Hello, I'm new here
twinsx2azae
Posts: 2
Hello, I am seriously thinking about getting the gastric sleeve. A couple of years ago I went been thru a couple of classes that are required before surgery and I chickened out. I was interested in the lap band at that point since it was reversible but heard a lot of problems with it. So still overweight despite all my efforts, I am now doing a lot of research on the gastric sleeve.
I'm worried about the long term effect of it. Unfortunately it hasn't been out long enough for much data. I have questions that I will ask on another post so I don't bore u guys, lol. Just wanted to introduce myself.
I'm worried about the long term effect of it. Unfortunately it hasn't been out long enough for much data. I have questions that I will ask on another post so I don't bore u guys, lol. Just wanted to introduce myself.
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Replies
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Hello and welcome!
I can tell you that I was originally considering the band for the same reason (its in theory reversible), but after trolling a number of message boards, sitting in on my bariatric center's support group meetings, and talking with the surgeon, i decided on the sleeve. I found a number of people who had the band were going to the sleeve (for various reasons), the surgeon wasn't too keen on it given the lower rates of loss, co-morbidity resolution, and complications.
From a personal standpoint, I wasn't sure if I could deal with the countless visits to get the band right and I realized I needed something that WASNT reversible. This new me is for the rest of my life!
The bypass, while a lot more invasive with problems of its own, has a VERY long history. Take a look at ObesityHelp.com and browse around the various surgery forums there, it helped me a lot with my decision.0 -
The big question you really have to ask yourself before you embrace the risks of surgery is- "Are you ready to let go of the foods that make you fat?" If you think you can hold on to your favorite binge food (for most of us this is carbs-bread, pasta, pizza, fries etc.) you would be wrong. 50% of all wt loss surgery pts regain all their wt because they choose not to follow the new 70% protein,25% veg-no potato5% carb lifestyle. Anyone can eat around wt loss surgery. Your food addictions will be there when you wake up from surgery. feel free to look at my diary it is open, I am 13wks out and have lost 63 lbs. I no longer eat wheat, rice or potato. The Sleeve is a marvelous tool, but it is not magic. Good Luck!0
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Similar situation for me, a couple of years ago I was looking into WLS, then I chickened out. Finally in December I went to orientation again and scheduled an appt with my surgeon. I was initially thinking about the band too thinking worst case scenario it's reversible but I really struggled with the thought of a port where you have to go in an get filled and maintained. After I went to the orientation and heard about the complications and also my doctor had actually taken out more lap bands the previous year than he put any in I decided the sleeve was for me. I should be having surgery late March, I've done a lot of research and know it's going to be a huge lifetime commitment if I want to make the sleeve work. At this point in my life (i'll be 40 this year) I'm ready for this.
Good luck in whatever you decide.0 -
Was thinking about Lap Band when I went in for my first visit but a little bit of research and the thought of a port changed my mind. 5 months out and I can not be happier.0
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Welcome! Your story is pretty common. I, too, went though classes and was looking at the lap-band as well for the same reasons. I stopped that process and said that I'd really lose weight "the old fashioned way". Well, 3 years went by and I was bigger than I was back then. After going to the informational session at the hospital, I decided the gastric sleeve was right for me. Surprisingly, the sleeve has been around for longer than you think, so there is a lot of data. It wasn't covered under insurance so it wasn't as well known as the bypass or lap-band.
Good luck in whatever decision you make. I'm happy that I was sleeved and wished I did it years ago.0 -
My story is very similar to everyone else - When I first talked to my dr about WLS I thought I'd want the Lap Band, seemed less "invasive". Through research and talking to my bariatric surgeon I decided on the sleeve instead. I wasn't interested in having to go in for "adjustments" and just seemed to be more risk for complications. I am 2 months out and could not be happier!! I follow my Dr. and dietician's plan and it's working great! It's not easy, but I wasn't expecting it would be!! Good luck to you!0
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I had the sleeve on December 30,2013. Greatest decision that I ever made. This is not as easy as a lot of people think. You have to be willing to give up things like carbonated drinks and trips to fast food restaurants. It is life changing but not easy.
Congratulations on what ever you decide.
Kaye0
