I was due to remove my band and revise to sleeve. Last minute I was so afraid of the non reversible sleeve that I backed out. Today is my 4th day post op and I am feeling kind of guilty as if I should of done the sleeve. I need to lose 50lbs and I am not sure if I will be able to lose weight on my own. At the same time I had so many issues with the band that I was afraid to get into another WLS and create more. My doc said you will regret it later. Also I already had severe gerd with the band. One of the side effects of sleeve is gerd I didn't want to be at risk for esophagus cancer.

Any suggestions would be appreciated? What does everyone think? Would I regret it later?

It was/is a hard decision! There is nothing wrong with your choice! It is your body and life. After years of dieting and trying to get healthy I am finding great success being sleeved. It is a process. I am not the poster child for the sleeve. However, I am getting to a heathy place. I have no regrets. It is a permanent choice. It is and was your choice!

If you had GERD already bypass is the better option for you than the sleeve. Your doctor doesn't offer the bypass?

What did your surgeon say you would regret -- not getting the sleeve or getting the sleeve?

(Wasn't sure what you meant.)

If you had GERD already bypass is the better option for you than the sleeve. Your doctor doesn't offer the bypass?

Hey! I had GERD pre-sleeve. It's no worse now than it was pre-op.

My surgeon repaired my hiatal hernia when he sleeved me.

And to the OP -- GERD is not guaranteed for sleeved patients. Lots of sleeved folks here didn't have GERD pre-op and don't have it post-op.

I was very close to backing out. I kept thinking to myself that this was crazy, I was permanently altering my body, for ever!!! But after years of "trying" to lose weight, and discussing cholesterol meds and pre diabetes, It was time to get healthy. I am crazy scared that down the road I might regret this, ( I really love food )!!!!

My surgeon said I would regret not getting the sleeve because I would gain weight 95% without it. I am over weight by 50 pounds so I didn't want the bypass it's more complicated. The gerd I had wasn't a typical heartburn it was dry mouth, sore throat and bitter taste in my mouth it really effected my life style. It gave me bad breathe too. I hated that feeling.

So now what's the plan?

Diet / exercise?

Trainer? Shrink?

Diet and excersise but I don't know if after the bad that would help maybe my metabolism has gotten slower. So far I'm on a liquid diet until tomorrow. There is always that scared feeling inside not to gain weight you know...

I was more afraid of the complications and life limitations of being overweight than I was of the sleeve. it is a very personal decision and if you are not in that place than it isn't right for you.

Are you happy with the sleeve? Specially the first few weeks after the surgery?

Sounds like you need a plan.

An actual plan for eating and for exercise and possibly therapy addressing your issues around self-care.

As the old saying goes: Failing to plan is planning to fail. Yeah, boring, but it rings true for me.

Very best to you!

I had the bypass. I'm certainly not one to say do this or that. I wasn't a candidate for sleeve for medical reasons. Point is, not one issue. And the truth is bypass is reversible. I asked my surgeon before I did it. Not that I will, was just curious. They actually leave the stomach in there so it can provide needed digestive enzymes into your small intestine.

Are you happy with the sleeve? Specially the first few weeks after the surgery?

THRILLED with the sleeve. Always before, I knew how to eat right, but I was so HUNGRY. I am 8 weeks out. I can eat one small serving and not feel deprived. I actually feel full and satisfied. Diabetes is resolved.

You'll know if/when you're ready.