I have yet to be sleeved my surgeon says that due to my high bmi the sleeve might not be the best (that and my Gerd) but i read here many who lose tons of weight!! I currently weigh 320 and my goal would be 165 is that really impossible with the sleeve?

Some doctors will do VSG with a slightly larger bougie for GERD patients.

As far as weight loss goes, I'm going to do my best to make this work for me. My highest weight was 360 with a 60BMI, I started this process at 335 and on surgery day I was 290. I'm 2 weeks post op and am now down to 280. I've set my goal at 150 to allow myself 20 pounds to gain back if needed before weight stabilization at a cherubic 170.... at least that is my plan.

I had Gerd and esophagus narrowing . Also previous surgery to open my lower esophageal muscle. I had the sleeve 5 1/2 months ago. Have lost 60 lbs. my Dr used a 56 bougie and I have no problems. I continue to take Protonix daily and have for years. Where there is a will there is a way!

Just curious as to why the surgeon used a 56. Do you know why he/she used such a big bougie?

Just curious as to why the surgeon used a 56. Do you know why he/she used such a big bougie?

Larger bougie tends to mean less chance of reflux but does not have a huge impact on amount of weight lost over time...

Started at 318 here - my surgeon used a 40 french bougie, I had terrible GERD and am doing just fine - I still take my PPI once in the morning and I fee fine. Hope to get to goal near Christmas

Started at 318 here - my surgeon used a 40 french bougie' date=' I had terrible GERD and am doing just fine - I still take my PPI once in the morning and I fee fine. Hope to get to goal near Christmas [/quote']

They say larger bougie have a slower or lesser weight loss.. What has your experience been?

They say larger bougie have a slower or lesser weight loss.. What has your experience been?

I'm not sure who "they" are but they are misinformed the urban myth about tiny bougies are just that... There is so little of a difference in bougie sizes 32 through 40 something .. In the past 60 bougies were sometimes used, those are a little big yes, but no longer used.

As far as Chimera i'd say 137 pounds lost with 40 something to go is pretty darn good!!

Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

Laura

Yah I am getting there losing 137 lbs is not too shabby - lost about what I would like to weigh. My doc uses the 40 because there are fewer complications with the slightly larger size. If you eat what you are supposed to (hi baked chicken breast, turkey, eggs - etc) you have terrific restriction with just about any sized bougie. I am in the period where things do slow a bit - so I have upped my activity level - mostly with Water aerobics which is really fun - Its shocking to look forward to planned exercise.

I am very happy with the progression of my losses thus far!

Yah I am getting there losing 137 lbs is not too shabby - lost about what I would like to weigh. My doc uses the 40 because there are fewer complications with the slightly larger size. If you eat what you are supposed to (hi baked chicken breast' date=' turkey, eggs - etc) you have terrific restriction with just about any sized bougie. I am in the period where things do slow a bit - so I have upped my activity level - mostly with Water aerobics which is really fun - Its shocking to look forward to planned exercise.

I am very happy with the progression of my losses thus far![/quote']

Good for you mama!! My Dr. Wont you a bigger size

GERD might be a concern.

I started out at 308 and now am maintaining around 156 or so. I think your goal is possible' date=' but will take work![/quote']

Why might GERD be a concern?

Since I had surgery I have the worst GERD?

Why might GERD be a concern?

Since I had surgery I have the worst GERD?

Yes because your stomach is so small.

Yes because your stomach is so small.

I'm wondering how GERD would affect weight loss?

I'm wondering how GERD would affect weight loss?

Dont think it does just discomfort and can hurt your esophagus.

Thank you all for you words of encouragement! I have researched and the sleeve is what i feel most comfortable with. As far as the Gerd Ive heard many who've had rny and have horrible reflux. Its just I'm scared my over eating will get the best of me.

I started at 346 and I was just sleeved. Down about 40 lbs already. You won't over eat because you can't or you vomit!

I am almost 5 months out and got a reminder from my sleeve just a few days ago

I was really hungry so I just shoveled some food in (still wasn't anything close to what I used to eat), next thing I knew my stomach was shoveling it right back out with a vengeance

Stick to the plan, eat slow, you will lose.

NJ, a dear fiend of mine went into the hospital a few days ago. She was put into a coma purposefully two days ago and today they are taking her off all life support so that she can die in peace. She had bypass surgery two years ago. She will die thin, but was one of the unlucky people for whom kidney failure was a result of her surgery. She was always a beautiful woman.

I'm not a huge fan of the sleeve either as I am suffering life long problems due to having another rare (seems like rare is getting more common) complication. But the sleeve is much safer than the bypass. Worst case, if you stay healthy after having the sleeve and can't meet your goals, than have it moved forward to the bypass, but start at the easier procedure and see how it goes. There are so many people here who have lost so much more than you have to lose, so the sleeve could be your best option, but don't take the very last resort first. You have a lifetime to make a second decision. I wish my dear friend still had that option.