How do you describe VSG to someone who is not familiar?
I've encountered 2 medical professionals so far that are totally ignorant (without information) on what VSG is. My PCP didn't even know - huge cue to find one who does! and my dentist didn't know either...plus all the other people in my life who are unfamiliar with WLS in general.
How do you describe what VSG is?
Once I say Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - they immediately think I have an implant of sorts around my stomach. I have to then say that it is a surgically reduced stomach size (then the inevatible oh, gastric bypass? the band?...nope - something different)...then they ask what happened to the rest of it...and I say it was removed and thrown away. Then there's all the questions about what I can/can't eat, side effects - I am pretty forthcoming with the medical people b/c they are asking so they know what general health concerns I may be facing (dentist was concerned with reflux and vitamins).
What phrasing do you use when explaining what a VSG is?
5'-8",HW 347,SW329,M1-25 M2-17 M3-11 M4-13 M5-14 pregnant-->
I tell people that your stomach is shaped like a capital D and the rounded part is the stretchy part. The Doc permanently removes the stretchy part and leaves you with a captital I (known as a Sleeve). I also let them know that the connections at both ends remain intact. That's the most simplistic description I can give and people seem to understand it.
Deb
Goal Reached in 12.5 Months
HW: 274 Pre-OpW: 266 SW: 254 CW: 125 GW: 145
You must permanently change your lifestyle if you want your weight loss to be permanent. You can do it!
I tell them that they removed 80-85% of my stomach and it's about the size and shape of a hot dog (my surgeon gave me that description). It's the same surgery they use for people with stomach cancer, and it's been performed for many, many years. It reduces the capacity of your stomach and the amount of food you can eat. Reduced portions means less calories. Less calories means WEIGHT LOSS - YAY!
"Oderint Dum Metuant" Discover the joys of the Five Day Meat Test!
Height: 5'-7" HW: 449 SW: 392 GW: 179 CW: 220
Your stomach has been re-sized and made smaller for your current and future needs.....it was to big.
frisco
SW 338lbs. GW 175lbs. Goal in 11 months. CW 148lbs. WL 190lbs.
" To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art "
VSG Maintenance Group Forum
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/VSGM/discussion/
CAFE FRISCO at LapSF.com
Dr. Paul Cirangle
I tell people (non medical professionals so far) that my stomach used to be a football and now it is a banana. If they ask how its done, I said they cut it in half and removed the leftovers through a tiny incision.
5'10" Male : Consult Weight 428 1/16/14 : Pre-op m1 -3, m2 -12, m3 0, m4 -27 : SW 386 : m1 -25, m2 -22 m3 -15 4 -12: LW 278 CW 320 : Total Loss 108
I say "85% of my stomach removed and that's it." That has worked well :)
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
The most concise way I've found to explain VSG is to say that my stomach has gone from a pouch to a pipe. My stomach is 85% smaller and is now the circumference of my ring finger and about six inches long. For PCP or Dental purposes I would probably include a list of the supplements that your taking.
