katybelle7

I wish people wouldn't say the sleeve becomes less effective over time. The sleeve remains restrictive over time. The person with the sleeve might become less effective with their diet choices, but the sleeve itself won't change.

@@Pinkgirl1234 My pcp suggested either the sleeve or the bypass. But I'd had pancreatitis once and decided I'd do better with the sleeve and direct access to the pancreas if ever needed. I think the choice is 6 one way and 1/2 a dozen the other My feelings are whatever we choose for ourselves, it's the right choice at that time. You've done your homework, me too, so now we move forward! I'm not having problems with my pre-op diet and don't anticipate problems afterwards. If they happen, they happen, but I'm refusing to worry about them till they do! I'm only anticipating a happy future that no longer revolves around food, but around a healthier body, new clothes and keeping up with grandkids!! Best of luck with your by-pass choice. I'm happy for you and hope your outcome is wonderful!

@ okcpirate My doctor, with Northwestern Medicine in Cgo, says the sleeve does NOT lose effectiveness over time. Appetite may return in 6-18 months, but the sleeve stays restrictive and does NOT expand over time. He says anyone who gains weight after having the sleeve a number of years isn't being truthful with themselves or others and are eating calories they shouldn't be eating, and are blaming the sleeve. I trust my doctor over the article you sent. Sorry. As you can see I'm feeling less insecure as my surgery date nears...Sept 3.

Hooray to all you successful surgeversary folks. I say if you want it, do it. Who cares what others think?

I, too, have a band that has to come out for many of your reasons plus a large abdominal hernia. I'm rejoicing that there is an alternative to the band that doesn't involve sticking a foreign object into my body. My sleeve is scheduled for 9/3, and I can hardly wait for the band to come out!

Told no one but hubby, and a fb friend who mentioned she'd had wls 10 years ago. I really didn't want to tell family since I had lap band surgery 7 years ago that was initially successful, but had failed me causing a large hernia. I have felt like a major failure for the last 4 years, so decided to get sleeve gastrectomy. My husband and fb friend both advised me to at least let my immediate family know, so since I now have a surgery date scheduled I decided to share the news with my elderly dad, sister, brother and two adult children. They all surprised me with great support and good wishes. The rest of the world, however,will find out I had hernia surgery and decided to change my diet and lifestyle. Why tell them more? They saw me lose weight 7 years ago and gain it back. Trying to lose again shouldn't surprise anyone. Going out to eat with friends and asking for a doggie bag as the meal is delivered is a lifestyle change many people use for weight loss. I refuse to feel like a failure any longer and look forward to being a healthier me!

How wonderful you've lost 50 pounds. It looks like you had surgery in 1999. It would be a shame to start gaining from junk food after all this time. Remember, when you fall off a horse, to lose your fear you have to get back on. It's time to remember why you had that surgery and how hard it was to lose your weight. Get back on your beautiful steed and back on your program. You can do this!

Oh, also, did you have to be on a blood thinner, I think it's Lovenox?), for a few days after going home?

Did you order a trial pkg of Unjury? How did you get it?

I'm expecting to be quite tired at first because of the hernia repair along with band removal and sleeve. I'm tho king that will be my time just for me! Told my family last night. They all seemed to be encouraging except for my sister who was dubious about the success of a new surgery. Also my doc changed my date from the 2nd to the 3rd. Ova deal with that. Things seem to be fling into place for me. Meet with the dietician on Wednesday. Start liquids onthursday. I hope you'll be chipper soon.

My surgery's scheduled for September 2. I was nervous for the two months it's taken to get all my paperwork, tests, visits done, but as soon as I got my surgery date this week, I've just been excited! My hubby is super supportive and excited for me, i think because he's hoping he'll lose a little weight as I lose. Have any of you found your spouse or family losing along with you?

How did you tell your children about your sleeve? I'm hesitant to tell my two. I don't know why, but I am.

Whew...I Feel like I'm the oldest person to ever get a sleeve! Had a lapband for 7 years that's caused all sorts of problems and am finally getting rid of it and going to the sleeve. have you truly lost 56 pounds in one month? That's amazing! What product are you using for your after-surgery protein drink and is it even somewhat tasty? I'd love to hear more about your whole experience with your surgery.

Oh yes, Dr. David Klem did my lap band, but Dr. Woodard specializes in the sleeve.

Blythe I'm in McHenry county, but used to live in DuPage county and worked at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. I've since retired, but my doctor there will be removing my band, doing a sleeve, and repairing a hernia in one surgery on September 2. I've seen posts of both one surgery and two surgeries, with no one complaining either way. I agree with you, I only wanted one surgery! My doctor is David Woodard, phone number is (630) 933-6745. CDH is now affiliated with Northwestern in Chicago. Dr. Woodard has been doing the sleeve for 10 years, and I'm glad I found him! Good luck in your search!

Amy, I think most of us are having those second thoughts before our procedures. For good reason...we're making a life changing decision! But I've yet to read a post from anyone saying, "I lost no weight, this was a dumb idea!" I really think we worry our love/hate relationship with food won't change, and that we are permanently changing our bodies forever for no conceivable reason. Your success depends on a positive attitude and research on the subject. It's almost like going to,school again :-) I would suggest that you have help at home for a short while if you have surgery since you have a little one who will want to be lifted and cuddled. But whatever your final decision is, it's the right one for you. Don't second guess yourself! Best of luck.

My doctor explained to me that ghrelin usually kicks back in after about a year...hopefully long enough to see a substantial weight loss and to have gained new eating habits.

Having posted about my own insecurities, I can assure you this forum will give you insight and inspiration to realize you're making the right decision. As long as your hubby is supportive, let the nay-saying family members take a hike. You're doing this for your health and body, not to please them. Before you know it you'll be running circles around them asking what they've done lately to keep their own bodies healthy!

Love hearing this. You're giving me courage!

Happy for you!

@@iamshazza For sure get your gall bladder checked before anything else. Your doctor will tell you that too, and today it's a pretty easy surgery. Give it some time then before doing your sleeve if you're going to do it. And know whatever decision you make, it's the right one for you!

@@lachellove I entered "hair loss" in the Search at the top of the page. Looks like hair loss might begin between 3-6 months, partly caused by fast weight loss as well as not getting enough protein. I wasn't warned about this either :-(. But since I really want to be healthier in body, I'll worry about the hair when the time comes.

Was your bit of normal food protein or ice cream? Check with your nutritionist. My pre surgery diet consists of two meals of protein drinks and 1 meal of 'normal' food. But all requirements aren't alike, so it's best to check. Don't be embarrassed, everyone has questions, and you'll make brownie points with the pros if you check in with them. But remember, cheating now could lead to easier cheating later. Be true to yourself. You can do this! Keep your eye on the prize!

P.S. You're only a month out from surgery...better check your doctor for permission to engage in this activity so soon.

I suggest you consult your nutritionist for help with this. You need portable menu ideas in order to get your protein, and certainly need to stay hydrated. Ask a pro.