I am reading such wonderful success stories with the sleeve... I'm wondering... has anyone failed with the sleeve?

If so, what happened?

I'm doing great, but I can say what I've read. People who end up gaining back do not follow the diet plan. Most either progress too fast at the beginning, use slider foods, or start eating more as time goes by (or a combination of those things). The sleeve will not stretch back to the size it was before like stretching that can occur with other types of Bariatric surgeries, but it will stretch a little bit over time. My surgeon explained that just because you CAN physically eat more after it stretches some does not mean you HAVE to eat more. From what I've read, I don't think the weight regain is as drastic for the sleeve as other surgeries. However, it is still possible to regain weight if you don't fully change your life and fall back to old habits. Even though we can't eat a ton of pizza anymore, if we eat a little pizza (or other junk) consistently we can regain & ultimately "fail" at the surgery.

Thanks for the info...

Did you have the lap band prior to the sleeve?

Yes, people can fail with the sleeve, but I really think this is something so much different. This is not like being on the Atkins Diet for 6 months, your spouse yells at you and then you say, "Screw it!" (As I had done a few times) and grab a bag of Doritos.

It just doesn't work the same. Hunger isn't the same. The restriction I feel comes so much quicker I couldn't do a binge even if I wanted to. I think it would take a real concerted effort to fail in the manner to which you may be thinking. Even so, you still have a greatly reduced stomach which would make it easier, I think, to get back on track.

85% of the stomach is removed. There is NO WAY you will ever be able to stretch it back to previous size.

I am only 3 months post sleeve down 55 pounds after the band for 7+ years.

I however firmly believe if you dont change your habits in the first year to good healrhy permanent ones,you will regain again unless you can stay on a diet forever.Which I couldnt even do for 6 months usually.

Relearning to enjoy the right food in the right quantities,being satisfied in your head with the quality and quantity of the food.Not increasing your portion size just because you can ( and I could already if I want to).Eating slowly and mindfully.

Hehe,I suppose the proof will be in the pudding.Hunger havent change for me post surgery that made me search for the truth...that it is my head that was always hungry.

My obsession with everything to do with food,weighing,measuring and counting,always talking about the diet have al but disappeared over the past month as I choose to learn new ways that will keep me thin forever.

I asked this question and the bariatric nurse talked about a CPA who drank icecream milkshakes while working and regained weight.

i saw a bariatric doc (not the surgeon) who said that she has a patient or two that have not lost very well with the sleeve. The common factor is grazing/snacking all day - basically using food as entertainment or comfort or whatever. Especially for women, you don't need a zillion calories to regain, you don't need to binge or eat big quantities at a sitting.... even just overeating a bit, on a regular basis, or eating junk on a regular basis can cause regain. I went to a support group once and I was a little surprised by the number of people who weren't losing well after the frist 50-80 pounds even though they had quite a bit left to lose, but they were definately dipping into the high calorie/junky slider foods. It can happen to any of us, I am not judging, just saying what I have observed. I am not radical about it, I do have something sweet every once in a long while, I am just keeping it out of my daily routine.

If you read the forums you will see that some people are disappointed in their results. I think sometimes it is expectations too. My goal is to get under 160#, but, even if i don't make that, being in the 200 range beats the crap out of the 300# range and I consider it a huge success ALREADY. Not everyone views it that way and are sorely disappointed even after substantial weight loss.

Thanks for the info...

Did you have the lap band prior to the sleeve?

Nope. Just the sleeve. I've heard that weight loss is slower sometimes with those who have revisions, but the same things apply as far as following the plan. :-)

I read somewhere that a bariatric patient used a blender to puree McDonald's and other fast foods. No weight loss after a year.

3 years out here and doing fabulously! lost 150 lbs and continue to keep it off. i eat "normally" whatever is normal to me. . . the trick here, i think, is moderation. you can enjoy whatever it is you enjoy, but in moderation. . not eating constantly, just your 3 meals a day, drinking lots of water and enjoy life as much as you can! Good luck

I'm a band revision and weightloss is definitely slower for me than with the band. Most of my weightloss was in the first week post-op. Since then I've lost around 25 lbs ("since then" = 11 weeks). Now I know 25 lbs in 11 weeks is about the national average for what a "dieter" can expect to lose, yada yada. But I'm eating way fewer calories, exercising more, and have a much higher BMI than your average dieter. I'm potentially (we'll see what happens in the next handful of days) coming off of a stall that kicked in my 3rd week post-op and lasted this entire time.

Thanks ya'll...

As far as the eating, I'm thinking I'll be okay... since I had the band and learned to eat slowly, small portions and stay busy...

I will say, that I know part of the reason for the weight gain since having the band Fluid taken out... (other than the fact that it's like not having a restriction at all) is, I am eating a whole lot more and the "grazing" is back... Just can't seem to stop the never ending "hunt" for something to put into my mouth.

That was really NOT the case after the lap band... I was able to feel much more satisfied... So... I'm hoping I'll be one of those folks who can get back on trac with the weight loss...

You are all so very helpful in everything that you add... getting this knowledge from everyone's personal point of view... I love it...

I have great restriction still at 18 months post op. Snacking is where I have to watch out. I can easily eat lots of junk food, but I CHOOSE to not do it. If I eat protein, I stay full a long time. If I eat carbs, I feel hungry very soon after eating. Good luck!

I was sleeved on 12/27/11 after having the band for 8 years, I lost a total of 60 pounds in those 8 years with the band. Ive lost 70 pounds in 7 months with the sleeve. To me the sleeve is completely different, I dont have the hunger I use to have with the band and even when I do get hungry it only takes a small amout of food before Im satified. With the band it seemed like after I couldnt eat anymore I was still hungry. Not to mention the sliming,barfing and deer in the headlight feelings you have after every meal with the band. My biggest regret is not knowing about the sleeve/getting the sleeve 8 years ago!!!

Thanks DonnieJ... your story is very encouraging... I am excited to say that my surgery is scheduled for 9/Aug. Until then, I will be doing the pre op diet I suppose... It's about 7 weeks out... so, that seems like a long time without any restriction at all... But, I know it will be worth it...

God Bless...