Abandoned sleeve surgery with lap band removal. Now trying again.

[atlast1976 1]

Hi Everyone! Last July I had my lapband removed and they began the sleeve surgery but due to the inflammation from the band I was bleeding too much and they couldn't go ahead and complete the sleeve. So now I'm trying to go back but I have since gained almost 15 lbs and they want me to lose it before surgery can be scheduled. What a bummer!

They even have me going to the pre operative group support meetings where I have been hearing so many stories from gastric bypass patients who have lost a ton of weight and just a few sleeve patients who have lost quite a bit less and slowly too. I hope I'm making the right decision. Been through so much with the band, slippage, removal and sleeve attempt. Now another surgery and I have to get approval again! I just hope this is the right surgery for me. I have a friend who just had bypass and she looks amazing! 60 lbs in three months! Makes me think that maybe I should look more into bypass. I don't know?

So I guess I'm just rambling. Sorry. Any July 2012 sleeves out there? What has your experience been?

[mokee 588]

You have to make the final decision. Has your surgeon done many sleeves? Since most of the people in support are RNY, I would research this. Also read read and read. Read posts about all the pros and cons of both surgeries. Make a list of these and decide what is best for you. But again if your surgeon has not done many sleeves, maybe he tends to push RNY.

[Andrea8967 25]

Hi. I have two very close friends who both had gastric bypass surgery and lost a huge amount of weight. And then they gained most of it back. I can't imagine how that's possible with the sleeve - because it can't stretch. You just can't fit too much food in your stomach after you're sleeved. Just for the sake of visualization - Think of filling up a banana skin with cottage cheese. There comes a point that no more will fit in. Well- same thing with your sleeve. Research some more- but for my money - I think the sleeve is the way to go. I got sleeved 1/18/12 and I'm down almost 70 lbs. I have no will power- which is why this was the perfect solution for me. The bypass has some ugly side effects. Like puking frequently and dumping syndrome. It's much more of a drastic surgery in my estimation. The sleeve was a very simple surgery. I was back to work in a week. Never puked. Never had gas. Did get diarrhea - but it went away the minute I started taking a probiotic. The antibiotics completely messed up my stomach.

I know it's not any easy decision. But for me there was only one sensible choice. Good luck to you. Go with your gut - and then get rid of it (just a little sleeve humor)

[Vixynne 695]

I would never disparage anyone's decision, whether it was different from my own or not, but based on what I have seen in some of my friends and colleagues who have gotten the RNY, I've noticed a few things. First, unless they are quite young (under 30), the rapid weight loss makes them look sort of tired. The best way I could describe it is that they all look as though they got thinner through being very ill, and they look like they are fighting their way back from that illness. Maybe that's because the weight loss is more dramatic and faster, and it leads to more drooping of their skin, even from their jawline.

Secondly, almost everyone I know with the RNY has experienced significant weight re-gains, especially after the honeymoon year. Now, I realize that my sample is definitely NOT a scientific study, but it's what I've seen, just the same--and I don't mean any of the above in a derogatory or hurtful way, it's "just the facts, ma'am" from my own experiences.

The bottom line is that you have to do what you believe to be best for you. Only you are going to be living with the impact of your decision every moment, and only you have the final vote. I have faith that you'll do what you feel is right, sensible, and helpful, and I wish you all the best!

[atlast1976 1]

Thank you so much for the responses. I was a vsg expert in July before my surgery was to take place. I think I've forgotten a lot of what I read back then and that is probably where my doubts are coming in. I hands down decided against bypass for many reasons. The malabsorption and weight gain down the road were my main concerns. The sleeve seemed like the answer then and now with the responses I have received just tonight on this board it's clear again that sleeve is the right choice. Thank you so much for the guidance.