Gastric Sleeve and VLCD

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Replies

  • youngdreamer
    youngdreamer Posts: 65 Member
    My starting weight was practically the same as yours. By just eating 80% of my TDEE + exercise calories, I've lost 80 pounds in 9 months & still lose about 1 - 1.5lbs every week. Please... don't resort to such drastic measures. You're SO young, you can do this on your own. If I could do it, you surely can. Shoot me a PM or add me as a friend if you want to talk.
  • Iknowsaur
    Iknowsaur Posts: 777 Member
    I had the sleeve in October of 2012. I lost 90 and then got pregnant. I was eating 500 calories a day and during pregnancy ate 1500 (religiously, plus I had hyperemesis and threw up 20+ times a day) and gained 60 pounds. The surgery totally screwed my metabolism and now I'm doing Keto because regular calorie deficit doesn't work unless I'm netting only 500 a day. I wouldn't say I regret it, but your entire body changes and I don't respond to nutrition or medication the same way anymore. I'm working hard to restore my metabolism but my insulin resistance is worse. Some people can diet like a normal person after the surgery but I was not one of them. Good luck with what ever you decide, no one can tell you if it's right for you or not.

    That's a little scary /:
    I'll have to bring that up, too.
    I'm literally like sitting here with a notepad writing things down that people say xD
  • suejersey
    suejersey Posts: 36 Member
    There is a lot of assumptions being made here by people who have not had the surgery...but that is all I will say about that.

    I had the sleeve done 10/11/12. I have lost 143 pounds to date and I am now maintaining for about the last six months. I work out 4 days per week - bodycombat - weight training. I get between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day.

    I do not feel deprived, I feel satisfied, I eat vegetables and protein, low carb (but some carbs) and I also enjoy a treat (chocolate, ice cream, et cetera)

    I have learned and every day is a new commitment to making good food choices and taking care of my body.
    Although I know and believe that people can either not lose a significant amount of weight or gain it back, it has to be something
    where they truly have not made any changes, are choosing to eat calorie dense, but not nutritious or filling foods.

    I can totally see myself committed to this new way of life and eating forever. It was a tool I needed. Not everyone needs it, but those that do, it is not a quick fix but a tool that helps us meet our goals to live a healthy and full life.

    Once I was back on solid food I ate about 600 calories per day for a good 6 months, then 700, then 800. I was probably at 800 till about a year and moved up to 1,000 and at 1 1/2 years 1,200.

    I sometimes eat my calories back from exercise (400 - 600 per workout) if I "need" them. If I don't, I don't. Some days I am hungrier than other days. I try to listen to my body and think of food as fuel. I want to fuel my vessel the very best I can, so I choose foods that will do that.

    HTH! Good luck.

    So basically, a synopsis yes 600 to 800 calories for the first year was my experience. After that 1,000 to 1,200 and now that maintaining I am shooting for 1,200 to 1,500.

    Eeeep!
    Thank you, this was exactly what I was wondering.
    Maybe I was only seeing answers from people within the first year.
    Although I'm sure even that one year will take a hit on my metabolism >>
    Thank you thank you again :D

    Feel free to look at my diary. I TRY to fill it out every day. I love my new life. I love what I eat. I have energy to enjoy my family, clean my house, kick butt at body combat. I have muscles (not just because I lost the fat, but because I am MAKING bigger muscles). It can be done! I am doing it. But it will be something that I have to be conscious of the rest of my life (just like anyone else who wants to be fit and healthy - surgery or no surgery). Like I said, I never feel deprived. At the holidays I enjoy a little bit of everything. I no longer feel the need to have ice cream every night but if I want it one night, fine, a little hits the spot. That is the help the sleeve gives.

    I love being low carb - as it helps with the cravings for crap foods, but I do eat some whole grain items and have experimented with coconut flour, almond flour, sugar substitutes, et cetera. Protein is yummy and never gets boring.

    Good luck!
  • kjo9692
    kjo9692 Posts: 430 Member
    I appreciate that you guys aren't supportive of the surgery, but I've made up my mind.

    You should at least wait until your prefrontal cortex is fully developed before making a decision regarding an irreversable procedure that you will have to live with the consequences of for the rest of your life. Of course I've not been in your shoes, but I think it is a bad idea.

    This. I don't know, if you don't change your eating habits this sounds like a miserable way to go. I could not give up on my cheating Fridays/Saturdays. It's altering your life forever! When you can do it on your own (since you've done it before). It's much easier doing it the natural way. Unless you have major health issues that prevent you from exercising, or other stuff like that.
  • scubasuenc
    scubasuenc Posts: 626 Member
    Believe me it is possible to eat calories after surgery. I had a procedure similar to today's gastric sleeve back in 1997. I lost about 80 lbs, which was short of my goal. Then over the years gained almost all of it back. I later learned that this was not uncommon for those who had the same procedure I had. I believe the sleeves done today are better, but it is still possible to eat calories with a smaller stomach.

    Now I'm losing weight on 1800 calories per day which is still a significant deficit. My pouch (similar to the sleeve) is still in place and does still help restrict my portion sizes. I had to go back and reapply some of the guidelines I was given after surgery about eating protein first and not drinking liquids before during or after a meal.

    I am fortunate and I have had relatively few side effects from the surgery. However when my doctor suggested I might want to consider a revision to convert my pouch to one of the more modern methods, I didn't want to run the risk of more side effects. I decided to see if I could lose it with a calorie deficit and exercise. 5 months later I actually weigh less than my lowest point after surgery.
  • lemon629
    lemon629 Posts: 501 Member
    :(

    Gastric sleeve at 18...

    I applaud you for wanting to take control of things. But surgery? You have so many more options and so much time to learn how to make good choices. Don't start a life where you take the "quick" way.

    I'm telling you with all the love I can spread over the internet: WAIT. Learn good habits. Make friends with people who can help and inspire you.

    I actually lost 100 pounds a few years ago and regained >< I said no to the surgery at 15, but I feel like I'm in a place where I can handle it. I have a few weight-related health issues, so I think it's the best thing for me right now.

    Thank you though, I totally understand where you're coming from.


    You very well might re-gain it this time, too, only this time you will be left with a permanently altered stomach. It happens all the time. One of my close friends lost and gained weight several times over. She eventually had the gastric sleeve (she weighed approximately 280 at the time) in Dec. 2010 and lost maybe 60 pounds in the following year. Guess how much she weighs now? Over 300. She gained 20 pounds in just three months last year! I know several other people who have gained the weight back after the surgery, but she is the one whose situation I know the most about.

    Regardless of how you go about it, you have to learn how to manage your eating. The organ you need to be concerned with is your brain.

    This is a really good point. If you are forced to lose weight because you can't fit anymore calories in your stomach, you're not learning how to eat properly on the way down. This is one of the reasons that the majority of people that have weight loss surgery or lose weight with meal replacement shakes almost always gain all the weight back and more because they used a gimmick to lose the weight, then once it was lost went back to their old ways.

    I appreciate that you guys aren't supportive of the surgery, but I've made up my mind. I know how to eat well, I just sometimes have trouble doing it. I was able to maintain for two years on my own and then ended up making poor decisions that caused me to regain the weight. I decided that surgery will be a helpful tool in starting to lose again and then maintaining, especially given my medical problems, and I am having it done on May 30th with the full support of my family and friends who were also there during my "natural" weight loss.

    My question was really only about the metabolic issues/VLCD. It's fine if you want to urge me to rethink, I'm just letting you know /:


    You sound exactly like my friend. She supposedly did lots of research and knew how to eat. (As I said, she had successfully lost weight before-- around 70 or 80 pounds.) Look at her now. She is heavier now than she has ever been.

    Bottom line, the gastric sleeve is not the answer. You still have to count calories and watch portions strictly. Follow your doctor's orders to the T. All the stuff that would normally result in weight loss anyway but without permanently altering an organ.

    And I agree with those who pointed out the conflict between your concern about a VCLD but then having gastric sleeve. You may not have to stick to VCLD forever, but to keep the weight off you will never be able to eat the way other people do again without making yourself sick. (While my friend was stretching her stomach out, she got very sick any time she ate what I would consider a normal amount of food in one meal. She no longer gets sick now, but now she is fat.)
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    I actually lost 100 pounds a few years ago and regained >< I said no to the surgery at 15, but I feel like I'm in a place where I can handle it. I have a few weight-related health issues, so I think it's the best thing for me right now.

    Most sleevers regain the weight.

    If you can't develop the necessary tools to lose and maintain before the sleeve, five years from now you'll be right back in the same place.

    This whole thing is putting the cart before the horse....
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    There is a lot of assumptions being made here by people who have not had the surgery...but that is all I will say about that.

    I had the sleeve done 10/11/12. I have lost 143 pounds to date and I am now maintaining for about the last six months. I work out 4 days per week - bodycombat - weight training. I get between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day.

    I do not feel deprived, I feel satisfied, I eat vegetables and protein, low carb (but some carbs) and I also enjoy a treat (chocolate, ice cream, et cetera)

    I have learned and every day is a new commitment to making good food choices and taking care of my body.
    Although I know and believe that people can either not lose a significant amount of weight or gain it back, it has to be something
    where they truly have not made any changes, are choosing to eat calorie dense, but not nutritious or filling foods.

    I can totally see myself committed to this new way of life and eating forever. It was a tool I needed. Not everyone needs it, but those that do, it is not a quick fix but a tool that helps us meet our goals to live a healthy and full life.

    Once I was back on solid food I ate about 600 calories per day for a good 6 months, then 700, then 800. I was probably at 800 till about a year and moved up to 1,000 and at 1 1/2 years 1,200.

    I sometimes eat my calories back from exercise (400 - 600 per workout) if I "need" them. If I don't, I don't. Some days I am hungrier than other days. I try to listen to my body and think of food as fuel. I want to fuel my vessel the very best I can, so I choose foods that will do that.

    HTH! Good luck.

    So basically, a synopsis yes 600 to 800 calories for the first year was my experience. After that 1,000 to 1,200 and now that maintaining I am shooting for 1,200 to 1,500.

    Maintaining at 1200 to 1500? Forever? For the rest of your life? That's an incredibly low maintenance.

    OP you could probably eat 1600 calories for 2 years and get to the weight you want, then eat 2000 calories for the rest of your life.

    I lose at 2000, and maintain at 2300.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    This is why I disagree with surgery, if you can't control your eating without it, what happens after surgery? It doesn't fix the first problem.

    Every single person I have know to have the surgery has gained back all of the weight or more. When you cut to a VLCD and then go back to normal habits, that's what happens.

    About 20% of people gain back the weight .
  • kjo9692
    kjo9692 Posts: 430 Member
    This is why I disagree with surgery, if you can't control your eating without it, what happens after surgery? It doesn't fix the first problem.

    Every single person I have know to have the surgery has gained back all of the weight or more. When you cut to a VLCD and then go back to normal habits, that's what happens.

    About 20% of people gain back the weight .

    I think you meant 80%?
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    You are a very young girl. The complications from this surgery can be severe. When you are in your sessions, I urge you to ask them about how this could possibly affect fertility and your ability to safely and healthily have children. Even if you don't think you'll ever want any now, you could change your mind. This surgery alters a lot more than just your weight. I know a lady who had it done and has had horrible consequences ever since. I know you said you are set on having this done, but please, make sure you ask even more questions and make sure it really is what you need to do.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    This is why I disagree with surgery, if you can't control your eating without it, what happens after surgery? It doesn't fix the first problem.

    Every single person I have know to have the surgery has gained back all of the weight or more. When you cut to a VLCD and then go back to normal habits, that's what happens.

    About 20% of people gain back the weight .

    I think you meant 80%?

    LOL actually, the first article I read said 95% but that seemed high. The next two sources said 20%. I would believe 80% though..
  • kjo9692
    kjo9692 Posts: 430 Member
    This is why I disagree with surgery, if you can't control your eating without it, what happens after surgery? It doesn't fix the first problem.

    Every single person I have know to have the surgery has gained back all of the weight or more. When you cut to a VLCD and then go back to normal habits, that's what happens.

    About 20% of people gain back the weight .

    I think you meant 80%?

    LOL actually, the first article I read said 95% but that seemed high. The next two sources said 20%. I would believe 80% though..

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    125jg90.png

    Statistics... *sigh*
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    This is why I disagree with surgery, if you can't control your eating without it, what happens after surgery? It doesn't fix the first problem.

    Every single person I have know to have the surgery has gained back all of the weight or more. When you cut to a VLCD and then go back to normal habits, that's what happens.

    About 20% of people gain back the weight .

    I think you meant 80%?

    LOL actually, the first article I read said 95% but that seemed high. The next two sources said 20%. I would believe 80% though..

    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    125jg90.png

    Statistics... *sigh*

    Yeah, let's just settle on a fvckload of people gain the weight back.
  • new_clear
    new_clear Posts: 21
    I'm 28 years old and I am 12 days post op gastric sleeve. Yes, at first, your diet will be very limited. Your nutritionist will set a goal for you to get to, which will be difficult at first due to swelling, body reaction to products, etc. At this point, it's challenging to get up to 600 calories because I have to drink my shakes super slow (or I'll end up running to the bathroom), but I supplement that with a home made green vegetable juice every day. I'm sure I can get up to 800 cals w/o getting sick by consuming a lot of sugar, which would defeat the purpose and I have no plan on doing. I will eventually be able to consume 800-1200 cal per day, but that probably won't be for a few months.

    I see all the arguments here from people who have no or little idea what the process entails, including the psychological part. They also throw statistics out there that aren't really all encompassing (e.g. weight loss will be a bell curve. You'll lose some X lbs then gain back a certain percent and will be able to maintain that X+N gain lbs). Some people fail to continue follow up with a general practitioner, nutritionist and psychologist, and end up eating through there new stomach. It's not a magic pill, but a tool and you must utilize a team to make it work for you. I'm not here to encourage you to follow in suite, but you are an adult and less your brain, your body's pretty much done developing. There are real risks to getting this done and vitamin deficiency will be a lifelong concern. Success requires utilizing your team and long term lifestyle change (so does weight loss on your own).

    Most of the responses I'm seeing are fear mongering, 2nd hand accounts for which no one provides a detail medical account of the person. They may or may not understand individual complications. If you want a more supportive environment that will give you an account of people's failures, successes, complications and so on regarding the sleeve, gastricsleeve.com is a good place. It's a reservoir of information that can help to understand better what you're getting into, if you still choose to do it.
  • RBXChas
    RBXChas Posts: 2,708 Member
    You are a very young girl. The complications from this surgery can be severe. When you are in your sessions, I urge you to ask them about how this could possibly affect fertility and your ability to safely and healthily have children. Even if you don't think you'll ever want any now, you could change your mind. This surgery alters a lot more than just your weight. I know a lady who had it done and has had horrible consequences ever since. I know you said you are set on having this done, but please, make sure you ask even more questions and make sure it really is what you need to do.

    ^This x1000!

    My brother had gastric bypass about 12 years ago, and afterwards he was, um, very close to shooting blanks. Add that to his wife's PCOS, and they had to do IVF (not an easy thing, plus $$$$$) to have more children. They'd already had one the "old-fashioned way," so it was not a major problem before.

    My sister had lap-band (which she has since had removed as an emergency surgery because the band slipped and wouldn't even let water through) and had to have it emptied before she even tried conceiving. (She since lost all her weight without the help of the band and regretted having it, especially because it was covered by insurance but her current insurance isn't covering the emergency removal.)

    Point being, WLS can affect future fertility.

    Additionally, just because your insurance covers the procedure now doesn't mean your future insurance will cover complications that may arise later. (See above re: my sister's $8,000 medical bill - she appealed with the insurance company twice and lost twice.)
  • DevilishDivaKLR
    DevilishDivaKLR Posts: 10 Member
    The Gastric Sleeve procedure is different than both the Lap Band and the Gastric bypass procedures. While they are all weight loss procedures they shouldn't be considered one in the same. PCOS actually has an affect on fertility as it affects ovulation so I would lean more towards that being the reason there was an issue with your brother/wife's pregnancy issue. No medical professional here however, but that is a fact with PCOS. Additionally excess weight ALSO has an affect on fertility levels and being able to conceive, so it's best to do what's right for you, esp. since it's been noted that you have health conditions which warrant the procedure. I agree that you should definitely ask these questions to someone who is qualified to give you real medical information.