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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
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    Default Just starting, total noob...

    I've been suffering with GERD (Acid Reflux) for a number of years. It has been under control with medication, but I am at the max the Dr. can prescribe and the symptoms have been escalating in the last year. My Dr. thinks my next course of action is a surgical correction. I am scheduled for an endoscopy later this month. He suggested that I should also consider a Gastric Sleeve at the same time. I never really considered WLS before, but he thinks that it will help my GERD and thinks we can coax the insurance into fast-tracking it. He also said that the the prep and recovery is pretty much the same. The only different is the actual sleeve procedure.

    I'm 5'8 and 250lbs. My "ideal weight" is 130-160. But I have a stocky build and I think I'm at the higher end of that spectrum. This puts me at 80-100 lbs over and a bmi of about 36. I have been struggling with weight since college. I've gone up and down, but in recent years, I am either gaining or maintaining and I can't seem to drop weight. Keto, Atkins, Paleo have all resulted in minimal weight loss for a few weeks followed by a plateau. I went to a "weight loss center" who claimed that they work with individual body types and "customize" a plan. She told me to stay under 1700 calories a day and exercise 5 days a week. I told her that's MORE than I eat now! I left with a piece of paper and a prescription for phentermine. I did that for a few months with a disappointing less than 10 pounds lost.

    Moving forward to today, I am researching about the sleeve and the GERD correction procedures. One thing I notice about WLS is the pre and post op diets.... They are all liquid diets that are very low cal, low fat, and low carb... And this is the noob in me (please forgive)... Why bother to get the surgery if you can go on a 750 calorie, low fat, low carb diet? I understand that may not be sustainable, but it has me thinking is the "surgery" really what is loosing the weight? Or is it the pre/post op diet and the sickly sensations?


  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    sraebaer
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    Because you could never stick that kind of diet for the rest of your life! If you can, go for it, but all of us are here because we could not. The sleeve is a great tool. In the beginning you can hardly eat much at all and the weight comes off quickly. Now (I'll be 5 years in October) I eat like a normal person, just less. I concentrate on protein first, then veggies, then other food if there's room. I don't drink with my meals. I still take my vitamins. I love to exercise. I've been wearing the same shorts now for 4 summers in a row, so much fun! I keep telling my husband to look at the tag where it says 8. He doesn't get it. My tags used to say 22.

    Keep researching and decide what will work for you! Good luck.

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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Shirl's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Shirl
    Surgery date
    05/17/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Sergey Lyass
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
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    SoCal and Central Texas
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    Why do we need to go a pre-surgery diet?

    Imagine for a second that you have surgery today. You wake up in a few hours from now, and they tell you cannot have anything to eat or drink for the next 72 hours except clear liquids, and those liquids you have to sip at snail speed. What do you think may happen at that point? I can tell you that I would probably have gone mad if that had happened to me.

    I was right behind you regarding weight and height. I am 5’7” and was over 245lbs at my highest weight. My liver scan showed a severe fatty liver, and my surgeon suggested I Ioose 25-30 lbs pre-surgery. I needed to reduce the fatty liver; I had diabetes so even if I fell bellow 39BMI I was still a good candidate for the surgery.

    My insurance required that I participate in a 90-day supervised diet. I met with a nutritionist six times I think. It was during those visits that I learned a lot of what to expect and which tools I needed to be successful in the long run. It taught me about slowing my roll, chewing food properly and sipping water.

    Trust me; as a mother of three, I was always scarfing food down. Learning to slow down and be mindful of chewing and swallowing was and it is still a critical practice. Just imagine a Corona bottle, turning it upside down. Well, you know that long neck? That's the stomach post surgery, all the food that we can shove in our mouths? Well, it will get stuck if not appropriately chewed and swallow slowly. Guess what? There were consequences when I did not chew thoroughly or consumed my food slowly.

    It was alarming and painful. It was not fun!

    There is a flurry of other reasons I support you and anyone going into this surgery should undergo a required pre-surgery Diet and nutrition classes. But I will let others chime in.

    I am two years post op and still struggling to get rid of those last forty pounds. I keep reminding myself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The slower I lose weight the fewer skin issues I have.

    I tell you. I remember those three months pre-op. It wasn’t easy. I used to think I would never eat my favorite foods again, trust me, those foods were not my friend, and they were the culprit for why I was obese.

    I get easily full with a real nutrient-packed meal, but if I start depending on fast food and over-processed foods. I will be hungry immediately which leads into grazing, and Thant’s my worst enemy.

    Post surgery to about six months you will go through several stages of food combinations. The first week it’s clear bone broth broths, and gradually thicker protein shakes for about the early months. The following weeks and months you will start introducing soft foods, like milk down or watery scrambled eggs. You will have to eat only foods that you can smash with your fork... like lentils and beans, or broccoli.

    You have to learn to measure tiny meals. Seriously like one asparagus spear and one shrimp, take small bites and chew the heck out of it.

    You also learn to not drink right before, during or 15 min after a meal --- it’s challenging but doable.

    You will hear that the number one rule for long-lasting success is protein first, don't ever forget that.

    As Sraebear said, it is a lifetime tool at our disposal.

    Best of wishes ✨
    HW: 245lbs (11/15); SW: 226lbs (5/17/16) - Height: 5'6"

    Post-Op Weight:
    M1: 211.3 (-14.7)
    M2: 203 (-8.3)
    M3: 196.5 (-6.5)
    M4: 191.5 (-5)
    M5: 186.3 (-5.2)
    M6: (?)
    M7: (?)
    M8: 179.4 (-6.9)
    M9: 177.1 (-2.3)
    M10: 174 (-3.1)
    M11: 171.5 (-2.5)
    M12: 171 (-.5)
    Y1.1: 170 (-1)

    "Today is another day to get it right!"






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  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member markferm's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Mark
    Surgery date
    08/07/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr Steven Boyce
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    Mar 2018
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    What kind of Bone Broth do you recommend? I am having my surgery in the morning. I only had to do a liquid diet for one day...today, and I do have a headache but other than that its not too bad.



  8. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Katrina's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Katrina
    Surgery date
    11/04/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Borland
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    Oct 2014
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    I cannot imagine a doctor recommending the sleeve surgery to someone suffering from gerd already. The sleeve is known for causing that. I did not have it prior to surgery, but I sure suffer from it now. However, my mother insisted on the sleeve despite already having gerd, and she's doing just fine. Hers did not get worse. Just make sure to read up on that and ask your doctor about it.
    No pre-op diet
    Day of surgery 11/4/14: 5'4" 213lbs
    1 month: 187
    2 months: 171
    3 months: 155
    4 months: 148
    5 months: 142
    6 months: 136
    7 months: 131
    8 months: 125
    9 months: 120
    10 months: 114
    11 months: 111
    1 year: 109
    1.5 years: 105
    2 years: 108
    2.5 years: 102
    3 years: 113
    4 years: 115
    5 years: 115
    6 years: 117



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  10. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  11. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Cat B's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Catherine
    Surgery date
    07/23/2018
    Surgeon
    Dr. Moshin Soliman
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    Jul 2018
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    I had GERD before surgery. They say it is best to take something for it after surgery, but I only had to take it for a few days after surgery and seem to be doing ok now. No chest pains or heartburn of any kind. I just started my 3rd week Post Op.



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  13. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member denzel's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    02/02/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr Stephen Watson
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Perth, Western Australia
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    A number of folk find that having the gastric sleeve makes their GERD worse.
    This happened to a friend of mine, she has subsequently undergone botox injections to the lower stomach sphincter (more surgery, and only partially effective).

    She has subsequently found that she is sensitive to plants in the nightshade family, and has had to eliminate them out of her diet. Has improved her GERD significantly.

    The pre-op diet is to reduce the amount of fat that the liver is storing, therefore making it smaller and easier to manipulate out the way during surgery - therefore safer.
    The post-op diet is to let the stomach heal (about 10 weeks) and to provide adequate and appropriate nutrition.

    I am 3 1/2 years post-op and am bang on my original long-term goal.



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  15. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
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    Nov 2016
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    First off, pre op diets vary from very strict and long to none at all. Depends on the surgeon. As for sleeve and GERD it is usually recommended a bypass. If your GERD is mild some surgeons will still sleeve but if it is severe (as yours appears to be) then it is not recommended. I had mild GERD pre sleeve. I had a hiatal hernia repaired with my sleeve. I had GERD issues the first few months but only have issues now if I eat something real spicy. I do find it odd that your surgeon recommended a sleeve. I have seen people have to convert to full bypass when their GERD gets too bad. As for why do the surgery...if it was easy to go on the liquid diet and lose all your weight and maintain the loss I think we would have all done it. I know personally I could never get below 160. I would have to diet and extreme exercise to maintain that weight. Naturally I would go up and down as that type of diet/exercise regimen was not sustainable. I eat healthy and exercise daily. Nothing extreme. Life is pretty damn great.



  16. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member Stacey03's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Edie
    Surgery date
    11/07/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr Phil lockie
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    Oct 2017
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    EVERYTHING Christie said ^^^ but sounds like your doc is not specialised in bariatric area so whoever he sends you to will set her or him straight. They usually offer bypass for people who have GERD. Good luck though and hope it all works out however it ends up!


  17. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Shirl's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Shirl
    Surgery date
    05/17/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Sergey Lyass
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    SoCal and Central Texas
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    Quote Originally Posted by markferm View Post
    What kind of Bone Broth do you recommend? I am having my surgery in the morning. I only had to do a liquid diet for one day...today, and I do have a headache but other than that its not too bad.
    Sending you the best of wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

    It’s really weird, but grocery stores weren’t carrying bone broths when I had surgery so I ordered from OssoGood online. If you have a health food store like Sprouts or Whole Foods they have their store brand and I like them both. I mixed mine with a little miso broth and added soft tofu for added protein. A cup of bone broth is about 10g of protein.

    https://www.ossogoodbones.com/produc...ery-bone-broth

    Also, I invested in an angled whole bed foam to reduce the risks of developing heartburn.
    HW: 245lbs (11/15); SW: 226lbs (5/17/16) - Height: 5'6"

    Post-Op Weight:
    M1: 211.3 (-14.7)
    M2: 203 (-8.3)
    M3: 196.5 (-6.5)
    M4: 191.5 (-5)
    M5: 186.3 (-5.2)
    M6: (?)
    M7: (?)
    M8: 179.4 (-6.9)
    M9: 177.1 (-2.3)
    M10: 174 (-3.1)
    M11: 171.5 (-2.5)
    M12: 171 (-.5)
    Y1.1: 170 (-1)

    "Today is another day to get it right!"






  18. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member D618's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    04/18/2017
    Surgeon
    Brad Watkins
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    Dec 2016
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    01-06-2021 03:52 PM
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    Hi,
    I am very confused as to why your doctor is saying that an endoscopy and a sleeve surgery are pretty much the same thing! For one, an endoscopy is done with just mild sedation, you are in and out of the facility within an hour or two. The sleeve surgery is done under general anesthesia and you must stay in the hospital for at least a day. I had to stay for two days as I was so severely nauseated and couldn't get anything down, except for tiny amounts of Vitamin Water.
    I had my surgery in April 2017, and it has not been an easy journey. I still struggle, and am always learning new things about my body. I did lose weight, but most of it was in the first few months. In fact, I have hit a plateau and haven't really lost any more weight in the last year... I did gain back about 10 pounds around the holidays, but now I am back down. I try to stay active and avoid my trigger foods, the sleeve doesn't take away your cravings for fried foods, sweets, or any other unhealthy foods you currently crave.
    I have suffered from GERD for many years. I have taken Nexium and then later, Dexilant (which I find works better for me). I also take Zantac every day. I was on these meds both before and after my sleeve surgery. My reflux flares up at times, but it isn't really any worse than it was before the surgery. It may even be slightly improved. My cousin had no issues before her sleeve surgery, but she developed horrible GERD. She recently had a revision to a Gastric Bypass and is doing much better.
    In your case, I do not think a Sleeve would be your best option. Actually, the pre-op diet may cause you the most issues as the protein shakes may tend to upset your symptoms and cause nausea as well.
    If you have further questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help in any way that I can.
    Best of luck to you!
    Dee



  19. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have not had a gastric sleeve.
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    Quote Originally Posted by D618 View Post
    Hi,
    I am very confused as to why your doctor is saying that an endoscopy and a sleeve surgery are pretty much the same thing!
    He is not. Forgive me if I made it appear that way.

    Given that my symptoms have increased over the last few years and given I am on the maximum allowed medication, he feels the surgical correction is my next option. I am scheduled for an endoscopy to confirm that.

    IF surgical correction is in fact required, he suggest doing the sleeve at the same time. His reasoning is my GERD has been increasing along with my steady weight gain over the last 5 years. Also, I practice Brazilian JiuJitsu and laying flat on my back bothers me and it's even worse with another 200+ lbs guy on top of me. The reduction in weight and pressure around the belly area should also reduce the pressure on the The esophageal sphincter and thus relieve the GERD symptoms.

    Of course, all of this is speculation right now until the results of my endoscopy.

    We have discussed weight loss in the past, and I have tried. Even through I have been unsuccessful, feel I have made some positive changes along the way. I quite drinking alcohol entirely. Carbonated soda only occasionally (and only sugar free). More protein and less carbs. No starchy vegetables or super-sweet fruit. No pasta whatsoever. No fast food whatsoever. I prepare my meals for work and bring them with so I am not tempted to join others with pizza and taco orders. I have been searching for years for the "smoking gun" that will help me loose weight.

    My downside is the exercise. I can't do much jiujitsu anymore because of the GERD. I work 12 hour shifts which means I am not going to the gym 3-4 days in a row. I do try to get in a 2-3 mile walk during lunch breaks, but breaks are not always guaranteed.

    I can see these diets are not sustainable... Thanks for the confirmation. Now that the seed has been planted, I am committed to doing what it takes and I think if I can get this done, along with fixing the GERD, and get back to JiuJitsu, I should be able to shred the pounds.


  20. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    07/30/2018
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
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    11-30-2018 05:34 PM
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    Default Re: Just starting, total noob...

    I find for myself the two key things to avoid GERD are no carbonation, and no eating and lying down for a minimum of one hour.



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