Comments on: Gastric Sleeve Procedure Under Scrutiny at Bariatric Surgery Conference

By: Vicki

Vicki — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:03:15 +0000

I have been wanting to do something about the extra weight for some time but scared to death . I am close to Evansville,In. Do you know any good doctors near this area?? Please help me get a doctor that is good and that I can trust. I am considering the sleeve. What do ya think?

By: Tina

Tina — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:28:56 +0000

Just a question for Melani……did you ever hit a plateau along your journey so far?? I had surgery 6/29/11 and have been playing with the same 4 pounds up and down since the first of Nov. I was losing a solid 2 pounds a week from month 2 – 5 and have lost a total of 63 so far, but none of that has been in the last 6 weeks! They say a plateau is normal, but Im sick of being up here!!

By: crystal

crystal — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:59:10 +0000

Anyone had gastric sleeve in Tijuana Mexico?

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:29:28 +0000

I just had a VSG done three weeks ago, I weighed in at 354 lbs six months ago in which I started a weight lost program before surgery, one life change that needed to be made in this journey, I have no problems with vomiting or diarrhea,the hardest part was the clear liquid phase but know it is going to be better in the long term as I do need to heal. This is not a hey look I can loose and not have to do anything for it program, this surgery was a tool to be used along with life changes of eating and exercising. I am down to 279 but my goal is obtainable and everyone should remember you did not put this weight on overnight and you will not loose it overnight Good luck in your journey’ …

By: Tabbi

Tabbi — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:35:26 +0000

I am a 40 yr old female, I had the gastric sleeve surgery July 11, 2011 Pre surgery weight 258 lbs. My current weight 5 months later is 201 lbs. Total weight loss 57 lbs. I would like to keep in contact and motivate each other and share stories through this weight loss journey. Please email me back if interested.

Thanks in advance,
Tabbi
Tabbi77022 [at] yahoo [dot] com

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:43:01 +0000

I had my initial VSG surgery in spring of 2010. I lost 65 pounds very quickly but by October 2010 the weight loss stopped and, as I am 5’4″ and my starting weight was 253 lbs, I knew I wasn’t finished my weight loss. Depression settled in and before I knew it by January 2012 I was over-eating and had re-gained 25 pounds (back up to 213).

Did I stretch my sleeve? Was not enough taken off in the initial surgery? I didn’t know but I did know I could eat WAY more than anyone else I knew who’d had a sleeve. After a barium xray (I think that is what it is called) showed that my sleeve was HUGE and was shaped more like “P” or a “B”, I was booked for revision surgery which I had in September 2011.

I can now only eat a teaspoon or two at a time and 75% of the time I throw up everything I’ve eaten — including soups — even though I chew my food 25-30 times before swallowing. I’m losing weight because I CANNOT keep anything down and am down 95 pounds as of today (55 pounds since my revision surgery).

Has anyone else had vomiting issues like me?

Final note, even though I’ve had problems, I would recommend the VSG to anyone. Yes it is hard, but this time I know the weight will stay off!

By: Austin

Austin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:47:21 +0000

I was originally scheduled to have Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery but because of a recent kidney removal due to kidney cancer (all gone now), I couldn’t have it laproscopically. I spoke to a leading autority at GW University Hospital and their tests show that the bypass actually compensates after 3 years and absorbs as much as before in the shortened pathway. They say the sleeve is their primary choice now.

I am potentially having surgery on 12/15/11 at Hopkins, but having trouble with my surgeons support staff who havent been able to obtain insurance apporoval after 3 months. I am 370 lbs and really hoping this will work for me. However, I find some of the comments on this site rather scary.

By: Elizabeth Mora

Elizabeth Mora — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:00:10 +0000

i had my surgery on June 14, 2011. I had high cholesterol and high triglycerdes, sleepapnea. I was weighing 213. Wearing a size 18. Today five months later I weigh 158 wear a size 10/12. I feel so much better have energy, just feel so much better. Wish i would of done it sooner.

By: Melani

Melani — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:51:01 +0000

I had the gastric sleeve surgery June 3rd 2011. I have been very happy with it. I have lost a total of 63 pounds. I started at 265 and am now 202. I went from a size 22 (very tight) to a 16. I feel great and have lots of energy. I had no complications and can eat whatever I want (just in smaller portions). The only restrictions I have are no drinking during meals and no carbonation. The weight loss has slowed to a pound a week but as long as I am still losing I am happy. I have 30 more pounds to be at my goal.

By: Luci

Luci — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:27:27 +0000

Hello Susan and Meredith,

Getting my VSG at MGH in a few weeks. Would love to discuss the surgery with you two.

By: MARTHA E BELL

MARTHA E BELL — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:17:04 +0000

hello my surgery was on 4-26-11 i lost 129 pounds i am so happy!

By: Meredith

Meredith — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:52:33 +0000

Hi Susan,

I am from Boston too, but going to Tufts. I am interested to know about your decision to make the sleeve your choice of surgery. Send me an email if you like dootdado13@aol.com

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:15:01 +0000

I’m scheduled for surgery(sleeve) in 3weeks at Mass. General Hosp. I haven’t seen many comments from this area. Would like some feedback.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:57:24 +0000

Hi, I know everyone’s situation is different but I’m considering having the sleeve surgery. I’ve tried every diet out there but can’t seem to lose over 10 pounds. My 18 year old daughter is also considering the surgery. Any suggestions about having the surgery at such a young age. She has tried dieting and exercise and is constantly busy with her 19 month old son and can’t lose either.

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:55:49 +0000

Victoria, Reconsider going to by pass instead of sleeve. A woman at church and I had surgeries about the same time she had a sleeve and I had a by pass. This was end of August first of September. I have lost 75 she has lost 45. I do know that women do not lose as fast as men. However every week when we see each other she says that she wishes she had gotten the bypass. You have better control of hunger and a lot more malabsorbtion.
Whatever you decide, good luck with surgery and your new you

By: Alison

Alison — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:00:08 +0000

I had the surgery Sept 13 and there have been no complications. My energy is high and I work out with a trainer 3 times a week and group training 3 times a week. I am 5’7″ weigh 257 and have lost virtually nothing since the surgery 7 weeks ago. I am following my doctors advice religiously and he tells me to be patient.

I feel pretty hopeless.

By: VICTORIA

VICTORIA — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:10:31 +0000

my name is victoria. i’m in my 60′s and i am considering the sleeve as my last resort to diet. i lost 34 lbs in the first 4 months, preop. i’ve kept 29 pounds off to date. i have another surgery to get through before having the sleeve but i am quite excited about it and hope to resolve lateral health issues such as prediabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol after surgery. thank you all for sharing your stories. they helped me to get to the right decision for my.

By: MARTHA E BELL

MARTHA E BELL — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:28:40 +0000

Docpjm that happen to me by the second month I have pneumonia I never has a leak
but went i started fell sick i call my doctor and he fixes my problems in one day i okey now and happy the only thing i dont wound gain weight again in my life now i 174 pounds i was 273 pounds my surgical date was 04/26/11.

By: MARTHA E BELL

MARTHA E BELL — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:20:24 +0000

cindy i went to south mississippi surgical and weight loss center. my doctor name is Williams T Avara the tephone number is 228-875-3778 call and ask for Valorie Barnes she is sweet person.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:51:23 +0000

I had VSG in Nov 2009, had many complications, admitted to hospital approximately one month post surgery with dehydration (renal failure). My blood work was off for quite some time. I only LOST 53 lbs. and that was in the first 7 months. Since that time my weight has been creeping back up and the stomach has stretched. I have been to the hospital two other times to be on IV’s because of dehydration. I had low potassium the day after I got home from the hospital and I could have had a heart attack due to the potassium level being so low. I have chronic fatigue most days and have to lay down and sleep. I don’t know what the answer is but you are the person that has to make up your mind. I realize I could have died…….I guess we all are dying to be THIN. I have had to have constant medical care, frequent blood work and a fluroscopy recently which showed the stomach has stretched from the 3-4 ounce size post surgery. Do your homework but realize things can happen. I had about 70 lbs to lose….lost 53 and weight has been creeping up since 7 mths post surgery. This was my experience.

By: tina

tina — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:07:33 +0000

i am scheduled with Dr Joya in Puerto Vallarta, HAS ANYONE SEEN HIM?
Thanks Sleevers, you guys are amazing!

By: Docpjm

Docpjm — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:44:52 +0000

Had sleeve done 11/10. Started @ 262 and have lost about 80-83 pounds. Surgery was easy to endure; eating is ok – just smaller quantities of everything I used to eat. I did have a complication which continues. One week postoperative started coughing & throwing up – by 3rd month diagnosed with pneumonia, but sometime between op and the 3rd month had a “leak”. After cat scan and swallow test found that leak had healed but 2 tiny abcesses developed bottom left of diaphragm – causing the persistent coughing. Also wi weight loss no doctor adjusted my thyroid med which resulted in elevated heart rate (154). Ht rate issue since resolved, but 10 months postoperative & no one has answer about the cough. Cat scan shows 2 abcesses almost completely resolved, but something obviously is angering my diaphragm / coughing mechanism. Have a consult with pulmonary in 2 weeks. The surgery was a rave sucess, my knees feel great and I’m enjoying the weight loss – now I have to quit coughing. Any ideas

By: alison

alison — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:23:02 +0000

Evelyn,
As the post op swelling in the newly created ‘sleeve’ stomach slowly but steadliy subsides you can gradually eat more and more types of food. After 5 or 6 months I felt able to eat anything I wanted. The benefit to me of the sleeve is that you feel satisfied with much less than before. There is a ‘fashion’ many sleevers seem to embrace for eating high protein, low carb diets post op for weight loss. However I was told that only whilst the sleeve was swollen and therefore space was limited to concentrate in getting in my RDA of 60 grammes of protein first, then fruit and veg and then carbs if space allowed. I now eat what I consider is a ‘normal’ persons diet of all food groups, protein, fruit and veg, carbs and fats. To be honest in my case, my pre surgery ability to calorie count is more useful to me than a pro protein obsession. Some high protein diets are high fat and the health of your heart needs to be considered even as a sleever as we digest food the same as a non wls person. There is however concern over vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of Intrinsic factor which is normally produced in ‘normal’ stomachs. It is a long terms worry that should be an issue to consider as it can be irreversible and serious.

By: EVELYN

EVELYN — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:07:16 +0000

WAT TYPE OF FOOD CAN YOU EAT.

By: alison

alison — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:18:38 +0000

Re Johnnys query re burning pain in mid section post vsg.

I had my vsg 17 Jan 11 in London. From what you say Johnny it sounds as if you may have irritation to your small sleeve from stomach acid. My surgeon states that I, like all his patients, will always be on 40mg of omeprazole each morning as a matter of course to prevent this forever. And I am on 650mg of urseodexochloric acid as well indefinitley to help prevent gallstones as my stomach consumes my fat. Maybe you should talk to your Doctor and see if you can have this looked into as if I am correct and you leave it alone you could develope an ulcer or erosion in your sleeve. Apparently I have read that there are concerns over this as a major long term down side with the sleeve. All the best.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:16:54 +0000

Hello Martha, Where did you have to go to have your surgery? I need to so bad I feel like my life is at a dead end street if I dont do something about my weight quick. I anm so glad for you!! Cindy

By: MARTHA E BELL

MARTHA E BELL — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:06:15 +0000

I just had my gastric sleeve surgery, I am very happy thank you very much to all staff of South Mississippi Surgical Center and especial to my Doctor Willian T Avara for everithing the he do to made me happy , for all the good things that have happened in this beautiful year. the first day of my operation were hard many terrible nausea and pain, but then I started to walk and exercise and eat more slowly and chew food, 273 pounds had 5.9 of height and weight 196 pounds now that I’m happy and if I were to make me again my operation I would be happy yes i recomende this surgery for any body that wound to be happyyyyyy

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:14:08 +0000

I am 38 and 5’0. As of June 1,2011 I weighed 375. I started my 2 week pre op diet on that day had my surgery on June 14,2011. I went to the doctor yesterday July 6th, I have lost 40 lbs. Yesterday I also started on solid foods. I was out of work for 10 days, and in a lot of pain the first couple of days following my surgery but now I feel fine. I just have some neausea every now and then. I too just decided I was tired of being too heavy to do anything…..I would recommend this surgery to anyone except for maybe those that need to lose less than 50 lbs. If I only needed to lose 50 lbs. I would hire a hot trainer and get to the gym.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 02:48:46 +0000

I’m 216 pounds and stand 5″4′ at 48 years old, by the way. I want to see my grand children through their early years at the very least.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 02:46:55 +0000

I’m seriously looking at this surgery. I have a friend that had the LAP band. It is no longer in place and she has a scar from crouch to breast where the infection had to be taken out over and over again. My sister had the bypass and non-adjustable band. It became over grown within her and had to be removed, she also had and always will have an issue keeping food down. I have no coverage for the surgery but I do for pre and post, I’ll get the money somehow.

By: Blowing Up in The Big East NOLA

Blowing Up in The Big East NOLA — Mon, 30 May 2011 06:26:48 +0000

I am 43 years old, I had my VSG Memorial Weekend 2007. I am 4’11″ tall, the morning of surgery I weighed in at a whopping 235 lbs, I had zero complications and a speedy recovery. I was extremely regimented and followed the doctors order exactly never one straying or cheating, very regimented. I was ahead of the all the others and quickly lost 100 lbs effortlessly without one lick of exercise. I went from a size 18/20 to a svelt petite size 2! Petite was never a word I would associate myself when describing me. People who meet me for the first time never would have guessed I ever had a weight problem. I am exactly this weekend, 4 years post op. I am very sad and depressed. 6 months ago I gained 10 lbs back, I went to my general practioner, he ran blood test and said my vitamin d is low and told me to take 2000 mg per day. I have always maintained my vitamin count, I take a centrum silver for women, vitamin 2 2000mg, 2 ea 500 mg calcium chews, & 6000 mg of vitamin B12 per day. When I incorporated the vitamin, i lost the 10 lbs and leveled out, so i wasn’t concerned any longer. Now it has been 3 months again and over these past 3 months, i have gained 20 lbs. what is going on and why am I gaining weight? My stomach is still a 4 oz tubular stomach, i cannot sit down and eat all of a meal, any meal. I always eat 1/4 or at the most 1/2 of my lunch, dinner, etc. I usually eat 1/2 my lunch, then eat the other 1/2 for dinner. I am not sure what is going on or why. My size 2 no longer fits & I now have the wardrobe I have wanted my entire life, except now, nothing fits! I am up to a 12 top and a 8 bottom. I am not happy this at all, especially after being a CASH pay for this surgery. I do freelance marketing & modeling and I am concerned this weight gain will cost me business. I need to get it all off and in a hurry, I need advise, what should I do? Tuesday morning, i will be making an appt with my general practitioner and the bariatric doctor that performed my VSG. I am hoping there is a quick fix here. Meantime, I am going to get back to basics and act like i’m having the surgery all over again. I will start my clear liquids & protein tooters for 1 week, upgrade myself to to full liquids cream base soups and gladiator smoothies for the 2nd week, soft foods for week 3 and full foods week 4, no breads, no soda, no rice, no pasta, odd because when I started to incorporate the starch in my diet, i still eat the red beans without rice, i do have pasta with my meatballs, i never eat bread unless i make a sandwich and i usually make an open face 1 side of bread only or if i eat hamburger which i can only eat 1/2. I will say, the VSG saved my life and is the best weightloss surgery out there, in my opinion. I will keep everyone informed on my findings and will let you know what the pros say about my weight gain. I am more depressed now than ever! This may have something to do with it to. My main profession is outside sales, I am a woman in outside selling items in a male dominant field, I sell welding supplies, gases, tools, safety etc, to petro chemical plants, oilfield, shipyards, construction firms, etc. I have been doing this for 25 years am an overachiever and very good at it. I am concerned if I don’t get a handle on my weight it will cost me my career too. Nobody wants to buy anything from a FAT GIRL! Keep you posted!
Blowing Up In The Big Easy NOLA
Louisiana

By: johnny

johnny — Sat, 28 May 2011 20:39:58 +0000

I had vsg in 08 i had problems every since with this buring sensation in my mid section of my stomach can anyone comment on this …

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 24 May 2011 03:39:23 +0000

I had my Sleeve surgery Feb 7, 2011. TO date I have lost 88 lbs. I am 5’6 and before surgery weighed 289 lbs. The nice thing about the surgery is that for some reason appetite seems to go away. With the smaller stomach only a few oz of food is needed. I do have to take vitamins and calcium but for me I take one Flintstone chewable vitamin and vitafusion gummy calcium with Vitamin D. THey are quite tasty. From what I have learned and read most of the weight will come off in the first 6 months but small amounts will be lost up to a year and a half later. For those considering the procedure it is advised not only to take a before picture but to measure your neck, arms, thigh, stomach and hips. Many times you might hit a plateau and just not see it on the scale however if you measure and take the measurements monthly you can see results when the scale says none.

By: Cally

Cally — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:57:50 +0000

Hi, I had gastric sleeve surgery April 29th 2009. I have lost 130 pounds and lost 100 of it within 11 months. I weighed 255 day of surgery, wore a size 22 pant, today I weight 125 and wear a size 2-4 pant!!! I have never felt better in my life! I eat whatever I want however I eat healthy 80% of the time and workout at least 4 days a week. I ran a half marathon last summer and I am signed up for the same one in less than 2 months from now! I never puke, I can drink with my meals, I just have to eat smaller portions. I have been the same weight now since last August and plan on staying this weight. All my labs are great, my cholesterol levels are wonderful. The HDL (good one) increased, my LDL(bad one) decreased and my total went from 235 to 170! I am 35 years old and feel better now than I ever have in my whole life and I was not overweight until I was in my late 20′s but feel better now then when I was thin and 23!!! I totally recommend the surgery! I am soooooo happy I didn’t wait to get it. I now am enjoying life again!!!!

By: Joan

Joan — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 22:31:07 +0000

I had this procedure on March 10/11. To date I have lost 25 ponds and have had no complications. I am 63 years old. It is the best decision I have ever made.

By: michael

michael — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:01:48 +0000

I had the gastric sleeve on 10/29/2010 with Dr. Nirmal Jayzeelan in Dallas,TX and have lost a little over 100lbs. I am constantly throwing up, have had seizures, constant fatigue, and it has only been a little more than 5 mths since my surgery, and now the Dr’s think I have Lupus because of it. The Gastric Sleeve Surgery was the BIGGEST mistake of my life. I would never recommend this surgery for anyone.

By: Hope

Hope — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:43:14 +0000

My VSG surgery was Feb. 29th.2011 by Dr. Andrew Larson, I am also a registered nurse and I can tell you I have had an awesome post procedure experience, I have lost 25Lbs. In 5 weeks. I did vomit 1 time due to drinking to fast! Lesson learned! This procedure has far less complications and side effects than gastric bypass. The medical team at the bariatric wellness center are professional,caring and very supportive which is key to the recovery process. I wish only the best outcomes for all who choose this procedure. Research all surgical options carefully before choosing, also note your health insurance policy reguarding bariatric surgery, united healthcare will only pay for onetime bariatric surgery, no redo’s or lapband to VSG. Research carefully! Thank you doctors/nurses/medical staff for all you do everyday!

By: Heather

Heather — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 01:07:45 +0000

I had my sleeve surgery 3 years ago I have kept 75 pounds off. I do have several side effects. I dump often and have pain all the time and have had 2 upper G.I’s I have reflux. While I am happy to have the weight off, I would recommend research before doing it.

By: Marlo

Marlo — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:12:35 +0000

I am 51 and my IBM is 33. 5’3″ and 87Kgs. I had a stomach staple operation in 1985 and until 5 years ago i mantained a weight of 65kgs. my staples have obviously loosend. i am considering gastric sleeve surgery. any coments?

By: Debi

Debi — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:30:58 +0000

I am a 41 year old woman who had the gastric sleeve procedure with Dr Wade Barker just over a year ago. I was 281 pounds at 5″8 and wanted to get to a healthier weight (was targeting 180) because I had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and several other impending health issues. Now I am 190, taking karate classes, I have never been smaller (or healthier) and all of my medical conditions are gone (heck, even my eczema went away). I am still targeting 180, and planning to have skin removed once I get there… but it changed my life, and I would never discourage anyone who needed a healthier life to do it.

As for clothes size… I was a 22/24, now I am a true 14. I will most likely be a 12 once the excess skin is removed…

I was dead set against a gastric bypass because of a friend who had it that almost died from an infection caused by complications with her pouch and the severe vitamin deficiency she got. (8 years post surgery) She also threw up just about everything she ate for almost 6 months after surgery, and still gets sick when eating on occasion. She did have it repaired and is doing well, but she will forever have to take B12 shots weekly and has to take handfuls of vitamins just to keep herself healthy.

By: kim

kim — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:08:23 +0000

i am scheduled to have my sleeve done at the end of march. i am scared of course but very excited,i have not talked to many people that have had this done… i am 5’4and my current weight is 275 , i have knee problems , degenerative disk disorder…any info would be greatly apprecaited.is hair loss a big factor in this procedure.i have been going to dietician for a year and a half, and have done eveything i have been told.just would like to know more…

By: wessfatt mom

wessfatt mom — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:18:22 +0000

i am 5’6 and weigh basically between 226 and 230 on a normal day.. i want to loose atleast…. 50-70pounds.. so therefore i am very interested in this procedure.. going to my regular dr at the end of the month to talk to him about this.. and with GOD’S HELP I WILL BE ABLE TO GET THIS DONE.. TO HELP MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTROL… I HAD A STROKE 5 YRS AGO..RUNS IN MY FAMILY… KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS PLEASE…. THANK YOU,
KAREN.. AKA… wessFATT MOM

By: denise howell

denise howell — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:16:22 +0000

I had VSG 6/3/08 with dr mitchell roslin. To date, I have lost 112 lbs. I have never felt or looked better in my life, and I owe it all to this procedure. I have no vomiting issues, no diarrhea, i can eat whatever i want (just smaller quantities), and i have no vitamin deficiencies. my diabetes is GONE – my a1c is 5.6!!! my cholesterol is down to 209 from over 600 (yeah, it runs in my family). i would still like to get down to about 160, but if i never do, i’m still happy and proud of myself right now.
Please don’t take this option away from patients. of course, the patient must be willing to do the work, no matter what procedure they choose. for someone like me, who’d had 2 heart attacks and a stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and metabolic disorder, this procedure was a godsend. my cardio ruled out gastric bypass, but finally approved this. i have since changed cardios (he’s NOT supportive), but when i see him, he begs me to come back.
Anyway, i am so pleased with this procedure. it worked for me!

By: D strickland

D strickland — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:45:59 +0000

Had my band 28 months. Emergency surgery to remove 6/26/10. I would do anything to keep from gaining my weight back. I would be very interested in the sleeve. I still have 40 pounds to reach goal.