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I did not have reflux before I had my sleeve, I developed it about 2 years after surgery. It made my life miserable. I regurgitated everything I swallowed, woke up in the middle of the night with acid filling my mouth and throat, and developed an esophageal stricture from the acid. I loved my sleeve and worked with a surgeon for several years to try to come up with an alternative to a bypass. We considered several options but none were as likely to work as well as bypass. I had mine on 6/29 and it has been a life-changer. No more acid. No more regurgitation. No more cutting food into tiny pieces to fit down a 12mm esophagus. Please, think long and hard about a sleeve if you have reflux now. I was afraid of dumping, too, but so far, haven't.

I had my sleeve surgery on a Wednesday and flew home the Saturday. I had planned on staying longer after my surgery but due to possible plane cancellations (coronavirus) I flew home earlier. Surgeon said I could fly home the Friday if I wanted, I definitely wasn't up to the Friday. Decided to see how I felt the the following day and I felt fine to fly. I travelled solo, so my issue was my suitcase, thankfully I had packed light and used proper manual handling technique to put my case on the belt at check in, and again when picking up the case at arrivals. That was more a drag off the belt and onto the floor. My flight was about 1hr 45minutes - all good there. I didn't need to get up and walk about due to gas pains or anything. I think the biggest worry for you is (1) you don't know yet how you are going to feel after the surgery and if you will be feeling well enough to travel (2) lack of possible social distancing after surgery, not sure I would want the risk of catching covid19 (just after surgery or anytime for that matter) now that it has blown out...hopefully more reined in by then though. (There was only 19 people on my flight home due to massive cancellations back in March and I had no one around at all). What surgery are you having? You may need more time following a bypass? Is your surgeon happy for you to fly four hours after surgery two days before ? Not able to stay an extra night at a hotel somewhere?

My two cents are research, research, research. I was banded in 2010 and I would frequent all the lap band boards, I would see all the success and before and afters, and I wanted that. I wanted that so bad... What I didn't research was the complications and fail rates of the band. I did everything I was supposed to... 6 week fills, no carbonated drinks, low sugar, low carb, and it still just didn't work. After over 2 full years of vomiting, damaged esophagus, and band slippage, and extra surgeries...not to mention only a 30lb loss, I gave up. I got a complete unfill and started researching revisions. Please do the research! Most surgeons won't perform the lap band because of the fail rates and revision amounts. But best of luck to you and whatever you think is best!

Love this! I’ve seen some cool recipes with cauliflower that I want to try! Bypass: 9/1/17 HW: 262 SW: 258 CW: 227 GW: 160

I've been unfilled three times, once for my body lift and twice for port revision surgery, and each time, the restriction level to get to my 'sweet spot' changed. I have needed increasingly higher levels of fill to achieve the same restriction. Mind you, even people who have never been unfilled but who have had the band for a few years start to find that they move out of the 'green zone' and then have difficulty finding it again. But don't be alarmed that you're up to 5cc. I currently have 9cc in my 10cc band, and have had 10cc in it before. You have some room yet to find the right level of restriction again.

I had to do the sleep study with getting the band. My sleep apnea is bad and makes me extremely tired so I had no problem falling asleep plus the rooms look like small hotel rooms but then they sick sensors all over your head. They said in an eight hour period I maybe get 3 hours of sleep. Not fun... I won't have to redo it for my band to bypass because they already know I have it.

I am still here. I went home for 2 days but am back today they were prepared to do a revision tomorrow but we have decided to do a few more tests.The doctors are dumb founded at my condition and have never seen this happen before and my doctor has been in Bariatrics for years..,

The sleeve will be covered if it is done at a military facility that has a bariatric program. If you don't live near a post that has one, you'll have to get a referral from your PCP to a bariatric center, where you will have to follow whatever their protocols are; Tricare will only cover gastric bypass. If there is a bariatric program at your post's hospital, you have to do the following to have a VSG: -Get a referral from your PCP to the bariatric program. -Attend the bariatric seminar, meet the surgeon and other members of the bariatric team (nutritionist, nurse, coordinating staff). You will be weighed and vitals taken which will be used to measure your progress and compliance. -Attend their nutrition / weight loss program. One class is required, but continued participation is suggested. -Maintain a food diary per the guidelines provided in the nutrition class (MyFitnessPal etc). -Maintain or lose weight. Weight loss is not required, but you CAN NOT gain weight. -Stop smoking. They will routinely check for cessastion via a urine test. -Attend one bariatric support group meeting. -Have a one-on-one session with the nutritionist who will check your food diary for compliance. Once cleared by the nutritionist, you'll be scheduled for a Psych appt. -Get cleared by the psychiatrist (usually one appt, but more than one session may be required). -After the psych clearance, an EGD will be scheduled to check for H. Pylori, hernias, and you may also have an ultrasound to check your gallbladder. -Bloodwork is redone and if you see any specialists (cardiologist, pulmonologist etc), they'll need to clear you for surgery. -Final meeting with surgeon. Surgery date scheduled. -Length of time from beginning the program to having surgery varies. Could be a couple of months or closer to 6. Hope this helps.

The docs came in today and said that if my swallow study doesn't show a problem that it may be a sign the my earlier issue with my sleeve being a long "J" shape may be the culprit. They think it may be twisting on itself when I eat or drink. If this is the case a revision surgery to a bypass will be necessary. Please continue to pray for me as I appreciate it and I will keep you updated - Kali

this makes me very sad. I have my seminar on the 19th of January and I refuse to have a bypass. Looks like I will have to wait until I get a job that offers insurance. I was told by my PCP that the military is now leaning toward the sleeve and all her patients had the sleeve and we don't have a hospital at our base. I wonder what the heck she was talking about. I'll talk to my surgeon's PA at my seminar and see what my options are, if I can't get the sleeve WLS is off the table for me.

I was bypassed on 4/3 and have enjoyed not feeling hungry. However, I woke up his morning hungry which has progressed throughout the day. It’s not time to have another shake or broth yet, I’ve been drinking water and had a sugar free popsicle - but still so hungry!! I have definitely “gulped” water a few times - is it possible my pouch has stretched out already?? I also have only lost about a pound in the last 2 or so days. I’m a worrier and really really freaked out this surgery won’t work for me.

Someone else I'll have to newer that's further out then me.. But I don't think dumping is a real problem with the sleeve.. It's more common with gastric bypass..

My doctors have advised that the sleeve does not encounter the dumping syndrome. They of course want you to stay away from sugars and carbs but it's that's in order to lose weight. I already have other stomach problems and that's one of the reasons I picked the sleeve over the band or the original gastric bypass. Another form of vitamins if you're interested, minor called bariatric Fusion You can look online for those as well. From what my nutritionist said, you can't just take a regular multivitamin. There's other vitamins that you need as well.

Is your revision from sleeve to bypass? Don't worry, for what I hear and read on here the recovery is almost identical. In addition, the pre-op and post-op diets are just about the same too. I had bypass. 10 day limited pre-op diet. Post-op was 2 weeks clear/full liquids, 2 weeks pureed foods, 2 weeks soft foods and then slowly transition back to a normal diet. Take it slow, test new foods 1 at a time so if you get sick you know exactly what caused it. You got this!

All is good. my revision went smoothly- I walked the first day- slept like a hibernating bear too. the only pain I can really complain about was the headaches I had 3 nights in a row while at the hospital. Turns out I dont get on too well with that morphine drip. Day 3 starting liquids and have been just fine. Belly is sore from bending and stretching too much once I got home. Abdominal muscles feel really worked! I have enjoyed my couch nights- just me the tree lights and junky TV. Not being dependant to drive does suck tho since I need to finish my Christmas Shopping, Also, I am wired at night- cant seem to fall asleep til like 4am. Not even tired during the day either, strange Thanks everyone,I know your positive thoughts support and prayers were key in this very pleasant experience these first 5 days, Nighty night my friends

U look great. How much downtime is needed in order to return to work. I am scheduling my revision to the sleeve in Aug/Sept 2015

Are you sleeve or bypass? I may be wrong here- but shouldn't we be keeping to 1/2 cup of food per meal? I'm bypass, maybe that is why? I'm 6 weeks out as well and can't eat more than that physically. I'm so scared of stretching that little pouch! Lol

after 100 lb weight loss, I wanted new picture for drivers license talked to clerk about my wt loss and WLS - he told me he had gastric bypass 5 years ago (small world)- and except for about 5-10 lbs he sometimes teeters with, he's doing great (water, Protein et al - doing terrific) - he lost 170 lbs and he looked great even though clerk didn't have the sleeve, its nice to see someone "long term" post WLS - continue to be successful i have heard some people do gain all their weight back, i guess that can happen to any of us (not to me of course!!! ) he called other clerk over, showed my old license to her - they both couldn't believe it was me!!! If i do say so myself ( and I do!!!) my new picture is pretty darn good - all modesty aside i DO look great - feel great too

For bypass or sleeve? That was what the insurance paid or self pay? Seems like so much! No kidding. I was quoted $18K here in the states. You are paying insurance company rates. I self pay everything, and get everything much cheaper. I was assuming that was what the insurance paid out on her behalf. It is definitely a lower price if you are paying out of pocket, but insurance will cover almost all of it if they pay.

Hi, I'm considering both Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve and trying to unspderstand why folks have chosen one over the other. I had thought for sure I wanted the sleeve to avoid the possible nutritional deficiencies and it just seemed like bypass had a lot of other issues like dumping, etc. the only reason I'm doubting my original plan is that I have acid reflux and have been on what's considered a low dose of omeprazole (20 mg daily) for about 7 years. I've read that for some people reflux can get really really bad after the sleeve. But there also seems to be stomach ulceration as a long term risk of bypass. Help! I feel paralyzed trying to make the right choice and afraid of the possible bad outcomes. I'd love to know why you all chose bypass over sleeve. Thanks!

Just wanted to thank you all for your kind words and advice. I wanted to post my appeal letter... I think it came out well. My goal was to appeal to their sensitivty... we'll see if that works : P Dear Sir or Madam; I recently received a denial of benefits for the proposed Laparascopy, a longitudinal gastrectomy (i.e. sleeve gastrectomy) based on the fact that I have not been at a BMI of 40 or higher for 5 consecutive years. I am appealing this decision and hope that based on the facts that I present in the following letter, that the decision will be overturned and I can be approved for surgery as soon as possible. I have attached a copy of the denial to this letter for your records. I understand that the policy states that I must be at the current BMI or higher for a minimum of 5 years, however I firmly believe that in 5 years, not only will I be much heavier, but I will also have a long list of comorbidities to add to my current morbid obesity. In 2005 I weighed 193 lbs. In 2010 I now weigh over 230 lbs. At the rate at which I am gaining weight I will easily weigh 280 lbs by 2015, which far exceeds the title of morbid obesity. It is this hypothesis that has led me to the option of bariatric surgery, which for someone like me, will literally save a life. I come from a long line of obese individuals. Not one person in my immediate family is not classified as obese, and many of my extended family member s are morbidly obese. I have a cousin who died of morbid obesity in 2005 at a weight of 650 lbs. She was living life in a wheelchair because she had lost mobility and eventually had a heart attack and died at the age of 35. Diabetes also runs rampant on both sides of my family; my father, sister, uncles, aunt, grandmother, and grandfather all have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I tested borderline for gestational diabetes for both of my pregnancies and one of my biggest fears is being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In addition, hypertension and high cholesterol also permeate my family?s medical history. My mother, father, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins ALL have hypertension so severe that they are on medication. My grandmother, mother, and father all have high cholesterol, also severe enough for medication. I see myself as next in line. Currently, I have chronic heartburn which I fear will transition into GERD in no time. And I have begun snoring, which has the potential to turn to sleep apnea as time passes and my weight increases. You see, I simply do not have 5 years to wait and see how sick I become. I am attempting to be proactive and save my life. If not for myself, for my 2 young children. My daughter is 2 and a half, and my son is 9 months old. My prayer is that I can have this surgery not only to lose weight, but to bestow upon them proper eating habits and nutrition as well as the love of exercise. As it stands right now, my mobility is affected by my weight and it breaks my heart that I can?t be the mom I want to be simply because of how heavy I am. I am essentially dragging around at least 100 extra pounds with me every single day, which makes it difficult to do simple things like walk up the stairs in my home. I don?t want to write a research paper about the benefits of the sleeve gastrectomy because I do trust that you are an informed medical professional. But I want to explain why I am choosing this surgery over all of the other options out there. The reason why I am not simply accepting gastric bypass (e.g. Roux-n-Y) or gastric banding (Lap-Band? or Realize?) is because both have very high rates of long term failure. And the reason why I have chosen not to apply for the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch is because I feel as though the surgery is A) extreme for someone with my BMI and also leads to nutritional deficiencies and high rates of osteoporosis as the malabsorptive properties of the surgery are almost ?too effective? and can lead to malnutrition. I do believe that the vertical sleeve portion of the DS surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is the best option for me because it is a highly successful restrictive procedure and I can still absorb the essential nutrients that my body requires without extreme amounts of Vitamin supplementation. Supporting Literature A systematic review of the literature covering LSG through January 2009[1] was published in June last year. Conclusion: From the current evidence, including 36 studies and 2570 patients, LSG is an effective weight loss procedure that can be performed safely as a first stage or primary procedure. From this large volume of case series data, a matched cohort analysis, and 2 randomized trials, LSG results in excellent weight loss and co-morbidity reduction that exceeds, or is comparable to, that of other accepted bariatric procedures. The postoperative major complication rates and mortality rates have been acceptably low. Long-term data are limited, but the 3- and 5-year follow-up data have demonstrated the durability of the SG procedure. A handful of additional work has been published since that literature review concluded, with additional long term durability data and adding considerable support to the efficacy of LSG in resolving diabetes.[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8] Two International Consensus Summits for Sleeve Gastrectomy have been held, the first[9] 10/25-27/2007 and the second[10] 3/19-21/2009. At the second conference, during the consensus part, the audience responded that there was enough evidence published to support the use of SG as a primary procedure to treat morbid obesity and indicated that it is on par with adjustable gastric banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with a yes vote at 77%. In conclusion, I ask that you please approve the Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery for me based on the medical information that I have provided as well as personal consideration and kindess. I truly need this surgery to save my life, and I pray every day that it can happen. I appreciate your time and sincerely hope that you can assist me in changing my life and my children?s lives. Kind Regards, Alexis

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2159155/Obese-woman-suffocates-food-gastric-bypass-surgery-meant-couldn-t-fit-stomach.html Holy crap, I just read this from last year. A woman had gastric bypass and was still eating too much and kq

Anybody who have has the sleeve can you share your results? Just found out I was approved for the sleeve and not the bypass. I hope I get the same results need to lose at least 90 lbs. Please help me feel better someone

Are you sleeve or bypass? I may be wrong here- but shouldn't we be keeping to 1/2 cup of food per meal? I'm bypass, maybe that is why? I'm 6 weeks out as well and can't eat more than that physically. I'm so scared of stretching that little pouch! Lol I think it depends. I read by 3 months the RNY pouch usually expands to closer to a cup in size, and I bet that varies. Also I find the liquid foods may pass faster onto my duodenum, but besides shakes, I never measure the volume of my meals. Semi solid things like yogurt or puréed refried Beans are never an issue. I once heard you can't physically stretch the bypass pouch although it gets bigger with time, but I don't know what the truth it. Usually they say it is the stoma that widens to much, allowing food to pass faster, but that isn't from overeating. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's normal in Ontario. I'm actually lucky the process is only going to take one year total. I know of people waiting two to three years for surgery. Our OHIP, (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), is paid for by our income tax deductions. So no out of pocket costs, or insurance to deal with for approval. But it makes wait times for any kind of surgery long. And gastric bypass is considered to be an "elective" surgery, believe it or not, lol. My cousin had GB done at the same hospital three years ago and her duration from beginning consult to surgery was only nine months. She was lucky. A friend of mine, had hers there too, last August. And her duration was over two years. So, if mine only takes a year total, I'm ok with that. But I have been wanting surgery for ten years. So the waiting seems like it's been forever. The Ottawa hospital has only been performing gastric bypass for about four years. Before that, patients had to travel to Toronto to have it done. About a five hour drive. We're lucky to have it in our city now. But I'm still frustrated with the waiting game. I'm a naturally impatient person, so that doesn't help. Lol.