I'm in the pre-op phase. Thought this might be the right WLS solution for me. However, I'm reading all these horror stories about leaks, stents, acid reflux, not being able to eat at all. Now, I'm scared to death. On the other hand, I'm 5'10" and way 294, the highest I've ever been. Have no will power and, at 55, don't think I will find it now. Should be at goal weight of 160. That's why I'm looking at WLS. What is typical life like after being sleeved? Is it worth the risks????

Why should you? To live longer. Not everyone has Complications. I didnt have any. Was it worth it to me? Yes. I've lost close to 30 pounds in almost 30 days. The healthier you are and lower the bmi you will do fine. Even peeps with Co morbidities and higer bmi do great.

Why should you? Only you can answer that. Maybe you shouldn't. Getting sleeved is only a tool, not a magic bullet. It will take willpower and a commitment to changing your habits. While no one knows for sure exactly how after being sleeved it will be, the overwhelming majority would do it again in a New York minute.

For me, having this done is so worth it to have the best chance a normal, healthy weight and all the health rewards that go with it. I can't wait to get it done.

I'm sure you will discover the right answer for you and wish you the very best of luck in whatever you decide.

The risks can come with anything. Being obese has its own set of risks right? You could just drop dead at anytime from any one of several reasons, stroke, heart attack etc. There are risks with any type of surgery. This is why it is extremely important to find a good doctor with a proven track record and follow their plan to the letter. Also, this process takes a certain mindset. WLS is only a tool, it isn't the magic option that so many people want. It takes work, it takes commitment and it takes guts to face some of things that have become comfortable in our lives. No, I will not tell you that it is easy, in fact it is tough at times. I didn't have any post op complications, but some do. Through the research that I have done, the risk of complications are reduced when you get yourself in as good of physical shape as you can, and incorporate all your caregivers (PCP, Nutritionists, Surgeon, PAs etc) into a single team. Ask all the questions you can to THEM. Don't be afraid of asking something stupid, after it is your life and your well being. A lot of people think that life ends because they can't sit down and chow down, that just simply isn't true. It does mean a significant lifestyle change, but that isn't as bad as you think. I wish that I had done this so many years ago. I was simply fooling myself that I could lose the weight the old fashioned way. I did a lot of times, but every single time the weight returned. I was killing myself with a fork and cup and one day I realized that this was the most stupid thing I could do. I've gotten a second chance at living and I am taking full advantage. Good Luck Hang Tough

I have read way more good stories on here than bad. Just look through some of the before after pics and posts. Look at people's weight trackers and see what they lost. They are losing and they are feeling good if you read them. The biggest trap people can fall into on this or really any forum is reading the negative posts. Its almost human nature to see a title like "OMG I ALMOST DIED" and read that post then start reading other posts just like it. Read those to be educated about the dangers but also read the "OMG I lost a million pounds and feel great" threads too.

If you keep checking the site you'll see there are WAY more happy endings than tragedies on here. I'm one of the good ones myself. About to hit two months and down 40. Trust me it's worth it.

I'm more than ready to do the work. I know it will be difficult, and I'm prepared for that. Looking forward to it actually. It's just the complications that are terrifying. Does anyone know what the longer-term complications could be? Like when you're 70 or 80 years old?

I'm 16 months out & my only regret is.... that I didn't do it sooner! I feel so much better & I'm off most of my meds! I need to post newer pics (coming soon). I haven't had any complications AND I followed doctors orders too the letter! Some people don't and they pay for it.( I do realize complications can happen either way). Do a lot of research and you will make your own decision on what is right for you. Good luck

I'm more than ready to do the work. I know it will be difficult, and I'm prepared for that. Looking forward to it actually. It's just the complications that are terrifying. Does anyone know what the longer-term complications could be? Like when you're 70 or 80 years old?

The fact that you would be alive at that age with the surgery versus without..that was enough for me.i wouldn't have lived to be 50 at the rate I was going. This surgery has been around for a very long time. It is just recently being brought to light for weight loss, however there have been conditions such as cancer and ulcers and such for use of this for years. Good luck with your decision.

I am just beginning this journey myself, and although I do have concerns, I am 100% certain this is for me! When I get nervous about the surgery, I tell myself, "Self, it's either going to be sleeve surgery now, or open heart surgery in the future. Which would you rather?" LOL that usually puts my positive thoughts right back on track! Good luck!

The risks can come with anything. Being obese has its own set of risks right? You could just drop dead at anytime from any one of several reasons' date=' stroke, heart attack etc. There are risks with any type of surgery. This is why it is extremely important to find a good doctor with a proven track record and follow their plan to the letter. Also, this process takes a certain mindset. WLS is only a tool, it isn't the magic option that so many people want. It takes work, it takes commitment and it takes guts to face some of things that have become comfortable in our lives. No, I will not tell you that it is easy, in fact it is tough at times. I didn't have any post op complications, but some do. Through the research that I have done, the risk of complications are reduced when you get yourself in as good of physical shape as you can, and incorporate all your caregivers (PCP, Nutritionists, Surgeon, PAs etc) into a single team. Ask all the questions you can to THEM. Don't be afraid of asking something stupid, after it is your life and your well being. A lot of people think that life ends because they can't sit down and chow down, that just simply isn't true. It does mean a significant lifestyle change, but that isn't as bad as you think. I wish that I had done this so many years ago. I was simply fooling myself that I could lose the weight the old fashioned way. I did a lot of times, but every single time the weight returned. I was killing myself with a fork and cup and one day I realized that this was the most stupid thing I could do. I've gotten a second chance at living and I am taking full advantage. Good Luck Hang Tough <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

This makes the most sense of anyone I've heard from. Get yourself into the best shape you can before surgery! This is what I will do. Start exercising and eating better. I like this approach.

I'm 16 months out & my only regret is.... that I didn't do it sooner! I feel so much better & I'm off most of my meds! I need to post newer pics (coming soon). I haven't had any complications AND I followed doctors orders too the letter! Some people don't and they pay for it.( I do realize complications can happen either way). Do a lot of research and you will make your own decision on what is right for you. Good luck <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Did you have any complications at all? No gallbladder problems, hair loss, dehydration, not being able to get Protein down? If one follows doctor's orders exactly, does that cut down on complications?

If you keep checking the site you'll see there are WAY more happy endings than tragedies on here. I'm one of the good ones myself. About to hit two months and down 40. Trust me it's worth it.

Thank you! Makes sense.

Why should you? To live longer. Not everyone has Complications. I didnt have any. Was it worth it to me? Yes. I've lost close to 30 pounds in almost 30 days. The healthier you are and lower the bmi you will do fine. Even peeps with Co morbidities and higer bmi do great.

I only have BMI, no co-mormidities. Is this better?

I was sleeved August 2011, so I am more than a year and a half out. I haven't had any complications. I have never thrown up not even when still in the hospital.

I haven't had any gallbladder problems nor have I had problems getting Protein down or dehydration.

I did have some thinning hair/hair loss, but I think that is normal for most major surgeries and not just WLS. It started around month 3 and lasted a couple of months. I worked with my stylist to work on it with my hair style, etc.

I have had so many positive changes from this surgery that I can't even recall all of them.

Hi, I'm recently sleeved (last Thursday) and I'm feeling fine. Here's my first few days experience. I am able to get in 6-8 cups of fluids a day and am getting 60-80 grams of Protein a day. I can feel it when I take too big of a sip so I just make sure I slow down. As for pain, I feel it on my lower right abdomen. Of the 5 incisions I have, that is the only one that I feel and makes it kind of hard to find a good sleeping position, but I'm working it out with my stomach..lol

I have NO regrets....well maybe one fleeting moment when i first woke from surgery and asked myself "what did I do to myself?" Once I became alert, I was glad I had the sleeve. I put that thought down to grogginess and the pain I felt before I got a dose of pain meds...by the way only one dose was all I needed...I have been told I have a high pain tolerance. I rather feel a little pain then have a foggy light headedness feeling.