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FIRST, congrats on your amazing weight loss. I so admire you. I spend time in the Complications area here. I have read so much great stuff, but honestly, I want to know both sides... I WANT TO HEAR because I want to be able to make a decision from all the information gathered. I do spend time googling things like 'failed sleeve surgeries" "percentage of leaks in gastric sleeve surgery" and I would advise you to do the same, as I don't know if those folks are here on this website to share, in that it might be hard for them to admit or even want to talk about it here. You can garner much in Complications area here, though. And google is your best friend to garner more. Personally I would like to see someone start a topic that says, "I wish I hadn't done it and why" Hey, maybe I will, except I haven't done it. Yet.

Get a cuppa.. I have been researching WLS for many years. The band seemed sensible and there were myriad articles about it. The closest I got was attending a bandster bash in Tijuana, talked to others, watched a fill, and interviewed quite a few doctors there. I decided on who I wanted, started getting together with ladies in my area who had the band, then decided to 'give it another try' on my own. Two of my good friends struggled terribly with the band and one was, 2 months ago, finally dragged to the ER by her husband in a near coma state (both my mother and I gave her money, she was very poor). Both had them removed. A dear relative has gained almost all her weight back after a RNY. Another relative almost died from complications months after her bypass. So there's that. Now comes the sleeve and gastric plication. I liked the plication because initially I read that it was reversible. Now I find it really isn't. So, back to the books: I allow myself months of research. Then I came across some studies about 'foot drop', leak rates, and suicide rates in post bariatric surgery patients. That last one was my achilles heel as I struggle with depression. So those are my reasons for WAITING, and doing more research. While I am still very seriously considering the sleeve, and now I have narrowed it down to 3 doctors, much of my research energy is going into new and non invasive bariatric weight loss procedures. Even Dr. Ariel Ortiz (much admired here) states that in future we will look back and see these cutting surgeries as primitive and the Obalon type procedures as more preferred... I promise to go get the exact quote from him. OR go watch the Obalon video I posted from Nightline. I am excited to post these bariatric procedures and my research here on this website. Many are passed European safety trials and are being used in Europe/UK/South America now, but have not yet passed the FDA. Some have trials now going on in the US and some don't, but are available in Mexico or foreign countries. It is true that non-surgical methods may not bring you rapid, huge amounts of weight loss. But I find these non invasive methods can be used more than once, to get a larger amount of pounds lost. I kind of like the idea of no cutting to my tummy. I like the Endobarrier (a sleeve of clear plastic that is placed through your mouth and works like a non surgical bypass, and is removed through your mouth after a period of 3, 6 or 12 months - they are finding it eliminates type 2 diabetes as well)(now in trials in a city near you) and the Obalon (a capsule that is swallowed and turns into a gastric balloon, allowing you to feel satiated...after 3 weeks it is then deflated and removed through the mouth). These procedures are done on an out patient basis by doctors, and have success. It is true that they are not permanent, but for me, I hope after initial weight loss, I can get my 'healthy' on, and use that weight loss as a kick start to get me rolling with new habits. The Endobarrier can be adjusted for greater weight loss, or you can do it again, and the Obalon after the 3 weeks, you can do it again, after a wait i would imagine. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1015-gastric-balloon-endolumenal-bariatric-procedures-forum-new/ Prices seem high now, for these outpatient procedures, but I think these will come down, in time. But can I wait? I am just not sure if I can, thus my continued sleeve interest. But, If I was NEAR a city that was doing the Endobarrier trials, I would be there in a heartbeat.. I have actually considered MOVING to one of the cities for a year to get in on this trial. I am very supportive of everyone's journey here, and may still go with a sleeve, but feel free to have a look at my new research on non invasive or non cutting types of bariatric procedures (link above). I know all the arguments, pro and con. Please respect my outlook, as I respect yours. In support, triss

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is invaluable information for us researching and beginners. in support, triss

Everyone's responses to this almost make me cry. How encouraging. I have had back pain since I broke my back in 1993, and I know the extra 100 lbs. I carry makes it worse. Your comments about that are also very encouraging. in support, tris

Done, also wrote a personal story.

Will there be any doctors there that i could meet? Esp.from Mexico?

hello Amanda, Just wanted to advise you to write a letter, quoting your doctor and the dates he said these things, and mail it to the appropriate person in charge of that doctor. You would be surprised how much difference a letter can make. The things he has said to you, are quite horrific and NO ONE should have to deal with that. We know we are overweight, in fact we are probably our own worse critic. No rude doctor needs to say the awful things he did. And to touch you, knowing your personal beliefs, TERRIBLE. Please write it down. Send it. And learn from it what to say next time (and there may be one) you hear something like that. I have learned from this scenario what I need to say, if it ever happens to me. I have had wonderful doctors, since I put on weight. I always get female doctors, and have been very very lucky to work with supportive, intelligent, kind and funny (yay) women. In support, Triss P.s. If I were you, I might even send a copy to the show "The Doctors" AND "Dr. Phil" and maybe suggest they can do a special on 'unprofessional and inappropriate doctors". I am quite serious about this.

Hi Guys, After reading some of your problems with VSG leaks, i decided to do a little reading on it, and thought you might want to also. This is from an abstract on MedPub. I underlined the parts I thought were important. Triss Surg Endosc. 2012 Jun;26(6):1509-15. doi: 10.1007/s00464-011-2085-3. Epub 2011 Dec 17. Sleeve gastrectomy and the risk of leak: a systematic analysis of 4,888 patients. Aurora AR1, Khaitan L, Saber AA. Author information Abstract INTRODUCTION:Sleeve gastrectomy has become a popular stand-alone bariatric procedure with comparable weight loss and resolution of comorbidities to that of laparoscopic gastric bypass. The simplicity of the procedure and the decreased long-term risk profile make this surgery more appealing. Nonetheless, the ever present risk of a staple-line leak is still of great concern and needs further investigation. METHODS:An electronic literature search of MEDLINE database plus manual reference checks of articles published on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity and its complications was completed. Keywords used in the search were "sleeve gastrectomy" OR "gastric sleeve" AND "leak." We analyzed 29 publications, including 4,888 patients. We analyzed the frequency of leak after sleeve gastrectomy and its associated risks of causation. RESULTS:The risk of leak after sleeve gastrectomy in all comers was 2.4%. This risk was 2.9% in the super-obese [body mass index (BMI) > 50 kg/m(2)] and 2.2% for BMI < 50 kg/m(2). Staple height and use of buttressing material did not affect leak rate. The use of a size 40-Fr or greater bougie was associated with a leak rate of 0.6% compared with those who used smaller sizes whose leak rate was 2.8%. Leaks were found at the proximal third of the stomach in 89% of cases. Most leaks were diagnosed after discharge. Endoscopic management is a viable option for leaks and was documented in 11% of cases as successful. CONCLUSIONS:Sleeve gastrectomy has become an important surgical option for the treatment of the ever growing morbidly obese population. The risk of leak is low at 2.4%. Attention to detail specifically at the esophagogastric junction cannot be stressed enough. Careful patient selection (BMI < 50 kg/m(2)) and adopting the use of a 40-Fr or larger bougie may decrease the risk of leak. Vigilant follow-up during the first 30 days is critical to avoid catastrophe, because most leaks will happen after patient discharge. PMID: [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Publication Types, MeSH Terms LinkOut - more resources PubMed Commons home PubMed Commons 0 comments How to join PubMed Commons

If you google weight loss and foot drop, you can find a number of articles. Here's a study abstract. Wishing you the best, and I hope you recover! and soon! prayers your way. In support, Triss _____________________________________________________ Obes Surg. 2007 Sep;17(9):1209-12. Foot drop as a complication of weight loss after bariatric surgery: is it preventable? Weyns FJ1, Beckers F, Vanormelingen L, Vandersteen M, Niville E. Author information AbstractBACKGROUND:Although rare, the relationship between peroneal nerve palsy and weight loss has been well documented over the last decades. Of the 160 patients operated for persisting foot drop in our institution, weight loss was considered to be the major contributing factor for 78 patients (43.5%). METHODS:We compared patients who developed a foot drop after bariatric surgery with a control group of patients who underwent bariatric surgery (gastric banding) but did not develop peroneal neuropathy. RESULTS:9 patients developed foot drop after bariatric surgery. The mean weight loss for these patients was 45 kg. Weight reduction took place during a mean period of 8.6 months. Our control group consists of 10 patients. The mean weight loss of these patients was 43.8 kg, and the weight reduction took place during a mean period of 21.7 months. CONCLUSION:In contrast to earlier studies, we demonstrated that significant weight loss is correlated with a higher risk to develop foot drop and that the time period in which the weight loss is achieved is important. A rapid reduction of body weight is correlated with a higher risk to develop foot drop. PMID: 18074496 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] MeSH Terms LinkOut - more resources PubMed Commons home PubMed Commons

I am wondering if you just want to travel as a tourist, or become more part of the country you are visiting? And how much time do you have? And are you interested in a specific type of 'activity or skill development"? I had a lot of friends that committed to me to come travel, but all backed out one by one.. sigh... so I went on my own and had the TIME OF MY LIFE. I had a one way ticket, one night in a hotel in London and off I went, scaring my poor mom to death. Things worked out and I ended up living for some 7 years in London, almost getting married two times, working first as a chambermaid in an old old brownstone bed & brekkie, as a temp for Shell UK for a couple of years, a group of solicitors (for about a year) and a big bank. I also studied archaeology for some 3 years with a degree in Field Archaeology and worked finding Roman artifacts near London Bridge in east london. I used to ride a little fold up bike home, and would stop off along the Thames at low tide, and jump over the wall and search for artifacts along the muds. I cannot tell you what a difference it made to become part of the working London, and i ended up learning and knowing so much about life in London, historically and socially. If you can, find something you LOVE and do a kind of, maybe, working type holiday. the LONGER you can stay somewhere, the better. Are you interested in learning a language? Look up month long language schools where you live in a household and study half day. Theatre? Go volunteer at a historic theatre and have some fun, also there's 1/2 tickets for you just about anytime. i saw SOOO much theatre while i was there. Cooking? go to a cooking school in France. Painting? You can find something in most countries to sign up for painting. Archaeology? Look up digs where you can learn. I don't think I could ever just go to another country again for shorter than 2 - 3 months. The longer the better. BTW I took only about $1,000 with me and came home with about $3000. Things may have gotten stricter with the EU parameters, but who knows til you look it up. I never regretted travelling alone, I think I made many more friends that way. You are easier to approach if you are single and I never felt unsafe (well, maybe in Greece a little). If any of you decide to do this, pm me and I will give you some tips. When I lose my weight, and my knees feel better, I personally would love to study Italian in italy, and maybe Italian cooking. danger danger... lol. in support, triss

YAY YOU! 11 years is amazing. Keep on rockin' it. in support, triss

INTRAPACE ABILITI GASTRIC PACEMAKER also called Implantable Gastric Stimulation (IGS) The gastric pacemaker is a minimally invasive procedure. It works by giving you the feeling of being full (satiety), so you consume less. The abiliti is not available in the US yet, but a list of doctors is available on the abiliti website. It is suggested for people with a BMI of 35 or above. The links given below will tell you a lot more. I especially like the abiliti company link (just below). The paragraphs following the links are just a few that come from the company link. http://www.abiliti.com/about_abiliti/ The abiliti® procedure is designed to be as easy and trouble free as possible. Some of the highlights of the procedure are described below. If the abiliti system is right for you, your surgeon or physician will explain the procedure to you in more detail and answer any questions you may have. What the implantable system includes: The abiliti system consists of a stimulator (a small battery-powered device similar to a cardiac pacemaker) and a lead containing a stimulation electrode and food sensor. The procedure: The procedure is done through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions, and specialized instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach. After the stimulator is implanted,the laparoscopic incisions are closed. The procedure involves no intestinal rerouting or stapling of the stomach. As a result, the surgery is very safe; and because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible. In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour, during which time you will be asleep. How Does the abiliti System Work? When you eat or drink something, the abiliti system gently stimulates your stomach to give you a feeling of fullness, so you are more likely to eat less – and lose more. The abiliti system also tracks exercise and eating activities that impact your weight, and connects you to a support network. So you automatically have the information and encouragement you need to change behaviors that have prevented you from losing weight in the past http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41886107/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/stomach-pacemaker-could-help-obese-lose-weight/ http://www.spirehealthcare.com/harpenden/abiliti-gastric-pacemaker/ Spire Harpenden Hospital > Here Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker Spire Harpenden Hospital is a leading private hospital, based in Hertfordshire, just North of London - in the South East of England. The hospital caters for a wide range of patients from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as from other parts of the United Kingdom and abroad. We use highly experienced and skilled consultants to carry out all our services including the Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker. What is a Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker? The Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker - also called Implantable gastric stimulation (IGS) - is a type of weight loss surgery. It may be appropriate for you if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more and is a relatively quick and minimally-invasive operation. The abiliti system consists of a stimulator (a small battery-powered device similar to a cardiac pacemaker) and a lead cable containing a stimulation electrode and food sensor. About the Abiliti Gastric Pacemaker procedure The procedure is done through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive (keyhole surgery) technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions, and specialised instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach. After the stimulator is implanted, the laparoscopic (key hole) incisions are closed. The procedure involves no intestinal re-routing or stapling of the stomach. "I feel better about myself, and it has also given me self-confidence. Before, I never would have gone swimming." Silkie, 26 As a result, the surgery is very safe and because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible. In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour to complete, during which time you will be asleep. Why choose the Abiliti gastric pacemaker ? It's gentle: the abiliti system works by making you feel full so that you consume less. You are free to enjoy life: The abiliti system doesn't put any restrictions on your lifestyle. You can eat and drink what you choose – you will just choose to eat less. It's safe: The abiliti device is safely placed into your abdomen with little risk of short-term or long-term complications. It's smart: The abiliti system automatically monitors when you eat, drink, and exercise. So you and your physician can spot trends and make lifestyle choices that help you lose weight – and keep it off. Tired of manually logging all of your meals? abiliti makes a note of when you eat. Can't remember when you exercised or how far you went? abiliti tracks all your activities, providing a simple summary of your calories burned. It's social: As an abiliti user, you're never alone – you will be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are also using the ability system to lose weight. Through this community, you can learn more about weight loss, share your experience, encourage others and participate in online forums covering a range of topics. It's proven technology: The abiliti system is based on technology used successfully in millions of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators and now clinically proven for weight loss.

hi labwalker, I completely agree. There are some really fascinating procedures being developed now. These less invasive processes are what we all need. It is my plan to start with wt loss meds first, then go on to the Obalon gastric balloon (now done in Mexico, Australia and other countries) or the Endobarrier. My fave is the Endobarrier which is done with no surgery at all, it is just placed through the mouth and then retrieved through the mouth. It mimics gastric bypass but with no surgery. It has some great results with no deaths, or very dangerous side effects. It is being trialed in the USA now, and is already in use abroad. I am tempted to move to LA for 6 months just to get in the trials. Have a look at it.. its a real changer for WLS. in support, trisss

I am probably going to start my journey with a phentermine + cocktail, then move on to some less invasive type of bariatric procedure, like the Endobarrier sleeve (knifeless bypass), Vagal Bloc gastric pacemaker, or Obalon capsule that you swallow that turns into a balloon in your stomach. I am doing a lot of research on new procedures. Originally I came on bariatric pal already having decided to go with VSG and to select a surgeon. After all the research I have done on the latest procedures and the fact that I really am a bit nervous about permanent change to my stomach, I have decided to not get the VSG or plication and go less invasive to start with. I am not absolutely ruling out VSG or plication, but really want to know what things are new on the horizon for non invasive weight loss procedures. I guess I would encourage all newbies, have a look at some of this research, just to know there are other methods out there, brand new. Oh, the fact that they are so new to USA, these are not available here. The endobarrier is on FDA trials here in the USA and you can get all the procedures in other countries. Actually most of them have been around for years and used with good results in Europe and Australia, South America. If you are interested in my research, please go to http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1015-gastric-balloon-endolumenal-bariatric-procedures-forum-new/ and check out what I've been researching. Personally, I am really excited about the endobarrier and if I lived closer to a city that have the trials (many major cities) I would have it (for free). I think the endobarrier is amazing. It mimics the bypass, without any permanent change to your stomach. The other one I like is the Obalon. It is really an exciting time for new bariatric processes, and I hope to try one of them. in support, triss in utah

Latest on this! http://www.bariatricnews.net/?q=news/111566/preloaded-nutrients-could-mimic-bypass-surgery Here's the study: http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2014/07/11/gutjnl-2014-306834.full?sid=ad60c3be-d4d6-4fc4-94eb-ae323d9bc3cb CONCLUSION of study in UK We conclude that the distal gut of humans and mice is extensively equipped with sensors for products of fat and Protein digestion, and that these associate with specific signalling pathways, two of which have been shown here. These are in turn associated with the release of specific mediators. We have uncovered a role for 5-HT in the response to luminal aromatic AAs, which may contribute to metabolic and behavioural responses to exposure of the distal gut to a meal. It is already known that oral nutrient preloads reduce subsequent food intake15 and that bypass surgery reduces food intake by shunting nutrient to the distal gut. By refining nutrient preloads and formulating them to target the distal gut, we expect to develop a successful weight loss and antidiabetic strategy prior to and possibly in place of bypass surgery. Lean folks have different gut flora (bacteria) than obese folks. Researchers have been working with mice on transplanting lean flora. How does the lean bacteria work? Some researchers say this is what is happening with human weight loss surgery... the actual change or rearrangement in the gut bacteria, from the surgery, is the reason for the weight loss after a bypass/ or does the flora change for some other reason? http://www.sciencemag.org/content/341/6144/351.summary http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/5/178/178ra41.abstract Interesting. Wouldn't it be great to get a transplant of the lean bacteria without the bypass? This is one thing the researchers are looking at. A transplant of lean flora from a bypassed patient or a lean person to an obese person that has not had any surgery. Here are some articles for your perusal. Although this isn't actually something that is a procedure... at least now, could it be? How about fecal transplantation? Researchers are talking about this, also want to find exactly which bacteria is the "lean" one, and use this only. It has the ew factor, getting beyond it, why not. Fecal transplant has successfully cured (90% rate) c-diff. Then again, just consuming non-inflammatory type foods that are good for the gut, is discussed too. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/28/health/studies-focus-on-gut-bacteria-in-weight-loss.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/gut-bacteria-obesity-spur-protect_n_3875034.html http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/06/health/gut-bacteria-from-thin-humans-can-slim-mice-down.html?_r=1& http://www.sciencemag.org/content/341/6150/1241214 http://chriskresser.com/a-healthy-gut-is-the-hidden-key-to-weight-loss http://www.naturalnews.com/036331_gut_flora_weight_loss_body_fat.html

Insightful, smart and on point. Great article, thanks for writing it. I will look again to see if you posted the link to the article...

best of luck and praying for you.... you go!

Hi Becky, I am so sorry for your problems. Thank you for being brave and honest in your posting of your story. It is helpful and so important to know all the benefits AND risks. I am so sorry for your pain and wish I could help. Please keep posting and if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to pm me. triss

Hi there RellaBelle, Thanks to all people posting their responses here ... it really helps to see others' experiences. My friend has done a Phentarmine duo recently (no shots) and over a long course of time has lost some 50#. She told me that it does make her a little jittery (she's like that anyway, so I didn't notice, lol) and it is hard to sleep, but over the course of time she has really done well. RB, I hope to start with meds first, then move on to a gastric balloon or the Endobarrier. I am looking for something to jumpstart me into weight loss, and help me get on the path. Actually, I am not sure of the order of these I will do, but I was almost to booking a sleeve, and read up on complications of the sleeve here on BP and in other places, and decided to research less invasive weight loss processes for now. I may still come to the sleeve, but, as there are some very interesting new bariatric processes that are done endolumenally (through your mouth), without surgery, and are outpatient processes, I will start there. I am going to post my research here eventually, so others can read up, but the one I am most interested in so far, is the Endobarrier. It is being done in Mexico, South America, Australia, and Europe for a while now, and the USA is doing trials now, in quite a few locations. Sadly, not near me, otherwise I would probably sign up. I am posting my research info under "gastric balloons and other endolumenal processes" forum here under this General forum. These processes are not permanent changes to your body, and some do not give huge weight loss initially, but one can use the balloon or the endobarrier more than once. There is also a way to adjust the endobarrier to make for more weight loss too. I do have a lot of weight to lose but like the thought of non surgical procedures for now. I appreciate that BP is inclusive of these non surgical bariatric procedures, as well as surgical bariatric methods. After years of research (even attending a Bandster Bash in TJ), I hope to get there, although perhaps a bit more slowly than surgical methods. I do realize that it is all about changes in habits, and I will really have to concentrate on that, as we all have to. I am hoping that others interested in non surgical bariatric methods like meds, and endolumenal methods will join in this conversation. For me, it is all about research, reading doctor and clinical trial reports, evaluating risk (both short and longterm), and being open minded to find the best path for you as an individual. in support, triss

hi there, I have been looking for solutions to this too! Welcome to my pinterest page about "sleeves". http://www.pinterest.com/tristanadair/sleeves/ I am probably going to go with the 'as seen on tv' ones as they are 3 for $20 i think. although sleevey wonders have a version that is not see through (jersey, i think). After seeing these, I might try to use two cotton tops I have with opaque sleeves (white and black) and try cutting them apart to look like the examples here. Enjoy.