Please help me to love my SLEEVE

[lllellielll]

When I started my WLS journey a few years ago I set my heart on sleeve only to be told later by all 3 specialists I'd seen that since I have a history of eating disorders that bypass is the only option for me as it retrains brain into eating healthy food and a right amount. I had done a lot of research into that and totally agreed with bypass. Moreover I met a few people at my local support group who had been struggling with sleeve (no weight loss, depression, etc). Well, hands down it was bypass all the way for me... until a few hours after the surgery when I was told that all they could do was a sleeve...

I can't say that my dreams were shattered because I was just really happy that (a) I was alive (b) it was all over. But to be talked out of having a sleeve at first because it was no good for me and then get it... well, I am just not as hopeful as before.

I fear that I am going to stretch my stomach back, that I won't have any dumping syndrome (they say they don't usually get it with sleeve), that my appetite won't go. because at the moment I do feel hungry both in my tummy and in my head. Eating is painful at times but nothing I can't cope with if I am desperate to eat. That scares me. I have given up so much for this surgery and now I just can't afford to fail. :cry:

 

[Llora]

Hello again!

I am sorry to hear you had complications. And hope you are feeling ok (physically) atm.

Did the surgeon explain why they were not able to perform the bypass and ended up doing the sleeve?

What were the reasons why you had your heart set on the sleeve to start with? Maybe its worth remembering them and it will be the answer to you? Because at the start you did believe it would work for you.

Yes people have problems or weight regain with sleeves, but so do people who had bypass. They both are just tools and you have to make them work! So just believe in yourself.. You can make the sleeve work! Dont give up even before you started.

If i am not mistaken then Not everyone with bypass experience dumping. So you might have been one of those people.

I am sure you feel unsettled and unsure with the huge mix of emotions at this moment so maybe thinking that whatever happened is going to be the best thing for you would help..

I am only a week ahead of you as you know so if you ever need to talk to someone you can always send me a pm.

All the best for you! I believe in you and you will make the sleeve work.

 

[lllellielll]

Hello again!
Did the surgeon explain why they were not able to perform the bypass and ended up doing the sleeve?

He said that he couldn't reach my intenstins as there was too much fat around. I didn't quite understand whether it was around my tummy or around intestins (I'will check that out at my post op in 4 weeks).

What were the reasons why you had your heart set on the sleeve to start with? Maybe its worth remembering them and it will be the answer to you? Because at the start you did believe it would work for you.

The reason I wanted a sleeve in the 1st place is because it is not as drastic as bypass. The idea of being dependent on supplements for the rest of my life scared me as well. I am already on antidepressants for the rest of my life and a few times I was in situations when I didn't have my tablets with me. it was aweful. The withdrawal symptoms were so bad I had to call an ambulance.

Back then I didn't know anything about dumping, retraning and what it better for people with eating disorders. It was not until I saw the surgeon that I learned that sleeve won't do much for me.

I will work hard. It will be harder than with bypass but I will do it. Just at the momemnt I need to get used to the idea of sleeve as I haven't prepared myself at all.

 

[los in it]

Have to say that is my one and only worry I want the bypass but was told by my surgeon that once they open me up depeding on what they find I could have either the bypass or the sleeve.
I feel the bypass is the best one for me and I am prepared for the dumping and taking pills for life and the end results are better where as the sleeve I feel for me doesnt have the triggers re the dumping I need to stop me over eating
so I only hope I get the bypass if not I will still be happy not not as HAPPY as I would like to be

 

[Madcatwoman]

Hi Llliellilll, I too had the sleeve after going in for a bypass. 16 months on and I'm 100lbs down, this last 2 stone is hard to shift, but other than that I'm really happy. You will never be able to eat normal sized meals again, you have to watch your snacking but the sleeve can work for you xx

 

[lllellielll]

Have to say that is my one and only worry I want the bypass but was told by my surgeon that once they open me up depeding on what they find I could have either the bypass or the sleeve.
I feel the bypass is the best one for me and I am prepared for the dumping and taking pills for life and the end results are better where as the sleeve I feel for me doesnt have the triggers re the dumping I need to stop me over eating
so I only hope I get the bypass if not I will still be happy not not as HAPPY as I would like to be

As far as I understand, it all depends on the size of your tummy. Mine is huge. Unusually for a woman I store fat mostly around my waist. I think that was the real reason why they couldn't do bypass. I heard they do conversions from sleeve to bypass when the tummy is not as big but I am not sure if it is avaliable on NHS. That's one more question for me to ask at my post-op.
When is your surgery?

 

[lllellielll]

Hi Llliellilll, I too had the sleeve after going in for a bypass. 16 months on and I'm 100lbs down, this last 2 stone is hard to shift, but other than that I'm really happy. You will never be able to eat normal sized meals again, you have to watch your snacking but the sleeve can work for you xx

I just hope my sleeve doesn't stretch after a while. Now when I am eating or drinking I do occasionally feel discomfort and pain but not all the time. That warries me. What if it just doesn't work? I am extra careful at the moment as I dread leakages or any damage to my stomach but what happens when it's no longer a problem. Those are just qestions to myself.

I am trying to be positive though and think of ways to booster my weight loss in the future.

 

[Llora]

I will work hard. It will be harder than with bypass but I will do it. Just at the momemnt I need to get used to the idea of sleeve as I haven't prepared myself at all.

I understand you need time!


i really hope you will fall in love with the sleeve and later down the line you will be most happy about it!!

 

[Madcatwoman]

I think it does stretch at litttle over time - I can eat more now than I could last year. However I cannot under any circumstances eat a full meal. If I push it I simply regurgitate my food. Providing you stop when you feel full, I'm sure you will be fine. My weight is stable at the moment, but I have never put on, even when I have had the odd treat here and there xx

 

[Stacey83]

Hello there, I asked for my sleeve and I love it! I'm 4 1/2 months out and 74lb down so far... I physically can't eat or drink too much or I throw up. If I eat something very sweet e.g when I went to the theatre and had half a little hagen daz pot (naughty) I got such a bad headache I thought I'd die and my stomach went crazy!

I still can't handle many carbs so bread and pasta are no go for me and I track my food like a MANIAC using my fitness pal so when I have carb options I don't normally bother as they're a waste of calories and I'm better off eating protein!

It's not a solution to being obese, it's a tool you need to embrace and work with as is the bypass. No magic cure - no guts no glory... Roll those sleeves up and make yourself a plan to stay on track, make positive changes and celebrate the weightloss.

YOU CAN DO IT.

 

[Angie E]

Hi there Illelliell, I have just read your post. I am currently reading a book called 'Thin For Life' by Anne Fletcher, have a read. The book focuses on strategies for permanent weight loss for the rest of life. Whether you had the sleeve or Bypass I really don't think it makes much of a difference, its your approach to keeping the weight off that will make the biggest difference and such listening to your body to know when you are full after eating. I have been doing a lot of reading and research about both surgeries and have concluded that people will put on weight if they continue to eat the wrong food, too many calories and don't exercise. I know it's frightening but use your time wisely to plan head on losing and keeping that weight off. Good luck!!

 

[Mazza]

All that we can do is what we do best, offer you lots of support and share with you our own experiences.

Post whenever you feel down or need some encouragement - there will always be someone around

I'm a firm believer in addressing the emotional issues and the rest will follow. Do you have any follow up with the hospital with your previous eating problems

It's all about finding what works for you and going for it.

Best of luck and keep posting xx

 

[lllellielll]

Hello there, I asked for my sleeve and I love it! I'm 4 1/2 months out and 74lb down so far... I physically can't eat or drink too much or I throw up. If I eat something very sweet e.g when I went to the theatre and had half a little hagen daz pot (naughty) I got such a bad headache I thought I'd die and my stomach went crazy!

I still can't handle many carbs so bread and pasta are no go for me and I track my food like a MANIAC using my fitness pal so when I have carb options I don't normally bother as they're a waste of calories and I'm better off eating protein!

It's not a solution to being obese, it's a tool you need to embrace and work with as is the bypass. No magic cure - no guts no glory... Roll those sleeves up and make yourself a plan to stay on track, make positive changes and celebrate the weightloss.

YOU CAN DO IT.

Thanks a lot. That gives me hope

 

[lllellielll]

Hi there Illelliell, I have just read your post. I am currently reading a book called 'Thin For Life' by Anne Fletcher, have a read. The book focuses on strategies for permanent weight loss for the rest of life. Whether you had the sleeve or Bypass I really don't think it makes much of a difference, its your approach to keeping the weight off that will make the biggest difference and such listening to your body to know when you are full after eating. I have been doing a lot of reading and research about both surgeries and have concluded that people will put on weight if they continue to eat the wrong food, too many calories and don't exercise. I know it's frightening but use your time wisely to plan head on losing and keeping that weight off. Good luck!!

Thanks for the info. I'll def try to find this book. I am reading Jenny Radcliff's "Cut to Size" at the momement.

 

[lllellielll]

Do you have any follow up with the hospital with your previous eating problems

It's all about finding what works for you and going for it.

Best of luck and keep posting xx

I was with Maudsley Eating Disorders Unit to begin with for about 18 months. Then we moved to Wimbledon and I was transferred to Springfield Hospital. However they said their waiting list was about a year long they asked the local services to look after me. I had a few sessions with a counsellor there and gave up. I guess she would be good for someone else but as for eating disorders she was quite useless. They told me though, that since I am on the system I can always come back if I feel I ned help. Maybe now, when lots of other issues are solved they will be of more help to me.

 

[lllellielll]

Well, I can finally feel my sleeve working. After I quickly swallowed 150 ml of my complan chicken soup, I was still hungry and really wanted a chocolate shake or a jelly. Instead (because I am a good girl) I opted for a yoghurt. At the end of the day I was still allowed 150mls of a "pudding" and I was determined to have it. My new banana tummy though said "No" after 3 teaspoons. Thank you, banana! I love you more and more!:flowers:

 

[Yvessa]

Hi hon, the flip side of this is that if you'd had the bypass you would still have no guarantee that you couldn't overeat. People can and do regain their weight with any and all of the of the wls options. Either operation will make you lose weight in the first instance - you will have a 3-9 month period where you will lose weight no matter what. But after that, with any of the operations you have to watch what you eat and move your body. It can be done though! The success of the op is determined by you and only you. And if you've gone through all this, regardless of the op you've had, you've got to commit to yourself. Good luck - you can do it.

 

[lllellielll]

Thanks Yvessa. I know you are right. I think it was just my initial shock that made me feel disappointed. I am OK now. I grew to love my sleeve.

I though a lot about it and they way I see it now is
- I won't have a barrier the bypassers have when it comes to sugary or fatty food. I will have to teach myself to eat those in moderation and not feel deprived because of that.
- Overall I might need to work harder with my sleeve NOW: control my appetite, my cravings and teach myself to eat regularly, not to overeat, not to snack, etc.
- But in the long term its for the better. I think with a bypass I would have had to face all these issues later on. And I'd rather spend a lot of time now (when I actually have free time and excuse) working on it than be suddenly faced with this problem 12-18 months later when appetite and all the cravings come back. I think in excitment about having a bypass I ignored all those stories about bypassers gaining weight 2-3 years post op because they were not prepared for "being back to how it was before".