over 400 lbs.

[FARFEDUP]

Is there anyone that has been over 400 lbs and had the surgery? I am in process getting all my tests done for the insurance company to approve. My highest weight ever was 498 lbs about 18 months ago. I started on this weight loss journey in March and have been exercising as much as I can and am now down to 429. I went to speak to the surgeons assistant and she said she may lean towards the bypass instead of sleeve, because of my high BMI and many health issues. I am really scared to death of the bypass, please keep me in your prayers. If they're anyone here that has been the size of me and has had the sleeve could you please let me know your experiences and thank you very much in advance.

[ACE]

Well I wish I could help more but I was down to 280 by the time I had the surgery my highest weight was 435 but I lost the 145 lbs over the course of 2 years and 2 pregnancies.

[Jose Figueroa]

Well I never hit that weight but I can tell you the sleeve is safer then the bypass. You will lose weight and judging by what you are saying that you are losing weight by yourself right now shows that you are commited. In the end its all up to you on what surgery you want to take

[FARFEDUP]

thank you for your input and by the way you look great

[FARFEDUP]

thank you Jose, I am committed I am so tired of being tired and so ready to be healthy again its been way overdue

[shaun27565]

Good luck and good work seems that if you have health issues or higher bmi Md's recommend the bi pass.

[Dee Leshuz]

I haven't seen any lately but I do seem to remember. Look at the groups if you haven't already, there are a LOT of groups! And good luck and welcome to the community.

[wannabhealthy50]

Went into surgery at 283 but I wanted to wish you well

[MomMaestra]

There are people on here with high starting weights who have been successful. look in the Before and After pictures under quick links. Search there and then click on their names to contact them. The sleeve can be the first step in the Duodenal Switch. The sleeve is restrictive: restricts how much you can eat and the bypass and the duodenal switch is so you don't absorb all the calories you eat or fat. The bypass bypasses your pyloric valve which regulates the speed in which your food goes into your intestine and therefore you get a lot of "dumping syndrome". The Duodenal switch does not and just removes part of your small intestine with the same effect as bypass without the dumping. There can be dumping with the sleeve but usually only with hight amounts of sugar. With both the bypass and switch you will be on vitamins and supplements to sustain your life for the rest of your life. So if you don't get the results with the sleeve they can do another operation for the rest. I think this is much safer and realistic than the bypass. You do have to take vitamins with the sleeve, but fewer... because you can eat right and absorb nutrients. The sleeve is usually enough and not all surgeons are experienced or qualified to do the the 2nd part of the surgery (IF you need it). Look around, do your research. Your doc is YOUR employee. You are paying them. Listen to their advice, do research and ultimately make the right decision for you.

[MrsB0324]

There are many reasons why the surgeon feels that one type of WLS is better for a person than another. He's probably looking at a lot of various factors and feels that you will have more success with a bypass so hear him out but ultimately, the decision is yours. Talk to your doctor and explain your fears/anixety about gastric bypass and ask him what do you need to do to be considered for the gastric sleeve. By all indications, you have managed to bring your weight down quite a bit on your own....(KUDOS to you for that) so he has to see how determined you are and may be willing to work with you to let you have the surgery you want. Don't get discouraged....keep doing what you're doing and you will be where you want to be. Good luck and I pray that your doctor be willing to do what you want as long as it doesn't compromise your health!

[jerzeygirl]

I also congratulate you on taking the first step to improved health. I can understand your fears about bypass, but I know several people who have had that surgery, and started out at your weight. They have been successful, and done very well. I actually wanted a lapband, but the surgeon talked to me about the sleeve, and I did lots of research afterwards. I have never regretted it for a minute! I agree with dee, do some research and make an informed decision. I think if you're really invested in changing your lifestyle, you'll do well with the bypass. I wish you continued success, and please let us know how it goes. Welcome!

[while.im.still.young]

If you search through the "groups" tab, there is an option to find groups by starting weight. Find the group you're in and look through it's members. So many people have come so far on here. You're guaranteed to find some awesome success stories.

[dale]

I was not over 400 pounds when I started this journey, but I was close (371pounds). I had researched weight loss surgery on the Internet, so I was pretty well- informed when I went in. The first surgeon I went to told me that usually people as big as I was get the bypass, but I told him pretty emphatically that I wanted the sleeve. To me, it seemed the simplest procedure and I just didn't like the idea of rerouting my intestine.

I probably would have lost more weight with a bypass, but I am totally satisfied with my sleeve. Many people start out with their sleeve at the weight I am now, but I didn't do this for my looks, I did it for my health! I no longer have type 2 diabetes, I can exercise now, and I feel so much better. I would like to get under 200 pounds ( haven't been there in over 30 years), but if I don't, I will still be happy with how far I have come.

You have to decide what is best for you. I hope your surgeon is someone you trust, and discuss it with him/her. I didn't like the first surgeon I went to ( for many reasons, but one of them is that he seemed to be pushing too hard for the bypass, which is, of course, a costlier surgery), so I found another surgeon who I could talk to, who listened to my concerns, and who respected my opinions about my body.

Best of luck to you as you start on the road to a healthier you! Let us know how it goes!

[luke]

I was 416 when I first started talking about surgery with my doctor. I've had a sleeve and I'm glad I did. I feel much better but I have a long way to go. Good luck!

[ShannaBanana]

I was 403 when i had the surgery three months ago. I'm now 313. I'm glad i done it. I'm like Luke,i still have allot to go, but willing to work at it. I still don't eat bread yet and i exercise as much as i can. And take my vitamins everyday.
Good luck.