Cheri B

There really isn't enough long term (over 3 years) data on how the sleeve compares to the bypass. But there is enough data out there that made the decision to go with the sleeve the right one for me. You don't have malabsorption issues with the sleeve like you do with the bypass. If you're on any medications, that can be a problem. I have read about many people who are not able to take certain medications and the ones they do take don't last as long as they did before the bypass. With the shortened intestine of the bypass you will absorb less calories initially but for many people, the body tries to mend itself and grows more cilia to enable itself to absorb the calories. The malabsorption of the Vitamins and minerals is forever. As you age, you are likely to need B12 injections. You also face a lifetime of fighting Iron deficiency. The sleeve removes 85% of the stretchy part of the stomach and with it most of the glands that produce ghrelin, the "hunger" hormone. There are less complications with the sleeve than the bypass. As with any wls surgery, you can out eat your surgery. You may want to seek counseling to help you find out why you overeat and support you while you find healthy ways to overcome those urges. Good luck.

I'll tell anyone who asks, or even before they ask;-) I'm so excited about finally taking this step that I really don't care what anyone else thinks. People are going to know anyway. Their either going to think you had weight loss surgery or have cancer. People do not lose weight this rapidly on a regular diet program. I know a couple of people who insist that they are just on a good diet plan, uh-huh. Okay, maybe they found the miracle diet plan but realistically I doubt it. Don't let anyone tell you what to do or make you feel bad about your decision. Why anyone else thinks that they have the right disparage you and your decision is beyond me. It's really is a very personal decision to tell or not to tell. Whatever your decision is, be strong and good luck!

Hi! Cheri here. My VGS will be done on 2/3 at Sharp Grossmont in La Mesa, CA. The AWESOME Dr. Charles Callery is my surgeon. I don't have to go on any type of liquid diet prior to my surgery so I'm just trying not to eat everything on the planet Excited and scared at the same time. Good luck to all of us!

Thank you! This will be soooooo helpful!

Can you post a sample of what your meals consisted of? I know a lot of us pre-sleevers are worried about what we can eat and how to get all our protein in without resorting to shakes if possible. Thanks! Cheri

I'm scheduled for February 3 with Dr. Callery (gotta love that name;-) I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Only 17 days to go!

Hi, My name is Cheri and I just got approved for my sleeve surgery! I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I would lose 70 lbs then gain 80 over and over again. The one exercise that I found that I loved was weight lifting. I did that for a couple of years and was able to keep the weight off. I looked and felt great. I had just turned 42 when one day, my back hurt so bad, I couldn't get out of bed. Turns out I have adult onset of idiopathic roto-scoliosis, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. All non curable and progressive. I've had 2 lumbar fusions, one failed and one cervical fusion with no pain relief. Needless to say, I was no longer able to lift weights and as time went by, even walking became a painful process. Over the last 9 years I have gained over 100 pounds. After A LOT of research, I decided on the sleeve. One of the primary reasons is I suffer from chronic pain due to a failed spinal fusion and numerous spinal diseases and was concerned about the absorption of pain medication. On top of that is the mal-absorption issue in general. I had heard that insurance companies (mine is Pacificare through Sharp Community) were still hesitant about approving this procedure so was all prepared for a fight when the day after my doc submitted the authorization request, it was approved. Yay! I am so looking forward to this new phase of my life. I hope that I get some pain relief, that I won't feel this gnawing hunger any longer and that I get healthy enough to enjoy going on vacation with my husband. Current stats - 5'6" - Weight 256 lbs - Surgery date 2/3/11 Hope I haven't bored you to death Here's to getting skinny - Cheers!