Have decided to get the gastric sleeve

jaime7195
jaime7195 Posts: 2 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hello all my name is Jaime. I have recently decided to get gastric surgery to give me the push I need. I went to a seminar last night. Learned about all 3 surgeries and I'm leaning towards the gastric sleeve. I have filled out my paper work last night when I was there and turned it in to them before I left now I'm waiting on the call to schedule an appointment with the doctor. I've also called my doctor to sign the PCP letter and they said they'll be sending it in for me. I've struggled with weight all my life. When I was in high school my lowest was 160lbs. Through the years I got married a few times and gained weight. My last marriage I was so depressed with my life that I tried to eat myself to death. I ended up leaving my last husband and divorced him. Two months after that I decided that I wanted to get back into shape. I was in and out of the hospital for my weight as well. Back in the beginning of 2010 I was around 530lbs. It was bad. I couldn't do anything without being tired and short of breath. I quit eating bad, no soda, no liquor or beer and only drank mainly water. Since then I've been on the roller coaster but I have lost 160lbs. I know if I wasn't on the roller coaster that I could have lost more weight. Before I lost this weight I was pre diabetic, on oxygen, and had polycystic ovary syndrome. I also had sleep apnea but never had the insurance to get a sleep study. Now all I have is sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I also have asthma which I've had all my life but this year has been one of the worst for my asthma. I'm so drained from it to where going to take my dogs outside and back to the living room I'm out of breath. Which I know the weight doesn't help me either. I want to get myself healthier so I can go out and do things with my boyfriend without being winded.

My question to all is, is the gastric sleeve the way to go? It seems to me to be the best way to go. Anyone who has had it done can you give me advise and you life changes after you got it?
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Replies

  • MaryJane_8810002
    MaryJane_8810002 Posts: 2,082 Member
    I think the best weight loss tool is patience. I would rather spend a couple of years getting rid of a few hundred pounds then to waste my money doing something so invasive.
  • smelius22
    smelius22 Posts: 334 Member
    Great job losing so much weight already! and being determined to change your life!

    I have no knowledge of the gastic sleeve, except the people I know and see who have had them a while always look kind of sickly.. hair loss, pale or dull skin, etc. Is this something that effects only certain people, or everyone who gets the surgery?

    Just wondering. good luck with everything :)
  • Serah87
    Serah87 Posts: 5,481 Member
    If you already lost 160, why not just keep going?
  • threefancy
    threefancy Posts: 93 Member
    I quit eating bad, no soda, no liquor or beer and only drank mainly water. Since then I've been on the roller coaster but I have lost 160lbs.

    Since you asked, I think this is the way to go.
  • tfleischer
    tfleischer Posts: 199 Member
    Good luck with your surgery. I hope it goes well and that it helps you make the transition to a healthy life.
    You may get some negative, know-it-all posts from people. I hope not.
    Whatever you do, please take positive steps to make sure that you change the style of life you have been living so that the gastric sleeve becomes a permanent success for you.
    You will need to begin a gradual program of implementing exercise into your life. This will help in so many ways that I can't even explain them all. But please do this under a doctor's care.
    Good luck again! Ignore any naysayers.
  • keeptehpeace
    keeptehpeace Posts: 189 Member
    I'd like to point out that losing weight didn't get rid of your PCOS, it just reduced your symptoms.. good luck with whatever you decide to do :flowerforyou:
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    So sorry you have been through such a lot. There are people on here that have lost 300lbs and more. Look for them and take their advice. Take care, spend lots of time reading the forums to learn how to change your life around. You're in the right place. I hope you are logging all your food even if you are going over, walk even just for a few minutes around the house and be sure to use scales so you know you are eating the correct portions. I'm not really into surgery but try all this for a few weeks if you haven't already and see how you go before you do it.
  • lisaanne1369
    lisaanne1369 Posts: 377 Member
    my sister inlaw did it and she can never have a soda or alchol ever again, her hair has thinned out, she has no belly button from the tummy tuck, and if she eats too much she "blows up from both ends.

    no thank you... rather do it the old school way.
  • tj1376
    tj1376 Posts: 1,402 Member
    I had a gastric sleeve in april of last year. I have lost 120lbs so far and I am feeling soooooooooo much better than I every have. There are lifestyle changes that you have to make to get the program to work for you. But they aren't that complicated and if your committed it becomes second nature.

    If you truly believe that its what you want to do, don't listen to all those people that tell you horror stories they heard from their 3rd cousins girlfriends hairstylists mother. Go to the support groups for bariatric patients and listen to those people. They are living with the surgery and they will tell you every dirty nasty thing and ever wonderful positive thing that can and does happen.

    Follow the surgeon, exercise physiologist, nutritionist and psychologists recommendations and remember to ask them for help. And if your surgeon doesn't provide ALL of those things - find another one who does.
  • tracydr
    tracydr Posts: 528 Member
    I know a lot of people who have really been helped by surgery. Fortunately, surgery today is much less risky than 10-15 years ago. They seem to have worked out most of the issues that caused increased mortality and severe malnutrition.
    While it's certainly better to lose weight naturally, I've seen very,very few people who are successful when they have more than 100 lbs. they sometimes lose all the weight but so often, they gain it all back if you check again five years later.
    Congratulations on all the weight you lose and good luck with your surgery.
  • tj1376
    tj1376 Posts: 1,402 Member
    my sister inlaw did it and she can never have a soda or alchol ever again, her hair has thinned out, she has no belly button from the tummy tuck, and if she eats too much she "blows up from both ends.

    no thank you... rather do it the old school way.

    Of course you cant have carbonation - your stomach isn't big enough anymore for all that gas. How is that a bad thing? And as for the alcohol, sucks to be her because most of us have no problems with liquor and wine as long as there is no carbonation.
  • smelius22
    smelius22 Posts: 334 Member
    my sister inlaw did it and she can never have a soda or alchol ever again, her hair has thinned out, she has no belly button from the tummy tuck, and if she eats too much she "blows up from both ends.

    no thank you... rather do it the old school way.

    That's kind of what I was thinking. I see so many people who do it and just look kind of sick all the time. IDK
  • tfleischer
    tfleischer Posts: 199 Member
    I had a gastric sleeve in april of last year. I have lost 120lbs so far and I am feeling soooooooooo much better than I every have. There are lifestyle changes that you have to make to get the program to work for you. But they aren't that complicated and if your committed it becomes second nature.

    If you truly believe that its what you want to do, don't listen to all those people that tell you horror stories they heard from their 3rd cousins girlfriends hairstylists mother. Go to the support groups for bariatric patients and listen to those people. They are living with the surgery and they will tell you every dirty nasty thing and ever wonderful positive thing that can and does happen.

    Follow the surgeon, exercise physiologist, nutritionist and psychologists recommendations and remember to ask them for help. And if your surgeon doesn't provide ALL of those things - find another one who does.

    Great post. THanks.
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    Before doing something that is incredibly life altering, a lifetime of not being able to absorb nutrients and bathroom troubles, etc (I have a friend who has had this and regretted it) maybe try logging food, setting a reasonable deficit and trying exercise for a couple of months to see what you can do on your own before making such a decision.

    You've done amazing losing 160 lbs. Plus you already said you use food for emotional reasons, you still need to deal with your emotions and after the surgery how will you do that?

    Have you ever tried water walking or such to relieve your joints? The asthma does put a wrinkle in thing but maybe start by walking around the house five or six times a day and building from there. Weight loss has more to do with diet than exercise.

    I just think you have a lot to consider. Make a list of pros and cons. The consultation should be free, ask about how many vitamins you will have to take, bowel problems, excess skin problems from losing weight too fast, overall success, recovery time.

    Go into the success stories section here. There have been a lot of successful people who have lost a lot of weight without surgery. And then do a lot of research, it's a huge decision and it may be right for you or it may not.
  • javonjay76
    javonjay76 Posts: 48 Member
    I had a gastric sleeve in april of last year. I have lost 120lbs so far and I am feeling soooooooooo much better than I every have. There are lifestyle changes that you have to make to get the program to work for you. But they aren't that complicated and if your committed it becomes second nature.

    If you truly believe that its what you want to do, don't listen to all those people that tell you horror stories they heard from their 3rd cousins girlfriends hairstylists mother. Go to the support groups for bariatric patients and listen to those people. They are living with the surgery and they will tell you every dirty nasty thing and ever wonderful positive thing that can and does happen.

    Follow the surgeon, exercise physiologist, nutritionist and psychologists recommendations and remember to ask them for help. And if your surgeon doesn't provide ALL of those things - find another one who does.
    [/quote

    Enough said! :)
  • PrairieSlims
    PrairieSlims Posts: 42 Member
    I'm thinking you aren't being patient enough with yourself. Give yourself credit. You have had weight losses. You also have other issues. You may need to get to the root of the problem such as depression.
  • SapiensPisces
    SapiensPisces Posts: 992 Member
    This is a very personal decision to make with your doctor's input, but seeing as you've already lost 160 lbs, I think it would be worthwhile to give yourself some more time to see if you can continue to lose before deciding on the surgery.

    I know one person who had weight loss surgery, and she's doing very well (not sickly looking at all), but those surgeries can be risky since you already have pre existing conditions.

    If you haven't done it already, talk to your doctor about referring you to a dietitian who can help support you with a meal plan and be there when you just need a little guidance and help.
  • ktsmom430
    ktsmom430 Posts: 1,100 Member
    You have to do what is right for you. Only you and your health care professionals can make that decision.
    It takes commitment no matter what decision you make. Changing a life time of eating habits and forming new healthier habits.
    You can do this, whatever you decide.
    Best of luck to you!
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    i think if you've lost 160 just keep on doin what you are doing. my roomate had the sleeve on january 24th. so far so good. but i just dont see how shell be able to get adequate nutrition with what she is able to drink at this point.
  • Mcmilligen
    Mcmilligen Posts: 332 Member
    Those types of surgeries are last resort options. I wouldn't consider any of them to be safe, nor any of them to be easy. I know many people who consider these options to be "cheating", but it is definitely not. Just know if you choose this option, you will still have to work very hard for your weight loss. Yes, you will feel more full while eating less food- but will that mentally satiate your hunger? Sadly, most people gain the weight back after these types of surgeries because the amount of food they are prescribed is so limited.

    If you are sure you are prepared for this option, and truly feel all other methods of weight loss will not work for you, then go for it. Just be careful that you are getting enough nutrients once you start eating after the surgery.

    Best of luck!
  • kimjoan
    kimjoan Posts: 192 Member
    I had gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-y) 10 years ago and would do it again in a heart beat! My situation was very similar to yours. I have a friend who did the sleeve and in listening to her it wouldn't have been the option for me but it sounds like you did your homework. Just be open minded and honest when you talk to your doctor.

    People are going to tell you to just keep doing what you are doing, that surgery isn't good for you, surgery is the easy way out, etc. IGNORE THEM! DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!

    A few things to remember to be successful: This is a complete and total lifestyle change, no matter which WLS you go with. You have to commit to it for the rest of your life to be successful. 65% of all WLS patients gain a significant amount to all of their weight back because they were not truely ready. This is not easy. You have to get your protein, you have to get in your exercise, you have to be very aware of your body because you can make yourself sick very easily, you have to take your vitamins - for the rest of your life.

    Becoming significantly overweight with no medical condition attached is an addiction and you need to ensure that the situation(s) that triggered the addiction are taken care of or you will still overeat or you will replace it with another addiction.

    GOOD LUCK TO YOU! Please feel free to friend me and/or send me a message if you have questions. Would love to follow/support your journey.
  • JasonBeauvais
    JasonBeauvais Posts: 2
    I partook in a weight loss competition at work a few months back; one of my competitors had the surgery shortly before the competition began. While I can't say what her experiences were, I do know that I consistently lost more weight than her on a week-to-week basis, and I lost more than her over the entire duration of the competition. (8 weeks)

    My weight loss strategy consisted of nothing more than healthy diet (vegetables, fruit, and lean meats) and exercise. (walking 4-5 miles per day)

    I'd say not to get the surgery. Just my opinion though.
  • whitneysaenz
    whitneysaenz Posts: 125 Member
    I would just like to say that no matter which way you go, make sure that you also embrace the lifestyle changes that need to be made. Weight loss surgery does not guarantee weight loss - you will still have to put in the work to make sure you're eating a balanced diet and proper portions. Several of my husband's family members have had it, still eat like crap, and are the same size or bigger than before.

    Good luck in whichever you choose!
  • lmccull1982
    lmccull1982 Posts: 21
    I have seen people get a gastric sleeve and do well. I have also seen people die. Yes, die. After years of nutritional deficiencies and parenteral nutrition and never having real food again without getting ill. It is not common but it can happen. Surgery is an insult to your body that you may not survive. Please consider carefully.
  • Commander_Keen
    Commander_Keen Posts: 1,179 Member
    As I watch too much TV.. my Question to you ise.. How is the Gastric Sleeve going to help you?
    Are you currently exercising?

    The Gastric Sleeve will not prevent you from eating ICE Cream all day..

    How do you think the Gastric Sleeve will force you to stay within your Macros?
  • feelin_gr_8
    feelin_gr_8 Posts: 308 Member
    I have never weighed over 300 pounds, I started losing at my highest: 291. So I can't say I've been in your shoes. Sometimes I see posts of people that talk about how they have been so "fat" nearing 200 and I can't help but think they have no idea. So now I'm in their place, I've never weighed as much as you and can't imagine the strain on your body. I know that statistically, those that have surgeries for weight loss don't tend to keep it off. I wanted a quick fix my entire life, but even though I'm only 1/3 of the way to my first major goal, I'm still slowly learning to change my habits. I think that's the biggest thing-habits and lifestyle. I'm doing calorie counting and exercise and it's working for me. Slowly. I wouldn't judge you if you got the surgery because it would take you a long time to lose the weight, but I feel so much more free (and proud of myself) by losing it naturally.
  • bettyjoburdett
    bettyjoburdett Posts: 120 Member
    Hello all my name is Jaime. I have recently decided to get gastric surgery to give me the push I need. I went to a seminar last night. Learned about all 3 surgeries and I'm leaning towards the gastric sleeve. I have filled out my paper work last night when I was there and turned it in to them before I left now I'm waiting on the call to schedule an appointment with the doctor. I've also called my doctor to sign the PCP letter and they said they'll be sending it in for me. I've struggled with weight all my life. When I was in high school my lowest was 160lbs. Through the years I got married a few times and gained weight. My last marriage I was so depressed with my life that I tried to eat myself to death. I ended up leaving my last husband and divorced him. Two months after that I decided that I wanted to get back into shape. I was in and out of the hospital for my weight as well. Back in the beginning of 2010 I was around 530lbs. It was bad. I couldn't do anything without being tired and short of breath. I quit eating bad, no soda, no liquor or beer and only drank mainly water. Since then I've been on the roller coaster but I have lost 160lbs. I know if I wasn't on the roller coaster that I could have lost more weight. Before I lost this weight I was pre diabetic, on oxygen, and had polycystic ovary syndrome. I also had sleep apnea but never had the insurance to get a sleep study. Now all I have is sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I also have asthma which I've had all my life but this year has been one of the worst for my asthma. I'm so drained from it to where going to take my dogs outside and back to the living room I'm out of breath. Which I know the weight doesn't help me either. I want to get myself healthier so I can go out and do things with my boyfriend without being winded.

    My question to all is, is the gastric sleeve the way to go? It seems to me to be the best way to go. Anyone who has had it done can you give me advise and you life changes after you got it?
  • Wenchiness
    Wenchiness Posts: 126 Member
    You've just lost an amazing amount of weight without surgery. Take a serious look at how many people who have the surgery gain all their weight back within 5 years. It seems like an "easy" fix, but I don't see it as easy. What you need is a serious life style change and you've begun it. Carry it over and become the new person you want to be. Read the horror stories of people who have had the surgery go wrong. Or pm me, and I'll tell you what happens when fat people have routine cancer-removing surgery and it goes a little badly and you end up in ICU for weeks. I would consider it a risky last-chance resort. You are already losing without taking the risk, so why not keep it up?
  • bettyjoburdett
    bettyjoburdett Posts: 120 Member
    I wish you the very best of luck! I had bypass surgery about 10 years ago. Even though I have gained back about 60 lbs. it has still kept me from being up to 300 or more. I am a compulsive eater and the only reason I don't eat huge amounts of food is because I can't with the smaller stomach. On the other hand, I can eat all the cookies, chips, bread, etc. I want which is why I have gained weight back. As I am sure you learned at the pre-surgery meetings you still have to use discipline, and stay away from the bad for you foods.

    A lot of people giving you feedback cannot imagine what its like to be 300-500 lbs. It takes over your life. I honestly believe you are making a good decision, in fact a life saving decision.

    I will watch for your posts post surgery and if you like can give you some hints and support for your recovery if you would like.
  • HMD7703
    HMD7703 Posts: 761 Member
    Jamie,
    please check www.verticalsleevetalk.com to see read the good, bad and ugly (and most importantly - the TRUTH!!). Please don't listen to the stories of my friend this or I knew this person that.... get real information from real Doctors and real patients. No matter what path you choose, become educated and stick with it.

    Good luck.

    BTW - you can PM me for more info if you like.

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