betterL8thanever

Thank you, thank you, thank you for these comments! You have all made me feel so much better about my decision and I appreciate that so much. To answer your question, I have only considered the sleeve because of having gastroparesis. I’ve had so many abdominal surgeries in my life that I was told to avoid any more of them...until my symptoms became so bad that I turned to the only thing that is supposed to help or cure it: the sleeve. So not sure about switching to the bypass. I need to explore further the possibilities of the sleeve. But you all have helped tremendously in giving me info to explore and question before I make this big decision. You have confirmed that this is an important topic and something my surgeon should have—most definitely—talked to me seriously about. Again, THANK YOU!

My doctor actually never talked about my reflux issues. I have gastroparesis (a complication of diabetes) and sleeve is recommended to help with that. So our conversations have been about that. He did mention on my final pre-op visit that there were some possible problem outcomes of the surgery, reflux being one of them, but he never talked about my problem specifically. I’m now not even sure he knows I have it. So that is why I panicked. I need to make sure he understands how bad mine can be and see if he still recommends this surgery. Thank you both for your input, I appreciate it so much

Hi, I joined this forum last week and have found it so interesting and much more informative than what I can get anywhere else. Therefore, when I started noticing comment about acid reflux and the sleeve, I paid close attention because reflux is something I have struggled with for a long time. Mine gets so bad that it shoots into my throat and triggers something that makes it close. I can’t breathe and I struggle to get my throat to open enough for even a tiny bit of air so I don’t pass out. It is traumatic and has forced me to change things, like the way I sleep and the foods I eat, to try to make it better, which it has been. That, and the medications I take every day. That said, I can still get it and I basically freaked out the other day when there was a discussion about the difference between gastric bypass and the sleeve in regards to acid reflux. It seemed very clear that mine would probably get worse if I had the sleeve. My surgery was scheduled for Monday, but I got so concerned that I cancelled it for now. Am I right to be so concerned? Has anyone here had bad acid reflex that did not become a worse problem after the sleeve? Or got better? I am taking two months to learn more and to evaluate and will see my doctor in late January to discuss moving forward. In the meantime, I would really appreciate input from those who have some experience with this. I feel like a big baby for worrying so much about it and cancelling, especially after being so excited to do this surgery. But honestly, given a choice to struggle with weight and other issues or to live in fear of suffocating from acid reflex… I choose the former. Help!

Thank you!! ☺️

Thank you! But one last question: what is “OP”? (I guess I really AM old!)

OK, thank you! And I must say, I'm impressed with your success! I am starting at about the same place as you did, same weight and height, only I'm older than you are now! And I'm just starting out...but figured that my remaining years should be as healthy as they can be. My doctor says he has done the sleeve on patients that were 80 years old, so I guess I will be OK. Scared but also looking forward to my surgery next Monday, and so glad I found this group! Thank you for your response :)

Thank you all for your encouragement. I appreciate it!

J@Alabama: Thank you for sharing that. Does your doctor have any idea why you still can’t drink much? KT1981: You give me hope!! Thank you all for your responses...I guess I’ll just hope for the best, but at least I know I won’t be alone if that doesn’t happen. Thanks again.

So...it appears that it can be quite different for each person, unfortunately. Worrisome, but hopefully, Oct517, you will eventually get to where Wanda247 is. Thank you for your honest replies. Wanda, I’m going to try to hold onto hope that I have your experience! Thanks again

Hi...I just joined this forum yesterday, have search the topics, but haven’t found the answer to my particular question. My sleeve surgery is in 1 week. My worry is that so many here stress the importance of water, yet it sounds as if it is hard to get enough. I am a big water drinker and can down a 22-ounce glass of it in one shot. I understand that I will not be able to do that after surgery! But my fear is that I will be walking around thirsty-continually-until my stomach is completely healed. Or maybe forever. Can someone tell me if you feel extremely thirsty all the time or do you adjust to small sips easily? How long does it take before you can drink more than an ounce or two at a time? Will I ever be able to drink a normal glass of water ever again?

Thank you so much for your explanation...I understand better now. I hate that feeling of “I screwed up so I might as well throw in the towel” and am encouraged that you, and others, were able to start over the next day with such great attitudes. Very encouraging!

Yes, it does help, thank you! So glad you are doing so well ... that gives me hope :)

Hi, I just found and joined this forum and so glad I did. My surgery will be on Dec. 3 and I admit I’m nervous. But this topic added to it, unfortunately. I guess I’m concerned that I will never be able to eat again! If a little turkey and a couple bites of other things is being “bad”, then does that mean we must forever live on protein shakes and a few bites of cottage cheese? Can someone please put my mind at ease that eventually I will be able to eat actual small meals again with family and friends?