Hello all~

I am so happy to have found a place to talk about the VSG surgery. When I was first researching VSG and Lap-band I was always leaning towards the VSG. I am glad that as each day goes by I am learning more about it and that I am almost to the point were I can make the decision to set that appointment up for surgery. I however do have some reserves about it and still in the back of my mind the idea of which to chose is there. I am hoping that speaking with everyone here I can overcome all the reserves I might have and get some solid answers from those who have actually been through it all. So let me start by saying thank you to all of those that help me in my journey to a healthier life.

So a little about me...I am just 26 yrs old and I am about 50-60 lbs over my ideal weight goal. I was in an accident a little over a year ago and am on strict orders to not do any strenuous exercising as it could make it worse. However I was also advised from doctors I will never be the same again. I have major back issues that I cannot now bend over very fast if at all. I don't sleep at night b/c I am in agonizing pain all day long. I take approximately 10-14 pills a day to try and subside some of the pain so I can try to live a normal life. I am hoping that significant weight loss might alleviate a lot of the weight off my back and I could start to do more and possibly get my back to the way it should be. I am 26 and I think I should be able to go to the theme parks and have fun I think I should be able to bend over and pick up things off the floor. I should be able to carry my baby in my arms and pick him/her up with somewhat ease. I hope to some day have a child but with the constant pain I don't think it to be wise. I shouldn't be in this much pain everyday.

I spoke with my Dr. Domkowski in Sebastian FL at Riverside Surgical and Weight loss Center. He is a wonderful Dr. He doesn't try to rush you into anything He is very thorough and helpful. Very personable. He answered all of our questions gave all kinds of suggestions and options. I feel very comfortable with him as my Dr for surgery. He is the one who actually referred me to this site for support.

My reserves about the sleeve is I have heard of something called leaking but I have not actually heard anyone I know who has had that issue. I wonder how probable it is to happen if I have never heard it. Also, my Dr. said that I was not required to exercise as that is not a possibility not only with the busy schedules that we all have but the inability to do anything strenuous. I do walk occasionally when I have time. Is it really imperative to exercise? I know it is always better for your overall health but I heard that it was not what actually determines weight loss. It is what you put in your mouth and how much.

And what about after you lose the weight does everyone have to get plastic surgery later or will the skin just go away? If so is there some secret to help it tighten up at all or is it just inevitable?

Again, thank you everyone for the support and help.

Stephanie

Hi Stephanie and welcome!

I am still a newbie here but I like to check in and read what people are discussing. I am pre-op and have decided on the sleeve because after a lot of research I feel the sleeve will be the best surgery for me. I can't imagine how difficult your everyday life is, due to your pain. I am over twice your age and I am finally VERY ready for this surgery. I started on this journey about 3 times before but I obviously was not ready. Yesterday I completed my ***'s required 6 month program, so all the paperwork and other requirements are complete and recorded. I still have 3 lbs to lose to get my referral. It will be lost! My nutritionist is so great and she gave me some great suggestions to help me. During these past six months, I have done a lot of reading, interviewing others who have had the various surgeries and followed other support groups. I strongly believe the reason why I didn't last through my previous '6 month' programs is because my guardian angel was steering me away for my own good. I learned yesterday that my *** only started using the 'sleeve' during this past year. I would not have had the "sleeve" choice then.

I know the 'lap band' is not for me because there are so many problems with it and if you read through the forums, so many people who had it done are now coming back for another surgery (mostly sleeve) to correct whatever problems arose due to their lap band. I don't like the idea of getting my guts rerouted. Why mess too much with the original plumbing. The sleeve will take excess away rather than sending pipes in an alternate track. The sleeve surgery will keep the portion of the stomach intact which absorbs nutrients our bodies need. The other 2 surgeries will require those patients' need to take far more Vitamins and minerals than sleeve patients. Bottom line - that's why I want the sleeve. When I discussed all of this with my nutritionist, she said she couldn't influence my decision but, the sleeve surgery has been very successful in Europe and has had good results. She really likes it!

Here in the states the sleeve had been the part I of a two part surgery for extremely severe obese people. Doctors would perform the sleeve part first so the patient could lose enough weight to then return later for the second half of a weight loss surgery. The doctors then discovered that the first part was successful enough to not have to perform the other half!

What you said about exercise - I know right now doing some is helping me and then after surgery, it will be a necessary part of my new and healthier lifestyle. Do what you can. I have 100+ pounds to lose and during these hot summer months, walking has been out! I did find a wonderful substitute - Water aerobics. I can run, do jumping jacks under water and I get the same results as if I were doing this stuff on dry land. Look into it, it might be an option for you.

Good luck on your journey and I hope you will receive useful information to help with your decision.

Hi Stephanie and welcome!

I am still a newbie here but I like to check in and read what people are discussing. I am pre-op and have decided on the sleeve because after a lot of research I feel the sleeve will be the best surgery for me. I can't imagine how difficult your everyday life is, due to your pain. I am over twice your age and I am finally VERY ready for this surgery. I started on this journey about 3 times before but I obviously was not ready. Yesterday I completed my ***'s required 6 month program, so all the paperwork and other requirements are complete and recorded. I still have 3 lbs to lose to get my referral. It will be lost! My nutritionist is so great and she gave me some great suggestions to help me. During these past six months, I have done a lot of reading, interviewing others who have had the various surgeries and followed other support groups. I strongly believe the reason why I didn't last through my previous '6 month' programs is because my guardian angel was steering me away for my own good. I learned yesterday that my *** only started using the 'sleeve' during this past year. I would not have had the "sleeve" choice then.

I know the 'lap band' is not for me because there are so many problems with it and if you read through the forums, so many people who had it done are now coming back for another surgery (mostly sleeve) to correct whatever problems arose due to their lap band. I don't like the idea of getting my guts rerouted. Why mess too much with the original plumbing. The sleeve will take excess away rather than sending pipes in an alternate track. The sleeve surgery will keep the portion of the stomach intact which absorbs nutrients our bodies need. The other 2 surgeries will require those patients' need to take far more Vitamins and minerals than sleeve patients. Bottom line - that's why I want the sleeve. When I discussed all of this with my nutritionist, she said she couldn't influence my decision but, the sleeve surgery has been very successful in Europe and has had good results. She really likes it!

Here in the states the sleeve had been the part I of a two part surgery for extremely severe obese people. Doctors would perform the sleeve part first so the patient could lose enough weight to then return later for the second half of a weight loss surgery. The doctors then discovered that the first part was successful enough to not have to perform the other half!

What you said about exercise - I know right now doing some is helping me and then after surgery, it will be a necessary part of my new and healthier lifestyle. Do what you can. I have 100+ pounds to lose and during these hot summer months, walking has been out! I did find a wonderful substitute - Water aerobics. I can run, do jumping jacks under water and I get the same results as if I were doing this stuff on dry land. Look into it, it might be an option for you.

Good luck on your journey and I hope you will receive useful information to help with your decision.

Thank you so much for all the great advise...I have actually made my decision. I slept on it and thought about it more and I am extremely happy with my decision. Only problem now I have to find the time to have the surgery. I am hoping maybe around Dec - Jan while school is out. I don't know how I would possibly juggle school, work, and family and sleeve. Wow to all of those that did you are my hero. I will make the necessary calls and just get it done! Thank you I appreciate it!