Type of Surgery Changed

I am still scheduled for surgery on 24 Jul 07.  I met with Dr. Elariny this past Weds and he's now convinced me to change from the Lap Band to the VGB with sleeve.  I'm not 100% sure this is what I want (because cutting out your stomach seems too permanent) but I trust him whole-heartedly.  He says I'll lose more weight faster and keep it off longer than the Lab Band.  He also says that guys  tend to do better than women with restrictive surgeries in general. The good news is that I'm following my pre-op diet and I have lost nine or ten pounds in the last two weeks.  My wife says I should continue with the diet and save $20K (I'm a self-pay). The only part that bothers me about WLS in general is that there's a chance to put the weight back on.  I've seen plenty of posts about that on this site alone.  I suppose it's true with any of the surgeries but there's no long-term studies for the VBG with sleeve because it hasn't been done for very long.  I think it's only been around 5 years or so. If my pre-surgery diet is an indication of how things will be, I'll be okay.  I just hope I can adapt to it for the rest of my life.

I do not know about the VGB but I am sure your doctor knows what he is talking about.  I just wanted to encourage you that weight gain after surgery does not have to be an issue for you or any one of us.  I had a hard time wondering if I could stick with the lifestyle changes too.  That is the key to this whole process - lifestyle changes.  There are some things that will change and others that won't but if you want this badly enough you will fight to do what is right for keeping the weight off.  I think we all worry about putting the weight back on because that is the pattern we have all experienced over the years.  Yes, that can happen if we become lazy in our diligence to follow the "pouch" rules, don't establish better habits.  While I am not a health nut even after losing 113 lbs, and I am not perfect in my food choices, I do feel that I am on a life long journey to keep this weight off.  I have promised myself that I will work hard, all the time to do what it takes to stay successful (that does not mean being or becoming perfect because that isn't possible).  I don't ever want to get to the point where I don't care what or how much I am eating.  I hope (and strive) to always be focused and aware of what I am doing so that I won't go back to the old me.  I have said good-bye to her and do not ever plan on seeing her again.   Stay encouraged!  I wish you all the best with your upcoming surgery, speedy recovery and great success!   Robin

Wow, what a great rersponse.  I honestly feel a lot better after reading it.  I'm doing the pre-op dieting right now and have been very good.  I discovered today that I had a small bag of candy in my truck and thought to my myself that having one piece wouldn't be a big deal.  After all, I've lost about 10 lbs and I'm having surgery in 11 days.  I went to open the bag and almost died.  I thought if I couldn't stay stong now, what's the sense in paying big bucks for the surgery.  I would have been a loser in my own mind.  I was so incredibly proud of myself for putting them back unopened.  This little experience tells me that my road is going to be long and hard.  But I think I also found a lot of new friends here to help. I will, of course, be removing the temptation from my truck!! Thank you very much!! --Eric

Hiya Eric, it's one of your soon to be surgery twins (actually, I think there at least four of us -- quads?) anyway, not to throw a spanner into the works but do your research thouroughly, I was convinced i wanted the band, then decided it wouldn't work for me, looked at the RNY but couldn't live with the cons, and finally found the DS.  Ultimately you have to pick what's right for you, but you should be aware of all your options.  Many hugs and can't wait to sit with you on the loser's bench!  Nancy

that surgery scares me to. but i have met people with the lap band and they realy dont lose much. I had the ryn and Most of my friends did and  they are doing great. I had my done last friday and i felt great after 4 days. its been 7 and i feel like my old self. good luck>>>> BArb

I'm incredibly impressed by the quick recovery.  My current plan is to return to work (a desk job) 6 days after my surgery.  I wasn't entirely sure that was a good idea.  Now I feel a little more comfortable about it. Do you still have bandages?  Have you had problems or pain while walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, etc? --Eric

Barb, The people you have met who "really don't lose much" apparently are not working their tool properly.  I've lost nearly 70 pounds in 9 months (26/28 down to a size 18) and there are plenty of people on the LB forum who have lost TONS of weight.  LB is a slower loss and it takes much more committment and control than RNY or the other surgeries that have malabsorption. 

Eric I am sure your doctor knows what is best for you. When you get this tool you will know how to work it. I wish you the best and keep us posted

Thanks for the kind words!!

Hi Eric. I think we have one Maryland member that had a gastric sleeve done. Hopefully, she will see you post and respond to ease your fears.  We may all have had different procedures, but one thing we do have in common- a need to change our lives. That is what is so wonderful about this site. It helps us to do just that. Reading the posts, creating your own, and just seeing the experiences of everyone help to motivate as well as educate us in how to start and keep this new life. Best of luck!!! I know you will be a success!!!