10 years out?

[Carolyn Webb]

I told my GP that I was considering a gastric sleeve (my son had one in Feb.). I also told him I had joined this forum. His question...How far out are these people? Have you talked to anyone that's 10 years out/ Well, I haven't but I don't think this surgery was being done 10 years ago. I'm 63 and I would like to know when this surgery was first being done and is there anyone out there that has been 5 years out? My GP finally sounds like he may be ok with this.

[purplelace70]

I am 70 and had sleeve in April, sorry I can't answer your questions re: history, hardly being done in Can. until recently, I went to MX as I was not heavy enough to get it covered and did not want to jump through all their hoops. Feel that I am quite capable of making my own decisions. I researched as much as I could, liked what I saw and this site certainly has been a wealth of info and feedback. My Dr. here supported me and has been happy to watch my progress and learn about the surgery. All the best to you. ps surgery went well no complications, went solo from Toronto and all was just fine. There is a member on here that had it done 4 years ago, hope you hear from her.

[Carolyn Webb]

Thanks for answering me!! I'm always amazed at the support people have for each other. I'll stay in touch!

[Msvetrn]

Does your GP have to approve it?
I'm 58 and also went to Mexico as I am a veteran and the VA does not do any kind of WLS. My GP at the VA, however, is very supportive and pleased that I had the surgery! I had no pain, gas or nausea.
I cannot even begin to tell you how my life has changed since my surgery and subsequent weight loss...Joanne (purplelace70) can attest to it! SHe has been with me on this site for a portion of my journey. I feel like I'm back in my thirties both physically and mentally. Prior to the surgery, I felt "hopeless and worthless" and actually, this is the first time I have admitted that to anyone...and now, I am full of hope and my self esteem has increased ten fold!!! I went from a Size 20 bathing suit to a Size 10! I will be returning to Mexico two weeks from TOMORROW for a tummy tuck and I imagine then I will need a Size 8!!! The amazing thing is, while I was waiting for my surgery day to arrive, I use to imagine myself getting into a size 14 eventually. I jsut never dreamed in a million years I would be this size again!!!
Sorry...I didn't mean to ramble...my head is in the clouds these days!!!

[slangland]

I'm not 10 years out, I'm only 1 1/2 months out but I'm 65 going on 66 and I'm doing great. I've lost a total of 48 lbs. so far.

[mila]

I googled this subject and found the first sleeve surgeries were done in the 1990's. and laporscopic (with the tiny staples) first done in the late 1990's. My surgeon said it had become more common place in the last 6 yrs. So I think it would be really hard to track down those first ones.

[RanayB]

There is a Dr. in San francisco Ca that has been doing the sleeve for 10 years now. Sorry I can not remeber his name but he has a video of the surgery, I think it's on utube.

Good luck in your journey.

[Carolyn Webb]

Y'all are amazing!!! I'll be back when I get closer to my surgery !!!!

[Grace]

Here's my thought. We have a much better chance of being very much more healthy for the next 10 yrs after this surgery than we would if we were to either not have surgery and stay larger...or if we yo-yo dieted for the next 10 yrs.
It's a tool. You'll still have to remember to not eat junk food. You'll still have to remember not to graze. But if you can really pay attention to your body and only eat when you are hungry, this is a great tool!

[Lynda]

I am 56 years old, had the surgery in March and havent looked back. Feel great, lost heaps of weight and its great buying "normal" size clothes again. I know that this is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Health is heaps better. Get so many compliments at work from both staff and clients - its great. All the best with your surgery.

[justme1]

Where are you going for your tummy tuck. i would be interested in the details and how you feel about the outcomes...prayers for you!!!

[yankegal]

can you please let me know how you do with your tummy tuck, I had my surgery in Mx in Aug and am now a size 10 almost an 8. I would love to get some info , cost and how you do with the dr you have.

[compact]

Hi Carolyn,
As a doc myself, I agree with Grace's way of looking at it, which is why I will go ahead and have the operation.
Here in Australia the op has been done for about 5 or 6 years for weight loss, I think. The operation was done years earlier for people who needed part of their stomach excised for another reason, eg stomach cancer. It was because those people did well that the operation was explored as an option for obese people.
There are only small studies available about longterm effects ie not very strong evidence so far, which is why you doc is cautious. The one study I saw was for only 26 patients from a single practice in the US -- they were all doing well, with their best weight achieved after 5 years and an average weight loss of over 50% of their excess body weight. Their reduced grehlin levels persisted after 5 years too.
When you consider that large studies have found, as we know, that only about 5% of dieters are able to maintain longterm weight loss, I think this looks like a good and reasonable option for those of us who know from long experience that we are not one of the 5%.
Hope this helps,
Nel

[Msvetrn]

Will be returning to the same clinic I had my sleeve surgery at for the tummy tuck. I will post after I return with the gory details!!!

[Carolyn Webb]

Thanks Nel. I'm going to try to copy your response and take it to my doctor. He's so concerned about my type 2 diabetes, he's beginning to be open to my having this surgery. He is a close friend as well as doctor and I know he wants whats best for me. I'm scared of failing at this too!!