400 pounder... should I sleeve???

Just FYI---you live in CA, so you can MAKE your insurance company cover the DS if you want it. (Long story---PM me if you want more details.)

I chose the DS because---well, because I knew I had an elephant to kill so I bought an elephant gun. (*grin*) And yes, I had mine done all at once. In fact, I'd never heard of doing it in two stages until about an HOUR before I went under the knife! My surgeon told me that every morning that he 'might' need to do mine in two stages because of my high BMI. The first thing I asked when I awoke was "Did he do it ALL?" (*grin*)

Bypassing most of the duodenum and the jejunum makes a major change in gut hormones, and unlike the minor bypassing done in the RNY, it's not something the body is capable of just 'getting over', so it's permanent. (If you want in-depth details, LMK---I can get you some studies.)

I do eat between 2500-3000 calories every day. Depending on exactly where those calories come from, I absorb about half of them. Most days I do get the majority of my calories from protein and fat, but I do eat both complex and simple carbs every day, too.

Good luck to you, whatever you choose!

Nevermind. Got the metabolic component! Must be nice!!!

You can do it! I was 502 on the day of surgery. If you're willing to work your tool, it will work for you. :o)

I have PCOS and was 402lbs. I was sleeved just over 2 years ago and have had great success (over 150 lbs). If you have any questions feel free to send me a message I am an open book

I started out with a bmi of 53. I am 55 years old, and have pretty bad arthritis (need knee replacements) I am what is called, a "slow loser" -- but EVEN as a SLOW loser, I have lost 85 pounds in 10 months ! Add that to my 34 pounds lost pre-op in just about 5-6 months and I've lost 119 pounds in 15 months. My bmi is now 34. I've gone from SMO (super morbidly obses) to ALMOST just OVERWEIGHT (another 14 pounds !)

I exercise 4 days a week at a ladies gym, but don't do the machines that put too much pressure on my knees. I can only walk about 15 to 20 minutes at a time due to my joint disease. But If I can lose this amount starting at 300 pounds, and now at 181 -- You CAN do this with a sleeve !!!

Thank you for posting this! I believe it is the VSG that will keep me from getting knee replacements. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis is my left knee a year ago and replacements were in my future but they said I would have to wait until I was older. The only relief that said would be weight loss.

I still have to be careful w/my history but I haven't had any knee pain since surgery. I do water aerobics now 3-4 days a week and modified cardio at home 1 day a week on average. Your loss of 119 along w/the obstacles that you fight through proves VSG does work if you work it!

Keep up the good work!

You guys are so encouraging! I think this is the first time I've actually felt EXCITED about the surgery. I mean REALLY excited. I'm glad I've finally made up my mind on which surgery to do. Thank you guys for helping me decide and for sharing your stories with me!

Well I can not say that I was successful with the sleeve at your size....I was 112lbs heavier!  Though I guess we could split hairs on if I've reached "successful" yet.  :)

On November 23, 2010 I met with my surgeon for the initial consultation.  I was 492lbs, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.  My knees were constantly aching and by the end of the day, actually by about 7 or 8pm, I was falling asleep consistently. 

I received my sleeve on Jan 10, 2011.  My weight at surgery was 456lbs.

As of November 14, 2011, 10 months and 4 days post -op, I weighted 220lbs (my once thought never to be attained goal).    I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea.  I feel so much better than I could have ever imagined.  My life is completely different. 

So the short answer from my perspective, yes the sleeve can be effective for those with high BMI's and starting weight. 

Good luck as you move forward with your soon to be greatly improved life. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. 

Oh my goodness!! In just 10 months!?! That is so awesome! I am definitely going to contact you. Thank you.

All I can say is Paull, you rock! I weighed in at 491 the week before surgery and 502 the day of surgery. I am down to 452 and today marks officially 2 months.

You are proving that major losses are possible and that encourages me to keep it up! Your accomplishments are what I am aiming for. What type of workouts did you do and at what stages?

Good work and I wish you continued success! :o)