Question:
Complications from gastric sleeve?

I am considering gastric sleeve.I have read some blogs from people on various sites who c/o problems such as losing hair,nausea/vomiting.gastric reflux,dehydration due to not being able to drink enough fluid and starving despite the fact that the hormones are removed with gastric sleeve.I thought most of these problems were related to bypass.Can someone who has had gastric sleeve bring me up to speed ?    — crazek (posted on August 22, 2008)

August 22, 2008
I had the gastric sleeve. The problems (or most) that you described are pretty common with any WLS. The hair loss is due to the surgery and losing weight so fast. I didn't have any noticeable hair loss. My hair always looked so healthy. In fact, people said "you don't look like you had WLS because you look so healthy and your hair looks so healthy". I had nausea but it was because of the surgery. I was having problems with the pain meds. I was perfect on day 4. It's hard to get your liquids in at first because of the swelling, which is common with WLS. I really think if you try your best, you shouldn't get dehydrated. I was never hungry. I started feeling hunger at 6 months post op, but it wasn't the starving feeling that I used to have. It was more of a gentle reminder to eat and only when it is time to eat. I was put on an acid blocker after surgery. The stomach produces acid, and the reason they put you on the acid blocker is because your stomach will be so small and it doesn't really know to not produce as much acid as before. There isn't anywhere for it to go now because the stomach isn't the size it was. Eventually the stomach realizes the surgery was done and it slows down and you can get off the acid blockers. At first, I had a strange feeling in my stomach that I thought might be hunger. My stomach would make noises and stuff. I later found out that was just the sensation of my stomach healing. Lots of people mistake it for hunger, but after 2 or 3 weeks it goes away. Let me know if you have anymore questions and I'd be happy to answer. I love everything about my sleeve. I went from wearing a size 22 pants and 3x shirt to a size 4 pants (sometimes 2) and small shirt. I was at goal at 6 months. My goal was to be a normal bmi on the weight charts. For me that was to weight 140 lbs, and I now weight 119.
   — Teresa V.

August 22, 2008
I had the sleeve on 2/27, i love it. I have lost 116 pounds and counting. I have lost hair, I have had nausea and I have had dumping. Considering this I still love it.I have never been starving or dehydrated. If you follow doctors orders to the letter especially in the begining it makes it that much easier. I do get upset stomach sometimes and have to run (fast) to the restroom but i am still very happy with my sleeve. I have to still make choices but the sleeve definitely restricts your overeating. You will throw up if you over eat but your body sends you the signal and you learn to listen. Hope this helps a little. I also started out at 400 pounds and still have a ways to go but I have finally gained control through my sleeve and I love it!!
   — lulubelle3280

August 22, 2008
I had the Sleeve done on July 22nd, so only 5 weeks out, but have had only one problem, that being pulled muscle from over doing it, because I am feeling so much better that I just went over my limits, I have had no nausea, no dehydration, dont feel hungry, have to force/remind myself to eat at times, I would have this done again in a minute. I have lost 34 pounds and can't wait to lose more. I walk anywhere from 2-5 miles a day, going to start swimming in the fall and I have free access to a gym for only patients that have had WLS. Good Luck to you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 22, 2008

   — lajean77

August 23, 2008
Kim, I had VSG on June 23, 2008. The incision got infected, but a couple rounds of antibiotics took care of that. I haven't had any problems other than that, I can eat anything, even Mexican food without trouble. I went home with pain med, but didn't need it after 4 or 5 days, I went out shopping 6 days after surgery. The incision, where they put the stapler in, hurt for about 6 weeks, not too bad, just when I turned a certain way, however it was liveable. Everybody's different. The hair loss comes from stress from surgery and not getting enough protein, or so I'm told, I'm not looking forward to next month (3 months out) so I'm making sure to get in all of my protein. Hair loss starts around 3 months out and can last up to 6 to 8 months out, but it will grow back. I think I'll get a wig! May God Bless You Abundantly, Kathie
   — KathieV

August 23, 2008
These problems can and do happen with all types of WLS. Dawn
   — DawnVic