laura71

I had band removal and sleeve in May, and have gained 10 lbs. I can eat huge amounts of food with no discomfort. I was Mexico self pay, and I really wonder if the dr sleeved me or just removed my band. I have joined weight watchers, and have lost five lbs, but it's pure will power and I'm hungry all of the time.

Awesome! I'm so glad your dr. was willing to work with you. Let me know if you have any questions. My recovery is going great, and I'm down 6 lbs in a week.

I had a drain tube for 2 days. It was a relief to be rid of it, more mental than anything else. good luck!

Surgery went great, band removed, hernia repaired, and sleeve done. I have minimal pain (only Tylenol at night) and no bruising. I've seen some post op pics that are pretty horrific. I think Dr. Ponce and his team are wonderful. I felt so good I came home two days early from Mexico. Trish, his coordinator was a lifesaver in the communications and transportation department as I went solo! She even took me to a pharmacy to by retin a crème and latisse for my lashes. lol. vain vain, but the savings were amazing. (my bf is convinced I'm putting bat guano on my face and eyes) I would recommend them to anyone.

Mine was 5800 for everything except flight. I feel like Dr. Ponce is an excellent surgeon, my incisions and bruising have been minimal. If I had to do it over again, I would probably take someone with me, mostly because I was lonely, a little scared, and bored in the hospital, and the nurses really did NOT speak English. In the end, it all worked out, and the woman who scheduled my surgery (TRISH) was wonderful and helped with the communication barrier. AND...I've had my boobs done, and Dr. Ponce did his stitches just the way the plastic surgeon in Dallas did his, and while I looked like frankenboob until the stitches healed...the resulting scar is really really fine and thin. So I have high hopes for minimal scaring from the THIRD and final laparoscopic surgery I've had. (mederma is already purchased and ready to use)

I got paperwork from my insurance company saying they would not cover the removal of the lapband. I figured that was the way they were going....which is why I did the entire thing in Mexico. And so far...no regrets.

I had my band removed and sleeve done on FRIDAY!!! felt so good, I came home yesterday (Monday) instead of Wednesday as planned. I have been on Clear liquids since Thursday night, and feel absolutely no hunger. I do find myself bored and wanting to eat just for something to "do". I even had a dream that I ate a bunch of food and gave myself a leak. I know I'll have to work on head hunger more than anything else. Dr. Ponce is a good surgeon. I have NO bruising, and my incisions gave me minimal pain. I am thrilled he was able to remove the band and do the sleeve in one surgery and I am committed to keeping myself healthy and following all eating directions to a t. If you have questions...feel free to ask.

I've had the band since 2010, going to Mexico tomorrow for revision. dr. Ponce de leon and Trish as coordinator. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you all so much for the responses. I don't mean to sound naïve or cliché...but I've prayed over this decision, and know that whatever happens is the right course. (and the stubborn NON-zen part of me wants ONE AND DONE) BUT...I will remain calm and accepting. THANKS again!!!

My port right now is HUGE...about the size of a smallish golf ball. I am very curious what it will be like after surgery...and 6 month after that...and six months after that...and y'all get the idea. I don't scar much on the outside...wonder if I'm the same on the inside. lol. Hoping for one and done...but will accept (no choice here!) what happens.

Long story short: 2010: Band...minimal loss 2011: band slipped, repair surgery past two years...several small slips, reflux, and constant daily vomiting. I did lose weight! ha. but at what cost. Five weeks ago...band slipped, all Fluid removed GAINED 25 lbs. I went out of control. My own fault. Going to Mexico FRIDAY for revision with dr. jaime Ponce de leon He has been very honest...saying he won't know until he gets in there if he can do both procedures (removal of band/sleeve) in one surgery. IF you have had band to sleeve in one procedure...please share. And all good thoughts are welcome! Laura

Called Trish (dr Ponce's coordinator) with a few questions...she called back a few hours later on Easter SUNDAY...can't say enough about her or their organization...answered my questions. I'm ready to go, and will post more as I go through the whole sheeeebaang. AGAIN...all prayers and good thoughts to the universe are more than welcome.

Having band to sleeve with Dr Ponce de Leon on Friday April 25. After two band surgeries, and multiple slips, I'm sick sick sick of the band. please pray for one and done. dr ponce was very honest, and said he would not know if he could remove band and do sleeve in one surgery until he got in there and saw what he was dealing with. I will be at the Lucerna after.

Surgery is FRIDAY april 25. Please pray for minimal difficulties. I really liked the fact that dr. Ponce de leon was honest with me and said he would not KNOW if he could remove band AND do the sleeve until he got in and saw the status of my stomach. So ... I am praying for "one and done"!

5800 for everything....except the flight.