Sherry S

On 3/26/2021 at 2:31 PM, KateinMichigan said:

I hear you sister. No one tells you it's 30%, and no one tells you this isn't garden variety GERD. I call it VSG GERD - very different.

Also taking these Proton Pump Inhibitors have a lot of side effects and long term can cause kidney disease. I only take 1 Protonic a day (because I have to) and a Tums when needed. I just hope all us sleevers don't have any serious problems from these meds. Had I known................

10 hours ago, AJSassyPants said:

This is SO good to know. It's a total crap shoot if the GERD will worsen or improve after surgery...but I've had issues even when I was thin...makiNG me think that I'll have issues without RNY. So sorry you haven't found much success with surgery and have suffered with acid- it can be such an uncomfortable and unbearable feeling. Any idea why the sleeve hasn't worked for dramatic weight loss? Did you follow strict diet protocols? Thanks in advance for sharing your story.

First of all Merry Christmas.

I never had GERD or stomach issues before the sleeve. I have had 2 endoscopies and I have non-healing ulcerated stricture of the esophagus which was caused from the GERD thus the 2 pantoprazole a day.

I now weigh 163, I forgot how to change my weight and ticker, and I did it by Intermittent Fasting - I eat only with in 8 hrs a day. I'm amazed how well it works and I do low carb. My goal is 142 lbs so 21 to go and I'm doing it by intermittent fasting. Lots of FB groups for it and info out there.

Research the good and the bad of surgery. I would also suggest before surgery trying IF and low carb. I don't know how much you have to loose, your age or health but with surgery there is no going back. Truthfully if I had to do it over again I wouldn't of had surgery. In truth I wanted an easy and fast fix. Surgery is not it. I have had to take stool softeners since surgery due to Constipation. One good thing it did was normalize my BP which was only a little high.

I hope I've helped you a little with your choice and please remember there is no going back after surgery so research all you can and the Dr doing the surgery plays a big part.

I've had the sleeve for 6 yrs and I have had gerd since day 1. My Dr never told me this was a side effect of sleeve. I am now on pantoprazole 2x a day and have had 2 endoscopies because of the gerd. If I had to do it over again I would of done intermittent fasting and very low carb to carnivore and not done surgery. I only lost 25 lbs and am doing IF to get the rest off.

I'm 73, had my sleeve 6 yrs ago. Would I do it again? I'm not sure but I doubt it and here's why.

I'm very healthy now as I was before my surgery. My PB is normal as are all my other blood levels etc. The big problem I never had before the surgery is GERD. I'm lucky I only have to take 1 Prilosec a day, but if I don't take it I have a lot of acid and pain. I have a small hiatial hernia by the esophagus which adds to the GERD. Also Prilosec can affect the kidneys but I can't go w/o it.

Also Constipation is an issue I have that I never did before surgery. I have to take 2 softeners a day plus Fiber to keep regular.

The only food issue is I love sauerkraut but it doesn't love me anymore.

In all these years I've only lost 30 lbs total starting at 200 I'm now 171. Lowest I ever got was 167.

Right now I'm doing a 18/6 intermittent fasting and low carb to see if I can take off more weight and gain more energy. . It has been a fight to the finish to get 1 lb off after my weight loss stopped.

In hindsight I would not have had the surgery.

The decision is an individual choice and I'm happy for all who are a success and healing thoughts to all who are having problems.

Thank you for your input. I hope it won't come to that but at least there is an option. I didn't know this was a sleeve problem before I got the surgery. I'll just take it one step at a time.

I've had issues w/gas and some acid indigestion (take Prilosec since surgery) but never had it as bad as last night where acid was up in my throat when I was sleeping. I see the Dr Mon and we'll see if a endo is called for.

Congrag on your awesome weight loss.

Thank you

I'm 72, almost 6 yrs after sleeve, taking Prilosec since surgery. Had acid reflux before but last night woke me up w/acid in throat and mouth.

Has anyone else had problems w/this? I see a new PCP monday due to mine going concierge. Any info appreciated.

Thanks for the info. The Keto Reset Diet has intermittent fasting in it . Like anything it's sticking to it which is my problem.

It's very frustrating to be stuck and not loose weight. The Whole 30 plan is really good. There is a lot of support for the plan and you only do it for 30 days then see how you feel. Sugar is in everything and one of the worst things we can eat as are the bad carbs. There are so many good books out there on why Protein is better for you from the original Atkins to , Eat Fat Get Thin, The Keto Reset Diet, Zero Sugar Diet then there is the Paleo diet and the combined Paleo keto. Other books Fat Chance, The Case Against Sugar, Why we get fat, Grain Brain and so many more tell us why sugar, white products and bad carbs effect our health. If reading and researching made me loose weight I'd be thin for the rest of my life. LOL I guess it's a trial and error for each person. I'm still stuck but I do know I feel better when I don't eat sugar. I wish there was an answer to getting past the stuck phase. Good Luck and I hope you get your sugar levels under control.

Since sleeve surgery I have heartburn. I take 1 prilosec at night. I get mine from Mexico when I go there because I get 120 capsules of the generic for $3 compared to 42 for $18 in the states. The meds there are just as good as what I get in the US and much more reasonable. That is why so many people go to Algodones MX for dental and Rx's. If I do not take it the heartburn comes back. I didn't realize it was a side effect of the sleeve. I've only lost 25 lbs total and have been stuck for almost 3 yrs at current weight unless I go on a super restrictive diet of which at 70 I'm not about to do. I only need to loose 25 lbs or so.

I would check BP sleeve complications groups and soon as you get Medicare consider like berry said a RNY revision. If you close to Miami I would check out Dr's there or what ever US city would be closest to fly to. Good luck and keep us informed on your progress

My BP has been normal since surgery but then it wasn't that bad before. Like I said if in doubt don't. You can loose the weight w/o the surgery. It will be hard but if you've lost it before you can do it now but it's tough. The sleeve takes out most of your stomach which can cause issues in some people. Your health both mental and physical is the important thing. If your afraid then I'd say don't do it at this time. If your healthy and doing well loose the weight by yourself. TOPS is a great support group and reasonable about $42 a yr for national and $4 a month for local support group. Check it out. Their eating plan works.

I doubt you'll get many responses for people don't seem to stay on the group after their surgery. Life gets in the way I guess.

Good luck and Blessings to you too.

I had the sleeve 3 yrs ago at 67. I've lost 27 lbs and since then I'm stuck. The sleeve is not a cure all. I've have to take a Prilosec for acid indigestion everyday for life which is a side effect of the sleeve that almost everyone gets and also Constipation. You can gain back any weight you've lost w/the sleeve and then some. My energy is about the same. Some days I have more than others. I think getting older slows us down and living in a hot region plays a part.

It sounds like your unsure about this and since you've lost weight on your own I'd suggest doing your diet or The Whole 30, go to Tops or just eat vegs, Protein and fruit to loose weight. If you have complications with surgery before your best bet might be to wait and loose the weight on your own. Once you do this there is no going back. If you don't have major medical problems that need you to loose weight then wait. So if in doubt......don't. It has been a life saver for many and for others a big problem as you've read. Would I do it again? I really don't know. I had a highly rated surgeon which makes a difference.

I wish you luck on what ever you decide to do.

That is really sad that your Dr has no support. Where is he at? I'd mention this so people would not expect anything more than the surgery. My Dr had wonderful support groups etc but it was over 30 miles through the city from here and too far to go but I had friends who had the surgery. I've lost 25 lbs and am stuck there for 3 yrs. I'm happy that all my tests are normal as is my BP.

TOPS is a great organization (been around since 1948) for support and they are reasonable $42 a yr and $4 a mo for weekly meetings that are paid to the chapter. They are super supportive, informative and through out the US. You can attend 2 meetings before you have to join. I'd highly recommend them for friendship and diet.

You have to also be your own cheerleader and positive in your thinking for your health and weight loss. Good Luck

I'm trying to research on the forum any info on this.

One post states about weight loss how to calculate it as

"No the doctors usually use a formula. I've heard it is 100lbs for a woman at 5' tall, then you add 5lbs for every inch. So at 5'6 they would use 130lbs. Take your current weight, subtract 130 and the calculate 60%of that to be your weight loss estimate"

This is where I found it.

That would give me a 32 lb total weight loss for the sleeve if I'm reading it right which is a little more than I've lost.

By quitting sugar I have lost 3" off my waist. Going to keep trying. Rereading the book "A pound of cure" by Matthew Weiner MD who is a weight loss surgeon. Maybe it will give me more insight into taking more off.

I know 3 other woman our age, 2 got bypass and 1 the sleeve and have not gotten down to their goal weight. I don't know what the answer is that is why I posted on a couple forums about not loosing all the weight w/no answers.

I've noticed that a lot of people post before and right after they get the surgery then drop off the forum. I know I've been one of them and it was because it was mostly newbys.

I wish more people would of answered my question.

I'll message you.

Sherry

I had the sleeve 3 yrs ago and lost 1/2 of the 50 lbs I wanted to loose. I'm stuck and no matter what I've done I can't seem to loose the last 25 after year 1. Since the sleeve my BP is normal as all the rest of my tests are but I can't seem to get the rest of the weight off. I get my Protein, Water and upped my treadmill but I stay w/in 3 lbs. I've counted calories, wrote everything that went in my mouth down.

I'm wondering if age plays a part in it because I just turned 70? I'm grateful for my excellent health but would like to get the last 25 lbs off if possible.

I've heard about a set point in weight and wonder if anyone knows about it?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Sherry

I had the sleeve 3 yrs ago and lost 25 lbs then my weight loss stopped. I've tracked my weight everyday since and seems no matter what I do I stay w/in 3 lbs. I've written everything I've eaten, counted calories, upped my treadmill time and cut my portion size. I get my Protein and Water in everyday. I eat healthy.

I'm wondering if age plays a part in it? I just turned 70 and am in great health. Since surgery my PB is normal as are all other tests. I just can't loose any more weight.

I've heard of set points with weight and wonder if mine has been cemented at this weight.

Any info or suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

Sherry

Trekker954

I can relate to the hot weather since I lived in FL for 25 yrs before moving to AZ 4 yrs ago. The best advice I can give is after surgery and down the road a few months don't give in to your old way of eating no matter what. You can start gaining the weight back as your friend did. I only lost 25 give or take lbs since surgery and only way I can loose is to be really stringent on my eating. All my tests are normal and I feel good but wish I would of stayed on stricter eating.

Tai Chi is a great exercise especially for "older" folks and keep it up.

Good luck w/your surgery. You'll do great as long as you follow what your Dr says.

I think she was referring to Tai Cheng that was an infomercial w/Regis and a few others. Its really a great program. It is exercise and then Tai Chi. I've done Tai Chi off and on for a few years and the way this is presented is easy for beginners to learn as well as experienced people. My balance has improved a lot since I started doing it. I had 2 hip resurfacings and this program really helps me. I know the exercise is not for the 1st mo after the sleeve but her Dr should be her guide.

Some of the exercises I can't do so I just skip them and do what I can. I can Highly Recommend Tai Cheng by Beach Body.

Scheduled for my sleeve next week. Overall I'm healthy and mobile. I'm busy but not that active anymore. I can walk, do a short aerobic video,, but no zumba or the like. I like the bike, but not do a spin class. I'm recently purchased Tai Chi (Thanks to Regis' sales talk).

So due to this slow paced exercise I hope to be motivated to do, does age affect those of us in our 60s?

I've been on/off every diet under the sun and typically have no trouble losing quickly when I stick with it, its maintaining of course I can't manage.

Its been a while now, I hope I have the weight loss rate many have here. I know, I know, don't preach, I can't compare myself to others. But I'm looking to hear for those late 50s+ is it really a very slow pace for us to see the pounds come off?

Is there anything that we have to do to have a successful surgery.

I have AARP United Health Care supplement to my Medicare and it will pay for Curves and/or a number of different gyms in my area with Silver Sneakers. Other secondary medicare insurances have plans also that pay for gyms etc. Check your out to see what they offer at no charge to you, except for your monthly premium.

Hi Mokee

I hear you about how hard it is to keep the weight off. I'm 17 mo's out and go up and down 4 lbs. I stopped loosing weight at 30 lbs and have been like this for a yr. I'm stuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting my body to release any weight is almost impossible. I do Tai Chi 4-6 hrs a week and go to the pool 3- 5 pm's a week. My Dr suggested I loose 20 more lbs. I would love to but the "hunger" seems to win out.

Is anyone else in the same position?

Has anyone experienced this and if so how did you start to loose weight again?

Any suggestions?

Sherry

I drink the Premier Protein ready made drink for Breakfast. I get mine at Sams (in AZ) for $18.99 for 12 and they will have a sale w/$4 off every so often. costco has them in a 16 or 18 pk (can't remember which) for $24.99. I also have the powder but I'm not much into mixing etc in the a.m.

Also adding lemon juice to a glass of warm Water in the am when you get up gets things moving. Dr Oz and a bunch more health guru's do this.

Constipation is a problem w/the sleeve. I take the 250 mg of softener in pm. Also will use Gummy Fiber but boy do they give me gas. Good thing I live alone. LOL

My weight has been the same for almost a yr. Goes up a couple lbs and down a couple lbs. Dr said be nice if I lost 20 more lbs but I'm stuck at this weight. I exercise in the pool and do at least 4 hrs of Tai Chi a week. I think getting a body transplant would be a good solution. LOL

Sherry

Hi, Toler,

I drink Premier Protein in a four-pack ready-made drinks. - 30 g of Protein - 1 g of fat - calories 160 - 11 Fluid ounces in total. I buy it at Walgreens. But I have read elsewhere that Sam's Club and Cosco have it also. I haven't checked, but I am just relating what I heard. I only like the chocolate flavor. A very finikey (sp?) friend of mine tried some and also liked it. This was recommended by my surgeon and my nutritionist. So far so good. They say to drink it cold, but I don't like anything cold, so I drink it room temp. I have heard from others that it tastes better cold. The vanilla might be good for some, especially if you like to put it in a blender with other flavored things. I am lazy and hate to forever wash the blender, so I just sip a drink out of the carton.