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.

I'm SICK of the band slipping, two surgeries, constant reflux throwing up and the LUMP from my port!!! So I am GOING TO Mexico next week!!! Yup..after research and prayer, I'm getting red of the band, and getting sleeved by dr Ponce de leon. Please pray or send good thoughts to the universe that there is not too much damage to my stomach to have it done in one procedure. I am laughingirl71@yahoo.com if y'all want updates.

I have just scheduled revision from band to sleeve with dr Ponce. now this. I'm rethinking the entire thing.

I have just scheduled revision from band to sleeve with dr Ponce. now this. I'm rethinking the entire thing.

I had a slip...all saline removed from band three weeks ago, and I've gained 15 lbs. (liquid/soft food) but I've been eating and drinking way too much, I can eat just like before the band, and never feel full. I have also made poor choices, butter, mashed potatoes with cheese and the like. I also think part of the weight gain is finally being rehydrated. But my pants are definitely tighter. Going for fill/check up on Thursday. Good thoughts to all of us.

I've been struggling with slipping for nearly 4 months now, and finally went in for revision surgery last week. Just do what your dr recommends and know that you can and will get better. I am! It's discouraging, but it can be overcome.

I seriously need help trying to find an exercise routine! I worn 8-4:30 M, T,W,F,SUN. I'm getting my master's so I have night classes 6-9:30 on Monday and Tuesdays. I have another class 9-4:30 on saturday! When should I exercise? Im having such a hard time pulling away from homework and getting to the gym! Please help!

I have almost the exact same schedule...work full time and currently enrolled in 10 credits this semester towards my masters. I also am a single mom of two teenaged children. (and my boyfriend expects some time now and again) The only time I will exercise is from 545 until 645 every morning. then it is done and I have no excuses for the rest of the day. Good luck

Laura

I am flying to Seattle ( six hours) and wonder about how that effects the band. Should I have a small unfill? What is your experience? Thanks

I've flown several times since my band surgery and have experienced no ill effects. You may want to take some rub on anti-nausea meds with you just in case. (your band dr should be able to call you in a script for this to any pharmacy that compounds medication) Have a great trip.

All of my fills have been done under xray and no problems. Hope that will be a solution for you. Good Luck and I'm sorry you had to be such a pin cushion!

What insightful words. Thank you for sharing your experience with those of us who struggle with the exact same issues.

I chose not to tell anyone. Not even my children who are 16 and 18. There are two people who know, my best girlfriend and my best boyfriend. And they have been nothing but supportive and just want me to be happy. I am not ashamed of my choice, but it is just that...MY CHOICE. and I did not need anyone else to chime in with their opinion. And for whatever reason, people feel perfectly comfortable chiming in on weight and weight loss. Wonder why they don't do the same thing with finances? I am a single mother, and handle my finances beautifully, have a 15 year mortgage on my home, and NO DEBT other than my mortgage...but I don't comment or say a word to people who handle their money like crap. (ie all my siblings AND my parents)! I also do not discuss money with strangers. BUT with weight, it all seems ok! Next time someone talks to you about your choices with your body, ask them how much they earn and how much debt they are currently carrying. When they tell you it's none of your business, say your body and weight are also...NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS!