My weight loss journey... Failed Gastric Sleeve looking into revision from a sleeve to a bypass

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

To make my long story as short as possible. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2008 the onset was an extreme weight gain that I had no idea how to control. So I started going to mediplan weight loss clinic got me some diet pills too curb my appetite and a B12 shot. I began to lose weight but after awhile the weight began to come back even though I was working out regularly but the pills no longer suppressed my appetite. I kept trying different diets but nothing seemed to work. So in 2010 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 25. So again I changed my eating habits continued to workout but the pounds kept adding up until I was almost 300lbs. My diabetes was completely out of control so for the next 5 years I stayed in and out of the hospital battling my diabetes and my weight would drop 20lbs and I'll gain 20lbs back. Until November of 2013 I was crying because I had been once again hospitalized for my diabetes and I was truly afraid I wouldn't live to see the New Year and it was right around the corner. I went to see my PCP for a follow up visit and was talking to the nurse and she suggested weight loss surgery to me she said it would help with getting all of my medical problems under control. I began to do research on WLS, I talked to my mom about the benefits and risk of WLS and my mom told me she'd rather see me trying to do something about my condition instead sitting around waiting to die because she was not prepared to bury another one of her kids. That conversation with my mom encouraged me to go through with WLS. SO I went to two different weight loss seminars that informed me about the Lapband, Gastric Sleeve and the Gastric Bypass. With both seminars I knew right away that the Lapband wasn't the option for me. So I was left to choose between the sleeve and the bypass. I heard so many good things about the sleeve and so many scary things about the bypass until I chose the Gastric Sleeve. Which was really the wrong choice for me. I was sleeved May 2014. So I'm now 14 months out from my original surgery date and has been very unsuccessful with the gastric sleeve. The morning of surgery I weighed 268 and I'm now 215lbs. I've followed my diet exactly as it is in my binder. I've been dealing with a lot of vomiting and my acid reflux is 10times worse than before I was sleeved. My diabetes is still a major problem. After 14 months of struggling with my sleeve my doctors have now just decided to scope me to see why I'm having issues with my stomach. I still exercise 3-5 times a week and I have yet to have a significant weight loss my sleeve hasn't helped as promised. Now I'm looking into a revision to the RNY bypass hoping it will fix my issues and assist with my weight loss. My gastric sleeve was an epic fail..... Am I the only person that hasn't been successful.

[The Candidate 3,215]

I'm still pre op for bypass so I have no nuggets of wisdom to offer. Just wanted to welcome you and say how sorry I am that you've had such a difficult experience.

I hope the revision gives you the results and healthier life you are seeking.

Good luck and hang in there. You're young and have a lot of good living in front of you!

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

Thanks me too

[samuelsmom 670]

Good luck with this! And there is a bright spot and that is you are more than 50 lbs lighter than you were a year ago.

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

That's very true I am. My concern is the vomiting, acid reflux is worse and my diabetes is still so terrible. I barely eat I drink more Water than I eat food.

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

So what did your surgeon say was the reason for the failure?

[Babbs 14,681]

Sounds like you are a good candidate for the bypass. Not because the sleeve "failed" you, but because of the horrible reflux. I think the sleeve would have worked for you if you were able to eat properly, but it sounds like you couldn't because of the reflux. Catch 22.

Good luck with the revision. I hear it almost completely eliminates the reflux. And now you also have less to lose

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

@@ShrinkingPeach my surgeon said I didn't comply with the my diet even though I've never missed an appointment with him and I contacted his office as soon as I started having issues and told me that it was a waist of time and I could never get back on track. And it really worked my nerve but he's always been a jackass. But I've been busting my butt in the gym at the park workout and sticking to my diet even though it gets hard to do sometimes.

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

Thanks, Babes I suppose you're right but I was told so many bad things about the bypass at my surgeons seminar I was afraid but now the reflux is extremely bad I was crying and vomiting all night Saturday night and my throat was burning so bad. I vomited until I started vomiting blood.

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

I am in the process for revision as well. The sleeve although a great tool, was not the right surgery for me. I wish you the best, as I know it is an emotional and difficult decision. I am also a bit nervous about the outcome a 2nd go round.

[Debbie Jean 406]

@@ShrinkingPeach my surgeon said I didn't comply with the my diet even though I've never missed an appointment with him and I contacted his office as soon as I started having issues and told me that it was a waist of time and I could never get back on track. And it really worked my nerve but he's always been a jackass. But I've been busting my butt in the gym at the park workout and sticking to my diet even though it gets hard to do sometimes.

Any chance you could change surgeons? Moving forward with the bypass given all the problems you have had sounds like a good move... but you want a doctor who understands and is supportive. You are much too young to have so many serious health issues to face!

Edited July 20, 2015 by Debbie Jean

[Babbs 14,681]

@@Titaniumsleeved2014

That sounds miserable. I have GERD too, not as bad as you, but I can sure relate.

My husband had a RNY bypass 9 years ago, and has had ZERO problems besides a normal B12 deficiency. He has had 1 30 pound gain after quitting smoking, but has since lost it again. So basically he has kept off 100 pounds for 8 years. So honestly, most people do very well with the bypass.

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

Congrats on your revision, please let me know how it goes. I hope all goes well for you.

[Titaniumsleeved2014 42]

@@ShrinkingPeach I actually found a new surgeon that actual seem to care. @@Babbs o sure hope it solves my problem

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

@@ShrinkingPeach I actually found a new surgeon that actual seem to care. @@Babbs o sure hope it solves my problem

Glad you found another surgeon! Sounds like the one you had was a real jerk and you need someone to be on your team! Good luck with the new doc!!