Does the sleeve work well for those with a higher bmi?
Hey everyone. I've been around here for years and tend to come back about every three years or so out of desperation. I reached 300 pounds a year ago and at five foot one that was not good. I got very scared and managed to lose and keep off forty pounds but obviously I have a ton left to go. I have struggled just to keep this forty pounds off so I cannot imagine at this point how I could ever lose and keep off over a hundred. To top it off I am not officially prediabetic. It runs in my family and I had gestational diabetes with all of my pregnancies so I knew it was coming. However I was pretty much a fat person without any real health issues for a long time. Now I'm 35 and it has become obvious to me that I cannot do this on my own. I've gain and lost a million times but I keep getting heavier.
I am wondering though if a person like me who weighs about 260 and is only five one would be a good candidate for the sleeve? I do not want any type of surgery that does anymore than restriction because frankly, it scares the crap out of me. I am not comfortable with the RNY or the DS nor do I want a lapband. Ever since I read about the sleeve years ago I felt like it was right for me. Back then my insurance considered it investigational and I'm going to call tomorrow to see if they've changed that.
I can't help but notice I see people on here who have before pictures that I would be happy to have as my after. I can't help but wonder if I'm just too big for this and would fail without something like the RNY? Are there any of you out there who had a higher BMI and did well with the sleeve? I'm to the point where I'm scared to go for it and scared not to and it is just not a fun place to be.
I'm still in weight loss mode, but the sleeve works for me. My high weight was 449.
"Oderint Dum Metuant" Discover the joys of the Five Day Meat Test!
Height: 5'-7" HW: 449 SW: 392 GW: 179 CW: 220
YES it has been working for me I lose 5-10 lb every month (im a slow loser) for over 1 year , rarely ever hungry and when I am it is meal time and a few bites take care of it
It is my surgeon's prefered surgery for heavy weights because it is the safest surgery and you lose about the same weight just a little slower with a lot less problems
ps my start bmi was 74 which is over my suregons maximum of 70 but I lost 25 lb before seeing him so he knew I was serious (documented by my endocrinologist)
pm me if you have any questions
his heaviest patient was over 900 lb and lost most of it with the sleeve
I also went with the vsg, I didn't want to rearrange my insides. I started out at 366 and am now 277, still in weight loss mode & I'm 5'7. I'm really happy with my choice. I'm so much more active now than I have been when I was heavier & looking forward to be even more active & lighter.
No one surgery is better than the other, what works for one may not work for another. T-Rebel
There are a lot of people who have! Check out Nikke2003 who is pretty active on these boards for some pretty amazing before and after pictures. She started with a higher BMI.
laurie
edited to correct typo
Sleeved 6/12/13 - 100 pounds lost to get to goal!
I had the sleeve 4 1/2 months ago. My all time high was 350...surgery weight 309...I am at 223 this morning. I'm 5'1. Best thing I could have ever done. I still have a bit to go but I have no doubt I will. So yes people with a high BMI, in my experience , the sleeve is great for us.
I have a sleeve. My pre-WLS BMI was 50 (height of 5'5" and weight of 297). Today, I weigh 183, and I'm >almost< out of the obese category altogether.
I have seen some people with great results here and knowing that at a few years post-op, VSG and RNY patients have similar loss totals, then it looked to be a great surgery for many people.
Truly what I see is that people who stick to the plan and take every opportunity to maximize their weight loss will do well, with VSG, or RNY, or DS or whatever. It's simply a tool; and it's what is in your brain and your actions that capitalize on that tool.
Wishing you luck as you figure out what is best for you!
OTTAWA -- 2011 - Contemplated WLS Feb. 15, 2013 - GP Feb. 20 - lung functioning Feb. 22 - blood work Feb. 27 - Referral April 19 - orientation, bloodwork July 10 - nurse July 23 - rheumatologist (VSG) Sept. 12 - Behaviourist & Dietician Oct. 23 - Echocardiogram Nov. 6 - Pre-surgery Class Nov. 12 - Surgeon Jan 13, 2014 - Optifast (3 wks) Jan. 27 - PATTS Feb. 3, 2014 - Surgery (VSG)
HEIGHT: 5'5" HW 303 Pre-Opti 297 SW 271 GW 170 CW 200 (Feb. 8, 2018 - damn the regain!) VSG with Dr. Yelle
I hope you have a big celebration planned for when you reach overweight. :D I know that it will be a glorious day when I get there!!
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
My BMI was 54 and now at 8m out it is 35 and still losing. 117 lost so far. It was the right choice for me.
5'-8",HW 347,SW329,M1-25 M2-17 M3-11 M4-13 M5-14 pregnant-->
You and I are super close! My BMI was 54.7 and is now 35.5 and I'm 7.5 months out :D
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)