Question:
How effective is the gastric sleeve?

   — vanessaguilarte (posted on July 10, 2008)

July 10, 2008
I had the gastric sleeve with mesh band procedure back on March 4, 2008. As of today I have lost 64 lbs. I much prefer this procedure for several reasons: 1) Weight loss begins immediately rather than having to wait until it heals before constricting a lapband; 2) Fewer complications than lapbands; 3) No need to regularly adjust so no maintenance; 4) Lap bands are the least successful because the person still has to be on a real diet in order to make it work, and most of us are in this state because we've struggled with that in the past. However, some folks are nervous because it's not reversible, but you have to reach a mental state where you are committed to changing your life, rather than just opting for the least intrusive. Now, the gastic sleeve procedure is still no miracle cure. You still have to change your habits, exercise, eat less, and stick with the program...but if what you need most is a restrictive procedure, then I think it's the best option. Your milage may vary.
   — suezahn4me

July 10, 2008
I would say very effective. I had the sleeve on 03/17/08 and have lost 40+ pounds and still on a roll. I'm somewhat older and haven't committed to much exercise yet (although I am mostly walking), which will allow me to lose more; I wouldn't have chosen any other surgery. There is more freedom with the sleeve - no fills needed and I can still take NSAIDS when necessary - although I haven't had the need yet. May I suggest you check out the Gastric Sleeve forum to get more results and information. BE BLESSED.
   — datagirl2

July 10, 2008
I had the LapBand procedure and love it so I can't speak from experience, however, I know a lot of people who have had the gastric sleeve and are absolutely thrilled with it. None of the procedures are a "fix" or a miracle cure, you still have to do the emotional work to have long term success. Do your research, attend seminars and support groups and ask around... talk to people with all types of WLS and see how they are doing and how happy they are with their choice. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

July 11, 2008
Research is showing the Sleeve to be about as effective as the bypass, but without all the vitamin deficiencies and long term effects. I had the sleeve on March 31 and have lost 58 lb. I have had more than one dr tell me the more people that learn about the sleeve, the more they expect the trend to turn toward the sleeve.
   — corky1057

July 11, 2008
My surgeon raves about the gastric sleeve, claiming similar success rates to roux en y, without the re-routing of the intestinal tract. However, he says insurance won't generally cover it. Did anyone get their insurance to pay? How?
   — sueshroom

July 11, 2008
Susan brings up a very good point, the data so far is good on the results of the surgery. The insurance companies are more reluctant to pay, just like they were with the band in the begining. Remember ir is your choice, do your research. Good luck
   — Ira Sansolo

July 27, 2008
I went into the information session convinced the Lap Band was for me. Thank god my 18 year old willow of a ballerina listened andinitially processed the information for me. I was so overwhelmed at this point. She actually reexplained all she heard at the oeientation to me, like a mother explains to a child... I then had my appointment later that afternoon with the surgeon. He thought I would be a perfect candidate for the gastric sleeve. I had no other pre exsisting co morbidities so I was very blessed for that. I have lost 145 lbs since November 1 2007. and have about 25 lbs to go. So ... effective is definitly the perfect word for my results. I still am experienceing the no hunger thing. Each day I still struggle to get in my daily protien intake.
   — enpointe

May 3, 2014
Very effective I had the sleeve done 10/15/2013 and I've lost 115 pounds since the surgery
   — mgv1992