CoffeeGrinDR

(ok, I shouldn't say the band stinks - it just doesn't always work - so don't feel bad if it hasn't worked for you!) Mostly I wanted to see what the medical literature has to say about VSG and dying. Turns out, it's pretty darn safe - but don't take my word for it, I'm not a medical doctor. Just sharing some research. KEY FINDING: LAP-BAND FAILS 44% OF THE TIME. This study finds that the LAGB failed as a primary bariatric procedure for 44% of patients due to either inadequate weight loss or adequate weight loss with unmanageable symptoms. This suggests that the LAGB [lapband] should be abandoned as a primary bariatric procedure for the majority of morbidly obese patients due to its high failure rate. Kindel, T., Martin, E., Hungness, E., & Nagle, A. (2013). High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. KEY FINDING: SLEEVE REDUCES GHRELIN AND IS MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN GASTRIC BANDING. As a consequence of resection of the gastric fundus, the predominant area of human ghrelin production, ghrelin is significantly reduced after LSG but not after LAGB. This reduction remains stable at a follow-up 6 months postoperatively, which may contribute to the superior weight loss when compared with LAGB. Langer, F. B., Hoda, M. R., Bohdjalian, A., Felberbauer, F. X., Zacherl, J., Wenzl, E., ... & Prager, G. (2005). Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding: effects on plasma ghrelin levels. Obesity surgery, 15(7), 1024-1029. KEY FINDING: LSG IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE (as far as we know in the short-term). Results: Of the 62 patients who underwent LSG performed by two surgeons, the data of 30 patients (7 males and 23 females) were further analyzed. Mean preoperative BMI was 41.4 (33-59) kg/m2. Mean operative time was 80 min (range 65-130). Mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 25). Mean weight loss at 3 and 6 months following the procedure was 22.7 kg and 30.5 kg respectively, and mean % excess weight loss (EWL) was 40.7 and 52.8, respectively. Three patients were considered to have mild complications, and one patient had a major complication that necessitated surgical intervention. There was no mortality. Conclusions: In the short-term, LSG is a safe and effective treatment option. Roa, P. E., Kaidar-Person, O., Pinto, D., & Rosenthal, R. J. (2006). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as treatment for morbid obesity: technique and short-term outcome. Obesity surgery, 16(10), 1323-1326. KEY FINDING: Even 5 years out sleeve gastrectomy is effective to fight obesity. Five years after performance of SG, weight loss was satisfactory, few complications were observed, the reduction of co-morbidities was significant, but there was an increase in the frequency of GERD. Fuks, D., Verhaeghe, P., Brehant, O., Sabbagh, C., Dumont, F., Riboulot, M., ... & Regimbeau, J. M. (2009). Results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective study in 135 patients with morbid obesity. Surgery, 145(1), 106-113. (Conducted in France) KEY FINDING: Gastric sleeve works on its own, the weight stays off, and the ghrelin doesn’t come back in the first 5 years. At 5-year follow-up, a mean EWL of 55.0 ± 6.8% was achieved, indicating that SG leads to stable weight loss. Beside significant weight regain, severe reflux might necessitate conversion to gastric bypass or duodenal switch. After an immediate reduction postoperatively, plasma ghrelin levels remained low for the first 5 years postoperatively. Bohdjalian, A., Langer, F. B., Shakeri-Leidenmühler, S., Gfrerer, L., Ludvik, B., Zacherl, J., & Prager, G. (2010). Sleeve gastrectomy as sole and definitive bariatric procedure: 5-year results for weight loss and ghrelin. Obesity surgery, 20(5), 535-540. KEY FINDING: Meta-analyses indicate that while there are a small number of complications (mainly fistulas for BMI<60) people don’t die from sleeve surgery. (Canada, Korea, France, Israel, USA) Behrens, C., Tang, B. Q., & Amson, B. J. (2011). Early results of a Canadian laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy experience. Canadian Journal of Surgery, 54(2), 138. Han, S. M. (2005). Results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at 1 year in morbidly obese Korean patients. Obesity Surgery, 15(10), 1469-1475. Nocca, D., Krawczykowsky, D., Bomans, B., Noël, P., Picot, M. C., Blanc, P. M., ... & Fabre, J. M. (2008). A prospective multicenter study of 163 sleeve gastrectomies: results at 1 and 2 years. Obesity surgery, 18(5), 560-565. Rubin, M., Yehoshua, R. T., Stein, M., Lederfein, D., Fichman, S., Bernstine, H., & Eidelman, L. A. (2008). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with minimal morbidity early results in 120 morbidly obese patients. Obesity surgery, 18(12), 1567-1570. Hutter, M. M., Schirmer, B. D., Jones, D. B., Ko, C. Y., Cohen, M. E., Merkow, R. P., & Nguyen, N. T. (2011). First Report from the American College of Surgeons--Bariatric Surgery Center Network: Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy has Morbidity and Effectiveness Positioned Between the Band and the Bypass. Annals of surgery, 254(3), 410.

Mostly I wanted to see what the medical literature has to say about VSG and dying. Turns out, it's pretty darn safe - but don't take my word for it, I'm not a medical doctor. Just sharing some research. KEY FINDING: LAP-BAND FAILS 44% OF THE TIME. This study finds that the LAGB failed as a primary bariatric procedure for 44% of patients due to either inadequate weight loss or adequate weight loss with unmanageable symptoms. This suggests that the LAGB [lapband] should be abandoned as a primary bariatric procedure for the majority of morbidly obese patients due to its high failure rate. Kindel, T., Martin, E., Hungness, E., & Nagle, A. (2013). High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. KEY FINDING: SLEEVE REDUCES GHRELIN AND IS MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN GASTRIC BANDING. As a consequence of resection of the gastric fundus, the predominant area of human ghrelin production, ghrelin is significantly reduced after LSG but not after LAGB. This reduction remains stable at a follow-up 6 months postoperatively, which may contribute to the superior weight loss when compared with LAGB. Langer, F. B., Hoda, M. R., Bohdjalian, A., Felberbauer, F. X., Zacherl, J., Wenzl, E., ... & Prager, G. (2005). Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding: effects on plasma ghrelin levels. Obesity surgery, 15(7), 1024-1029. KEY FINDING: LSG IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE (as far as we know in the short-term). Results: Of the 62 patients who underwent LSG performed by two surgeons, the data of 30 patients (7 males and 23 females) were further analyzed. Mean preoperative BMI was 41.4 (33-59) kg/m2. Mean operative time was 80 min (range 65-130). Mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2 to 25). Mean weight loss at 3 and 6 months following the procedure was 22.7 kg and 30.5 kg respectively, and mean % excess weight loss (EWL) was 40.7 and 52.8, respectively. Three patients were considered to have mild complications, and one patient had a major complication that necessitated surgical intervention. There was no mortality. Conclusions: In the short-term, LSG is a safe and effective treatment option. Roa, P. E., Kaidar-Person, O., Pinto, D., & Rosenthal, R. J. (2006). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as treatment for morbid obesity: technique and short-term outcome. Obesity surgery, 16(10), 1323-1326. KEY FINDING: Even 5 years out sleeve gastrectomy is effective to fight obesity. Five years after performance of SG, weight loss was satisfactory, few complications were observed, the reduction of co-morbidities was significant, but there was an increase in the frequency of GERD. Fuks, D., Verhaeghe, P., Brehant, O., Sabbagh, C., Dumont, F., Riboulot, M., ... & Regimbeau, J. M. (2009). Results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective study in 135 patients with morbid obesity. Surgery, 145(1), 106-113. (Conducted in France) KEY FINDING: Gastric sleeve works on its own, the weight stays off, and the ghrelin doesn’t come back in the first 5 years. At 5-year follow-up, a mean EWL of 55.0 ± 6.8% was achieved, indicating that SG leads to stable weight loss. Beside significant weight regain, severe reflux might necessitate conversion to gastric bypass or duodenal switch. After an immediate reduction postoperatively, plasma ghrelin levels remained low for the first 5 years postoperatively. Bohdjalian, A., Langer, F. B., Shakeri-Leidenmühler, S., Gfrerer, L., Ludvik, B., Zacherl, J., & Prager, G. (2010). Sleeve gastrectomy as sole and definitive bariatric procedure: 5-year results for weight loss and ghrelin. Obesity surgery, 20(5), 535-540. KEY FINDING: Meta-analyses indicate that while there are a small number of complications (mainly fistulas for BMI<60) people don’t die from sleeve surgery. (Canada, Korea, France, Israel, USA) Behrens, C., Tang, B. Q., & Amson, B. J. (2011). Early results of a Canadian laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy experience. Canadian Journal of Surgery, 54(2), 138. Han, S. M. (2005). Results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at 1 year in morbidly obese Korean patients. Obesity Surgery, 15(10), 1469-1475. Nocca, D., Krawczykowsky, D., Bomans, B., Noël, P., Picot, M. C., Blanc, P. M., ... & Fabre, J. M. (2008). A prospective multicenter study of 163 sleeve gastrectomies: results at 1 and 2 years. Obesity surgery, 18(5), 560-565. Rubin, M., Yehoshua, R. T., Stein, M., Lederfein, D., Fichman, S., Bernstine, H., & Eidelman, L. A. (2008). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with minimal morbidity early results in 120 morbidly obese patients. Obesity surgery, 18(12), 1567-1570. Hutter, M. M., Schirmer, B. D., Jones, D. B., Ko, C. Y., Cohen, M. E., Merkow, R. P., & Nguyen, N. T. (2011). First Report from the American College of Surgeons--Bariatric Surgery Center Network: Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy has Morbidity and Effectiveness Positioned Between the Band and the Bypass. Annals of surgery, 254(3), 410.

Just tell them. They have a special type of undergarment you can wear. No big deal for them, really.

Maybe she is just being a real friend and being respectful? Could be she is taking it as none of her business if you aren't the one opening up the conversation. I wouldn't get bent out of shape having unnamed expectations of someone. Congrats on your progress.

Good luck! Don't be too nervous...I went to Dr. Aceves and all went well. I appreciated being in the hospital a couple of days post op rather than dealing with it at home. I'm also from CO.

I had surgery in Mexico and I got my H. Pylori diagnosis AFTER surgery (thanks to the pathology report they gave me). It won't prevent you from surgery in Mexico but if you don't get it treated you will have to wait three months for the stomach to heal before treating it. Most adults have an H. Pylori infection (I think I have a particularly bad one but getting most of my stomach cut out got rid of 70% of the infected problem).

Pdxman is right - you're holding on to Water to repair the muscle. I did the same freak out when I started working out. I don't want to look like I'm deflated so I plan to continue working out but it is psychologically a bit of a trip. Right now I'm just adding cardio and at my next milestone will put weight lifting back in. I have to remind myself this is about health and not the number on the scale.

More protein! Like more cowbell but nutritious.

I'm a bit of a numbers obsessive (statistician here) but have managed to stop weighing every day -- it was only driving me crazy. Really cray cray. Now I tend to weigh on Sundays and Thursdays. I am tempted to get rid of the scale but I really want to hold myself accountable and I think it is important to understand what is happening. I know if I'm avoiding the scale then I must think I'm gaining in some way. It's also helpful to track all the other macros and get a sense of what works for you. I'm beginning to accept that there is very little science to this and a lot of learning to be patient and go with intuition. *sips morning Protein shake*

I had the same problem so I switched to unflavored protein. Finally got going by masking it by making shakes in my blender at home. Can't stand the sweet of the artificial sweeteners. I still struggle to get my protein and calories in (at 8 weeks out) and it is probably what is slowing my weight loss. Hang in there -- it gets better as you heal.

Was sleeved on January 16th in Mexico and am down 32 pounds. Feel like I should be losing faster but it's also my T.O.M so I'm hoping for a drop in the next few days Focused on Protein and Water - definitely easier to do now at 8 weeks out.

I was positive for H. Pylori too...going to the doc in a few weeks for treatment. I think it is slowing my loss...guess we'll find out.

I think you posted this same question yesterday. Please see the sleeve research forum as it summarizes and gives links to a number of 5+ year studies. I did a great deal of research before deciding on the sleeve and believe it is the optimal choice right now given the outcomes and my personal circumstances. You should consult with your doctor on what is best for YOU.

Wow, talk about misinformation. I've read dozens of meta-studies of sleeve research and the incidence for cancer actually drops dramatically. The correlation between gastritis and sensitivity to stomach cancer shows, yes, but stomach acid is managed if your post-surgical protocol is followed. MOST people have an h. pylori (bacterial) infection that is correlated to stomach and esophageal cancer. No medical study I have seen offers a conclusion or even insinuation that the gastric sleeve (performed since 1881) leads to cancer. Please don't shout fire in a crowded room because you thought you smelled smoke.

I drink decaf...just one daily. It's nice. I used to drink 4-5 reg cups of coffee a day. Having my decaf is a nice ritual that feels like normalcy.

Hang in there, who amongst us has not broken a chair?!?

Hi, I had the lapband put in about 6 years ago, lived with it for about 2 years. Only lost about 60 pounds on it until I got into serious anemic complications. It never felt right and I was hungry ALL THE TIME. I had the band out a couple years ago and have been steadily gaining weight since. I am scheduled for sleeve on January 16th. I guess I'm afraid I am an anomaly and will fail AGAIN because I wasn't all that successful with the band. Although, the surgeon who took out my band was surprised at how it was placed and the way the port was stitched into my muscle (I had been in constant pain for years - and I had gone to a US bariatric center of excellence all covered through insurance and supposedly an amazing surgeon). Now I am opting to fast-track it to self-pay with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I need to get this weight off and I'm terrified that for some reason the sleeve won't work for me. Anybody else have these thoughts??

Actually, yeah.

Okay, vent of the week time... And this one is my fault. I need to buy a tape measure so I can feel better about this but it drives me a bit bonkers when I can tell I am losing weight (I can see it in different parts of my body) but then I get on the scale...and...NOPE...nothin! Not budging. I read up on the phenom to identify why this happens and I understand Water is a key player in this and here is confession #2: did not get enough water AT ALL this week due to being out of town at a conference. BLURGH. Ok, so i'm going to keep on keepin' on - did great today (so far) with Protein and water. Trying to be patient and keep it one day at a time. The scale is my nemesis! One of these days I'm going to chuck that stinking thing out...someday... I'm also hoping to go to el doctor and get antibiotics to kill of the h.pylori in my gut. I have certainly noticed that I don't lose weight at nearly the same rate as I used to and I can certainly do without the bloating, etc. it causes. Carry on! Thanks for letting me vent. Anyone up for a group hug??

Nothing easy about this...we all have our own journey. Hang in there...one day at a time.

Welcome!

AhhhhDORBS!

I found I settled down around 3-4 weeks. I think the body is just in shock after such a major procedure. The emotional swings settled down after 3 weeks -- thank goodness. Support for mental health is always a good idea in my book.

Hi all! I'm Denver too! A meetup/support group would really be helpful -- count me in.

I only took a few days off and was back at work. I was really tired for 3 weeks but I was able to work.