kflan

Hi, I'm looking for people who've had LB surgery at least 5 years ago (or more). Has it worked for you? Complications? Basically, I'm looking for long term success! .... Would you do it again?? Thanks!!

Suepeeps, I agree with you! Hearing someone who sees patients everyday endorse one procedure over another would speak volumes to me, too. I'm going to ask my surgeon my tried and true question: "If I were your daughter getting weight loss surgery, which would you want her to choose...."

All that being said, Iggychic, I am sorry you had complications! That truly must have been horrible and very disappointing.

Unfortunately, we're constantly putting ourselves in risk... whether it be riding in a car or crossing the street. I assume you ride in cars and I'm guessing our chances of being in a car accident are much higher than unwanted effects from a blood transfusion. All I'm trying to say is the risk of a blood transfusion from getting the sleeve is probably low and the risk of contracting something from that blood transfusion is very low as well. One shouldn't not get the sleeve b/c of a potential blood transfusion.... it's just not a good enough reason (unless, of course, they're a hemophiliac or have some other blood disorder). If one used this as a reason to not get the gastric sleeve operation, they should perhaps not ride in cars as well.

Thanks for your advice, traceyinflorida and shapeshifter! I'm looking into some of your suggestions.

I personally have anxiety, period! Lol. Unfortunately, that's just me... so, fears around me health/ surgery are just increased!

According to the US Government's National Weather Service, the odds of being hit by lightning in your lifetime is one in 6250. So, you're almost twice as likely to be hit by lightning than have something go wrong in a blood transfusion. I'm not trying to diminish the fear, but you have to put it in perspective.

Just Fluffy, I love your "nickname"! Anyway, is RNY gastric bypass or gastric sleeve? Sorry, but I'm not too familiar with the lingo yet... I'm starting to get the picture that this is a truly personal decision. If gastric sleeve is no good for those of us wanting to get pregnant, I guess my choice is made for me. I wish there were an easy answer. I'm self-employed, and my insurance, unfortunately, won't pay for surgery. There seems to be a natural progression of surgeries (lap band to sleeve to gastric bypass), but I don't think I can afford a second surgery... so, I'm really trying to "get it right" the first time! Thanks for everyone's advice!!!

Thanks! I'm trying to do some research, but it's nice to hear from ppl who've "been there"...

Hi! I've been researching lap band surgery for awhile, until just recently learning about the gastric sleeve. I'm looking for advice on how to decide which is best?? I would like to get pregnant within the next few years, so i'm not sure if that makes a difference as to which surgery to choose. How did some of you decide for yourselves? Any help/advice would be appreciated!! Also, I'm not sure if it matters or not, but I am 33 years old, 5'5" and 235 lbs..... with no health issues except sleep apnea.....

Hi! I'm looking into weight loss surgery. I thought I was set on Lap Band surgery, but just recently started looking into the Sleeve Gastrectomy. How did you decide upon the lap band? What are the pros and cons of each? Also, I would like to get pregnant within the next few years.... would one surgery be better than the other? Any help you can give me would be great! Thanks!

No problem, Maddysgram. I'm just looking for good advice. I never saw what Bravo wrote b/c he/she deleted it before I had a chance to read it. Just looking for good people who have something worthwhile to contribute!

Thanks, Christiemr! It's good to hear both sides... I really appreciate hearing from all of you. I have never met anyone in person who's had lb surgery (that I knew of), so it's nice to find an online forum to answer questions.

Thanks Justme9786! You've been really helpful. Also, thanks to the first people who commented on my questions! This is a stressful decision, and I appreciate any helpful commentary. I really don't care what Bravo has to say other than to make sure I do my own research... which I was planning on doing anyway (hence, asking questions and seeking advice on this forum). I'm not here to condemn anyone or call names! I just want to hear from real people who've had this done!

Thanks for everyone's advice. It's truly a personal decison and I guess I'll have to decide what's right for me!

I've been considering lap band surgery, but I have some fears. First, I'm 33 yrs old, 5'5" and weigh 235. I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea, but the rest of my stats are normal (blood work, etc). I'm nervous about having something in my body for my entire life. I realize the lapband can be removed, but it seems as if this isn't an option most ppl take. I'm scared I won't be able to have fun with my friends anymore. I want to be able to go on vacation with my friends and eat some bad food and drink and just be "one of the girls." Will this be over for the rest of my life?? I wonder about the port, too. I like to sleep on my stomach... Would this be weird/uncomfortable b/c I would constantly "feel" the port? Also, there are times in my life I've been fairly active (I play golf and I used to go running)-- with the limited food intake, will I be too light headed for too much activity? Everything being said, I understand that I will lose weight! A task that has alluded me for most my life! I have tried every diet. I'm just nervous to jump into something "permanent". Please help me if you can answer my questions!