Gastric Sleeve

I have completed all of my pre-op testing and I have to decide what type of surgery.  I have been planning on the gastric sleeve from the very beginning of this journey.  My doctor just wants me to be sure and wants me to consider gastric bypass as well.  I am a 46 year old woman who has had type-1 diabetes since I was 11.  I weigh 245 lbs and I have made the choice to have bariatric surgery because in the past year I have had problems with high blood pressure and high chlosterol.  As a child growing up in the 70;s, I was told by my doctors that people with type-1 diabetes have sever complications and their life expectancy is not extremely long.  I have had complications - I am blind in one eye and I wear a shell so that the blind eye stays open.  I feel good except for the weight.  I want to live to see my children get married, have children and to retire with my husband and have a healthy life. 

I would like to hear from any one who has had the gastric sleeve surgery.  I am anxious to hear other peoples' experiences regarding post-op problems, diets, exercise, as well as their experience with pre-op diets.

Thanks for the help!!

Congratulations for deciding to have weight loss surgery! This is definitely a huge decision to make.   I don't have any experience with the gastric sleeve but I did have the gastric bypass. 
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and during my pregnancies I had to take 5 insulin shots a day.  Just like you I decided to get the surgery because I wanted to be healthy and to be there for my children and grand babies.  I am was 41 when I had surgery and I had 2 grandbabies at the time.

The surgery was the best thing I could ever do for me and my family. My diabetes has been resolved ever since day 2 of surgery and I have never had to take any meds for it.  I had a little complication after my surgery you can read about it in my profile go to the archives for march of 2007. But as we all know for any type of surgery there is a risk.  After it was taken care of I have not had anymore issues.
I have lost a total of 105.5 pounds since the day of my surgery and I even ended up pregnant 3 months after have gbs (not planned) everything is great and I have no regrets.

I exercise 3 times a week and I go walking at least 5 times a week. 

I did 3 months of pre op diet visits. I stopped drinking soda all together and started to eat in smaller portions, more often like 6 times a day and added protein drinks to my diet. it helped me be prepared for the new life after surgery.

I want to wish you all the best in your journey.  Whatever decision you make it will be the best for you. We are here for you!
Take care and welcome to the MD forum.

I just had the sleeve on 10/10.

I came to the decision because:

1.) my insurance would cover it so it was an available option
2.) I did not consider the band an option due to the amount of weight I had to lose (surgeon agreed - it was RNY or sleeve).
3.) Recent studies are showing weigh loss data similar to RNY
4.) Main difference between RNY and sleeve is RNY is malabsorptive and restrictive while sleeve is only restrictive.  Restrictive aspect is similar.  Malabsorption causes RNY patients to not absorb 10% of calorie intake.  So if people with both surgeries ate 800 calories in a day....the RNY pt would absorb 720 and the sleeve pt would get all 800.  I figured even without malabsorption I could lose weight.
5.) Less ulceration, malnutrition with sleeve vs RNY.
6.) Less vitamins to take with sleeve vs RNY.
7.) Lower incidence of dumping syndrome as your stomach is still connected to pylorus.


The biggest drawback was there is less long-term data.  Many surgeons who perform the sleeve procedure think it will be the gold standard in the field once they get all the data compiled (5-10 yrs). 

I'm limited in my post-op experience as it has only been 9 days.  But so far things have gone very well.  I'd be happy to answer any specific questions.

 I had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on 3/21/08 with Dr. Andrew Averbach.  I couldn't be happier.  It was the best decision of my life.  I chose the sleeve because i didn't want a band (heard too many stories about problems with slipping, etc.), and the RNY could potentially present problems with malabsoption.  I have MS and takes tons of meds for it and could not afford to have my meds interferred with thru malabsorption.  Also heard other things about the RNY like continuous diarreah, problematic odiferous gas, etc.  The best option for me was the Sleeve,.  The weigh loss rate is comparable to RNY and the potential negative side effects are less.

Whatever u decide, good luck with ur choice.

Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if they cover it. I have UHC and they denied me twice. There are also alot of other ones that don't approve the sleeve surgery due to no long term studies being done on it. I have had to resort to getting the band which I didn't want but I guess it will have to do because I don't want anything rerouted like bypass. But be sure to check so you don't get disappointed.