Laparoscopic Sleeve Gasterectomy

HI there, I am looking at possibly getting The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gasterectomy done or having a gastric band fitted. I have a BMI of 40,weigh 130kgs and am 33 years old. I have battled with my weight for years and have been on a few diets,with success but not long term success. I was hoping to get some feedback from people who have had either of these procedures or both. Am wondering about the long term results say 3 years plus,whether weight gain has come back so to speak, all the websites I have been to dont have stats on long term results for the LSG. I am a bit unsure of loosing most of my stomach as there is no long term stats for the effects on the body for this. As for the Gastric band I know is initially safer, but can have more complications in the future, but is reversible. If anyone out there could give me some help on this I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks to you all and go well Clyde

Hi Clyde, I had lap band in 2000, and I'm afraid I was a desperado, I initially lost about 60kgs and unfortunately gained back about 35kgs. I have no-one to blame but myself, I couldn't work the tool. Good healthy food blocked me and I had to vomit. Bad/ fatty food slipped past the band with ease, as did liquid calories. I had the lap band removed in 2004 and revised to BPD/DS, I know, very controversial, but I am very happy with the results. I maintain a weight loss of 85kgs with relative ease. What's is right for one person is not always right for another. If you are disciplined, it can work and does for many. I wish you well with your choice. Lesley

Hi Lesley, Thanks very much for your help, I am still researching more and your comments have helped me. I'm not sure on what happens when you get say the LSG or RNY , after you have lost your weight and reached your goal BMI, how do you maintain? Do you eat more high calorie and fat foods? or do you keep losing weight no matter what? Anyway, will keep researching and work something out. Thanks again for your help, its much appreciated. I hope you reach your goals and all goes well for you!! Cheers Clyde

Hi, Dont worry, we have all been through e same questioning that you are doing right now. Unfortunately there is no longterm evidence of the sleeve surgery and the choice is a very personal one. There are pros and cons for all procedures. My surgeon told me to go with my gut feeling which is what I did. I chose the sleeve which I had on 16 october 2007. While the band had the opportunity to be removed, why would you do that unless it was fo a medical reason? The surgeon told me that we would gain 4kgs a week if the band was removed. I didnt want that happening after going through with surgery in the first place.I dont think that they would actually remove it , they just loosen it. No not for me. I'm in this for the longhaul and did not want to be goung back to thr yo yo days of the past. However in saying that, all procedures are justa tool, not a miracle cure. If you consume too much by sipping thickshakes etc, you will not loose weight.It is important to get your head around the fact that you still are in control and the surgery just makes the job easier than going it alone.I started at 100kgs, I am 54 and only 163cm tall/short. I have lost 16 kgs and wow what a difference all ready. I have no regrets at all. Welcome to the club.

I had the LSg and its going great and it's done forever, no contest for me...

Hi Clyde I am in a similar situation to you, although I have my sleeve surgery booked for February 14 (a great date to remember). My surgeon explained to me that alot of people cannot eat certain foods after the band although 6months after the sleeve most foods are tolerable. That made the decision for me. I love red meat and chicken breast and on the whole I eat really healthy foods. My problem is volume - I have a huge appetite. I have lost weight in the past currently I'm 108kg and have a bmi of 38. I have always had great willpower to loose the weight but never able to keep it off. Now after having 2 kids and reaching that magic 40 I find I'm unable to loose 1kg let alone 35kg. So wish me luck for Feb 14. Cheers Kim

Hi , Good luck with the op. I had mine done on Jan 3rd 08 and I'm going really well so far. The surgery seems like a distant memory and it is such a relief to have the support of portion control via my smaller stomach. I did have to lose 10 kilos prior to the op to give my liver a good start. So I have now lost 20 kilos since early Dec 07. I have gone down 2 sizes in clothes, I'm off the diabetic meds and my asthma has gone. I am full of hope for a healthier future and feel so much better already. I am eating most things but in small quantities and very slowly, which is hard and the remembering to chew well. I miss drinking water with my meal. The warning signal for fullness is quite clear in the form of a sort of indigestion feeling in my gut. I alway try to stop eating then as I hate to feel sick. So far it is all going along well and I hope you have a good experience too. Tikka