Question:
Are the Gastric Sleevers still happy?

I rec'd a response from some of you out there about your VGS experiences.I am planning it in April.Could some of you update me on how you are doing? I would love to hear if you have been successful and if you had hair loss,acid reflux,dumping syndrome,or other problems.I have an ulcer and I am especially worried about reflux and hair loss. Hope you all are well! Thanks- Kim Croteau    — crazek (posted on January 9, 2009)

January 9, 2009
Oh yeah! I'm thrilled!! I hit goal at 6 months (goal was to be in the normal weight range), and then kept going. I took an acid blocker for about 3 months. The acid over produces for our small stomach at first, but it calms down. I know lots of people who had acid problems before surgery, but then don't after their VSG (of course they should still take an acid blocker for a little while). I started taking biotin before surgery, and then started taking it again as soon as I was able to swallow a pill. We don't have our intestines messed with so we don't have the dumping syndrone the RNY has, but I do get a mini version of it if I eat ice cream or a shake. I guess the liquid goes through my stomach faster and causes me to feel sick. Other than that, there are things I no longer like, that I loved before, but I'm so glad for that. For instance, I don't like most things that fast food places sale. I don't like burgers, or fried foods. I don't miss it at all! Check out my profile and you can see how happy I am. I was able to get off my blood pressure pills 3 weeks after surgery and have had excellent bp since. Let me know if you have any other questions. Also, visit the VSG message board. I learned so much from there.
   — Teresa V.

January 9, 2009
I am quite happy! I am at 110 pounds now. I have slowed quite a bit from my rapid weight loss to begin with, but that is because my physician has DRASTICALLY reduced my thyroid medication. He was worried because it was much too high! With my thyroid levels being as HIGH as they were, I was losing wight RAPIDLY, but I was also at risk for a HEART ATTACK! He dropped my thyroid medication TOO LOW so that he could get AHEAD of the curve, and now he is gradually increasing my thyroid levels so that he ca get them to NORMAL levels. I am once again losing wieght, but at a much slower rate. This is much healthier for me than the RAPID weight loss that I was experiencing before. It isn't quite as EXCITING though. ;-) I have experienced a bit of hair loss, but since my hair was quite thick to begin with, this has been no real problem for me. There has been no dumping syndrome. This is NOT common for VSG patients. Neither is Acid Reflux. The good news for YOU is that this surgery was INITIALLY CREATED to REMOVE ULCERS and STOMACH CANCER, so this should HELP you a great deal! Unfortunately, hair loss seems to be a side effect for SOME people in ALL of the weight loss procedures. It doesn't matter WHICH one you chose. The good news is, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will happen to YOU! EAT PROPERLY, and do what your nutritionist or surgeon TELLS you to do, and your likelihood of having hair loss will be reduced. Make sure you take a good multivitamin. This is the best advice I can give to you. Eat PLENTY of protein. This seems to be the KEY to avoiding hair loss. I hope this helps. Hugh
   — hubarlow

January 9, 2009
Ask your Dr. about "H-Pylori". It is a germ that is the cause of ulcers. You should be prescribed medication for it before your surgery to clear it up.
   — huggybear1

January 9, 2009
I am 4 months post VGS, and have lost 75 lbs to date (15 in the two-week pre-op diet, 60 since surgery. I have no acid reflux, no dumping syndrome (usually related to RNY or DS surgeries), and no hair loss! I attribute having few complications to the fact that I take my multivitamin, iron, and calcium/D supplements, and get in at least 60 g of protein a day. I am extremely happy with the surgery and the results. At my 4-mo post-op visit this week I had maintained my muscle mass, and lost only fat! In fact, the only muscle mass I lost was during the first month - which is typical. I have more energy, enjoy life so much more now that I am able to do so much more, and would not change it for anything in the world! I am off all meds (diabetes, BP, cholesterol, etc.), although I still use my Bi-Pap machine at night (I have sleep apnea) - but I'm hoping I'll be able to get off that soon. Wishing you only the best! Wendy
   — Wendy M.

January 9, 2009
I am very happy about my VGS, I had it done 6 months ago, I am down 85 pounds and into a size 14 from a 24, I exercise about 4-5 days a week. I would do this again in a heartbeat. I still can't eat enough protein, so I do drink a protein drink everyday. I am losing a little hair, but everyone says I can afford it, but that doesnt bother me as I know it will stop soon. I wish you the best of luck on your new lifestyle. God Bless You.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 10, 2009
Hi Kim . . . I'm 12 days post-op and everything is going very well! I must admit I am having significant acid reflux, which I had before surgery to a lesser degree. I understand that this is a short term problem during the healing phase. No dumping syndrome as many others have mentioned that this is primarily seen in RNY patients. No hair loss yet - but I suppose for a guy it's less of a worry. Relax, smile and realize that your health is about to be dramatically improved! Don't sweat the minor annoyances that come from the procedure, they're short lived and easy to deal with at the time. FatBoyNoMore a.k.a. Michael
   — FatBoyNoMore

January 10, 2009
Kim, I couldn't be happier with my sleeve. In fact I am trying to help my daughter get it next, and my sister-in-law had it after she saw my success. I had a small amount of hair loss that lasted about 2-3 weeks, but then stopped. I have not experienced any of the other problems you mentioned. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I've lost 114 lbs in 9 months. About 10 lbs to goal.
   — corky1057

January 11, 2009
Hi Sleevers, Thank you all so much for the quick and kind responses to my questions!Sounds like you are are living the lives you want.So happy for you all.Now maybe I won't chicken out again. Best Wishes! Kim Croteau
   — crazek