To think Gastric Sleeve is the only real way now?

[teltic]

I don't really want a Gastric Sleeve, but I think it is the only realistic way of losing weight for me now. I think the hormone Grehlin that they remove during surgery is what ai need to lise weight.

•Tried Ozempic
•I have an under active thyroid
•Have mobility issue that prevents exercise or even walking. Exercise has always just made me starving anyway.
•I enjoy nutritious natural cook from scratch food, but I have a massive appetite and it ruins my slimming efforts. It is definitely physical hunger.
• I cannot sleep if I'm hungry
•I am very short
•PCOS
•PERIMENOPAUSAL
•I have a mood disorder and have to take anti depressants.
•Doctor has referred me for ADHD ASSESSMENT
•Probably not an exhaustive list of the unlikely hood of being able to shed 4-5 stone

AIBU to just bite the bullet and get a Gastric Sleeve?

YABU There are many other things you could try before something so drastic.

I have many of the same issues you have. I was 27 stone at 30. I was told I wouldn't live more than 5 years if I kept going.

I lost 3 stones before the op. I had a gastric sleeve 10 years ago. I am still obese but 11 stones lighter. It has been life changing.

Happy to share the experience.

Have you tried using an app that counts your calories? I am using MyNetDiary and so far I’ve lost almost three stone. It’s very easy to follow. I also have mobility problems so exercise is difficult but I can swim and plan on starting to use a cycling machine on the recommendation of my physiotherapist.

Why didn't Ozempic work for you? I'm on it and it's working a treat.

It's the best thing I have ever done no one gets surgery without trying all options.

I decided against it. I’ve lost 2 stone and I’m keeping trying but I’m not keen on the surgery and associated risks

If u are going for adhd assessment, then adhd medication u haven't tired and that has changed my life and its only been week and half, I've always been over weight I know know the reasons why. Due to adhd , it's changed my view of food. Food doesn't have as much of the same buzz as it didn't. So not I don't think surgery is only option. Adhd crave dopamine and adhder have less dopamine!

Had mine 5 years ago at 55 and 22 stone (5'7") had done all the usual stuff.

Anyone suggesting calorie counting as a means to weight loss for the severely obese needs to do some research. The expert in the field is Prof. Rachel Batterham. (UCL ) If you look her up on YouTube you will see that the statistics for sustained weight loss to a healthy weight through calorie counting and exercise are incredibly small (1:677) for women - and of those'1s' more than 78% of those who succeeded put it all back on and more after 5 years -

Those odds were too much for me. Luckily the NHS agreed. I am 11stone 8 now so still 'overweight' but it has changed my life.

It's not a silver bullet. I calorie count and go to the gym 5 days a week . It's hard work but worth it to live a normal (and much happier healthier ) life.

No regrets here.

You don’t need to starve to lose weight. Work out your TDEE and cut 500 cals to lose 1lb a week. Reduce fat through different cooking methods. Lots of slimming world recipes. But don’t give up if not losing loads to start with, it’s easy to give up

I had a gastric sleeve in 2018 when I weighed 18 stone, which was not the highest I'd ever weighed. Like you, I had an uncontrollable appetite. At my lowest since then, I weighed 11 stone and I learned to live with the sleeve.

But gradually the hunger returned and I put 3 stone back on. I was "eating around my sleeve" and again, not able to handle the hunger.

So about three months ago I started on Saxenda and have now moved on to Wegovy. I've lost a stone since then. The hunger has more or less disappeared and the combination of the sleeve and the drugs means I hardly eat anything.

I take a good daily multivitamin and I'm in good shape. Recent blood tests have shown no issues with deficiencies.

I tried EVERY method for 30 years to lose weight. Talking about calorie counting is a joke - I must have lost hundreds of pounds over the years doing this (six stone at one point) only to have the whole regime collapse when I could no longer function under calorie restriction.

This seems to be a combination which works for me. Very expensive, and I dread to think what will happen if I can no longer get/afford Wegovy.

FYI My surgery was performed by a highly reputable consultant in the UK. I'm not sure I'd have wanted to go overseas for it.

This is giving me hope.

It's the hunger I cannot stand. I wouldn't mind but I actually love nutritious food. Its like something is not hitting the spot and I need more. Urgh so frustrating.

Perhaps I should pay for the Assessment first and try the medication.

I think the suspected ADHD caused the accident that lead to my life-long disability.

@Anneta yes I have tried all the apps over the years but the hunger makes me go over the calories. I am short too, so I don't know where the hunger comes from!

@wonderingwhatlifemeans I am glad it worked for you - very positive.

@AhBiscuits I am not sure it gave me painful heartburn and I don't think my appetite was very suppressed.

Due to a healthscare in the summer, I gave up refined carbs and bad fats. Also sugar and alcohol. On the whole hunger disappeared. Very slowly almost 2 stones have disappeared.

@Outofmydepthnow I'm going to read that research, it sound like my experience of trying to lose weight. Those calorie counting apps didn't work for me.

My body is very resistant to weight loss and Am gradually gaining more and more weight over the years.

Booked in for sleeve on 10 Jan. Like you I have tried everything, I have done a lot of research (am a science researcher in real life) so feel confident this is the right step for me.

I was bypassed in July (chose bypass rather than sleep because I know I’d try to push and would stretch a sleeve, whereas a bypass involves malabsorption which is more helpful for me, frankly and most patients lose more weight with a bypass). I went through Vitality, so had to wait a year, but given it meant I was seen very locally and all the pre and post op appointments are included for 2 years, it was worth it. This group is non-judgemental and may help you to make a decision. I’ve los5 over 6stone since July, still a way to go, but I couldn’t have done it without the operation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFriendliestGastricSleeveBypassGroupUK

I had one and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.

@tishtishboom Urgh that what I'm worried about going through all that and being hungry still!

Calorie-counting is a joke. Especially as I am so short but my hunger drives me to eat more than a little woman like me needs.

It's the hunger that is my main issue.

I had mini gastric bypass in October. Quite honestly, I had so many weight health problems, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes etc, I don't think I had any other choice but to have surgery. It was the best decision for me, I've lost nearly 4 stone, and feel so much better. It's definitely not an easy option as some people, seem to think, I calorie count and have to prioritise protein, limit carbs, and calorie count, and also exercise regularly, but it is definitely worth it to feel healthier.

@RosesAndHellebores This just drives me to eat even more when I try this. The hunger will just not go and it's so frustrating.

You could perhaps ask about trying Mounjaro before you look at surgery. It’s similar to Ozempic but works on other receptors and has somewhat better results for weight loss in studies.

ADHD meds will reduce your reliance on use of food to top up your low dopamine (if that's what's happening) and you will likely lose weight or at least be on a more level playing field when it comes to weight loss methods.

I was lining up for one on the NHS during Covid. The first step was 12 weeks of slimming world. I did it because I had to. I followed the diet because I play by the rules. I knew it wouldn’t work. I had very low energy levels, underactibe thyroid, a chronic health condition.

but it did. I lost 5.8 stone. I put a stone back on but am still significantly smaller than I was. I’m so much more comfortable and it’s so much easier to move about.
It’s not a cure all- my health condition hasn’t improved.

I am much better overall though.

@Worriedmum159 That is very encouraging to hear that you came to that conclusion following research.I am sure genetics play a massive part in these issues too!

@Shizzlestix Does it help with the actual hunger too?

I am the same, PCOS and tried losing weight for years. I was 14 stone 11 years ago, then my weight crept up again and I developed inflammatory arthritis when my immune system decided to attack some of my joints. So I'm now unable to lose any decent amount of weight. I try mostly to keep on a high protein diet which does make me feel full. However, its the craving for sweet stuff. I looked at the cost of doing the sleeve through private, but its too costly. I've asked to be referred for weight loss options on the NHS and haven't heard a peep.

Have you got up to the full dose with Ozempic? It takes months to ramp up to a dose that may work.