Keeping weight off

[brainybabe]

Hello everyone,

I had the lapband installed in 2002 and had it removed in January 2012 due to many complications.

Since removing the band I've gained weight and am desperate. I feel out of control and powerless. I kicked my sugar habit (thank G-d) but am still not losing weight.

I am seriously considering VSG and am researching as much as possible.

The results of VSG seem phenomenal. However, I'm wondering whether/how people maintain their weight 5-7+ years out.

Has anyone here been sleeved for a while and successfully kept the weight off? If so, how?

I would think that after a while one'd body becomes accustomed to less calories and slows down the metabolism accordingly. What happens then?

I'm feeling powerless over my weight right now and want to make sure that VSG is a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix.

I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Lexi

[JulieJ]

I don't know how long it has been around, but I personally know someone that had it done a little over 3 years ago and is doing great. Also if you read the blogs from Rainbow, she is past the 3 year mark. (go to blogs, then on the right hand side it will say "most popular". If you click that you will find many of Rainbow's blogs. There are others on here that have been done for several years, but I don't know who or how you would find them.
Good luck to you. I hope you find the answers that you are looking for. I know that so far this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Julie

[Enfury8me]

Brainybabe, I have a friend that the same thing happened to her. she had the band and lost 200 lbs. She got an infection under the band and had to have it removed. She gained all 200 lbs. back. She is now sleeved and quite happy and is losing her weight steadily once again. Good luck to you!

[Beverlyp]

Based on all that I had read and consultation with my surgeon the Duodenal Switch results in the best chance of not regaining your weight. However it is a more complicated operation with increased postop and long term complications and requires strict adherance to water, protein and supplementation requirements. The DS offers the benefits of the VSG: stomach does not stretch back out as bad as with the RNY and the removal of main part of the stomach that makes the hormone that causes hunger is removed resulting in less hunger. Bottom line is none of the WLS will give you ticket to the land of eat as much as you want of all the bad foods and not gain weight! With the sleeve you have about 6-12 months to lose most of your excess weight and learn good eating habits so you will not be as likely to regain your weight. Best Wishes on making the best decision for you.

[marilynlw]

Like everyone will tell you it is just a tool to help, you lose and maintain your weight. There are no guaranties because there is a human factor involved and anyone could regain their weight. It is not a magic bullet. My daughter had her WLS over 3 years ago and lost 120 lbs and then gained 15 back until she said what in the h... am I doing and started concentrating on eating healthy and exercising again. You have to work the sleeve but it is a great tool.

[brainybabe]

Thank you for responding.

My main concern is having my metabolism slow down and accustomed to lower calories, and then having to obsess over calories, etc. as I've done in the past (and am doing now since my band was removed).

I'm tired of obsessing over my weight and *fearing* food, which is where I'm at now.

[Beverlyp]

I recommend going to the Obesity Help.com and then go to their DS Forum. They are a very active group and they are anxious to help spread the news about how they wouldn't trade their DS for anything. I had the same fears as you and had decided that I was going to have the DS, but complications from scar tissue prevented my surgeon from doing the DS so I ended up with the VSG. I still feel that long term the DS is a better surgery to prevent weight gain, but their are many other trade off's you must concider. There aren't many doctors who are very skilled in doing the DS so you need to research your surgeon very carefully. This is a very personal decision. Just do your research to educate yourself throughly on the pros and cons of each procedure then decide which procedure is best for you in the long run. Good Luck!

[brainybabe]

Hi Beverly, thank you for responding.

I need to lose 50-60 lbs and would not feel comfortable having a D.S. As it is I'm freaking out about the VSG, since I happen to like all of my organs exactly as they are. :-)

Thanks again.

Lexi

[brainybabe]

Thank you for all the welcome messages. :-)

[Beverlyp]

If that is the case, I think the VSG would be the best option that I know of.

[ToDream]

Based on all that I had read and consultation with my surgeon the Duodenal Switch results in the best chance of not regaining your weight. However it is a more complicated operation with increased postop and long term complications and requires strict adherance to water, protein and supplementation requirements. The DS offers the benefits of the VSG: stomach does not stretch back out as bad as with the RNY and the removal of main part of the stomach that makes the hormone that causes hunger is removed resulting in less hunger. Bottom line is none of the WLS will give you ticket to the land of eat as much as you want of all the bad foods and not gain weight! With the sleeve you have about 6-12 months to lose most of your excess weight and learn good eating habits so you will not be as likely to regain your weight. Best Wishes on making the best decision for you.

I so wish every pre-op read and understood this like nothing else they have ever read on here. Thank you!