Hi all, I am about halfway done with my required 90 dr supervised diet (and haven't done well at all) but I should have at least maintained by the time I start my two week pre-op diet so that shouldn't interfere with my insurance approval. The surgeon and I have decided that the sleeve will probably be my best choice but could go either way (sleeve or bypass) since I don't really have any co-morbidities and the sleeve has less risk factors. I was very comfortable with that decision until I see a lot of posts about people eating the way they ate prior to the sleeve within a few months out. Please tell me this is not the norm. I have 100 pounds to lose and the idea of losing 50 pounds and then being right back to the place I was before (eating terribly, gaining weight, etc) scares me. And I know that it is mind over matter, but it is that way with diet and exercise and none of us would have surgery if we could master mind over matter. I'm just wondering why you all chose the sleeve rather than bypass and for reassurance that this surgery isn't a short time fix and will forever change the way I eat. And if any of you wish, after the fact, that you had had the bypass and not the sleeve.

Ok, first, the sleeve won't change the way you eat, YOU do that. You have to change your habits. period. The sleeve is a tool that can HELP you, IF you follow your post-op plan, forever. Period. If you don't, you more than likely will regain the weight. The sleeve is just a small portion of the original stomach, but if you keep filling it, and filling it with improper foods, you WILL regain.

I personally chose the sleeve because it would allow me, per my surgeon, to continue to take N-Saids for my arthritis. It was the deciding factor. I don't like pain, and as we get older, arthritis is part of most of our lives. I want to be able to reduce or eliminate my pain from it. I am happy with my choice. I hope you will be with your choice, as well. Good luck to you!

I understand what you're saying. I think my question is, how do you use this as a tool forever. I've been at goal weight several times over the past decade using other tools (weight watchers, diet drugs, etc) but I've always gained back. Anyone who has had WLS has battled weight and tried many things to lose weight only to lose and gain. How is the sleeve as a tool different is what I think I'm now wondering?