Is it a good idea for me to consider VSG now?

Question

I am 48 years old and have spent my entire life yo-yo dieting. I have developed Fibromyalgia (?), vitamin and hormone deficiencies, and although I've been active in the past, I can't seem to push myself like I used to. The result is I'm gaining weight rapidly. Already up to 170 at 5'3". I feel as though I'm moving through wet cement with all this extra weight. I'm so tired of losing only to regain. However, this time, I can't seem to move enough to lose at all. Am I even a candidate for VSG?

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello.
Thanks for your time and question.
Gastric Sleeve limits the amount of food that you can eat, it helps decreasing the ghreline hormone who is responsible of the hunger, you will feel less appetite after the surgery, also increase other substance that helps to control the diabetes.
I would recommend you to book an appointment with a certified bariatric surgeon to discuss the best option for you 
Hope you can get the surgery, Believe me in my personal experience is one of the best decision that I ever took. 
.Good luck in this journey, blessings .!
Dr. Pablo Garcia.
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Shawn Garber, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Unfortunately you do not qualify for bariatric surgery.  To qualify you need to have a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with one medical problem related to obesity.  The risks of surgery have never been demonstrated to outweigh the risks in a patient with BMI of 30 with no medical problems related to obesity.  Your best option with a BMI of 30 is a gastric balloon.  There are three balloons FAD approved in USA and all approved for BMI 30 - 40.

Mark Pleatman, MD (retired) · Answer

You are right at the lower cut-off limit for most surgeons.   Your BMI is 30.  As long as you understand the risks of the surgery, you will find a surgeon willing to do a VSG for you.  Of course insurance will not pay for the surgery.

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