Jennifer-I started this thread to answer questions.

I had the gastric sleeve two years ago, not so much to lose weight, although I’d hoped to, but more to prevent weight gain.

I had already discovered I had to go to extremes just to loose any more weight,

So, it was laparoscopic surgery, and I was on my feet as soon as I woke up, walking around. It wasn’t particularly painful. As I recall I had popsicles, the best in the world that were very light and just faintly tasted of fruit and barely sweet. I also had chicken broth.

Really my recovery was like...nothing. I did vomit quite a bit for a few months, but it isn’t gross since you don’t make much stomach acid. It did hurt my teeth though, which I didn’t realize, so be careful.

[Sunflower123]

They are removing the band because there is a rather nasty hiatal hernia right above it causing all kinds of problems. At its worst, I couldn’t keep water down and was hospitalized. He did ask me when he removes it if I wanted a gastric sleeve. I may go back and do that but I was too scared now. I expect little recovery time and little pain.

Would you recommend the sleeve? What are its advantages and disadvantages to you if I might ask?

Thank you for this thread.

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

They are removing the band because there is a rather nasty hiatal hernia right above it causing all kinds of problems. At its worst, I couldn’t keep water down and was hospitalized. He did ask me when he removes it if I wanted a gastric sleeve. I may go back and do that but I was too scared now. I expect little recovery time and little pain.

Would you recommend the sleeve? What are its advantages and disadvantages to you if I might ask?

Thank you for this thread.

Oh, shoot—your reply didn’t come up in my subscriptions for some reason.

I am so sorry you had complications and this ordeal

Oh, mine isn’t all that effective. I had no complications at all, nothing happened. Some end up in the emergency room with something stuck. If you follow instructions and chew, it’s fine.

I’m on meds that cause weight gain, so I haven’t lost weight really. I lost 25 pounds but gained it back. I just eat small amounts all day!

Would I recommend it? I don’t know. It hasn’t been effective for weight loss for me. I think it helps prevent weight gain since I can’t fill up so much.

If I were going from lap band to something, I would pick the sleeve. There is no “ dumping syndrome” anyway like you get with the gastric bypass. It is supposed to give a similar result too.

I hope this surgery goes well! Get well soon

Oh, I forgot advantages. After a year, you can eat small meals. I think that is the big one.

Disadvantages: it’s not reversible. You don’t lose as much weight as the gastric bypass or duodenal switch.

[Sunflower123]

Thank you for your response. I really appreciate you. I’ve been so sick for about a year and a half that my appetite is much decreased and I’ve made a habit of grazing small meals. I consider this a blessing because I think I can remove the band and continue practicing decent eating habits. Hopefully my weight will continue to drop.

Thank you for your input. I will stay away from the gastric sleeve.

I guess I should have asked here—today was your surgery I think? If so, I hope it went well.

How are you feeling?