Miss my friend/enemy the lap band...should I do the sleeve?

[Smiley Face Girl 2]

I had the lap band put in 4 years ago...It became my best friend and the best thing I could do for myself. I am 5'2" and weighed 210 lbs. I was happy in my happy fat (as I called it). However my Dr. said my happy fat was killing me, what with the high blood pressure and high cholesterol, After a year of the lap band I was down 80 pounds, I was off of the blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I was a happy, healthy girl. Then I slowly started to have the acid reflux...and then it became worse and worse. I would go months with no fill and I took medications that helped with it but it would be so bad I would have to sleep sitting up on the couch. With no fill I slowly started to put the weight on. Then it was baby steps, try a small amount of fill, then a little more, then acid reflux and all the fill out. Then last month, the pressure in my chest was insane. I ended up in the hospital and had a mild heart attack. I was still having the acid reflux when they found out that the band had slipped and was causing me all kinds of problems. I had to have surgery to remove it. I am quickly putting the weight on and find myself in a funk because I am no longer happy in fat. I go in my closet and find all my fun little outfits that I can no longer wear. Back to wearing big flowing things. I am back on cholesterol medicine and blood pressure. My Dr. said I should do the sleeve. I would like to because I do believe it could work for me but I am terrified I will have the awful acid reflux again. Then I think that is better then putting on more weight, causing more of a strain on my heart etc. etc. Any thoughts would be helpful.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

It's impossible to compare two individuals' acid reflux across the Internet. But I also had acid reflux pre-sleeve. I was prescribed Ranitadine (150 mg.) twice a day, but for some dumb reason (not typical of me at all) I thought I was only supposed to take it once a day. And as we all know (or I assume we do) too much acid in the stomach mimics hunger. So one winter not long ago, I swear I packed on an extra 20-25 pounds due solely to not taking my H2 blocker antacid meds as instructed.

Anyway, post-sleeve my surgeon prescribed (for 3-4 months only!) a PPI (Protonix in my case). After that I went back to Ranitadine 150 mg. 2x/day.

And now, my acid reflux is no worse than it was pre-sleeve. In the meantime, I've learned a lot about what increases reflux problems -- lots of alcohol, coffee, chocolate, eating late at night, lying down soon after eating, etc. And I avoid doing those things most of the time. Or at least piling them on all at one time.

I hope your acid reflux would not be aggravated by a sleeve. Because the sleeve is an amazing tool for weight loss and healthier living. I'm 20.5 months post-op, have lost 100 pounds and maintaining at 135 pounds. (I keep repeating my WLS stats on comments to new posters' threads folks, because most people are on the mobile app and can't see our profiles -- apologies to the long-time posters.)

As you probably know from your research, a gastric bypass is less likely to invite reflux problems. But bypasses have some other lifestyle requirements you may have to think hard about. Many people here have had bypass surgery and are happy with their choice. It just wasn't my choice.

Best to you!

[Smiley Face Girl 2]

Thank you so much for your input. I have called for a consultation and I think I am going to go for the sleeve. I am a little scared because I did see some horror stories but I need some sort of tool to help me get back down to my goal weight. I with the exception of the nasty reflux and the slippage of the band I really miss it. I will keep you posted and thank you again so much for your help.

[brittu 42]

I revised from a band to a sleeve and it was night and day. I was successful with the band but had many issues. The sleeve is what I'd hoped the band would be - eat a small amount, get very full, stop eating. I lost 30 more pounds with the sleeve. I also don't get hungry so it makes watching my intake strictly about changing my habits and not about hunger. Well worth switching.

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