What to do?

[what2do 0]

Well I've been hanging out reading for a while and now.....here I am waiting for approval from insurance for VSG. Now all these questions arise again....

1. Should I? What if something goes wrong? What if I have major stomach problems for the rest of my life because of this surgery?? (diarrhea, vomiting, etc...)

2. What about the wrinkly, saggy skin? (my skin doesn't snap back as before since I'm 51 now)

3. Will my hair grow back?

4. Does having the VSG change our labs? (blood work) Are we anemic (etc... ?

5. Wish I could lose a bit slower so I won't have to explain to everyone that I am "not sick". Only my husband knows I'm having the surgery.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to me. I'd appreciate any words of encouragement or discouragement. If there is something I have not thought about or should add to my list of growing questions, feel free to let me know.

It's wonderful to have this site. I appreciate everyone on here in making an informed decision for myself.

Female, Age 51, 207#, 5' 3.5", need to lose 30 -40 pounds to get rid of meds Goal is to lose 72#

average 5 out of 7 days acid reflux problems with occasional vomiting.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Ask your Dr or Nut about the problems with acid reflux and vomiting. The sleeve can increase this...

[ILKrista 36]

I feel you on the doubt and questioning your decision. I am about 2 weeks from surgery and I keep tossing those same questions around. However, I have a few other questions that I like to remind myself of whenever I'm doubting my choice:

1. How long can I realistically expect to live at my current weight? You typically don't see very obese people over 65.
2. What will my quality of life be if I don't lose weight? I dread flying, going to an amusement park, meeting strangers, eating out, going to any event where the seat might be too small or the chair too weak, etc.
3. Will I let fear keep me from changing my life for the better?

All of your worries are ligit, and I think we all have them. In the end, you have to weight the pros and cons and make your own choice. Yes this surgery has some risks, but so does everything else in life. Best of luck with your decision.

[what2do 0]

Thank you very much for this information. I just asked my doctor about this and he said "yes" the sleeve can cause this. I do have gastric reflux now (due to injury from lap band erosion). Well now I need to decide if I am willing to take the chance on this getting worse or maybe staying the same. ?? What to do ??

So many decisions..... I appreciate your honesty and thoughtfulness to me.

Ask your Dr or Nut about the problems with acid reflux and vomiting. The sleeve can increase this...

[what2do 0]

And thank you too, ILKrista, you are so right on everything here. Thank you for the good wishes and the same to you. May we do the right thing and be healthy and happy.

I feel you on the doubt and questioning your decision. I am about 2 weeks from surgery and I keep tossing those same questions around. However, I have a few other questions that I like to remind myself of whenever I'm doubting my choice:

1. How long can I realistically expect to live at my current weight? You typically don't see very obese people over 65.
2. What will my quality of life be if I don't lose weight? I dread flying, going to an amusement park, meeting strangers, eating out, going to any event where the seat might be too small or the chair too weak, etc.
3. Will I let fear keep me from changing my life for the better?

All of your worries are ligit, and I think we all have them. In the end, you have to weight the pros and cons and make your own choice. Yes this surgery has some risks, but so does everything else in life. Best of luck with your decision.

[klus263 9]

For the acid reflux, they actually found a hiatal hernia which they repaired at the time of the sleeve. Since then I have not had a single bout of reflux or nausea or vomiting. I do take now prilose OTC-I was on liquid nexium for the first 2 months but insurance changed and it was too expensive to continue. I am so happy that I had the sleeve. They actually found benign polyps in my stomach that was removed so I am grateful as this never would have been found if I did not have surgery and down the road would have led to possible more issues. I am healthier and so much happier.

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I was worried about anemia and my blood count was normal at my 3-month check-up. I probably won't have another one until 1 year out, unless I start feeling funny. I take B12 and Iron maybe 2-3 times a week.

Re: saggy skin, yeah, it's not esthetically pleasant, but someone who's slim with sagging skin will still look fine in clothes, whereas someone who's obese won't have that advantage. Plus saggy skin is not a serious medical condition which will shorten your lifespan, whereas obesity is. Last but not least, if you are very big and expect major loose skin problems, there's always surgery for that.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Thank you very much for this information. I just asked my doctor about this and he said "yes" the sleeve can cause this. I do have gastric reflux now (due to injury from lap band erosion). Well now I need to decide if I am willing to take the chance on this getting worse or maybe staying the same. ?? What to do ??

So many decisions..... I appreciate your honesty and thoughtfulness to me.

Do you take a PPI? Some here have continued to take them long term. You do have to take Calcium citrate and sub lingual vit B12 if you do this...