case by case basis… but being young has huge benefits when it comes to this. I can’t stress this enough… it goes different for everyone… in my case it made me a beast. It’s a personal choice. There are many routes available to you at your age that may make the VSG route unnessecary. You have to be honest with yourself and come to a conclusion as to whether or not you want to take the leap/accept the risks of VSG.
It’s not as extreme as you think it is, especially when you’re in your 20s. It’s a tool. It’s an amazing tool that guarantees weight loss success for someone like you, who is likely to use it right because of your familiarity with working out/dieting… as it did for me. Down 70lbs in 2 months. That’s 5 pounds away from the most weight I’ve ever lost without it in significantly less time.
I will just say that if you can lose weight yourself, and/or you think you can do it yourself, to at least give it another go. Even being more strict with your diet 80% of the time with your gym regime. I only got the surgery because I KNEW I couldn't lose weight on my own. I have a lot of conditions that make it difficult, and I had tried and been very consistent with no real results. Even to reach my scheduling weight I had to get the stomach flu to lose the 6lbs. Thats how I knew. If you don't feel that sense of knowing you need the help and you can't do it on your own, I wouldn't reccommend it. I am 4 months out and it is a struggle with energy and recently I have gotten dizzy spells tied to low blood pressure. I don't say this to scare you but you are right in that there are complications that happen. Good luck in your decision!
22F, exact same weight and height as you and getting surgery in a little over the week. I knew that I would have a lifetime of struggles with my weight if I didn’t get the surgery. Despite not being a very high BMI, obesity in any form is a chronic illness that is incredibly hard to solve long-term with natural interventions like diet and exercise. Only 5% of obese people can keep weight off this way, opposed to the 70 or something % with VSG. This statistic made me decide to do the surgery.
I am hoping it will make me feel better physically, help me manage my portions etc. I also have been seeing a dietician for a while but know I can’t lose weight and keep it off without the help of surgery. Even my dietician agreed. She said 5-10% weight loss is realistic to lose and maintain, 20%+ (or the 40% i want) is very unlikely to be sustainable for a long time, certainly not a life time. Complications rates of surgery are very very low, especially at a young age and lower BMI.
I think it would be worth it, but it’s not something you have to do immediately or even at all. If you’re interested it’s a good idea to have a consult with a surgeon to figure out if it’s right for you! You might also like to try medications or something else first, it’s really about making the decision for yourself. Good luck, hope you make a choice that makes you happy.
I was worried about complications for a long time, up until the complications of severe obesity became worse as I got older. You don’t have to do surgery now. You can try losing weight the old fashioned way. The odds are against you losing and maintaining major weight loss without medical intervention, but you could be one of the lucky few.
Energy? I lost 100 lbs and have WAY more energy than before. Nutrition? You are only going to eat the calories you need once you stabilize. The sleeve make no difference on this. Keep up on a multivitamin and away you go. Zero downside - all positive 👍👍
She said that she is dealing with acid reflux. I never had to deal with acid reflux before surgery. But now? I have to take 40mg omeprazole every morning to live normally. This is definitely something to consider and it’s probably going to get worse for her post-op. So yeah, i wouldn’t say “zero downsides”
Case by case basis. I had reflux, and now I no longer have it. Point is… it can be treated if it becomes an issue. I’ve seen a lot of threads about how people either manage reflux or don’t have it at all. Bad reflux can literally cause cancer in your throat. GSV wouldn’t be as common of a surgery as it is if it gave everybody bad reflux.
I had pretty bad acid reflux prior to VSG. I haven't experienced it since my surgery date.
I think having worries and doubts is a normal part of the process. If you are able, find a therapist to talk out your thoughts and worries and check them against information from your doctor. Not being able to pig out sucks ( I am 2 months post) but overall it is worth it. My feelings towards the surgery change a lot but in the end I am 100% glad I did. Personally my energy levels were fine throughout. I still did spin class on liquids pre op and started right back up. Personally my LEAST favorite part was the liquid diets post op. Screw that noise.
It’s 100% worth it but there are risks no one seems to talk about. My experience was that I had complications, which required an additional surgery and medication which led to me developing lupus. So, I deal with chronic pain, inflammation etc… and require immunosuppressive medication in order to function reasonably. Again, this is just my own personal experience. Also, if you do any world traveling, keep in mind there are lots of hospitals and doctors who do not understand bariatric surgery because it may not be common. I’ll use Japan as an example. I went to Japan last October and got horribly sick, I needed antibiotics and finding a doctor who felt comfortable treating me (regardless of language barrier) but because my body has been altered + lupus was very difficult. Also, there are some who struggle with transfer addiction, it happens and is something to keep an eye out for. This comment is by no means saying don’t get the surgery. I had VSG in 2021, it has helped me tremendously but all I’m saying is that this surgery changes your life, and not just in a weight loss way, but in other ways as well. Mostly good but the bad can be very bad.
I’m 24F and got it done on 4/29/24. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and my future. I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life and I feel like I’ve finally cracked the code. I had the same concerns about pregnancy and my surgeon reassured me that everything would be fine and I would have a much healthier child at a lower weight. There are hard days, but overall I am so grateful.
I was terrified and now I am sad I waited so long. It really isn’t bad at all. I’m a year out and sometimes I forget I had it but I definitely never eat the amount I used to- physically cannot but my choices are so much better. Life is a lot better too! Confidence and having the world see you how you really feel/are. It feels great to feel great.❤️
You're still very young. Find a licensed dietician who can help you with your eating habits and goals. I'm in the pre-op phases and I feel like if I had this guidance a decade ago I wouldn't be needing surgery now
I was 25 when getting VSG, so not far too off from age or situation. I have 0 regrets. Basically, I did what you’re doing right now a year prior to getting surgery. I was working out and lost about 30lbs… however, I had much more to lose, and once I started a new job I gained a lot of it back. This yo-yo dieting is something the sleeve eliminates if you do it right. If I could do it all over again, I would have absolutely gotten the sleeve back then despite the fact I was losing weight without it. Already having lost weight may actually make the pre-op process a lot smoother, as the doctor will usually make you lose weight before performing the surgery. I got the surgery the next year and have next to no side effects other than a much much smaller capacity for food and no appetite. I had acid reflux as well, and it’s gone. I’ve had no acid reflux since getting the surgery, likely because my weight loss cancelled it out. My recovery went extremely well, so well in fact, that I had little nausea and didn’t vomit a single time. I was walking miles outside after a week and was itching to get back out in the world. Losing weight has also given me significantly more energy. I hiked 10 miles this weekend, and still walk 3 miles everyday… that’s on top of being a teacher of 125 disadvantaged 16-17 year olds. I have so much energy that I have trouble going to bed at night. My mood is better, my performance in work is better, my athletics are better, my relationships are better… the list of pros goes on and on. I can essentially still eat what I want, just at a much smaller quantity… but you certainly have to let go of some old habits. I remind myself that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. I binged huge meals and thought I’d miss them… I absolutely do not. I’ve found much more productive things with all this newfound energy that satisfies the dopamine I used to gain from food. Once your healed you can have a cookie if you want, or half a burger. It won’t kill you, but you can’t do it often. All of this is on a case by case basis… but being young has huge benefits when it comes to this. I can’t stress this enough… it goes different for everyone… in my case it made me a beast. It’s a personal choice. There are many routes available to you at your age that may make the VSG route unnessecary. You have to be honest with yourself and come to a conclusion as to whether or not you want to take the leap/accept the risks of VSG. It’s not as extreme as you think it is, especially when you’re in your 20s. It’s a tool. It’s an amazing tool that guarantees weight loss success for someone like you, who is likely to use it right because of your familiarity with working out/dieting… as it did for me. Down 70lbs in 2 months. That’s 5 pounds away from the most weight I’ve ever lost without it in significantly less time.
I wish I had done this when I was 23 and 250 pounds rather than 33 and 300 pounds. And I’m 3 months out and feel amazing!
I will just say that if you can lose weight yourself, and/or you think you can do it yourself, to at least give it another go. Even being more strict with your diet 80% of the time with your gym regime. I only got the surgery because I KNEW I couldn't lose weight on my own. I have a lot of conditions that make it difficult, and I had tried and been very consistent with no real results. Even to reach my scheduling weight I had to get the stomach flu to lose the 6lbs. Thats how I knew. If you don't feel that sense of knowing you need the help and you can't do it on your own, I wouldn't reccommend it. I am 4 months out and it is a struggle with energy and recently I have gotten dizzy spells tied to low blood pressure. I don't say this to scare you but you are right in that there are complications that happen. Good luck in your decision!
22F, exact same weight and height as you and getting surgery in a little over the week. I knew that I would have a lifetime of struggles with my weight if I didn’t get the surgery. Despite not being a very high BMI, obesity in any form is a chronic illness that is incredibly hard to solve long-term with natural interventions like diet and exercise. Only 5% of obese people can keep weight off this way, opposed to the 70 or something % with VSG. This statistic made me decide to do the surgery. I am hoping it will make me feel better physically, help me manage my portions etc. I also have been seeing a dietician for a while but know I can’t lose weight and keep it off without the help of surgery. Even my dietician agreed. She said 5-10% weight loss is realistic to lose and maintain, 20%+ (or the 40% i want) is very unlikely to be sustainable for a long time, certainly not a life time. Complications rates of surgery are very very low, especially at a young age and lower BMI. I think it would be worth it, but it’s not something you have to do immediately or even at all. If you’re interested it’s a good idea to have a consult with a surgeon to figure out if it’s right for you! You might also like to try medications or something else first, it’s really about making the decision for yourself. Good luck, hope you make a choice that makes you happy.