What the heck! I just spent two hours in the complications threads for sleeve and bypass and I'm now scared to death to move forward.

I've had so many issues with the band but was able to get it out. There is no reversal for sleeve and only a chance of reversal for bypass.

Losing entire stomach? Years and years in pain? I just kinda got out of pain (still have some). I already have chronic fatigue syndrome and it's debilitating. I was hoping losing the weight would help, but now I wonder will it get worse?

I'm terrified. Last year when I decided I was done and was going to have the band removed my husband got really nasty. He told me that he's had to live with my complications for 7 years and now had to pay for the removal (he broke his arm, needed surgery and we met our out of pocket so it was actually going to be free, but math is not is strong suit). I'm considering the sleeve because I can't be at this weight anymore. But those complications are worse than my crappie life now.

I'm lost, frustrated, and angry that my body will not let me lose weight (I maintain a diet of under 1000 calories with avg of 100 g protein).

yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

I know that it is scary to read about the possible complications. I can't promise that you won't have them. But I can tell you that is very rare to have complications that can't be taken care of in a relatively short amount of time. For me, it was worth the gamble, Seven months out and I have not had a single problem. I felt bad the first few days and it's been great since then. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

They are scary right?

I think to look at the percentages and the risk-esp for a move from a band to a sleeve.

The Band is a very dramatic procedure, so of course complications are as well.

I would think you already did your time with complications and math is in your favor

...and yes, this IS the Hunger Games!

yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

How far out are you? I loved my band til year three.

yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

I didn't mean that to be rude. I'm truly wondering about people several years out... if they are still happy.

Edited May 13, 201610 yr by NewMeBefore40

They are scary right?

I think to look at the percentages and the risk-esp for a move from a band to a sleeve.

The Band is a very dramatic procedure, so of course complications are as well.

I would think you already did your time with complications and math is in your favor

...and yes, this IS the Hunger Games!

Speaking of hunger, I don't have it. I think some nerves were damaged with the band or vomiting. I only feel a headache and dizzy or terrible brain fog. Husband says it's blood sugar. I struggle to get 1000 calories because I just don't get actual hunger and nothing is all that appetizing.

Thanks for your supportive reply. I've found this group to be one of the best with the least amount of drama.

yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

How far out are you? I loved my band til year three.

>yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

I didn't mean that to be rude. I'm truly wondering about people several years out... if they are still happy.

I am three months out - but I am sorry, I didn't know you were looking for people who were sleeved several years ago.

@@NewMeBefore40 Do you track your food intake? Maybe you should meet with a Nutritionist to see if there's some changes you can make without surgery. If you haven't already, I would also make sure you have a complete physical and blood work to see if there's something else going on that's preventing you from losing weight and contributing to your headache and dizziness. I'm pre-surgery (sleeve) but I wouldn't rush into a sleeve if you aren't able to eat much now (or have hunger).

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Kristen

yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

How far out are you? I loved my band til year three.

>

>yes, there is a risk, but the vast majority do not have complications. only you can decide if it is worth the risk.

I knew obesity would kill me, sooner rather than later. not much math to do there, it was a guarantee. so, I took the risk and so far, the worst thing I've had to deal with is constipation and the hots for my husband. and everything about my health and day to day life is improved. I love my sleeve.

>

I didn't mean that to be rude. I'm truly wondering about people several years out... if they are still happy.

I am three months out - but I am sorry, I didn't know you were looking for people who were sleeved several years ago.

No I was looking for supportive comments all around, even if is true story of complications to help me make a decision. But in addition I'm looking for info from years old patients.

I appreciate your reply.

@@NewMeBefore40 Do you track your food intake? Maybe you should meet with a Nutritionist to see if there's some changes you can make without surgery. If you haven't already, I would also make sure you have a complete physical and blood work to see if there's something else going on that's preventing you from losing weight and contributing to your headache and dizziness. I'm pre-surgery (sleeve) but I wouldn't rush into a sleeve if you aren't able to eat much now (or have hunger).

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Kristen

Thanks for your reply. I even seen them all and baffled them all. I track every morsel. They've even tried hormone replacement to jump start it. I've done nutrition with normal nut, holistic nut, and surgeons nut. At this point they tell me try to maintain before surgery, which I will because my body likes me in the 280s.

I'm Definitely not rushing. Part of the reason I kept the band so long (mostly was money) was that I couldn't decide on whether to convert. Once I decided it was a battle (and still is) with ins. Co.

@@NewMeBefore40 I'm more afraid of not losing weight after the sleeve than of the complications. Why do they think the sleeve will be the answer to your weight loss issues?

@@NewMeBefore40 Do you track your food intake? Maybe you should meet with a Nutritionist to see if there's some changes you can make without surgery. If you haven't already, I would also make sure you have a complete physical and blood work to see if there's something else going on that's preventing you from losing weight and contributing to your headache and dizziness. I'm pre-surgery (sleeve) but I wouldn't rush into a sleeve if you aren't able to eat much now (or have hunger).

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Kristen

I keep trying to edit my reply to you but it won't let me. I was trying to say that I have seen all the nutritionists.

Also, while I was ill last year with a lot going on, and experienced dizziness on the norm, that had been taken care of. The dizziness I was referring to was just my body's signal that I'm hungry. It's a low blood sugar thing if I don't watch the clock and eat. Doctor said I may very well have damage to my nerves. Nothing to do there. So good news, no hunger, set an alarm to eat, don't care for food so only eat what I feel I need to sustain health. Bad news: metabolism destroyed so I pray the sleeve resets my "set point".

@@NewMeBefore40 I'm more afraid of not losing weight after the sleeve than of the complications. Why do they think the sleeve will be the answer to your weight loss issues?

Do you know what the set point is?

I don't have any idea.

I don't have any idea.

So when they do either surgery it causes some change in your set point which is the point your body thinks it needs to be. They don't fully understand it, but I was told it has something with hormones. So my hope is that it will change my set point. I'm very worried it won't work. But I'm more worried that it won't work and I'll also have lifelong problems. You can Google it. It was in my surgeons packet but I don't have it with me.

Thank you! I'll definitely look.