Questions regarding VG portion versus full DS

[Guest guest]

Hello, all -

I am a newbie considering getting a DS soon. I have been laid off and

my current insurance, United Healthcare Select Plus POS, supposedly

covers it 100% will few refusals. I have a BMI of 57 with comorbid

conditions of hypothyroid, acid reflux disease, knee and back pain,

and asthma.

Part of me wants to just do the VG part of the procedure first, see

how much weight I lose over a year, then decide on the malabsorption

part. The quality of life issues and risks that can be a big negative

after WLS are primarily linked to malabsorption. The doctor I plan to

use in VA prefers to do this two-part surgery with patients weighing

over 350 lbs, but since I carry most of my weight in my hips rather

than my belly, it may be an option to do the entire DS. By just doing

the VG portion, I could also see if I have an acceptable weight loss

result before continuing with the more life changing malabsorption.

Weight loss is considerably slower this way, however.

Risks? Emotionally, it might be pretty depressing to go through major

surgery for a slow but hopefully steady weight loss that might still

leave me over 250 lbs. Physically, my body will be able to adjust

better to the changes, but I will have to go through surgery twice

instead of once. Financially, I might lose my UHC insurance between

now and the second surgery and not be able to get it. Or I might lose

just enough weight to no longer qualify for WLS. Employment wise,

I've been laid off now and can afford the time for surgery, recovery

and frequent followups. No telling where I might work a year from now

and whether I will have the time to devote to another round of

surgery. Long term, I may not qualify for reconstructive surgery with

another insurance plan, while UHC will pay for it after WLS.

I'm tempted to ask to do the whole DS in light of these risks, but

really *really* worried about the malabsorption effect. I know lots

of people who have had WLS with ongoing problems... pains, inability

to take meds, vitamin deficiencies, etc.

Any thoughts, comments, feedback from people who have done either the

VG alone or the DS? I think the most relevant experiences would be

from people who started with a high BMI over 50 like me (57).

Thank you!

Deb C.