Question:
Im considering the sleeve and I would like to know if anyone regrets having it done

Any advise. I have about 55 lbs to lose.    — Bohl (posted on June 19, 2009)

June 20, 2009
There are about 5 people (including myself) that go to our bariatric support group who have had the sleeve done. I'm not sure how much each person had to lose, but I don't think any of us regret it in the least! I know I don't. It was the best thing I could have done for myself. I chose it for several reasons - 1) No rerouting of the intestines, so virtually no malnutrition problems as long as you get your nutrients in and get in your protein each day; 2) no dumping; 3) no need to go for fills; 4) don't have the problems with things getting stuck; 5)less feelings of hunger because the part of the stomach they take out is where most of the ghrelin is produced (this is a hormone that signals the brain we are hungry) - however, it does not get rid of "head" hunger - we have to work on that ourselves; 6) less chance of the stomach stretching as the tissue for this part of the stomach doesn't stretch as much, and it is harder to stretch a "tube" shaped pouch than a round pouch. I had the surgery September 5, 2008, and am down a total of 136 lbs - 103 lbs since surgery, the rest in the pre-op diet. Try going to the VGS forumn on this site, and you will be able to feedback from more people, and especially the ones that may have had difficulties. Good luck!
   — Wendy M.

June 20, 2009
I am very glad to see this discussion. I am also considering the gastric sleeve. Dr. will not do a band on me because of diabetes, and I am also arthritic and must take NSAIDS, so no roux-en-y. The sleeve seems ideal for me. Thanks for the insight and i will check out out the VGS forum.
   — pshock

June 20, 2009
I can say that since my surgery on 10/27/09 the only thing I regret is the fact I can't make a pig of myself when I eat (LOL, wink).
   — chell1957

June 20, 2009
I had the band and REGRET not doing the sleeve.. I hate the food getting stuck- vottiming- fills- and THE FLEM -the PAIN even from water at times.... Doctors and staff NEVER mentioned....
   — Eneleh

June 20, 2009
My doctor suggested this surgery as a quality of life issue for bariatric surgeries. He said he would suggest it to his wife over all other options. Good enough for me. I went to all the forums and Yup, the sleeve is downright boring in the area of post operative problems. Go for it. Pat
   — catcat

June 20, 2009
Absolutley no regrets! Sleeve performed Oct. 2005, got to my goal weight of 143 down from 286 in less than 18 months and have been there ever since. THe best testimonial I can give is that one of my very best friends just underwent sleeve in Jan. 2009 at my recommendation. She was initially appalled and opposed to my having WLS back in 2005, and became a complete convert after seeing my success and that I had no complications or issues and can lead an absolutely normal life. Go for it - having the sleeve gastrectomy was the best thing I ever did for myself!
   — StephanieE

June 20, 2009
I would love to get the sleeve however I am appealing to have it done with my insurance right now. The problem is that most insurances are not covering it!
   — Papoose79

June 21, 2009
I'm happy I've had the surgery.I'm at my goal weight and it happened at a steady pace. The problem is insurance co. wo'nt pay for it. I ended up paying for all of it. I didn't like the idea of my stomach being bypassed and possible nutritional problems so the R-Y gastric Bypass was out for me.Didn't want to go in for band fills either. I don't know if you live near a large university hospital but there is research for a procedure called "TOGA".Its done through the mouth and its free.This is very new.
   — gay56