Sleeve vs. Lap Band

[Tiffykins 673]

Does the VSG surgery really quell that voice inside that says, "This is great, eat some more," and "Gee a piece of choclate sounds good" and I end up eating several pieces. I guess what I'm asking is does this surgery boost your willpower?

Also, do you feel the negative reinforcement of feeling bad is the main reason you don't overeat or is it that you just don't want food the way you used to?

I am attending a support group for VSG patients the second Monday in April (the first one I could find in my area). I know talking to others will help. Until then, and I'm sure after, thanks for being so helpful and informative.

It's great to have someone who has been through this to "talk" to.

Your getting back to me so quickly, assures me that there will be someone to talk to when I go through the tough times. The pre-op sure does not sound like fun. But hey, I can do anything (short of eating less:)) if it makes me feel better about myself. You are absolutely right, being overweight is no fun either.

I look forward to the day I am in your shoes. The thought of not having to shop in the Plus size department alone, puts a smile on my face.

Thanks for being here for me.

For me, and my experience, honestly the sleeve made making better choices easier. Cravings still happen because they operate on our stomachs, not our brains. The greatest aspect of the sleeve is that if I do have a craving, I can eat a small amount, and truly be satisfied.

Perfect example: For the last week, I've had a craving for sushi or veggie rolls. I've avoided it because honestly they are not the "best" choice to fill up my sleeve. Well, yesterday, I caved and had my veggie rolls. You know how many I had, 2, that's right just 2 little avocado, cucumber with a little sliver of cream cheese with some soy sauce. Before, I would have eaten all 6-8 little servings, but 2 and I was done. The kiddo ate one, and the rest are in the fridge that I can eat later today. When did we ever leave sushi for leftovers? For me, NEVER. I always ate it all and then would get more LOL.

As for things tasting good and wanting one more bite, it happens. I've found that if I eat super slow, I can fit more in. If I take a break, and just socialize with my family or friends during dinner, I can wait 10 minutes and have another bite or two. I figure that is better than eating from the food trough that I ate from before.

I haven't overeaten to the point of having pain or vomiting in months. There's a learning curve, and I had it kind of beat because I had the band first. But, the sleeve really won't allow you to overeat. Also, vomiting with the sleeve is different than vomiting pre-op. If you happen to take one too many bites, or eat too fast (especially early out), that last bite will typically come up. It's not the wretching, gagging, pukey feeling you get when you have a stomach bug, or a hangover vomiting episode. It's like this creeper feeling up your esophagus. My mouth fills up with saliva right before this happens, and I once that last bite comes up, it's instant relief.

Even though I am in the maintenance stage, I still have to make good choices. I have found that crackers, Pasta, rice, potatoes, chips, essentially simple carbs, have become slider foods. That means I can eat a lot more of them than I could before. If I choose to eat them, I don't have any room for Protein which is not the best choice. Are there days when I eat 1 slice of deli meat with some cheese and chips/dip, yeppers. I really should have had 2-3 slices of deli meat, and no chips, but I also know how I feel when I'm deprived. I'll binge and eat an entire bag of cheesy poofs. So, it's all about finding a balance.

The sleeve definitely helps your willpower. If you can change your mindset to Protein first, veggies 2nd, and then if you have room, carbs, you'll be able to change those years of habits. I was a huge volume eater pre-op. Literally, I could pack away an entire large Papa John's barbque chicken pizza by myself, and 1/2 of a 2 liter of Dr. Pepper in one setting. Now, I can barely eat an entire piece of pizza if it's on regular crust. But, that little piece of pizza is so satisfying, and I'm done. I honestly just don't want food like I did anymore. If I overeat on carbs, I am immediately exhausted. It's like a carb induced coma, and I feel pretty fatigued. So, there are definitely consequences to making not so great choices.

You taking the pro-active steps of getting into a support group will serve you well during your journey. But, also remember everyone's experience is different. It's the same way here on this forum. There are different opinions and experiences with each different member, and you'll have to find your own path. The best thing about here, and a support group is that you'll have someone to turn to that can truly be your cheerleader. There will be struggles, and hurdles, but the victories, and wow moments will outweigh those ten fold.

[Stacy160 201]

Everything she said. :thumbup:

It TOTALLY helps with willpower... and when you decide ("decide" -- as opposed to mindlessly grabbing and gulping) to have a little treat, you have a bite or two and that's it--done.

Last week for some reason, patients were bringing in goodies left and right. Usually not a problem, but two of those things were two of my favorites: pineapple upside down cake, and coconut almond fudge ice cream, which is the best I've ever had EVER. I knew if I got into that cake early, I'd want to pick at little bits all day long, so I told myself I'd cut off one bite on the way out the door at night. That kept me from obsessing over it all day long (which I'd have done before), and guess what? Tuesday AND Wednesday, I totally forgot about it and didn't have that bite as I was leaving. Thursday, same story with the ice cream LOL!! Finally on Friday, after lunch I let myself take a nice rounded teaspoonful of the ice cream out of the carton, savored it, and that was enough. Before, I could have gone through 2/3s of the carton, no problem.

It's weird...you really do stop constantly thinking about food all the time and although there WILL be times when you do just want "something" different, usually something that's not real conducive to weight loss, you either get over it quickly or get it done with, having so little that it's not a big deal.

[ouroborous 519]

As a lurker, I would like to thank you guys for these replies. I'd really love to see more info from men with WLS (it seems to be primarily women). I'm about 6 weeks out from a VSG surgery, and I'm terrified -- but hopeful. I'm wondering if I'm finally going to be able to get back into weightlifting, and if the VSG will allow me to have enough protein/calories/energy to do that, but bulking up muscle seems to be primarily a male concern :confused1: The other major trepidation I have is missing my beloved beer! I may finally become a wine drinker, since it seems like much more of a "sipping" beverage. Thanks again to all those posting. It's very illuminating stuff.

[almost ready 0]

To all of you, Thanks so much for the information. It is really encouraging and helpful in getting me past my fears and concerns. I know this will not be easy, but having the support of others and the success stories of folks that have been where I am and survived, is "Tipping the scale" yes pun intended! in favor of moving forward.

Thanks again

[Sabrina 0]

I had a band prior to the sleeve as well. I was uncomfortable every single day for 5 years with that damn thing. I was discussing it with my doc yesterday when he told me he is doing three more band to sleeves this week. My band eroded, put a hole in my stomach, and I had to wait 6 months before my sleeve.

I actually wrote about this yesterday to one of my friends. I think we all finally convinced her NOT to get the band. She is having bypass, but I suppose that is better than the band. This is what I said to her:

"I told him to stop putting that damn band into people LOL His comment was, "well, I can't comment, but I agree with you more and more every day." I then agreed that the more research there is, the worse the band looks. He nodded and said, "no comment," once again. His resident was agreeing too.

I cannot tell you how much better... normal, really, that I feel now. I felt horrible every day I had that band. Even on good days. It sucks when you can't enjoy one bite of food because it hurts so much going down. Now start getting your mind geared up. I won't lie, the first month sucked. I am seven weeks out now though and am very happy I made this decision "