Hi!

I'm going to be getting sleeved in November and like many of us here, I have concerns and fears. I think about it constantly, but know that I've exhausted all options to try and lose and maintain but I have failed miserably. PCOS doesn't help this one bit.

I wanted to hear from some of you who have had the surgery over a year ago. Since this surgery is fairly new comparied to Bypass or the band, long term effects really aren't well known. I'd like to hear how folks are doing 2, 3, 5, 10+ years out. Any complications? Anything come up that you didn't expect? Since this is so permanent, and 85% of your stomach is gone, that is quite scary to me. How does your body react? Does something happen years down the road? For example, I know now that folks are finding a lot of problems with the band and many doctors aren't doing it anymore. So things like that. Just looking I guess for affirmation that this is the right decision and long term, I will be ok!

Thanks so much!

Karen

Karen,

I thought the sleeve was only approved by the FDA here in the US about two years ago, so I don't think you will find anyone that has done it as far back as you are looking for. My support group disussed this and said there are just unknowns for now. I was given an option when I signed into surgery to have my progress followed to help with studies. I think I would be nervous if I didn't have my children already because of the unknowns.

Hi!

I'm going to be getting sleeved in November and like many of us here' date=' I have concerns and fears. I think about it constantly, but know that I've exhausted all options to try and lose and maintain but I have failed miserably. PCOS doesn't help this one bit.

I wanted to hear from some of you who have had the surgery over a year ago. Since this surgery is fairly new comparied to Bypass or the band, long term effects really aren't well known. I'd like to hear how folks are doing 2, 3, 5, 10+ years out. Any complications? Anything come up that you didn't expect? Since this is so permanent, and 85% of your stomach is gone, that is quite scary to me. How does your body react? Does something happen years down the road? For example, I know now that folks are finding a lot of problems with the band and many doctors aren't doing it anymore. So things like that. Just looking I guess for affirmation that this is the right decision and long term, I will be ok!

Thanks so much!

Karen[/quote']

I am almost 3 years out. Can definitely eat more now & comfort foods are still tempting. But, I will NEVER regret this surgery. I am wearing size 4/6, have energy, and I am healthy. I am sure maintenance would be a breeze for me if I exercised, but I just haven't developed the habit. That being said, maintenance is MUCH easier than ore-surgery. Something I never accomplished before. My lowest was 125, but I really settled around 127/128. I hover now between 130 & 135 now without really watching calories - I do still eat Protein first though. Hope that helps.

I didn't relaize that it was that new. I thought it was used as a bridge for folks to get to have the Bypass for years and then it was realized that it was a good stand alone option as well!

Either way, any input folks can add about how they are doing 2-3 yrs out is greatly appreciated!

I am almost 3 years out. Can definitely eat more now & comfort foods are still tempting. But' date=' I will NEVER regret this surgery. I am wearing size 4/6, have energy, and I am healthy. I am sure maintenance would be a breeze for me if I exercised, but I just haven't developed the habit. That being said, maintenance is MUCH easier than ore-surgery. Something I never accomplished before. My lowest was 125, but I really settled around 127/128. I hover now between 130 & 135 now without really watching calories - I do still eat Protein first though. Hope that helps.[/quote']

Hello and congrats on your weight loss. I'm about 8 days post op. when you say you can eat much more now meaning you can eat a little more portion now? How long did it take you to eat more/normal? Thanks

I don't actually remember ... Those first few days it seems like you will never enjoy food again. But, after a while you sort of find your rhythm. At 6 months out, I could eat one slice of thin pizza in about 30 minutes. Now, I can eat 1 to 1.5 slices.

I feel the same way as you. I am getting sleeved 10/1 pending insurance approval. I worry about years from now when I'm in my 60's and beyond.

The sleeve has been around about 7-8 yrs I think I know my friend had hers done 5 yrs ago

Hiya,

Im 2 yrs and 2mths out. Although not at goal weight I am at my original goal size - from a UK24-22 to UK 14 - and I am thinking of revising this to a UK 12. I, like Minime, am happy and healthy. There is nothing I cannot eat if I wanted to. I had a perfect recovery with no complications (although that is something that you have to keep in mind).

I have NEVER lost 7lbs on any given 'diet' never mind 75lbs, so this for me, was a life saver. There is no expiry date with the sleeve and I refuse to give up until I meet my surgeon's goal, even if that takes me another 6mths.

I opted into this with relatively good health for someone who was morbidly obese and I paid for the op out of my own money (I am in the UK and the NHS wouldn't cover me as I was 'healthy' - but how long that would of lasted is anyone's guess).

I can also eat more now than I could at 6 mths... but this leveled out at around 10 mths. I can eat between 6-9oz of food (weight not volume) in any sitting depending on the density of the meal. I also eat my Protein first and I eat 3 times a day and no snacking 95% of the time.

I am starting to feel 'normal' now and it is a great relief not to use food as a comfort and a friend because it would eventually lead me to ill health.

I started exercising slowly at around 6-8 weeks post op and up until my back went I had built my stamina and strength; my exercise consisted of the gym in work, - runner, static bike, rowing machine, kettle bells, free weights etc to walking the dog for 2+ miles to going to my son's boxing gym. And I loved it.

As I haven't exercised since March, I have to build myself back up - I have been released from physio so I intended to get on that tread mill really soon.!

You have to make a decision by what is right for you... good luck for your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted on your progres.

I loved hearing from the long timers, very enlightening....thank you:)

I am almost 3 years out. Can definitely eat more now & comfort foods are still tempting. But' date=' I will NEVER regret this surgery. I am wearing size 4/6, have energy, and I am healthy. I am sure maintenance would be a breeze for me if I exercised, but I just haven't developed the habit. That being said, maintenance is MUCH easier than ore-surgery. Something I never accomplished before. My lowest was 125, but I really settled around 127/128. I hover now between 130 & 135 now without really watching calories - I do still eat Protein first though. Hope that helps.[/quote']

How much more are u able to eat 3 years out? Do u still feel the restriction?

I think I read that it was developed in Europe about 20-25 years ago for people with stomach tumors. People were losing weight so they started to experiment it as WLS. It was so successful that about 10 years ago it was brought to to US specifically for WLS. But it didn't really become popular until about 3-4 years ago.

@JamesHRN, how is your friend doing 5 years out? Any complications or concerns??

Thanks everyone for your replies, it's basically a fear of the unknown because long term effects beyond I guess 5 years aren't really known... it's the "WHAT IF" that plays out in my mind. I know I need to do this, but wow, it's a scary step to take... having 3 kids I always worry about the What IF... SIGH

I asked myself the same question but only what if I stay this big for much longer. I tried every diet..lost and gained over and over again. It was just worth the risk and I had complications,,still no regrets.

My friend is doing good after 5 yrs no complications the local news did a story on a lady that had the surgery 6 yrs ago she said she is doing great with no problems

@JamesHRN wow, that is great to hear that your friends are doing so well! It's inspiring and does put some fears at ease, thanks!!

@peacequeen, thanks for our comments,I see you had a leak a few days after, is that the complication you are referring to? How did you know you had a leak?