Gastric Sleeve Surgery – pros, cons, guidelines
Obesity and overweight have become the most pressing health issues facing the planet. The health complications and conditions relating to obesity impact on people socially, psychologically, physically and financially. The costs related to obesity are in the billions of dollars per annum.
Unfortunately obesity has proved an extremely difficult condition to treat and surgical interventions have become more common. Many people are asking questions about weight loss surgeries. One of the newest procedures is gastric sleeve surgery.
This blog overviews gastric sleeve surgery. Information has been taken from medical websites, YouTube and people who have had bariatric surgery procedures. There is a case study blog that is regularly updated that gives you a step-by-step personal insight into the gastric sleeve procedure.
So, what is bariatric surgery?
Baros is a Greek word for weight so not surprisingly bariatric surgery is weight loss surgery. Bariatris surgery is generally performed on severely obese individuals who have been unsuccessful in their weight loss and attempts.
To be eligible for bariatric surgery you need to fulfill one of two weight criteria. The first is you must have severe or morbid obesity. The accepted guideline for severe obesity is having a Body Mass Index or BMI of more than 40. To determine your BMI you divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres.
The second criteria for bariatric surgery is having a BMI greater than 35 and an associated medical condition related to obesity. Example of obesity related medical conditions are diabetes, high blood pressure or high blood fat levels like cholesterol.
Photo Credit: http://www.gastricsleevereviews.com/lap-band-vs-gastric-sleeve/
There are two types of bariatric surgery:
The first uses devices to reduce the size of the stomach. An example would be lap band surgery.
The second type of bariatric procedure are gastric bypasses or surgeries which remove a portion of the stomach like gastric sleeve surgery.
Gastric Sleeve involves removing the lateral two-thirds (>~60%) of the stomach with a stapling device. The procedure can be done using keyhole surgery.
The remaining stomach is more like a tube or ‘sleeve’ than a sac. It is estimated that the remaining stomach has about a 200ml capacity. This represents a significantly reduced stomach capacity and would only allow an entrée sizes meal.
The gastric sleeve procedure is ‘restrictive’ as opposed to ‘malabsorptive’. This means that it restricts the amount of food you can consume. There is reduced surface area of stomach lining as a result of the surgery so not only do you need to eat less, you need to chew well. Chewing your food well maximizes the absorption of what you do eat. Poorly chewed food will cause discomfort and just pass through and be eliminated by the bowel. Being able to eat much smaller portions means that what you do eat must be of a high nutrient value.
The gastric sleeve procedure originated as the first part of a duodenal switch surgery in people with severe obesity. The gastric sleeve allowed enough weight loss in these high risk clients to permit the second surgery.
Let’s look at who gastric sleeve surgery is suitable for.
As we have already said, having severe obesity or a BMI of more than 40 is the first criteria.
Another criteria is having an increased risk of health problems such as sleep apnoea, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver, or a combination of these problems. These conditions have the potential to shorten your life span.
A third criteria for gastric sleeve surgery could be that you are experiencing chronic physical symptoms. Physical symptoms could include fatigue, back pain, reflux, impaired mobility and difficulty performing tasks such as tying your shoe laces or even washing yourself.
A fourth criteria is that your weight has impacted on you psychologically. You may be experiencing levels of depression, anxiety and stress that impact negatively and significantly on your life. You may also have very low self-esteem and limited self-confidence.
Another criteria is that your obesity has impacted on you socially. For example it may have impacted on your current relationships, your ability to have an intimate relationship, or your confidence in being able to attend social events. You may not be able to travel or go to the movies because you cannot fit in a normal sized seat.
A necessary criteria for weight loss surgery is that you have genuinely attempted to lose weight by a variety of means but been unsuccessful.
Weight loss surgery is not a panacaea for weight loss. There are many people who have had the surgery and gained weight because they eat or drink the wrong foods, and do not make the necessary lifestyle changes such as regular exercise.
Weight loss surgery will work for you only if it is accompanied by lifestyle changes and changes in your thinking. It is imperative that you practice mental self-discipline in relation to food choice and do regular exercise
Gastric sleeve surgery is an option for people for whom a gastric bypass is contraindicated. This includes people who have conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. It also includes people with higher risk of complications such as smokers or those on anticoagulation therapy like warfarin.
Gastric sleeve surgery may not be an option for people who have significant issues with a hiatus hernia or a history of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is because once the gastric sleeve procedure is performed further gastric reflux surgery generally cannot be done.
Now let’s look at the pros and cons of the gastric sleeve
The first pro is that the procedure reduces hunger. The surgery cuts out more than 60% of your stomach. This reduces the concentration of biochemicals in your stomach that cause the sensation of hunger.
The second pro is that there is no band or other permanently restrictive device or foreign body left in your body after the surgery. The problem with the gastric band is a number of objects are left in your body. The band can slip, erode or cause infections.
The third pro is the large amount of weight you lose after having the procedure. Different websites report different ranges of weight loss. One site reported 30-50% weight loss in the first 6-12 months. Another site estimated that people who undergo this procedure achieve 40-60% weight reduction over the first 1-2 years.
A fourth pro is that the significant weight loss resulting from the bariatric surgery will generally lead to improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, joint pain, reflux and fatty liver etc.
A fifth advantage of the gastric sleeve is there is no malabsorption of nutrients. As noted above the gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure as opposed to one that is malabsorptive. You will be able to eat what you previously did but will need to eat in much smaller amounts and may find some foods physically uncomfortable to consume. And, because you are eating less you will need to ensure that you eat nutrient dense foods, not junk foods!
A sixth pro of surgical treatments is that the risk of surgery is often less than the risks caused by severe obesity.
A final pro is that another surgery called a gastric bypass or duodenal switch can be performed after this procedure.
And, now for the cons or downside of gastric sleeve surgery.
The foremost downside of gastric sleeve surgery is that it is irreversible. It is a permanent procedure.
The second downside is that the procedure is expensive and not usually covered by medical insurance companies or medicare
As the gastric sleeve is a surgical procedure there could be post-operative complications such as infections, pneumonia and bleeding. As the procedure involves stapling part of the stomach, leakage is always possible. If leakage occurs it may cause infection and other health problems. The more obese you are prior to surgery the higher the risk of complications. However, the literature indicates a mortality risk of less than 0.3%.
The fourth issue with gastric sleeve surgery is that it only restricts your capacity to consume solid foods not liquids. There are high energy liquid foods that if consumed after a gastric sleeve will prevent weight loss. Drinking high calorie liquids frequently enough could even cause weight gain. Be warned, having a gastric sleeve does not mean you can get away with eating and drinking what you like!
A fifth issue is that after a gastric sleeve the remaining stomach will gradually stretch and permit larger meals. If you make unhealthy food choices you may gain weight.
A sixth issue is that because 60% of your stomach has been removed your stomach space is much smaller and you will feel full more quickly. If you overeat or swallow poorly chewed food you may feel uncomfortable and vomit.
A seventh issue is that you will need to reframe your relationship and attitude towards food because you will not be able to eat what and how you did previously. There will be a mourning involved. You will need to get used to watching other people eat in a way you no longer can.
An eighth issue is acknowledging that most people eat psychologically, not in response to hunger. So, despite some people saying the gastric sleeve operation reduces the production of the hunger hormone, most of my clients don’t eat because they are hungry. Most people eat because they are bored, upset, or out of habit. If people on the planet only ate when they were hungry then none of us would be fat! So, even after having the gastric sleeve you will need to exercise ongoing commitment to healthy eating and exercise.
Once you have made the decision to proceed with a gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon will give you pre-operative guidelines.
Pre-operatively you will likely be recommended a meal replacement or liquid diet program to follow for between one and four weeks.
On the day of your surgery you will only be allowed ice to suck.
From day one post-op to day three you will only be allowed clear fluids. As rule of thumb you will be required to drink 30-50mls of water every 15 minutes to ensure adequate hydration.
From day four to day 10 to 14 you will be transitioned to mixed fluids. Mixed fluids include clear broth, soups, custards, milk drinks, juices etc. It is essential that you maintain an adequate water intake to prevent dehydration. If you become dehydrated you are more likely to experience nausea and to be readmitted to hospital for intravenous rehydration.
By week three post-op you will be transitioned to soft, watery/liquidy foods as tolerated, as well as the mixed fluids. Foods you may include at this stage could be oatmeal consistency foods, thicker soups, pureed fruit perhaps mixed with yoghurt or custard, mashed potato/pumpkin with gravy etc
In the longer term you will be recommended to consume foods as tolerated and at least 2 litres of water daily.
When you have progressed to eating normal food, choose food that you are able to chew into a consistency that you can swallow easily. If food is difficult to swallow it may cause discomfort or reactions such as vomiting. Mashed, pureed or naturally soft semi-liquid foods will be initially easier to eat. You will learn through experience that it is essential that foods be chewed to a soft or mashed consistency to make swallowing easy. Meals you previously took five minutes to eat, may take up to an hour to consume!
There are a number of things you can do to help you manage the changes to eating post-gastric sleeve surgery.
The first thing to do is to ensure you cut food into very small pieces. Many people reduce their bite sizes to a quarter the size they would normally have eaten pre-surgery. It may even help to try eating with a teaspoon or small fork to ensure you only take small bites.
The second recommendation is that you chew all food extremely well. As stated above chewing food well ensures it is a soft consistency when you swallow, reducing discomfort. While chewing practice mindfulness. Focus on the taste and texture of the food and how it feels in your mouth. Mindfulness practice will help you slow down your eating. Avoid foods you cannot chew well.
Thirdly, avoid consuming liquids with meals.
Fourthly, stay hydrated. Drink 2-3 litres between meals.
Fifthly, to avoid reflux avoid known gastric stimulants such as tea, coffee, fatty foods, spices, and avoid lying down immediately after a meal. Also avoid gasey drinks like mineral and soda waters with gas.
Sixth, eat five to six small meals a day. Your meal sizes will be much smaller because the gastric sleeve surgery only leaves a small sleeve for your stomach. Lunch may be a piece small piece of fruit and half a sandwich. As mentioned numerous times in this blog, because you can only eat small amounts of food, what you eat must be of high nutritional value.
Seventh, beware of high calorie fluids and foods with a soft fluidy consistency that are easy to consume such as milkshakes, cordial and soft drink, fruit juice, sports drinks with sugar, ice cream, custards, puddings, crème caramels, blancmanges etc It is easier to drink on weight than it is to eat it on!
Following is a food intake that was tolerated by a patient at day 4 post-gastric sleeve surgery.
- Breakfast: One Up and Go
- Mid-morning: One cup of reduced fat iced coffee
- Lunch: One cup of soup
- Mid-afternoon: 1 cup of milk
- Dinner: Half a cup of Low-fat custard
The total energy of this food intake is 2496kilojourles or 594 kcalories. It is 35grams of protein. A dietitian would view the intake as nutritionally inadequate. A recommendation to supplement this intake is extra juice for more energy, vitamins and hydration as well as extra sources of liquid protein.
Below are some gastric sleeve post-op comments summarised from U-Tube
Comments from Day 1 Post- gastric sleeve surgery included the following:
- after surgery you are only given ice.
- swallowing is difficult.
- you may experience significant pain and be given pain killers.
Comments from Day 2 Post- gastric sleeve surgery included:
- you are usually an inpatient for two days and two nights.
- you are discharged two days after the surgery.
- you are asked to walk around the second day.
- by day two you are feeling better than day one, but still experience discomfort particularly in certain positions.
- juice is provided on day 2.
- patients say they eat what is given but admit that there stomach is still swollen. They made comments like, ‘the liquids don’t feel great in the stomach even though it is nice to have something in the mouth’.
- Two u-tube videos said that it was in the immediate post-surgery period that they questioned what they had done. To deal with their doubts they said they focused on successful outcomes of people who were further down the track post surgery.
Comments from Day 4 Post-gastric sleeve surgery included the following points:
- Patients reported feeling weak at this stage and attributed the weakness to having no protein.
- On discharge one person commented that they brought a bag they had to carry to the hospital, but had to purchase a bag with wheels that they could pull because they could not carry anything. She said she had no energy to lift anything and was still in pain and on pain killers.
- A patient in Australia said she was advised to do NO lifting for two weeks after the surgery.
- At day 4 one person on u-tube reported not being hungry but liking the smell of food. They said they were dreaming about food.
- By day 4 swallowing was reported as easier.
Comments from Day 6 Post-gastric sleeve surgery were as follows.
- Some patients reported feeling dehydrated and were making a conscious effort to stay hydrated.
- At day 6 most people were saying they were still on clear liquids but said they would be starting full liquids in the near future. Full liquids included fat free cream soups and meal replacements.
- Patients reported sleeping less. For example, one reported only sleeping 5 hours.
- Some said their energy levels were fluctuating from some days with reasonable energy levels to other days with no energy.
Comments from the second Week Post- gastric sleeve surgery were as follows.
- One person had lost 20 pounds or 10 kilograms post surgery.
- Someone said the second week post-surgery can still be difficult as the body is still healing.
- Another person commented that drinking water was difficult.
- By week two most people were drinking protein shakes and milk. By week three they had progressed to soft foods.
- One person said that during week two they were only consuming 200 kilocalories a day. Considering that you cannot nutritionally balance a dietary intake on 200 kilocalories per day it is hardly surprising that this person reported feeling weak.
- By week two the bruising caused by the surgery was resolving.
- By week two, for some, the pain had abated and they were no longer taking pain medication.
- Some people said they had started multi-vitamins.
- Some people said they were worried about muscle loss because of the significant levels of weight they had lost. They were told they needed 70-80 grams of protein per day and were unable to eat that much.
- One person reported the difference between feeling full on liquids and feeling full on solids.
- Most people emphasised staying hydrated.
Comments during the fourth week post- gastric sleeve surgery were as follows:
- Difficulty meeting protein needs remained an issue.
- One person said that if they ate bread they had to spit it out.
- It was suggested that the easiest foods to eat were foods with a high water content like strawberries and fruit, yoghurt and soups.
- By week four activity levels can be increased.
Comments at ten weeks post-astric sleeve surgery were as follows.
- At this stage people can be exercising.
- Weight loss will be significant enough to have caused you to throw out your old “big” clothes and replace them with smaller sizes.
- Confidence levels will have increased, as will energy levels.
- If drinking alcohol it will impact on you more, so monitor it carefully.
- As you are on a reduced food intake it is important to eat nutrient dense foods when you do eat, to eat small bites, eat slowly and over a period of 30-60 minutes.
- Bread and thick chunky foods do not feel good when they are swallowed so avoid them.
- People will be eating better.
- Some people complained of a “sour stomach” and were taking “acid reducers” and enzyme support supplements.
- A 300ml or 10oz protein shake was taking an hour to drink.
- They had all learned to eat very small bites and recognised that it takes a long time to eat.
- Fried foods were not tasting good and were hard to swallow.
- People were saying that they judged food by how it felt.
- Warning, warning, warning: ice cream was described as feeling good and tasting good, so keep it out of the house.
General comments were made on u-tube and included the following.
- The pain of the surgery can last up to 1 ½ weeks.
- It is during the high pain period that people experience the most self-doubt about having had the surgery.
- It took about 2-3 weeks to feel better.
- After recovery people described their meal sizes as children’s sizes and then probably with something left over.
- One person admitted that he believed that the change to his eating habits, and how he now had to eat, would require an adjustment of 1 – 1.5 years.
- Another person said they mourned not being able to eat properly.
- One person said that it was a procedure one should not do if they were lazy and hadn’t tried to lose weight. He advised that it should be everyone’s last resort. He also warned to “be prepared for a life changing experience”. He said, “My life is nothing like it was before. I miss eating big meals, but I can now do a lot of stuff I couldn’t do for years.”
- A few people suggested recouping your surgery costs by selling your clothes on ebay.
- Another suggestion was to buy clothes that look good when they get loose because it was very likely you would be losing several clothes sizes.
DietPsyche’s Recommendation is to ensure you have your dietary intake monitored by a registered dietitian to ensure nutritional adequacy. Another recommendation was to discuss the significant changes the surgery creates in your life with a psychologist to assist adjustment.
In summary, while the gastric sleeve procedure markedly reduces your capacity for food, it is still important to exercise discipline in food choice and to make lifestyle changes including regular exercise. It is crucial that you avoid fluids and fluid consistency foods high in calories and low in nutrients such as soft drinks, milk based drinks and soft desserts like icecream. As you will only be able to eat small amounts what you do eat matters more. To ensure nutritional adequacy and good health you MUST make healthy food choices.
Remember, “If it is to Be; it is up to Me!”. Your health is in YOUR hands.
After reading the other comments I decided I would share my journey. After many years of going on diets, loosing the weight and then finding it again and then some I decided to start to research having the gastric sleeve operation done. I know a number of people who have had it done and have no regrets. My story is I am 172 cm tall, 102 kgs with a BMI of 36. After 2 children and getting sick of going on a diet, loosing some weight never the full amount I would like I would then go back to old eating habits. I found I don’t eat a lot of wrong foods ie take-away but I do eat too much. I eat like a man and sometimes more then my husband. I decided I needed a lifestyle change that would not be reverseable. I am scared as it is irreversable but I need to change the way I eat and after forking out heaps of money with the diet programs out there I thought enough is enough. I wonder that being in my mid 40′s if you loose weight does your skin become saggy and also do you look hagged from loosing the weight? Also my mother’s friend said to me the other day, what will happen if you get sick say get cancer, how can you keep your energy levels up if you cant eat so much food. I also have had some friends say that I don’t need to do the operation and its very drastic to take that step. “You look great and only need to loose a little weight and excercise. Bit hard at times being a shift worker with 2 children to run around after, sometimes there is no me time. My surgery is for the 10th of July so I am on the liquid and protein diet now. It is very difficult for me as I am hungry but I have made a choice and it is costing me a lot of money to do so I am going to do it. I just want to know if other people had some apprehenision about the surgery and the after surgery. Do you wish you could eat the way you used to or you are happy for the change and glad that you will never be the wieight you were before.
I’m considering this surgery, 14 months ago I was 230kg, I have put on 110kgs in the least 11 years after changing to office work and get married. My father died at 46 weight approx 300kg, I’m I’m now 46.
The doctor told me 14 months ago he wouldn’t operate unless I was under 200kg, presently I’m 190kgs but the extra 80 -90kg I need to loss seems impossible to lose plus the risk of it coming back on is real.
I have made an appointment to see the doctor next week but the the prospect of the surgery is worrying me.
I dream of being able live a normal live before I get too old or worse.
I AM 14 DAYS POST OP FROM THE SLEEVE, I AVE BEEN SO TIRED AND WONDERED IF THIS IS NORMAL I AVE A FOLLOW UP DOCTORS APPOINTMENT ON THE 25 THE SEPT.JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM?
Had band removed three months ago..now in hospital 2 days post Gastric Sleeve.. going home today… Scared as… Just want this to work… Physically and mentally..
Focus is hydration today.. Feel a bit flat.. But better than I expected..
3 days post sleeve…
3 months post removal of gastric band..
Going home from hospital today.. Scared.. Feel a bit flat.. Bloated… But better than I expected.
Focus on hydration today..
I’m starting my classes for the sleeve 9/26/12. I have had my lap band removed after 2years of problems. I’m soooo very nervous about going tru with the sleeve. I’m afraid of the same problems of severe restrictions, and vomitinging at every meal. I also not sure about the permanent part of this surgery. Does anyone have any regrets at all from the sleeve surgery?? Anyone out there with the sleeve longer than 2years, how’s it going?
I had my sleeve operation Jan 2011 and now I am having problems with my metabolism. I am having prolblems with my thyroid with multiple nodules. Has anyone had the same problem after having the sleeve operation? Other wise I am fine and I am not sorry I had the operation.
I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow about Gastric Sleeve and have booked surgery for 27 November 2012, and am very excited, no pain no gain!! I have been a yoyo dieter all my life and doing this I believe has put my health at risk, so time to do something about it on a permanent basis. I am looking for a friend that has scheduled surgery in Melbourne later in the year that I can befriend and we can go thru our experience together …….
Hi, I’m a 50 year old Australian woman, I made the first step on the 24th September 2012 by going to see the specialist about surgery to lose weight. After 5 years spent in bed I was fed up, so went to my sisters place where she helped me to lose weight. I lost 80kg as I was now able to sit up, I ended up with Lymphoedema due to my heavy stomach resting on my legs, I ended up with ulcers also. To help with the ulcers I had to lay down and due to that and my husband being diagnosed with cancer most of the weight I lost went back on. My husband is due to retire soon and we want to be able to travel and due to the fact I’m stuck in bed again, I went to see the specialist. I weighed in at 187kg, the specialist has asked me to lose 15kg- 20kg by end of November when I see him next he placed me on a special diet and so far I have been sticking to the diet and slowly feeling better about things. if I succeed in losing the 15 to 20kg I move on to next stage which is losing another 17kg, if I don’t succeed then it’s goodbye and my life will stay like it is or even end. I still have a lot of living to do so I am doing my very best to stick to the diet given to me.
THi
I had the surgery 6 days ago. So I had it done Monday I was out of hospital on Wednesday..,I was pretty out of it Monday post op but that’s to be expected was on heavy pain meds,nausea meds,blood clotting prevention meds,reflux meds,and blood pressure meds, on Tuesday I ate my first meal at lunch time half a cup of broth 150mls of apple juice 2 teaspoons of jelly that was my only meal for the day..Wednesday I got to go home that whole day I ate 3 cups of broth…very important to mention I was sipping water constantly..
After a day and a half at home I was still feeling like shit so I decided to stop taking all my meds and eat more….WOW I cannot describe how good im feeling I’ve got so much energy I even went to the shops..only 4 days post op I could already feel my life changing. I figure it was the drugs making me feel so crap and not eating enough…
Day 6 I found broth and juice boxes aren’t giving me enough energy we had a family dinner and I ordered crab and corn soup..I got my meal before every one and I was still eating after they all finished and I only ate half of it…it was an entree size aswell…
Day 7 the only problem,I’ve had is the liquidity of this diet I was going the toilet 10x a day to do the runniest poops ever lol. So for dinner I ordered a omelet from a Chinese store it was called the combination omelet. It had chicken,pork,prawns and all sorts of veggies in it. As soon as I ate it I didn’t do one more runny poo..my stomach feels fine I feel fine best thing I’ve ever done and it’s only week one
HI Nat
Did you have the surgery? If so, are you happy with the result? Anita
Hi Sam
YOu would be better to talk to the surgeons and get them to give you information to support what they say so they are accountable. Anita
Hi Richard
did you have the surgery? if so, how did you go. Anita
Yes, most people are tired immediately after surgery. It is a pretty major operation. You have been under anaesthetic and have major healing to do. How are you now? Anita
Hi Clare
Are you still feeling better than expected? Anita
It is understandable to be concerned about any surgery. Like everything in life there is always the possibility of something arising, but fortunately we live in the 21st century and can fix or problem solve most things. How did you go with everything? Anita
I wonder if your problems with the thyroid would have happened even if you hadn’t had the sleeve? Good that you have no regrets. Anita
It is a good idea to have a support person. Many of the surgeons run support groups so if your surgeon doesn’t have one you could ring around to find one, or perhaps google it. Anita
You hang in their Donna. If you have done it once you can do it again. Never say goodbye to life. You must think like the tortoise (not the hare) and keep on going. In the psychology world we call it resilience. let us know how you go. Take it day by day. Anita
Your stomach now holds such a small capacity that what you do eat must be seriously healthy. Were you given post-operative dietary advice? Anita
First day back at work… Day18 post sleeve…Not easy… I did think that the weight would fall off… But it has been slow? I have been doing some exercise but I am not able to do as much as I would like… The wounds are still stinging… But I haven’t had any analgesia for days… Looking forward to feeling healthy.. At the moment everything is an effort ..
Hi i am booked in for surgery on November 20th 2012.I am so excited! I have my dietician appointment this Wednesday! I am having the gastric sleeve done ,i have been constantly reading heaps of posts so i can take on board the advice given! I know i will have to make serious life choices regarding food and “me”!,so i am trying to make a start now!I am 41 years old ,i have a chronic back injury and i weigh currently 100kgs! I have 3 young children which are my life!But the way i am going i know i am no good to them!We go to the park and i am out of puff before we get to the sand! I have been having lots of thoughts going through my head leading up to this surgery,and i know the doubts are normal,but i figure what to i have to lose??Besides my weight,lack of self confidence and worth,the ugliness i feel when i look in the mirror!So thanks to you all for posting your experiences as they really have really help me a lot.Its good to feel like somebody out there understands!! Have a good day all! Cheers Julie
I have read all your comments, i just wanna say thank you very much i made my decission about the sleeve i decide im going to have the surgery, i was thinking not to get but by reading you guys comments im make the right decission
I had the gastric sleeve operation done in july 2010.its the best thing I have done for myself.my highest weight was 112 kgs now I weigh 79kgs .i have no regrets plus I have a new wadrobe of lovely clothes sixe 12/14 instead of 22/24.if this is what you want then I say go for it I love the new me
I had the gastric sleeve operation done in july 2010.its the best thing I have done for myself.my highest weight was 112 kgs now I weigh 79kgs .i have no regrets plus I have a new wadrobe of lovely clothes sixe 12/14 instead of 22/24.if this is what you want then go for it .i dont take any more blood pressure tablets which saves me over a $100 a month .im so happy and so is my husband
I had the gastric sleeve almost 3 yrs ago. I would do it again in a heart beat and I have maintained my weight. My only issue and maybe part of the reason I have maintained my weight is, I can’t eat without my stomach churning. I rarely get sick (vomit) I did early on but my body has ajusted however I am beginning to wonder if I have a “sour stomach”? I have heard some that have the sleeve get this. Smells bother just as if I were pregnant. I can only eat things like bread and fruit without my stomach churning. It is almost 8:30 pm and all I have eaten today is half of a soft pretzel and then for dinner about 5 bites of a baked chicken breast and 2 bites of mac-n-cheese. My stomach went crazy about a minute after eating. I don’t have much of an appetite and if I didn’t have to eat to live, I wouldn’t. I do take vitamins regularly and highly recommend you keep taking your vitamins although I don’t seem to have as much energy as I’d like. I just wish I had an answer as to why my stomach stay upset a lot.
I am just starting my process. What is a realistic amount of time that I should take off of work? I work a desk job, but stay extremely busy. Please advise.
How long do I need to be off work? I dont want to underestimate it…. Also, let’s be honest, how bad is the loose skin and.can walking daily prevent it?
This might sound harsh but it is in no way directed at the people that actually need the surgey. I am 25 female 165cm tall and I used to weigh in at 120kg, I am now 66kg….how did I do this you might ask, the secret is simple…..HARD WORK, most people that get this surgery when they don’t need it, they just need a kick up the butt and realise they need to lose weight to have a healthier, happier life. I have heard of so many complications from these types of surgery, if you can still move around you can lose weight the healthy way. We have become a society that is used to quick fixes, its lazy and in no way healthy…. End of rant.
My best friend had this surgery two weeks ago, she died yesterday aged 42. I would NEVER recomend anyone to have this done. As the article says, people don’t get fat because they eat when they are hungry! It’s the issues of why you are eating that needs to be addressed. This op is NOT a quick fix. Today I can’t stop crying at the needless loss of my beautiful friend
Wow! I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I am sorry I have not been watching blog responses. I am writing up my research thesis.
All surgery comes with the potential risk of complications. You are absolutely correct when you say that the surgery only addresses a part of the problem. My thoughts are with you and her family. Anita
Part of the obesogenic society we now marinate in is this need for instant gratification. Marketing has been very successful in convincing us that we can have everything now and pay for it later. Unfortunately, we tend to die as we live and try to address our health issues too late. As Tony Robbins says, “When is NOW a good time?” I applaud you for making a decision and doing the hard yards. Congratulations on your weight loss success. Anita
Hi Danni
Sorry to answer this so late, I have been away doing research. You would have to ask your doctor’s advice on the required time off work. I imagine it is related to how well you recover. Loose skin is inevitable, but working with an exercise expert will help build and firm up muscle and make you feel and look better than if you did nothing at all. I strongly support regular exercise. Anita
Hi Kim
Again, sorry it took so long to reply to this. I have been busy researching. Have you spoken to your gastroenterologist about this? If you can only eat carbohydrate foods (ie bread and fruit) without having a churning reaction it may indicate that you have issues with your enzymes and may need supplementation when you eat.
What worries me about the bariatric procedures is that you cannot meet your nutritional requirements on such a reduced food intake. You need more than vitamin and mineral supplementation, you need protein, fat and carbohydrate. I’d suggest you talk to a registered/accredited dietitian, or complementary medicine specialist with experience in bariatric procedures. There are liquid meal replacements that would help meet your nutrient requirements. You may also advantage from probiotics, but get a professional person who can discuss your individual case first. Anita
Hey I have gastric banding and I have had it for 6 years I have had to have a second operation due to it moving so that was a wast off a year off getting told nothing was wrong I have lost 50kgs but finding it had to get the rest off I have herd heaps about this and has any1 had a band removed to get this done and it has been a success ???? Thank you Zoe
Hi Zoe
Remember that after bariatric surgery that what causes the weight loss is the reduced food intake. Having a bariatric procedure removes choice. You simply cannot eat as much and it is the reduced calories that cause weight loss. Weight loss does plateau, particularly after such large weight losses as yours.
Suggestions to continue your weight loss, if that is what you want is to consult and exercise expert to assist with increasing your muscle mass and providing cardiovascular exercise to help burn calories and increase fitness and muscle strength and endurance. Another suggestion is to consult a dietitian experienced with bariatric procedures.
Main thing is to keep going. You have done really well to los 50kgs. It is NOT a waste. What you are doing is a lifestyle change and it lasts for life.
Anita
Hi all,
I wanted to share my experience with gastri sleeve surgery. I had mine done 6 weeks ago in tijuana, mexico with Dr. Ismael Cabrera. I have had the best experience ever i lost 25 lbs the first 5 weeks. I have been more tired that usual, but i take my vitamins, and B12 daily to help with energy. I am already eating everything except from red meat, which i chose to not eat. I eat very small portions, 4-5 times a day. I am exercsing too. I do miss eating BIG meals, and at times I wish I could eat more, because my mind says I want more, but my little stomagh doesn’t let me (Thank God) I will do it again in a hearbeat, no regrets. Best of luck to all of you!!
I have the gastric sleeve in July 2012. The issue i am having is i can’t seem to consume enough calories to stop losing weight. I eat from the time i wake til bedtime every day! Eating has become a chore not a pleasure. I am 5’11 and weigh 145 wearing a size 4. What can I do to gain some weight back?
Hi there, I had the operation 8 weeks ago and am still getting used to the new me…..’new’ as in ….the new me can only eat 1 slice of bread at a time instead of 2 sandwiches (with avocado, tomato and tuna). I have to be extremely mindful of what Im about to eat, whether I can eat it, how it’s going to make me feel (the texture and how much I have to chew) and whilst eating always listening to my body and stopping when it tells me it’s had enough.
Some days are hard, psychologically, when sharing a meal with others, they can still be eating at the table an hour later where is I’m finish about 15 minutes and I then remove myself from the table to stop any further grazing.
BUT it’s all worth it when, like this morning, tried a pair of jeans on that I haven’t been able to wear for 4 years and they fit! Yay!
This feeling is fantastic and I’m slowly understanding how important it is to be healthy and feel good about yourself , placing importance on this rather than mourning the loss of eating a double quarter pounder with cheese (I miss you
I am not sure about your weight because you didn’t say if it was kilograms or pounds. Response depends on this. Anita
I trust she means pounds Anita, she wears a size 4….soooooo wish I had this problem
No you don’t!!! Weight loss is good until it goes too far. Thanks for the heads up on which measurement it is. I will respond to her. Anita
Hi Karen
Now that someone (thanks) has indicated to me that Size 4 equates to 145lbs, I can see what you mean about your weight.
Firstly, let me say that my biggest reservation about bariatric procedures is being able to consume an appropriate nutrient intake. It becomes seriously difficult to meet the dietary guidelines after bariatric surgery. This emphasises how important it is to make every morsel you eat, nutrient dense.
I would suggest you consult a registered dietitian in your area who has experience with bariatric procedures. There are proprietary products you can take (liquid) that will optimise your nutrient intake, including your protein intake. She can also talk to you about ways to increase your overall energy intake. Obviously small frequent meals is the best option.
It is important to do exercise that helps maintain your muscle mass as well. So, after you see a dietitian it may be in your best interests to consult an exercise expert. As you know, it’s not just about being lighter, it’s about looking good and being healthy as well.
Good luck with everything and let us know how you go. Anita
I had the surgery September last year. Three days post surgery my diabetes readings were within normal limits. For 20 years prior to this my readings were very high and all over the place.
I also had a blood pressure tablet cut out a couple of weeks later.
Within three months I had lost 20kgs. On my own I couldn’t lose anything. Thus I’ve gone from a size 26 to a size20/22 and I’m still losing.
Post surgery i Truly did not have any pain and did not need to take any pain medication, but I hated just having the liquids. I find even now I can’t tolerate water very well and I used to drink around 2 to 3 litres pre surgery, every day. I miss this but water seems to sit really flat in my stomach.
My main concern has been my mind. I was used to big meals and I still serve up more than I can eat, but recently I am improving. I no longer obsess about food and gradually I am looking at food as a means of keeping healthy rather than living to eat.
On the up side food is costing me so much less and I’m saving on paying for the 2 lots of tablets I no longer take. I’ve even put my obese cat on a much heather food routine and he has gone from 10kgs to 9.2kgs. (Although he’s NOT HAPPY!)
For the first couple of months I kept thinking,”what have I done!” but thats no longer a problem and I’m starting to settle totally into my new lifestyle and already the weight is again stating to come off.
I wish anyone thinking about the surgery all the best. You won’t achieve miracles but you will achieve better health and weight loss; how much depends on you and your mind. Good luck.
Great news Georgia. And yes, one issue post-surgery is psychologically adapting to smaller meals. So true about how your mind helps you manage and influence the outcome. Anita