Sleeve???

OK anyone here have any complications with the sleeve and or major issues? Thinking of getting it instead of the band?? Any suggestions?

Thanks Jennifer

Hey Jennifer,
We've already talked & you know I love my band.  I have a few friends who have done the bypass and a few who have done the sleeve.  Only one of us regrets our surgery and that was one of the bypass people.  In all fairness, she regrets it because she has not lost as much weight as she and her doctor expected.  BUT, she's been drinking a lot of alcohol (liquid fat calories for any WLS patient) and not exercising.

When I was making my decision, I really did not know much about the sleeve.  My decision was between the bypass that my insurance would pay for (but only at their one approved hospital whose surgeons did not have great stats at that time), or doing a selfpay surgery.  My husband was amazingly supportive (after he was done blowing a gasket) in agreeing we'd save up enough money to do the band.  Making the decision was really tough.  Looking back, I would have to say it came down to surgeons.  I trust my surgeon Rajan Nair with my life literally.  I just did not have faith in the ones doing the bypass at the time for our insured hospital. 

So that is my story.  I know a few people now who have had the sleeve, and my surgeon is going to start doing it soon as well.  If I had the available cash and Dr Nair was doing the sleeve a year and a half ago?  I think I would have gone for that one.  PM me (private message).  I will check with my friend on OH who has had the sleeve & see if she would mind answering any questions you may have about it. 

Like the band (or any of the surgeries), it is a tool.  My friend is doing phenominal with her sleeve.  Looks and feels amazing & she's only 11 mos out. 

Ultimately, just remember, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.  Eat right, exercise, and enjoy your new life - no matter which surgery you choose.
Amy  (p.s. If you can afford it, there are some great books on amazon and at your local book store that break down all of the surgeries.  there's even a Weight Loss Surgeries for Dummies book!)

Yes, Thanks I will look into that... Can you please ask her to PM me and I will talk to her if she doesnt mind.  Ill ck back with you if I dont hear from her in a week or sooo.  Thanks again for answering my questions b/c I am leaning more towards the sleeve at this point! :)

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, 

I am having the sleeve done on June 2nd-so I would be able to give you updates if needed. I know 2 people that have had the bypass, and 1 person with band, and one with sleeve. I never wanted the bypass, so my decision was between band and sleeve. Overall, I didn't want some foreign object in my body. The guy I know who had the lapband lost a great amt of weight, and he looks great..but he did have complications later (on a flight one time they had to do an emergency stop- somehow the band slipped- probably due to altitude...not sure if this is common?)

Just look into pro's and cons of each. The sleeve is newer, which can be scary- but I wasnt interested in going back to tighten and loosen the band

Thanks for replying bit I'm now 2 years post op today. I have lost a total of 190 lbs feel free to ask any question and good luck!!

Wow! Thats amazing- I am currenlty 325lbs, and I am looking to lose that much too. Any major complications, would you do it over?

I would do it again... wish I did it 10 years ago... u just have to b at peace w ur decision. U will do fine I'm now 155-160lbs.  I started off at 346. Feel free to take a look at my profile lots of blogs and good info. My goal is to do a tummy tuck next summer if I can get my finances in order. Good luck keep in touch let  me know how it goes!!! ;)

I don't know alot about the sleeve but I do know a large majority end up with severe reflux, they do lose a great deal of there weight but they have no malabsorbtion, only restriction, so the weightloss is tougher.  You still have to take supplements.

With lap band, the complications are endless.  Reflux is a major problem as well plus band slippage, band errosion and band flippage.  You dont' lose as much weight and you have to go for constant fills or unfills depending on your weight.

RNY - almost no reflux, diabetes goes away.  Large weight loss but possible dumping.  Malabsorbtion so you have to take supplements.  No NSAIDS or you can get ulcers.

 Thanks  Congrats on your weight loss!! 

Jennifer

I think saying that "a large majority end up with severe reflux" is innacurate.  My doctor doesn't agree with this statement.  In addition, I'm on the VSG board A LOT, and it doesn't seem like the majority of us have severe reflux.  Personally, my reflux got better after surgery.