Any regrets?

**DollHouseKiera** · 07-03-2012 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by bookwrmmom

Kiera, I have read your (a lot of)blog and am terribly sorry for all of your pain and suffering (I know that doesn't help much-but I truly am). My question is (since I am so newly sleeved) do they have any idea what caused these terrible complications? We all have to go into this knowing that it is not a magical experience & although the % of people who have complications are small, there are still real risks associated with what we are doing or going to do. With that comes a complete lifestyle change, because if we do not we can jeopardize our health.

My complications did not have a certain cause. They're not sure why I had to have 5 (going on 6) surgeries. They did rule out user error, thankfully. It was nothing that I did myself, except for making the initial decision to get a sleeve. It was just my body's reaction. I have had previous unrelated surgeries and had no problem. No excess scar tissue, no complications. I'm a medical mystery still. I'm in at least 3 medical journals, as my case is unprecedented. Thank you for your kind words.

**bscastaneda** · 07-03-2012 08:10 PM

I think thats what I feel Im going to miss...large gulps of ice cold water! I read a book that made a lot of sense and I have changed something even before surgery, I will not drink liquid calories. As of now, I am loving it but hating the thought of only sipping. But im glad u said it wont ALWAYS be like that...hopefully.

**jodiel** · 07-04-2012 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by bscastaneda

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm really a "give it to me straight" kinda girl and I realize its going to be tough. I think what I was thinking about the other day is (while drinking an ice cold large glass of water) that I will never be able to drink like that again. Its a hard thing to imagine. Something good for my body, I will never be able to enjoy a nice full size of it anymore I will have to sip. I know I'm going to be more than extatic when I see all the weight loss but it just sounds so crazy to imagine little bits of food. I know my stomach will not allow me to eat more than its able to intake just makes me kinda sad to think of something that has always given me comfort will no longer do that. lol sounds silly Im sure but its 26 yrs of the same unhealthy routine changed in 1 day. It's a scary thought. Thanx everyone for sharing, I appreciate every single one of you.

I wouldn't say that you will never be able to drink like that again. I thought the same thing after my surgery. 3 months later, I noticed the other day that I was drinking like I did before surgery again. I can now sit at my desk and drink a large glass of ice water. Do I drink it all at once like I used to? No. But not I drink it in what I consider, a healthier way....I drink it slower but can still guzzle it down. The first few weeks, it would hurt to drink something really cold. Now it doesn't and I enjoy cold stuff. The one thing I'm missing the last few days is soda. We had pizza Monday night and I really want some Sprite (that was my drink) with it. Of course there is none in the house because I was the only one who would drink it. Diet Sprite of course. So I took a sip of my daughter's regular coke. Blech! Too sweet and sugary for me. I may go buy me a 6 pack of the mini bottles of diet Sprite just so I can have a little when I want some. I don't want it very often because of the gas. But sometimes I just want a little.

**bscastaneda** · 07-05-2012 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by DollHouseKiera

Every day of my life. Nothing but regret.

I am the 0.001% with major complications. I regret my decision completely. Since I cannot change my decision, I just have to live with it.

Even still, I would recommend the sleeve procedure as a brilliant tool for weight loss, as long as you are willing to be dedicated to change. So many people think this is magic. You still have to work on changing how your brain works, especially after the doctors change how your stomach works. Read everything you can get your hands on. Prepare for the possible worst case scenario. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. The sleeve can work, if you're willing to work for it. It just wasn't the right decision for me.

I just read your blog since May of last year and I wanted to say I'm am soooooo terribly sorry you have gone through sooo many terrible complications. I'm glad you've bloged about it because it really does shed light on the fact that we are all unique and we may all react different to surgery. I really do hope you finally start to see some real progress in yoir health. I know you have lost a lot of weight but at what price? Doesn't sound like I'd be as strong as you. Really does make me not want to complain about the little insignificant things. I hope you get better and I really appreciate your honest response. Best wishes.

**DollHouseKiera** · 07-05-2012 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by bscastaneda

I just read your blog since May of last year and I wanted to say I'm am soooooo terribly sorry you have gone through sooo many terrible complications. I'm glad you've bloged about it because it really does shed light on the fact that we are all unique and we may all react different to surgery. I really do hope you finally start to see some real progress in yoir health. I know you have lost a lot of weight but at what price? Doesn't sound like I'd be as strong as you. Really does make me not want to complain about the little insignificant things. I hope you get better and I really appreciate your honest response. Best wishes.

Thank you for the kind words. You never know how strong you can be until you have no choice.

**Scooter** · 07-06-2012 12:00 AM

Water is easy, and food is tough to get in quantity, but you won't mind because you fill up quickly. With my old stomach, 2 liters of coke would be no problem. Now, I just know I can't have that all at once, but I don't care.
For myself, I am extremely happy with my sleeve and being full on 1/6 as much food as before. I never looked at the deprivation angle because for the last twenty years, I always wished I wasn't hungry. I ate out of extreme cravings and hunger, although I did enjoy the taste of the food, I really enjoyed eating all I wanted to become full, and therefore, not hungry.
I never recommend the sleeve to anyone else only because it can go wrong and I don't want to feel responsible in any way. I do recommend people do a lot of research, and if you eat to get rid of hunger, and you are willing to take the risks, you should consider it. However, you should do it for your health, if you decide to do it.

**itsmytime** · 07-06-2012 01:37 AM

I've been very grateful for having the sleeve. Nothing I was doing was working and this is the first time anything has in many years. I had a relatively easy recovery and I've been very lucky and I'm grateful for that. My weight loss has been more than i ever expected and that has been a pleasant surprise. The biggest change is the change in my diabetes type 2. My blood sugar has been so much better.