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I had the sleeve 20 months ago. I had no major complications and I've lost 118 pounds. At this point, I've pretty much settled into my new way of eating and it doesn't require a lot of effort (for now, anyway). I have no complaints.

I am a newbie. Gastric sleeve on 10/28. I struggled with being committed to my decision to have surgery a few times BUT I am so very glad I went through with it. My experience thus far has been amazing. It is very hard when you read of other people who had complications or struggled in so many ways post op. That will definitely influence your thoughts regarding the unknown outcome. I can honestly tell you I had absolutely zero problems. I live alone and was perfectly fine post-op. Eating according to plan has not been an issue. In regards to sticking with the requirements of the plan, I find that your body will do it for you. You can't overeat (in my experience) as it will make you far too uncomfortable. It becomes a habit to take smaller bites and to chew your food thoroughly. I wish you the best.

If you haven't run into this in your research, I found this to be an interesting point/counterpoint discussion of the LINX (the "Yes" vote is linked at the bottom). http://agaperspectives.gastro.org/is-linx-the-way-to-go-for-gerd-surgery-no/#.X7K6SWhKiUk I also found another source that indicated that LINX was not appropriate for bariatric patients, but didn't explain why (possibly simply because that group didn't have much experience with bariatric patients?) The "No" vote above did lift out the prospect of erosion from the foreign body, and given the history of the lapband, that is probably a good point of caution. I would suggest getting a second (and possibly third) opinion on this. I am a fan of second opinions, particularly when it comes to revisions and complications, as both the causes and solutions are often more varied than the original surgery, and hence the opinions as to the best way to go often vary more widely - what one doc is comfortable doing to solve the problem may not be the ideal for you, while another doc may have different experiences that allows him to offer something better for your need. Or maybe not - but as patients it is hard for us to evaluate, but one solution may make more sense to us than another. I have found that with the sleeve, being a relatively new procedure to most of the bariatric world, the solutions to problems that may crop up are often limited - some docs are limited to simply revising to a bypass as they don't have much experience with anything else. Most bariatric surgeons here in the States are fairly well experienced with the sleeve by now (as opposed to 6-10 years ago) but may not yet have that much experience in correcting problems with them, which is why it can pay to seek out alternate opinions. Sometimes there are shape issues with the sleeve, stemming from either the original surgery or from subsequent evolutions, and surgeons can vary widely on their ability to address these. Some can do fundoplications to address the hiatal hernia, while others can't (there isn't that much fundus to plicate after our VSG.) I would suggest a second opinion from Dr. Ara Keshishian, who does a lot of complex revisions (people come from across the country to see him, particularly as he is one of the few who can do the RNY/DS revision) and if anyone can get things working better without a major revision or devices, it is him. If one can avoid an RNY or an implanted device, that would be ideal. Conveniently, he is right around the corner from you in the Glendale/Pasadena area. I do have a hiatal hernia, though a fundoplication is inappropriate for my case, and as GERD is mild and well controlled with moderate OTC meds, and EGD shows nothing exciting happening, it is a wait and see thing for me at this point. Hope yours comes out well, whatever path you take,

@Barbwired & @toytoy Our stories are so similar..... I to was banded 11/10/2009. Did great till 2017 when i was going through a divorce (25-26 years) and then i got a stomach virus and couldn't stop throwing up..... slipped band and ER removal 3/23/2017... Worse day EVER. I lost my beloved band Tina. At the time i lost her i had not gained any weight and was at my steady 143lbs. Because it was ER i was not giving the option to wait or revise. Looking back on it i wish i had been given the choice.... But because i didn't gain, my dr said i didn't weigh enough anyway. And that's what i heard from every dr after that. Fast forward a little... i started with a few lbs here and there and no matter what i did i could not get the scale to go back the other way. I was starting to get depressed and then the beginning of 2019 i started menopause (50). When May-June came around i was up to 173lbs. (30lbs). Planning a wedding for Sept and i was steady gaining..... so i upped my search and found a dr. here that agreed to do the revision. I really wanted the MGB, but he doesn't do that.... so the sleeve it was. It went quickly as i told the dr i wanted to go as fast a possible, all other appointments went... bam bam.. Done. He noted in my chart that i was a "revision" (2.5 years later) and what my BMI was back in 2009 was 44, how well i did and that in 2.5 years i had only gained 30lbs. Handed over 14k and was sleeved 8/28/19..... Married 9/26/19 20lbs lighter. As of today i'm at 120lbs and have been since Juneishhhh.... (-53lbs) Barb.. i'm the same way, i like the gym but i have to go straight from work, do not stop anywhere, do not pass GO... hehe.... if i do, i'll go home and that's where i stay. I have not exercised a day since Covid started. I did for the months of Aug-Jan...(crossfit). But nothing since. Honestly, the sleeve sx was one of the easiest i ever had.... sx on Wednesday and back to work on Monday he even fixed a HH. @toytoy Is there a reason they can't do the removal and revision at the same time? The weight loss has for me been pretty easy and no complications. No vomiting, no getting stuck, no fills... I went see the dr every 3 months and now i'm on maintenance and only have to go once a year (unless i have issues). Personally, i think us Band-members that did well with the band do well with the sleeve. I know the band taught me how to eat better and it has made a huge difference. People that didn't do well with the sleeve i see them having more of their same issues.

Hello everyone, I would lile to share that I had my surgery 13 years ago, no complications before or after surgery, at the beginning of course was difficult because is a new life with totally different eating habits, portions, but the most important is to be ready mentally and emotionally so we can be strong to stop ourselves to eat or drink something not in our new menu for our new condition. Second, follow every single step and everything will be fine. Exercise with a simple walk around the house but maintain your body in movement, at the same tine we are helping out stomach tissue to heal faster. Righ now,, I am able to eat everything but I never exceed and I continue with my precautions. I am 52 years old and I wish the best to each of you and be proud of every single change you made, reward yourself with self motivation and encouragement to do better and better. Each of you can do it! Sent from my LM-Q730 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing discomfort and discontent. You have been referred to another Surgeon? That is a priority so you can now address & reconcile the acid reflux and move on with your revision. Typically, a revision is not as complicated as the original surgery. It should alleviate your acid reflux and improve weightloss. Sometimes the stomach can expand...I realize you know all this. Your trepidation is reasonable & understandable, especially when the Dr. you developed a trusting relationship has moved. Have you met the new Surgeon? Do not allow fear to create anxiety. Evidentially, you are incredibly strong, in every way....emotionally & mentally your are formidable. Has your Dr recommended any medication for the reflux? I do not know anything about your history, I joined today. But I am here, happy to help & always listen...

I had my sleeve done on August 26th, two days after my birthday. My food funeral was a vanilla cupcake and a fish sandwich. I wasn't as nervous as I should have been. But there were no complications, and I stayed a night in the hospital. Didn't get much sleep. I didn't have a lot of pain, either, but I couldn't keep the Tylenol with codeine down anyway. I had that moment of "WTF DID I DO TO MYSELF?" anytime I vomited up the Tylenol or the potassium stuff they tried to give me. Having to take pills with tiny-assed sips of water was hella frustrating! And I barely ate the broth they brought me-- it didn't taste very good and I just wasn't interested in anything but the water. I had mainly gas discomfort, and when I got home all I really wanted was water and sleep. I didn't need the pain relief or the medicine to prevent nausea. I think I felt like tossing the cookies once at home, but I hadn't eaten anything so that was pointless. They put me on enoxaparin, Prilosec, and the worst-tasting vitamins in creation, but I got through that bit. Moved on to different vitamins, and am much happier. I'm on regular food now, eating maybe 3 oz., but I worry that I may not be eating enough. I still prefer to do my protein and nutritional shakes, because, TBH, sometimes I hate the feeling of my food digesting! Does anyone else get that? The other thing that annoys me is not being able to eat as many veggies as I'd like because "protein first", LOL. For the most part, I had a fast and easy recovery, and I'm grateful. I was working out, but between the incision where the excised stomach was removed hurting at some point and enduring The Crimson Beatdown, I kind of slacked off. I'm still losing, but I need to get back on track very soon. I think I'm a slow loser but some sleevers have said they didn't think so. NSVs make me happy, though! People are noticing I'm changing, and I can walk through a shopping trip without back pain. It's glorious. Did anyone's surgeon go through their navel area? Mine did, so I have four visible scars. I hate that he used staples to close-- the scars are noticeable af. The navel scar was glued. If you're on Instagram, let me know! I'll follow you. Mine is @gata.tale.to.tell .

I stayed one night, but COVID definitely changes how hospitals operate. They need to keep as many beds open as possible for COVID patients, especially since the disease surging right now. The other thing that can happen is that all elective surgeries are cancelled indefinitely. If you can get surgery now - get it! As far as COVID, you are not likely to get it at the hospital. The COVID patients are housed in a different unit than the surgery unit. All the surgery patients are tested and the nurses are screened. There are more precautions being taken in the hospital than just about anywhere. Once you get home, just stay put and don't congregate with a lot of other people, which is what you should be doing now anyway. Usually only people with history of blood clots or several risk factors are put on blood thinners. I was not. That being said, even though I was walking as soon as I woke up and doing 10,000 steps by the end of week one, I developed several clots in my legs! I was feeling soreness along some of my varicose veins, and the ultra sound showed some deeper clots. My doc told me even soreness and swelling at the IV site can be an indication that a clotting disorder is happening. Anyway, I went on Xarelto for 3 months and that was that. Done. However, if I ever need surgery again, I will be put of blood thinners as a precaution. Complications are rare, but they can be dealt with. Staying obese has a lot more lifetime risks than surgery. This may be a window of opportunity for your surgery that could close, so take advantage of it and take each day as it comes.

Hello! Im in the “considering” phase for WLS. Not sure if I am a good candidate or if I am giving up on my own sheer determination too soon. I have a child who is about a year out of sleeve surgery at age 22 and doing great. It’s inspiring, and I long for similar success. I have battled my weight my whole life. A little background: According to height and weight charts, I have never ever been within healthy range. At age 14, I weighed 181. As an active teen I averaged 165, and I have not seen that weight since. As an adult, I usually hovered between 195-270 and everything in between as I had children and went through the decades of my life. (Highest weight was 270 from 1999-2003) In the last 10 years, I have felt pretty good and seemed to settle into the 185-210 range, always fluctuating. I am 5’9” so I carry my weight well. This last two years I have gained 37 lbs pushing me from 193 to 230. (20 if it is definitely covid stress related) I had gestational diabetes with all three pregnancies, requiring insulin. My father was a diabetic and had every complication of it (stroke, blindness, foot infections) including kidney failure which ultimately contributed to his death. Other than genetics, my current health issues are heart palpitations, knee pain, back pain. My BMI is currently 34.5. Even if I struggle to lose 30 lbs, at 199 I will still be around 29 BMI. Even maintaining “overweight” status is a constant uphill battle for me and has gotten worse in my 40’s. I am tired of this being so difficult. I live in fear of inheriting my fathers health problems. Sorry so long. Wondering if I’m giving up my willpower too soon. The constant flip flopping from “I can do this on my own” and “it’s time to take this to another level before it’s too late” is giving me terrible anxiety. Any thoughts, experience, or advice is welcome.

Hey all, first time posting here and I've been dealing with this for months now. I got the duodenal switch about 7 or 8 years ago when I was about 16. Crazy young I know, and to this day I still question that decision and probably always will because of my age. I've had a great experience as far as weight loss goes, but as I've gotten older I've gotten increasingly worried about malnutrition/deficiencies developing over time. I'm religious about my supplements, and I literally got my bloodwork done earlier this week so I'm good about that. However, the anxiety about potential deficiencies that I feel like might go undetected in bloodwork (for instance I know B12 tests can be inaccurate in detecting deficiencies) or that there might be a time that supplements become ineffective for me is becoming extremely difficult to bear, keeping me awake at night, causing anxiety attacks, making my life miserable, etc. All to the point where despite not technically being diagnosed with any deficiencies, it makes me regret the surgery and feel like I'm going to get severe side effects or die an early death because of this decision. My entire family has had the procedure and I'm the only one who really deals with this to this extent so it's difficult for me to cope. I have appointments with my primary care physician and plan on contacting my surgeon to discuss these risks more with him, but I have the feeling that this anxiety will persist as my anxiety causes me to have doubts about the ability of modern medical science to adequately monitor the effects of a procedure this radical. I realize that all of these concerns are likely what should have deterred me from the surgery in the first place, but at the time my family, medical team and myself thought it was a good decision. Tl;dr: having extreme health anxiety about longterm nutritional complications despite doing everything by the book and don't know what to do about it.

Hey all, first time posting here and I've been dealing with this for months now. I got the duodenal switch about 7 or 8 years ago when I was about 16. Crazy young I know, and to this day I still question that decision and probably always will because of my age. I've had a great experience as far as weight loss goes, but as I've gotten older I've gotten increasingly worried about malnutrition/deficiencies developing over time. I'm religious about my supplements, and I literally got my bloodwork done earlier this week so I'm good about that. However, the anxiety about potential deficiencies that I feel like might go undetected in bloodwork (for instance I know B12 tests can be inaccurate in detecting deficiencies) or that there might be a time that supplements become ineffective for me is becoming extremely difficult to bear, keeping me awake at night, causing anxiety attacks, making my life miserable, etc. All to the point where despite not technically being diagnosed with any deficiencies, it makes me regret the surgery and feel like I'm going to get severe side effects or die an early death because of this decision. My entire family has had the procedure and I'm the only one who really deals with this to this extent so it's difficult for me to cope. I have appointments with my primary care physician and plan on contacting my surgeon to discuss these risks more with him, but I have the feeling that this anxiety will persist as my anxiety causes me to have doubts about the ability of modern medical science to adequately monitor the effects of a procedure this radical. I realize that all of these concerns are likely what should have deterred me from the surgery in the first place, but at the time my family, medical team and myself thought it was a good decision. Tl;dr: having extreme health anxiety about longterm nutritional complications despite doing everything by the book and don't know what to do about it.

Hey all, first time posting here and I've been dealing with this for months now. I got the duodenal switch about 7 or 8 years ago when I was about 16. Crazy young I know, and to this day I still question that decision and probably always will because of my age. I've had a great experience as far as weight loss goes, but as I've gotten older I've gotten increasingly worried about malnutrition/deficiencies developing over time. I'm religious about my supplements, and I literally got my bloodwork done earlier this week so I'm good about that. However, the anxiety about potential deficiencies that I feel like might go undetected in bloodwork (for instance I know B12 tests can be inaccurate in detecting deficiencies) or that there might be a time that supplements become ineffective for me is becoming extremely difficult to bear, keeping me awake at night, causing anxiety attacks, making my life miserable, etc. All to the point where despite not technically being diagnosed with any deficiencies, it makes me regret the surgery and feel like I'm going to get severe side effects or die an early death because of this decision. My entire family has had the procedure and I'm the only one who really deals with this to this extent so it's difficult for me to cope. I have appointments with my primary care physician and plan on contacting my surgeon to discuss these risks more with him, but I have the feeling that this anxiety will persist as my anxiety causes me to have doubts about the ability of modern medical science to adequately monitor the effects of a procedure this radical. I realize that all of these concerns are likely what should have deterred me from the surgery in the first place, but at the time my family, medical team and myself thought it was a good decision. Tl;dr: having extreme health anxiety about longterm nutritional complications despite doing everything by the book and don't know what to do about it.

I'm almost 13 years out and absolutely love my band! I've had my band since March 2008. I lost the majority of my weight in the first 6-9 months (from 200lbs down to 140lbs, i'm only 5'2") and managed to stay within a maintenance range for the past 12+ years, which included 2 pregnancies and a my fair share of fluctuations along the way. In the past year i have made some more habit changes that led me to drop another 20ish pounds leaving me at about 120-125lbs at 5'2". It's hard to see so many people suffering from complications with their bands, but i know that that has been the reality for many. I worry sometimes that even after 13 great years complication-free, that something could just go wrong! Honestly my biggest worry is that if something went wrong, i would no longer qualify for a revision surgery because i am at goal. I don't want to think about what it would be like without this tool! I used to post a lot in the beginning of my journey, but recently came back. So often it feels like i'm on this journey all alone, but being here makes me realize that's not the case. It makes me so happy to hear from some veterans (and to actually be one this time around). Please keep posting and i will try to do the same!

Another quiet and happy bandster here! I'm almost 13 years out and absolutely love my band! It's hard to see so many people suffering from complications and i worry sometimes that even after 13 great years complication-free, that something could just go wrong! Honestly my biggest worry is that if something went wrong, i would no longer qualify for a revision surgery because i am at goal. I've had my band since March 2008. I lost the majority of my weight in the first 6-9 months (from 200lbs down to 140lbs, i'm only 5'2") and managed to stay within a maintenance range for the past 12+ years, which included 2 pregnancies and a my fair share of fluctuations along the way. In the past year i have made some more habit changes that led me to drop another 20ish pounds leaving me at about 120-125lbs at 5'2". It makes me so happy to see some positive bandsters out there sharing their stories as there are definitely still a lot of us on this band journey. Please keep posting and i will try to do the same!

Kdella, I'm sorry you are feeling so discouraged. I also had a bleeding ulcer and blood clots in my legs. It's hard to keep your spirits up when there are complications. But the reality is that you are doing great. 55 pounds in 4 months is actually very good. Nearly everyone stalls around the 4 month mark, so what you are experiencing is normal. There are so many psychological changes that occur after WLS. As you know, it is a lot more than just a physical process. The joy of food will return, but it will be different. The fact that you are a cook and a baker is wonderful, because you have the knowledge to adapt recipes and come up with innovations that will probably help others, as well. Do not get your surgery reversed! You just need to heal and keep following the plan. The weight will come off, and a year from now your body and your outlook will be completely different. You just have to hang in there. As you have discovered, the crutch of comfort food has been taken away, so now you will learn new ways to cope - ways that are healthier and more positive for your life. You have made one of the biggest decisions of your life in getting surgery. It will most likely turn out to be one of the best decisions you have made, but you have to reframe your thoughts to start focusing on what you have instead of what you don't have. You are over half way to your goal weight! That is great! A lot of folks are not that far along in just 4 months - really! You have passed some major hurdles - the first few months are the hardest for everyone, and you had the added complication, but... that is behind you now. It only gets better. Start reworking your favorite meals to see what kind of tasty dishes you can come up with! I discovered a severe gluten intolerance about 10 years ago, and am STILL finding new gluten free recipes that are even better than the originals. (I found an amazing green bean casserole, complete with onion topping that is more delicious than the standard one that everyone brings to potlucks. And I just learned how to back incredible GF bread.) It's a learning adventure that keeps on going..... Learning how to appreciate and prepare healthier foods is like that, too. You start building a catalog of recipes that you and your family like, and it just gets better and better. HANG IN THERE! You are not alone.

Yes, in the late afternoon on the 2nd. My surgeon told me, pre-op, that a lot of his patients start on softs in a few days. 😳 Yeah, with all the complications I had, I am starting when my nutritionist says (7-10 days). My softs may be different than others', though. Reading through the packet from my nut, it seems like applesauce, eggs, smooth peanut butter, cream of wheat, and the like.

My surgery is tomorrow, it doesn't seem real. I did the liquid diet for two weeks no problem, no cravings, lost 26lbs. The only part of the post-op diet that bothers me is pureed. The thought of chicken or meat in a blender makes me ill, not doing it. I will live on applesauce and cottage cheese. If anyone has other suggestions, I'll take them. I am not telling anyone about my surgery outside of two extremely close friends and family. I was hired work from home in April, the camera in my laptop doesn't work (Alleluia!) so no one at work has ever seen me, my manager hired me without an interview. So they do not know how huge I am and they certainly aren't going to know about this. Too much fat prejudice out there and not their business anyway. To the hospital I am taking the clothes on my back, my phone and charger, insurance/debit cards, toothbrush, comb and warm robe. I am praying for a smooth recovery with no complications. I am only taking off 4 days from work. I don't feel comfortable with more since this is a new job and I am a contractor hoping to be hired full time. I'm open to advice, etc. Thanks to everyone who has posted about their surgeries and for all the advice given here! Hopefully I will be able to put diabetes in remission after 15 years and an amputated toe, as well as kick high blood pressure.

So sorry to hear. Is there an extended family member or a close friend who could help out (either by letting your son stay with them or by staying over to help out your wife)? Would it be cheaper to pay someone to stay over the night and day your wife will be home with your son rather than starting over with a new deductible? Sorry things got so complicated, I hope it works out for you.

Sounds good to me! I GAINED 7lb from my hospital stay (I was in for a few days with complications). I have lost it now, and finally down again by a couple pounds (I am a week post op).

Just finished my breakfast of some Two Good vanilla yogurt mixed with protein powder and a splash of vanilla Premier shake. Mid-morning snack will probably be some Progresso creamy tomato basil soup (also with protein powder). I gotta tell ya... I have never tried that particular soup before, but I had some yesterday, and it was so good I wanted to cry LOL... Anyone already sleeved feel like they are constantly watching the clock? I am in the no drinking 15 min before or 30 min after stage (it will soon switch to 30 & 30 I think... gotta read my paperwork again), and am having such a hard time getting my water in all day. I used to be a guzzler and would drink SO much water, but now, it's so hard. I could start soft foods today, according to my surgeon, but I think I am holding off on that for a bit, because I am scared after all the complications I had.

I programmed a gallbladder, hiatal hernia, and duodenal switch for one day. Remember the proactive gallbladder removal will likely prevent a risk an emergency operation later. In my case, they did some labs during surgery and only were able to complete the gallbladder and hernia on Surgery #1. Diagnosing and clearing a restricted common bile duct required four procedures on day 3 of my hospital stay. I got the duodenal switch (SADI-S) done on day 4 of my hospital stay. I didn't experience any complications from the surgeries and would definitely do it again.

Like others, the benefits of the surgery out weighed the risks. My quality of life was horrible and only getting worse as I got older. Co-morbidities were increasing. I did have 2 complications - post op blood clots and an ulcer, but both were successfully treated and resolved. I do not regret surgery for a minute. I have a new life with a bright future ahead.

Although it can be startling, what you're describing is actually a good thing. It means your surgeon was open and honest with you about the risks so that you can make a truly informed decision. Now you can balance those risks against the expected benefits and come to your own conclusion about whether or not surgery is worth it. For me, it was definitely worth moving forward with surgery since, as you said, the risk of serious complications is low overall (and the risks associated with remaining obese were very high). Only you can decide how the risk vs. benefits equation balances out for you. But having accurate information is a prerequisite to be able to do that. I wish you the best, whatever you decide. 🤗

Hey all! I should have a December date as well. Hoping to have it this week! My surgery is outpatient, though they can admit if you have issues or complications. I’m kind of glad because I just feel so much more comfortable at home. Basically surgery is in the AM and you stay until the PM and then go home. I’m ready to get this done.

It’s not unusual to feel weak & tired in the first couple of months. You’ve had surgery, altered your body & are on a restrictive, reduced calorie diet. While your dietician is right in advising you not to overeat, your surgeon would be concerned about the possible health impacts of rapid weight loss. How many calories are you consuming? It can be hard to get in a realistic amount that allows you to lose weight without stressing your body or leaving you open to health complications especially at the beginning when your appetite is very low & your restriction is in full force. Instead of pushing you to eat more, what about enriching what you are eating - quality vs quantity. Your dietician should recommend some options to enrich your diet or other food choices you could try. I struggle to maintain & I did not enjoy protein powders. So my dietician had me add milk powder to my rolled oats, which I already made on milk, every morning so I’d up my calories & protein. I found it too sweet so I add it to my chia pudding which I eat 4 times a week. If you can tolerate it, add extra protein powder to your smoothies or yoghurt. You can sip on the smoothie all day as it counts towards your fluid intake.