Hello all. I am new to the forum but have been reviewing the posts and have found some amazing support from one another here. I am just wondering what everyone's experience with the sleeve has been like? The reason that I ask is because I have read some pretty negative experiences. I can definitely appreciate the honesty and the openness of each of your situations, but I am worried after reading some of the experiences :-/ It is scary I know there are risks with every procedure but it worries me knowing the severity.

Some background from my experience, i was originally going to get the lapband and finished the dr appts, but then they told me that I could not get lapband because I was diagnosed w lupus almost 20yrs ago (have not been treated for it), so they told me I can choose from two other options, this being one. I was leaning toward this one but now I am so worried because of some of the experiences unfortunately some of you had to go through. I do go for a consultation visit w my dr on Monday before my info is submitted to insurance for approval so I do have questions I'm sure the dr can answer, but was just hoping for some insight from those of you that had the procedure.

Thanks all! :-)

I've had no complications. I went to Mexico for my surgery. I have no regrets. Just having a hard time adjusting to the new life style.

I had my sleeve almost 2 years ago. I had virtually no problems other than pain the first night after surgery. I rarely had nausea, I think I was 6 months post op before I ever had an experience throwing up (it was due to over-eating when we went out for Mother's Day supper). Of course I can only speak for myself, but I have no regrets and I am extremely happy that I decided on the sleeve.

With any surgery, there comes real risks, so you definitely have to consider everything. Although the risks are small (a leak, the most serious, is appx. 1%), you still have to prepare yourself. There are people on here that have had complications, I know people that have had complications. I cannot speak for anyone here, but the 2 people that I know in my support group, even having had serious complications (both had leaks and extended hospital stays), they have both said that they would do it again.

Make sure you do your research, you are comfortable with your surgeon, and you feel comfortable having it done. If you have any doubts, there is no rush. I had considered lapband and bypass in the past, neither of which I really wanted, but there were no other options at the time. When I found out about the sleeve, I had no doubts that this was for me and I have never looked back!

Mike

i am 10 months PO. i had no problems pre-op, during WLS, or after WLS. There are ordinary brief side effects, such as being nausious, having gas, being real tired. didn't experience any problems

recovery was great

complications do occur - bad stories that are posted are beneficial to read, NEWBIES should be aware of possible problems.

If a sleever writes of an unfortunate experience - that sticks out like a sore thumb to people reading the board. But there are so many, many, many other stories of the wonderful experience people have with the sleeve.

i hope you make the wise decision to have the sleeve, the results are wonderful, and the journey is great

good luck

i had significant complications and still may lose my stomach all together. $250,000 in additional costs. i regret having the surgery. i was lower bmi. if just one of the horiffic procedures that were used to save my life had been fully described to me id have joined a gym.

I was sick before the sleeve. I was suffering the affects of being over weight. I had tried diets, gyms, programs, liquid diets, all to just gain back more and none ever resolved my high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease...

I am completely better after the sleeve. I no longer have any ailments. I was dying. I am alive again. I am so thankful and I'm still in awe.

I'm barely post-op (12 days) but it has been smooth sailing for me so far. My starting BMI was 55 and I'm 34 years old with two children (3 and 16mos). I was/am aware of complications and was/am terrified that I could be that 1 percent. However, I could also have complications with the potential quadruple bypass or other life-saving surgery I would eventually have had to endure if I didn't change my ways. For me, it was worth the risk... no looking back now.

Only you know what's right for you. Good luck to you whatever you choose.

I am 54 years old and had my sleeve surgery in Mexico by Dr. Alvarez on 8/02/12. I had no complications and a very easy surgery experience. Any surgery has risks and this one is no exception. Choose your surgeon carefully! You will feel so much better once you heal and get to eat normal foods again. I did have some tough times during the beginning but I am really thankful that I did this!

I was sleeved almost 6 weeks ago. I would do it again. I had no major, or minor complications. :-)

I was sleeved on 8/23/12 and have had no complications. I am so glad that I had this surgery because it has already made such a difference in how I look and feel.

I was sleeved on 8/23/12 and have had no complications. I am so glad that I had this surgery because it has already made such a difference in how I look and feel.

Just curious...since we had our surgery the same day (my first anyhoo) how much have you lost j? I gained 40 during the 45 days I was not eating and while in and out of hospital so I have no idea where a normal surgery would have maybe put me...

I had mine 20th of sept.no regrets,no complications.its been great.ive lost 33lbs in 3wks.couldnt have done that on my own.

Just curious...since we had our surgery the same day (my first anyhoo) how much have you lost j? I gained 40 during the 45 days I was not eating and while in and out of hospital so I have no idea where a normal surgery would have maybe put me...

Where did you have your surgery? I am so sorry you have had so many complications.

Where did you have your surgery? I am so sorry you have had so many complications.

My story is in the story section (called the one you don't want to hear but should). I had it in Edmonds wa at a surgical center (mistake one....this should not be outpatient surgery!) I was near death when I went back to hospital the third time and had to have multiple procedures and surgery again to come back to my family last week. And I'm still in limbo as to if I will be going back and if I will retain my stomach.

IMO this is a surgery for those with over 40bmi and comorbidities. For anyone else it's not worth the risks.

I am 1 year post op and haven't had any complications from my surgery post op. I have not been nauseous, thrown up, etc. I was a little sore, but not much. I went back to work after 1 week off. No problems at all. I love my sleeve and totally recommend it to friends and family that are struggling with weight and medical issues.

My story is in the story section (called the one you don't want to hear but should). I had it in Edmonds wa at a surgical center (mistake one....this should not be outpatient surgery!) I was near death when I went back to hospital the third time and had to have multiple procedures and surgery again to come back to my family last week. And I'm still in limbo as to if I will be going back and if I will retain my stomach.

IMO this is a surgery for those with over 40bmi and comorbidities. For anyone else it's not worth the risks.

Why do you say the risks are any different for those with BMI over 40? I think you have to be over 40 BMI or over 35 with comorbidities for insurance to approve it (i was both). I am just trying to make sure I understand your statement. I also don't understand why certain people get this surgery who only have like 40 lb to lose? I always thought the bariatric surgery was a last ditch effort to prolong life when all other approaches have failed.