Has anyone failed with the Vertical Sleeve procedure?

I am curious to know anyone out there who has had problems with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I am only a short time in, had surgery Dec. 15, 2008. I am looking for the DO's and DONT'S from people who have been through this already and can give me some advice. I am so far doing great, but as most people know that can change. Please, any advice....suggestions....information.....websites....etc. would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for your time. My e-mail is [email protected] if you'd like to drop me a line.

Hi there jlmaks.
I haven't got an answer for you - I'm still preop and deciding between lapband and sleeve - and was wondering exactly the same thing! I've seen a few unhappy bandsters on OH forum but all the sleevesters seem pretty satisfied with results.
I just wanted to say - Thanks for asking the question! I'll watch with interest.
All the best,
flyingkiwi

Hello Flyingkiwi,
I can tell you that so far I am very happy I chose the Sleeve procedure. I had been heart set toward the Lap Band until I went to one of my group appointments and spoke with my surgeon. My surgeon didn't say he wouldn't perform a Lap Band surgery, but he wasn't really in favor of them. I have heard too many bad things about them and am very glad I changed my mind. I have been successful so far, so let me know what you choose and we can help each other along our journey's!! Best wishes to you!! ~JODIE~

Had a band and it literally destroyed my insides. Go with the sleeve

 

I had VSG on 5/28/08 and am really happy with it.  I am down a  total of 90 pounds but did lose 34 of that pre-op, starting on 3/14/08.  It has been a great opportunity for me but you do have to work it.  My best advice would be to work as hard as you can to lose as much as you can in the first 6 months when it is the easiest.  I would also urge you to measure yourself so you can see those numbers getting smaller even if the scale isn't moving.  And write down all the things you hate about being obese so you remember everything you have to be grateful for after losing weight!  Sometimes, it's hard to remember all the horrible things!

This has changed my life.  At 90 pounds lighter, everything is easier!  I fit in to an airline seat with no stress that the seat belt won't fit.  Even shaving my legs is easier!  LOL!

DO's
*eat dense protein first
*avoid carbs at all costs; the more of them you eat, the more you want and then you've turned into a carb monster and are getting no nutrition
*drink your water
*commit to an exercise routine; the more energy you expend, the more will come back to you; I promise!
*enjoy the journey


DONT's
*don't even try bread, pasta, rice or potatoes; all they do us ball up, gum up and could stretch your tummy (my opinion only)
*don't freak out when you have a stall; it's gonna happen; follow the pouch rules and you'll break the stall

PM me any time!  I would be happy to answer any questions or just be a buddy!

Good luck to you!  Kim

well said Kim, I am having sleeve end of Jan, nervous, but did do my homework on do and don't and you have hit it on the head.

If you go on to the QE2 hospital in Halifax N.S. they have a list of what to eat when after the surgery, it helps. hope it helps you.

Kim, great job on the weight loss, the only thing the Doc told me is that if I graze, I gain, so do not graze, do not pick at other foods, follow the plan and it will work.

Please keep in touch, I think it helps to see others that have success.

Jackie

Hi there GlitterGal

I just wanted to ask you if you don`t mind me asking of course,, where did you get your Vertical Sleeve Surgery and who can I contact because I would like to Get a VS Surgery,, If you could please help me that would be so much help for me because I don`t know who to contact in order for me to get this type of surgery.

Thanks again and hope you can replay my question..    

i HAD a VSG 7 years ago by Dr. Aceves. It went beautifully. I reached my goal of 118. This last year has been the most stressfull in my life. I have uprooted myself from my lifetime home to move to Hillbilly Hill  NorCAL to help my ageing parents and the weight has crept back up to 160. I had a VSG revision in November by another doctor and I have not lost a pound nor do i feel ANY different than before this last surgery. I wonder if my scar tissue from previous lip was too much and he pulled out. i really truly dont think anything was done. I am depressed and desperate.

i HAD a VSG 7 years ago by Dr. Aceves. It went beautifully. I reached my goal of 118. This last year has been the most stressfull in my life. I have uprooted myself from my lifetime home to move to Hillbilly Hill  NorCAL to help my ageing parents and the weight has crept back up to 160. I had a VSG revision in November by another doctor and I have not lost a pound nor do i feel ANY different than before this last surgery. I wonder if my scar tissue from previous lip was too much and he pulled out. i really truly dont think anything was done. I am depressed and desperate.

Hello there.  I will be 1 year post surgery this Saturday.  I mfeel my sleeve failed.  I started at 216 and now weigh 169.5.  I went down to 161 and regained.  I stopped loosing 4 months after surgery.  I had some set backs with food getting caught in my esophagus which caused a lot of pain. Was diagnosed with Barretts esophagus but when the results came back from the biopsy it was just an inflamation.  I was instructed to drink water with my meals now.  I can eat a lot of food now and I am hungry all the time.  I go to the gym 3 to 5 times a week and do cardio and weights. I feel healthier but am disappointed in the weight loss.  If I had to do it over I would choose the by pass surgery instead.  The sleeve is great for a lot of people it just didn't work for me.  I hope you have great success with yours.