Gastric Sleeve?
Options
janemeik1
Posts: 2
Try to make this short. I am a diabetic. Had Lap Band surgery this past April. A week later, horrible infection that almost took my life. Second surgery ~ took band out. 6 months later I have gone from a Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 to a Stage 2.
I wasn't super obese. At the time I weighed 205. I now weight 180. I am considering the sleeve… if the insurance will still cover it. My fear is where my future lies as far as the diabetes. I have my kidney specialist giving me a fear of God speech on how I am too young and what is going to happen to me. Sugars have to be perfect… so on so forth. However, when I went to get my endocrinologist's (hypothyroid) opinion. She was the complete opposite. Saying that only if I wanted it for weight loss because my A1C is just a little over 6.
I chose the band because to me it was the least evasive and maybe in my mind the least scary. I knew it could be taken out and was not permanent. The gastric was just too drastic in my opinion but now I am down to trying to do this on my own again. Praying my sugars are perfect (good luck with that) everyday and that this kidney disease doesn't progress. The thought of dialysis scares me.
Before the band, I did the prescription diet pills, P90X, High protein/low carb… couldn't lose weight to save my life. The band was my last hope. I am just so torn with the gastric because I think I am scared because I know there is no going back. I am not afraid of the lifestyle change. When doing the psychologial evaluation, I continued to see the therapist for the 6 months prior to surgery to make sure my head was right and ready for the change. I would greatly appreciate any insight I can get! I apologize ahead of time if I skipped through the details.. didn't want to make a book.
I wasn't super obese. At the time I weighed 205. I now weight 180. I am considering the sleeve… if the insurance will still cover it. My fear is where my future lies as far as the diabetes. I have my kidney specialist giving me a fear of God speech on how I am too young and what is going to happen to me. Sugars have to be perfect… so on so forth. However, when I went to get my endocrinologist's (hypothyroid) opinion. She was the complete opposite. Saying that only if I wanted it for weight loss because my A1C is just a little over 6.
I chose the band because to me it was the least evasive and maybe in my mind the least scary. I knew it could be taken out and was not permanent. The gastric was just too drastic in my opinion but now I am down to trying to do this on my own again. Praying my sugars are perfect (good luck with that) everyday and that this kidney disease doesn't progress. The thought of dialysis scares me.
Before the band, I did the prescription diet pills, P90X, High protein/low carb… couldn't lose weight to save my life. The band was my last hope. I am just so torn with the gastric because I think I am scared because I know there is no going back. I am not afraid of the lifestyle change. When doing the psychologial evaluation, I continued to see the therapist for the 6 months prior to surgery to make sure my head was right and ready for the change. I would greatly appreciate any insight I can get! I apologize ahead of time if I skipped through the details.. didn't want to make a book.
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Replies
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I'm so sorry for all of your problems. But, although some people have great success with the band, most do not, and over time it proves to be the most invasive, not the least.
I had type 2 diabetes before RNY gastric bypass. At times I could keep my A1C at around 6, but with great attention to my activity and eating. When I did not, it would leap up to 10. After the RNY, I was off all diabetes meds within two days. Two days! And my A1C has been five ever since. It was easily the best decicion I have ever made. It is not just the change in diet from RNY that cures diabetes, but there is a hormonal change as well. Doctors still debate how or why this happens, but all agree that it does.
The sleeve is newer and so has less information about long term effects. I know two people in my support group who had the sleeve originally, and had to have revisions to RNY. One of the biggest issues is acid reflux. If you have reflux at all, it will be worse after the sleeve, and some that never had it develop it afterward.
You should do a lot of research, and talk to your doctors. But if diabetes is your biggest worry, RNY might be your best answer.0 -
I know people who have had the sleeve, the lap band, and gastric bypass. I have only heard of people with the lap band having major problems. With the sleeve, I know people who have had great success, and with the gastric bypass, I know people who have done well and others who haven't. I think a lot of it depends on the individual and their adherence to doing what they are supposed to do. My surgeon did let me know that I can convert my sleeve to gastric bypass at a later date if I choose to, but I will cross that bridge when or if I get there. I am only 4 weeks post surgery and so far, so good!
Like Grim said, do your research, talk with your doctors, and make an educated decision. The good thing is you have options. It's awful that you have been through so much. My heart goes out to you and I wish you luck and success in whatever you decide.0 -
Thank you ladies! I appreciate your replies! I am finding in my research that there are more horror stories on the band. Now I am thinking why didn't I see that prior to that surgery? Ha! I am feeling a lot more relaxed at the thought of the sleeve. I know with any of these procedures things can happen and will happen but I also know that using it as a tool and not a cure all will is key.
Looking forward to sitting down with surgeon again.0
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