Some background: 64 years old - had lap band 6.5 years ago - never worked for me. I hate it and want it out.

Saw doctor today and she can remove band and do sleeve at same time.

I have osteoporosis due to having taken femara (anti-estrogen) for 10 years following breast cancer.

I also have severe back problems (you name it, I have it) that Aleve helps (Tylenol doesn't).

Questions:

1) Do you get dumping syndrome with the sleeve?

2) Does the sleeve make osteoporosis worse?

3) What do you take for chronic pain (like arthritis or back pain) that works?

4) Do you suffer from Vitamin or mineral deficiency or poor nutrition from stomach being smaller?

I'm sure I'll have other questions and will certainly ask the doctor, too.

Thanks.

I don't have the answers to all, but I'll answer what I can.

1) Do you get dumping syndrome with the sleeve?

In theory no, but some people claim to have had it. I never have experienced dumping. Dumping syndrome is the movement of food too fast from the stomach to the intestines. The pyloric valve, located between the stomach and small intestine regulates the movement of food and is still in place after being sleeved. It is bypassed in Gastric Bypass surgery, so dumping is something GB patients have to be aware of.

2) Does the sleeve make osteoporosis worse?

Can't answer that one.

3) What do you take for chronic pain (like arthritis or back pain) that works?

For a month or so post-op, I was told to take Tylenol for pain and to avoid NSAID based pain relievers. I've never had any problems taking any kind of over the counter pain reliever - aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Tylenol. I do not take any prescription pain meds.

4) Do you suffer from Vitamin or mineral deficiency or poor nutrition from stomach being smaller?

It's possible, if I were to eat unhealthy foods, but I take a Multivitamin supplement as well. I had to make a conscious decision to make good food choices post-op, not only to lose the weight, but to develop good eating habits once my sleeve had healed and I could hold more food. I started eating the diet my doc recommended right after surgery.

At first, I could only hold 1/2 cup of food per meal, so I had to make the right food choices. At 6 months, I could hold a little more, and at 1 year, I could hold even more at each meal. That's why it's important to get into the habit of good eating habits. Eventually my sleeve healed and I could tolerate ANY food. It was up to me to make the right choices.

And I can honestly say, everything I went through was worth it. VSG gave me a 2nd chance on life. I only regret waiting till I hit rock bottom before realizing I needed the help of VSG surgery to lose the weight.

Control what you can, cope with what you can't, and concentrate on what really counts in your life. Know what matters and never give up on it.

Well I can unfortunately answer the first question. I had my sleeve December 15th and I have one time experienced what can only be dumping syndrome. Started with some cramping then before I knew it I had chest pain, nausea, light headedness and horrible pain. Lasted about 2 hours and then passed. Guess my sleeve did not like the pork my RN told me to try So no more pork and no more pain! Glad it only happened the one time so far!

Hey autumn, thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe I was lucky or too paranoid to take a chance on eating something that might upset Frankensleeve post-op.

"Well I can unfortunately answer the first question. I had my sleeve December 15th and I have one time experienced what can only be dumping syndrome. Started with some cramping then before I knew it I had chest pain, nausea, light headedness and horrible pain. Lasted about 2 hours and then passed. Guess my sleeve did not like the pork my RN told me to try So no more pork and no more pain! Glad it only happened the one time so far!"

Edited February 11, 201511 yr by joatsaint

I was prescribed tramadol for back pain, it's been pretty good.

I've never experienced dumping or intolerance of any foods. I am currently 5 months out.

Your doc will periodically do blood work to make sure you are ok with your Vitamins and such.

Most people need to take a multi and also b12. Some take Calcium and Iron as well.

Edited February 11, 201511 yr by woo woo

First, congratulations on surviving breast cancer! Secondly, I was sleeved December 4th, no dumping for me however I do have terrible GERD. There's no malabsortion srestriction but I do keep up on my Vitamins, vitamins are important!! Its a "tool" I still make the daily decisions however best choise I ever made. Im on ppi for gerd, I think if that doesn't correct itself I'll probably have to have the revision to bypass. I don't know the waiting period, does anyone else know?

Good luck!!!

Thank you in advance :-)

I'll chime in. I had a super easy time with surgery. I was one of those who experience no pain and only some soreness post -op.

1) Do you get dumping syndrome with the sleeve? - I have not. Some claim they have. From what I've read it's more a feeling that food is stuck in their chest but it's extremely uncomfortable.
2) Does the sleeve make osteoporosis worse?- That would be a question for the doctors, but I would assume as long as you stay on top of your calcium supplements it shouldn't make things worse.
3) What do you take for chronic pain (like arthritis or back pain) that works? - In general NSAIDS are not advised for bariatric patients because of concerns that it helps thin the stomach lining. You would need to work with your doctor around pain management
4) Do you suffer from Vitamin or mineral deficiency or poor nutrition from stomach being smaller? - No. I take Vitamins and supplements but my bloodwork was good pre-op and so far it's been fine post-op.

Thanks everyone for your answers. You all sound like you are doing great.

I will chime in with my experiences and what I can.

1. Some people can get dumping syndrome with the sleeve. I do not get it. However, I can't eat anything bread or doughy because it makes me feel awful. It feels like I ate rocks and it isn't pleasant. From what I have read, dumping syndrome or food intolerances are hit or miss . There is no predicting who, what, when, or where.

2. I don't know about the osteoporosis. That would be a conversation to absolutely have with both your PCP and surgeon.

3. Chronic pain and I have been frenemies for too long. I am on a narcotic regimine through a pain clinic. My medications weren't affected by my sleeve surgery. Some surgeons do not allow NSAIDs after the sleeve. If your surgeon doesn't, you may be limited to Tylenol for over the counter options. There may be prescription options, but you will have to work with your doc on that one.

4. I don't have any Vitamin or nutritional deficiencies as of now. I am very careful to make sure I take my Vitamins and calcium supplements as directed. I have my levels checked regularly. However, some people do develop deficiencies even with regular supplementation. The docs can help you find a way to keep your levels at an acceptable level if you find yourself to have difficulties in that area. Sleevers have less incidence of vitamin deficiencies than found in gastric bypass. You also have to make sure you are taking your supplements as directed too.

Good luck with making your decision and I hope you find the choice that works best for you!