Will vsg work for me? What is full?

[VSG Tommy B 10]

Hi Everybody,

I was banded in March 2011 and quickly lost 40 pounds of my 90 excess pounds. I experienced reflux and had to have Fluid removed from the band and gained 25 pounds. After an endoscopy and several flouroscopies, it was determined that there are no problems with the band or stomach. One doctor was willing to add fluid, but was also recommending a sleeve revision. I thought that was premature and went to get a second opinion. The 2nd doctor told me that I needed to change my eating and that removing more fluid from the band may actually help me lose weight by eliminating the reflux and, if that didn't work, he would recommend another surgery.

Now I eat 4-5 small meals (3/4-1 cup and 250-350 calories) per day and space them about 3 hours apart, but I am usually starving about 1.5-2 hours after I eat. Since getting the band, I have regularly exercised 5-6 hours/week. I am very frustrated with the band and hate my port. The new doctor is gently suggesting that RNY would be better because of my reflux, but I am very opposed to re-routing the intestines.

Will a sleeve revision work to keep me from being hungry so soon after eating?

What does "full" feel like with the sleeve? Do you eat to a "hard" stop or a "soft" stop? How do you know to stop eating with the sleeve?

My BMI is currently 35 with a weight of 260 and height of 6'0". I don't look too bad, but would really like to lose another 40-60 pounds. I would even be happy losing the 25 pounds I gained back after getting the band. Is it worth getting the revision?

My doctor says that 90% of patients with reflux are cured by the sleeve and that 1-2% have to revise to RNY because the reflux gets worse and becomes intolerable. Given that the band failed me (my doctor's words), I am worried that I will be in the 10% that don't get the reflux cured or be in the 1-2% that have to have another surgery. This scares the crap out of me.

Please let me know your thoughts. While I value all of the input of new sleevers, I am especially interested in hearing from those who are several months or years out from surgery as the long term results is what I am most interested in.

Thanks,

Tom

[Jrr 6]

Where to begin lots of people who get sleeved get reflux after the surgery it eventually goes away or can be controlled by diet, meds or you best friend which is a roll of TUM's in your pocket. Only you and your Doctor knows your case a sleeve to a Roux-N-Y would not be alot of fun. Think hard and Make YOUR decision with alot of thought.The sleeve is more about Portion Control and timing not eating till your full.

[VSG Tommy B 10]

Thanks Jrr. I appreciate the response. Your comment about Portion Control and timing is part of what I needed to hear. My original WLS was fine with allowing me to believe that it was ok to eat until full (not over-stuffed). I was able to eat a 16oz steak, veggies, and dessert. He and the PA never told me that just because I can, doesn't mean I should eat that much. The new doctor has corrected that misconception and gave me an eating plan that should work for the band, but isn't for me which is why I am considering the sleeve.

When eating the correct amount and at the correct times, is physical hunger gone? (I know head hunger is a separate issue).

[Spatters3 315]

I never had a problem with being physically hungry - I never allowed myself to ever get to that point! With the sleeve, I definitely get full (animal Protein gets me there quicker, with less calories & volume) and if I dare to eat one bite more, I feel ill. Haven't thrown up yet, but got the slimies once (uncontrollable salivation with nausea). So, I don't over eat and I eat slowly, not mindlessly. Otherwise if I try to wolf something down I may miss that "stop! stop now!" message :-)

The only time I had trouble with my sleeve was right after surgery and that was due to the anesthesia - I couldn't even keep Water down for 2 days. Never had heartburn or reflux, but I didn't have it prior to surgery either unless I ate a donut or some other total-sugar-pigout food.

There is a forum group for "band to sleeve revision". Go check out some of the stories there. I think after what I've heard others say about their suffering with the band, you will love having the VSG.

[Jrr 6]

Thanks Jrr. I appreciate the response. Your comment about Portion Control and timing is part of what I needed to hear. My original WLS was fine with allowing me to believe that it was ok to eat until full (not over-stuffed). I was able to eat a 16oz steak, veggies, and dessert. He and the PA never told me that just because I can, doesn't mean I should eat that much. The new doctor has corrected that misconception and gave me an eating plan that should work for the band, but isn't for me which is why I am considering the sleeve.

When eating the correct amount and at the correct times, is physical hunger gone? (I know head hunger is a separate issue).

I would say yes because the Doctors plan should have Snacks laid out for you also and what are acceptable Snacks. I like goat cheese from whole foods because it's low fat so a slice of it rolled in a slice of turkey breast with a piece of fruit works. Not to heavy and keeps the hunger away between meals a good NUT will also have lists for you to try.