I am 4 months out and, so far, no complications. I have lost almost 70 pounds and feel better than I can ever remember feeling. As for the food addiction issues, I do still have them. The surgery doesn't do anything for your head. It is a very useful tool, though, in controlling portions. Also, some of the things you ate before may not agree with you afterwards, so it helps you to not even want to eat them because you don't want to get sick. Good luck with your surgery. I hope everything goes as well for you as it has for me.

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I do understand about the food adiction. I know this is a major issue with me. I gave up cigarettes almost 15 years ago and for a long while I kept my hands and mind busy. But as time went on turned to nibbling this, that and other thing. My genitic make-up isn't in my favor for so many different health reasons. Also for additive personality. This is one reason I am thrilled to have found this site because when I fall off the wagon, which we all do, I know people will help me up and get my head on straight. With a good support system there aren't too many things we can't handle!

G'luck to you,
Peggy

Jaymep and I are at the same stage, and I also have lost around 70#.

I have not had food addition issues, (but am on alert knowing they could pop up at any time). I have chosen to limit my simple carbs completely, (meaning no potatoes, rice, pasta, cereals). These are foods we are discouraged from eating anyhow, in the beginning, at least. For me that was not much of an adjustment, as I had been diagnosed with Diabetes 3 years ago, and had really cut back on these things then.

I have had NO complications, and am getting my exercising in. Staying hydrated, especially in the beginning, when you are recovering is very important. Also, being mindful it's summer time, I find I can be thirsty all day long, especially if outside. So I keep water close at hand all the time...but I 've always been that way.

Yes, it was well worth it for me. I am 52 yrs old, and have said NO to this surgery or other "helps" for many years. I just KNEW I could figure this out myself. I had lost and gained a couple hundred pounds over these years (and that's not exaggerating), but in recent years I'd become more interested in eating well, being more fit, and I was finding in spite of living a more healthy life, I was NOT losing much at all . Menopause didn't help that any, but logic said I should still be able to lose.

I am a positive person, but I was feeling dragged down by what I couldn't seem to change in myself...losing weight. Felt I'd made a lot of behavior changes, and my head was in the right place., but the weight wasn't coming off. Then, to learn that the diabetes would likely be a *thing of the past* with this surgery....well, that was my decision breaker. I am thrilled witht he results and happy it is a decision I made. Not for everyone maybe, but I think the key is to do just what you are doing, read everything and as questions come up read back posts here, or ask.

Good luck,
Cindy B

In no particular order 1)no, no complications as yet, but I am less than 3 mos out 2) I don't regret my decision for even a single second 3)I dealt with my food issues well ahead of time, and have a wonderful therapist who works with me on my emotional triggers as well as issues related to WLS. I will say I think some of the crankiness I feel is because I cant fall back on carbs to soothe my brain 4)No serious side-effects to date. Minor ones are feeling tired if I dont get enough protien, horrible constipation if I dont get enough fluids, and feeling cranky if I get too hungry. The great things you should know about my journey are I was able to go off of ALL my "maintenance" meds within 2 weeks of surgery. My diabetes is cured. I cut my OTC pain med consumption by at least 3/4. My pain and fatigue levels are way down, and my self-confidence way up. I think more clearly. Sex ROCKS. I sleep better than I have in a long time, and without a sleep aid. I have more cash in my pocket from not eating junk and drinking soda. I am sure there are more, but it is early here and my morning protien hasnt hit my brain yet.

I had stricture complications.....bad! For the first 2 - 3 months, I was struggling with a stricture that would completely close up. At one point I ended up non-responsive in the ER due to life-threatening dehydration...not once, but twice within 30 hours!!!!
Still.....I wouldn't change a thing. I'd go through multiple OR procedures and multiple ER trips for this surgery and a constant battle with severe anemia. It IS only a tool, a powerful tool, that has helped me to change my life in many significant ways. I am healthier than I have been since I was about 7 years old! I wish you only good things when your surgery date comes up. Like a few people here, I started exercising (very very mildly) and losing weight BEFORE my surgery and it paid off, I believe.

I had a small bleeder in the hospital. I felt great after surgery except I had what felt like a lump (like when you ate something and it did not go down) right between my chest. About two hours later the nurse was right next to me and I said I felt sick...threw up without control and it was all blood. More scary than pain (in fact almost no pain). They said then it was a small bleeder and it would heal on its own. I did get sick the next day also. BTW, the pain in my chest left immediately after I threw up! Doctor said I lost enough blood that I should have had a tranfusion but he put me on iron and pres vitamin C. I am 8 wks out and still on them. I feel great. YES YES YES I would do this again. I would have done it again right after I got sick. Minor problem but worth it soo much!

I had a gastric sleeve done one week ago. I have not had any problems and do not regret this surgery at all. I am so much happier just knowing that I will not have to be fat forever.

I have had a few issues here and there but nothing serious, I would do this surgery every day again and again for the rest of my life if it meant what I have right now...
I started at 309 and 1 year post op weigh in the 140's, I am competing in triathlons and radiate the healthy person that I am. It is the BEST thing I have ever done aside from give birth to my beautiful son.
Good luck!!!

I had complications during surgery. It was to last 3 hours and took 6 hours. It was only to be in the hospitol for 2 days and was their for 7 days. My issue was that my intestine was to short. They had to call the chief surgon to help out as this was unusal. I can say that the doctor was fantastic and I have not had any issues and have lost 85 pounds since my surgury Mar 30th of this year. Try not to overload with information and over think this and scare yourself out of it. I do agree being informed is alway a good option.

Thank you all so much for your input. I want to be as informed as possible when I finally get my surgery. I'll talk with the doc also about getting my body in the best possible shape going into surgery. I am a little concerned because I am larger than the average patient, and I have heart issues, but my cardiologist has cleared me for surgery.