Brad H

I have found that there are many people in the world that judge others, regardless of having all the facts or understanding your personal journey and challenges you face. None of us entered into this decision lightly. It is a big commitment...a lifelong, life-changing commitment that I am sure no one here approached lightly or flippantly. Only my wife and immediate family and my best friend know about my surgery and I will probably keep it that way. When I had lap-band back in 2006 (I had a sleeve revision in June), I made the mistake at the time of telling a few coworkers because they noticed I had lost some weight. I could visibly see the change in their posturing and attitude from one of support and positive feedback to the obvious "cop-out" perspective. It was not only offensive, but disappointing. So, this time around, I am keeping it to just a close group of people that I feel like would have my back, no matter what. So far, this is working out fine. I am making it to the gym 3-5 times a week, so when someone asks about the weight loss, I tell them I am working out and making a lifestyle change. Hey...its the truth! :-) You don't owe anyone an explanation...and technically, its nobody's business.

Hi Shawna, I highly recommend the sleeve. I was banded in 2005 and did great for many years, up until mid 2015 or so when I started having reflux, heartburn, and the random tightness/looseness that sounds similar to what you are describing. It was a given "yak" after every meal and then non-stop heartburn for the next several hours. Problems at night with regurgitation in my sleep. It was pretty unpleasant. I had a endoscopy early this year and gastro doc found some erosion, pre-barretts condition, so he advised an unfill and consult with my surgeon. After a consult and psych eval, I was approved for sleeve and had the band removed and sleeved on June 17. I have never had a second thought. So far, much easier recovery than lap-band, it has gone like clockwork. It is a different experience than the band. The food restrictions became really annoying with the lapband...no such long term restrictions, aside from carbonation, and drinking liquids around your eating times. That has not been an issue. I am 6 weeks post op, follow up appt today. Will be moving to regular diet soon. Still on soft foods, I have ZERO hunger. It is great! Once you eat a meal, Protein first, my experience has been that I get pretty full at around 4oz of food. And I don't get hungry for a LONG time. In fact, I ever really get hungry anymore, but I know when I am "empty". My surgeon and his nurse practitioner (i see her on some follow up visits) advised 3 protein filled meals, with small Snacks in between. There is a protein target and calorie target they have given me, based on my personal data....I am sure it may vary from person to person. So far, it has been great. The best thing is the absence of hunger something that actually came back pretty often with the band...I think because of the reflux issues. Anyway... sleeve is the best thing I have ever done for my health, even over the band. Down 31 lbs in six weeks, I hit the gym 3-4 times a week, and am already off a daily blood pressure medicine, as I am now in the normal range. My .02.

I am 10 days post op and asked my surgeon about drinking, post-op. His feedback was: beer...pretty much never, due to the carbonation/fizziness factor...and it can stretch your stomach out. Regular cocktails/liquor; 6 weeks post op and after. The alcohol inhibits the healing process and can lead to improper healing of the staple line. (He said it much more eloquently than I am). Plus, a lot of spirits/cocktails/mixed drinks, are high in calories and can derail your weight loss efforts. So, beyond the 6 week point, the stomach should be able to handle moderate imbibing. I would guess when the time comes to drink again, it would be better to not do it on an empty stomach...to see how the tolerance is.

I guess the pre-op instructions vary by surgeon. I was given a 7 day pre-op and am on day 4. My surgery is this Friday. I am going from lap-band to sleeve.(My band started acting up late last year so after endoscopy and gastro-doc recommendation, I am moving to the sleeve). Its the same surgeon I had before, so I did the 7 day pre-op before, as well. I have found that Premier Protein is the best for balance of protein, calories, flavor. If you have a costco membership, they have the best prices on it, by the case. For this pre-op round, I have had Premier Protein, Vitamin Water zero in its various flavors (very good!), lots of water, and low sodium beef and chicken broth. The savory of these last two helps offset the monotony of the Protein shakes and other artificial sweetener tastes that come with the flavored zero calorie waters. I think the variety is what helps you get through. my .02.

Hey jgeldmacher that is awesome! I was just approved, too! Surgery date is April 15th! I am moving from lap band to gastric sleeve. Congrats!

Update: Approved for Gastric Sleeve and scheduled for surgery April 15,2016. Pre-Op office visit on March 30th. I will follow up after surgery and check in!

Hi Runner1, I am a patient of Dr. Jayaseelan. I am currently going through the approval process and have not gotten a surgery date yet. This will be a revision surgery for me, as I have recently experienced some complications with the Lap-Band (banded in 2006) and am looking forward to this alternative procedure. I will update when I know more.