Gastric Sleeve--anyone?

[RachelsMommie]

I posted this on the WISH and Dis Unplugged boards, and it was suggested that I cross post this here.

I'm considering getting the gastric sleeve (where they remove 70% of your stomach). Has anyone here had it done? What was your experience with it?

I weigh about 225# and am 5'6". I have struggled with my weight my entire life, but I used to hang out in the 160s. Since I've had my 2 kiddos, this is my new "neighborhood". I've tried Jenny Craig, Medifast, Atkins, South Beach, and Weight Watchers. I have a thyroid condition that I'm constantly adjusting my meds for, so losing weight is a frustrating and slow battle, and I'm hungry all of the time.

So I lose 40 pounds, gain 40 pounds. Then repeat. I've looked into lap band, gastric bypass, and the gastric sleeve and I think the gastric sleeve is what I would want to do if I do anything. Just wondering how bad the recovery is and if my life will be a nightmare afterwards in terms of eating. This is SUCH a hard decision to make. Any advide you guys can give would be welcome.

Thanks so much!

Kristi

 

[Nicole&Becker]

I have done a lot of research on the different gastric procedures out there. I personally have had Gastric Bypass about 8 months ago. I don't know much about your medical situation and you would need to speak with a surgeon for their opinion, but based on the information you have given I would not suggest the sleeve. The sleeve has much more complications and risks than the other surgery options out there. It is usually reserved for people who are much much heavier than you.

I am 5'5" with no real medical issues other than joint issues and was 328 when I started my weight loss program. The day I had my surgery (about 6 weeks later) I was down to 304. I am currently hovering between 235-240.

Now having said that...You really have to look at your particular situation. Surgery is serious and it is not easy in any aspect. Most programs would be hesitant to accept you based on your weight/height ratio being so low. Usually when you are over 300lbs is when you want to start thinking about options like surgery. Your BMI is only 36, which is pretty low. The only way that you would be a candidate for surgery would be if you have severe diabetes, high cholesterol that is uncontrolled, and severe sleep apnea and other such conditions that are life threatening.

I don't want to discourage you, but if I were you, I would consult a nutritionist about changing your diet and adding exercise. There are any habits that you need to develop after gastric surgery that can also be very helpful without surgery. I would search for an online support group as well.

I totally understand your situation. I have struggled with my weight my whole life as well. My highest weight was 387lbs. In a year I was able to get from 365 to 304 the day I had my surgery. I pursued surgery because even with diet and exercise changes I had bottomed out on my weight. The way I was able to lose 25lbs before my surgery is not a way that can be sustained long term. It was to prove to the surgeon and the program that I was serious about this life change. I followed the directions of the nutritionist and was put on a liquid diet for two of the 6 weeks.

It has been a very hard road with some complications such as being much more sensitive to being nauseous than before, and dealing with being lactose intolerant when I was not so before. It is a lot of trial and error of what kinds of foods are ok on my stomach now as well as what temperatures are ok. And things change over time as well. Some things I was able to tolerate well in the beginning, are not well tolerated now. It is really complicated and not easy at all.

I would not change my decision but it does make things really tough. You can't just go out to eat and just eat anything. You have to constantly be aware of making the right food choices or you will be really sorry for hours and hours after. I have to avoid things like the peels on fruit, certain meats, dairy, count sugar content in everything, make sure things are not too fatty, and make sure I get enough protein grams each day. It is almost a full time job just to make sure I am eating the right things each day.

So I would try something else before you try going the surgery route. It is not about trying a new diet or new fad diet. It is about changing your lifestyle. It is about deciding to make the changes needed to get back on track again. It is hard hard work but way worth it. I think your best option would be to talk to a nutritionist about it.

Hugs!

 

[RachelsMommie]

Thank you SO much for your encouraging words. I've decided to give it a year of changing my behavior and the way I eat to see if I can get to a healthy weight before I resort to surgery. I have no health complications right now because of the weight, but I know it's coming if I don't changing something. I'm just tired of missing out on life because I'm stuck in this body. However, I don't want to jump into a decision this drastic without giving it the best effort I can give it.

Good luck and I hope your journey gets easier each day as you continue to recover and heal. Congratulations on your weight loss - that is amazing!

Hugs!
Kristi

 

[Nicole&Becker]

Thank you Kristi. I really do wish you all the best. I have to say that I am working really hard to get "down" to your weight and so looking forward to it again. I know that sounds weird from where you are sitting, but I have not been you weight in almost 6 years. I am hoping to be able to wear the clothes I was able to wear on my first trip to WDW which was my honeymoon over 6 years ago. The last time I went to WDW, I missed out on a lot by being over 300lbs.

So sometimes it just takes a little perspective. I feel really fortunate for where I am at right now and even if I don't lose another pound, I am ok with that. I have a few outfits in my closet that I am trying really hard to be able to fit into again. When I was your weight, I was still able to rollerblade and do just about anything I wanted to. I don't know what your shape is like but maybe you can try getting some small things to help change your view on yourself. I know that a new, really nice bra can change how your clothes fit and how you feel. I got a nice cute new skirt too. Things like being able to fit into theater seats at all or not needing a seatbelt extension on the airplane. Those are the things that I really enjoy right now.

I really do wish you luck and feel free to message me any time! Hugs!!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Maybe I'm way off base here, but one thing you said struck me. You said "I'm just tired of missing out on life because I'm stuck in this body." There's no reason that you should be missing out on life. Have you considered the possibility that maybe part of the reason you're struggling to maintain weight loss when you do lose is that you're suffering from clinical depression? Your mindset is VERY important. You have 2 wonderful children and there is so much in life that you could be enjoying and participating in regardless of your weight (which IMO isn't that high). Even if you do unergo surgery (which I doubt a surgeon would agree to at your weight), your frame of mind makes me wonder just what size/weight WILL make you happy? Weight/size should not be stopping you from enjoying your life or participating in your life.

Please speak with your doctor about this. You deserve to be happy. {{{HUGS}}}}

 

[bidnow5]

Two things first not sure if it's the same for all procedures but my brother was supposed to get a lap band and didn't qualify because he wasn't 100 pounds overweight.

I know a few people that have had different procedures that have put back a lot of the weight they lost. You still need to change your eating habits.

My brother decided to try eating the way he would if he had gotten the surgery and has lost 40 pounds. It wasn't easy for him at first but now he doesn't want to go back to the way he was eating

 

[nykidatheart]

Kristi
I am 5'7 and weighed 264 lbs and had lab band surgery 2 years ago. i'm now down to 170lbs, feel great, loving my life, my kids and my husband so much more than I could before. I'm not sure if you could qualify for lap band at 225 or even the sleeve for that matter. You should research that before you commit mentally to doing it because if they tell you you can't you may be very dissapointed. I never regretted having the band but you should research every opttion thoroughly. I suggest visiting this website for more info on lap band if you want its called www.band2gether.net. Its a great sight loaded with information to supplement your own research. Check out my profile there under Rini.

Wishing lots of luck!

 

[my3squeals]

As one who is 18 mos post-op(gastric bypass) and maintaining for the past 6 mos, I would just like to second everything Nicole&Becker said

She absolutely nailed it. The decision for me was one over 5 years in the making. I am 5'7 and was 275 at my highest prior to surgery. I had/have struggled with my weight my entire life.......and will continue to even now and forever I suppose. I went into it with a very pro-active attitude and not reactive. My weight had been at 230+ for nearly 10 years after living a life of always being "heavy". I still struggle and luckily have had essentially no complications and can eat most any protein I want (chicken, steak, beef, seafood etc) which is necessary for my new way of eating. Others are not so lucky. Carbs and sugars I can only handle in very strict moderation or I am sick (nausea). You asked is eating a nightmare afterwards and I would say yes, even in my situation as to one who can tolerate and eat a great deal of what I want. No meal is simple anymore and alot of time does go into searching out what is best for me. Now having said that I would certainly without a doubt do it all over again. I weigh 153 lbs now (most days haha) and wear a size 8. Again I feel very blessed and fortunate considering some of the complications and stories you hear. Your best bet is to find a Dr. who specializes in bariatric surgery and make an appt for a consult or go to a seminar (which is what many programs require and they are free) Ask questions, and research. It is life changing but in some many more ways than what most people think. We are headed to WDW in 6 days. This will be my first trip post-op and I have a lot of concerns over being able to find what I need and the urgency to eat when I need to eat. Probably my biggest "side effect" is my bodies need to sometimes kick into overdrive as it has been explained and produce too much insulin for the new me. It wants to produce insulin for an extra 125lbs I no longer have. The biggest concern that this is often heat induced, weird I know.... nonetheless I am trying to over prepare for such instances while traveling. Those things are much easier to handle at home when a quick snack or juice is easily accessible.

Again, it is very life changing, just not in a physical weight sense only. Much of the weight battle is still fought in my head. It is a shame that our culture values looks the way it does, there is so much more to a person than what's on the outside. I too was very outgoing and my weight did not keep me from doing anything prior to surgery. I am still the same person on the inside and I have strived very hard to remain the same person. I was happy with who I was before my surgery and am still proud of who I am now. Good luck in whatever you decide. Losing weight is hard, whether thru diet and exercise of thru some type of surgery.