Gloucester

Hi, Heather! One of the concerns I had when I got the band was that I wanted something "not permanent". After having it since 2007 and not getting the results I wanted, I had revision in May of this year. I had a lot of scar tissue because of the band and it really made me think it's not as "reversible" as they tout. I would completely recommend band removal to ANYONE. Now that I'm on the other side, I just can't help thinking about issues that could have happened further down the road. What kind of damage would it have done in another 5, 10 years? Plus, I know I'm a newbie (relatively) to the sleeve, I love it. I had issues with being able to eat like a cow one day, and then zip, nada, nothing but Water the next. The sleeve has been consistent so far and I love that. It makes it easy to plan meals and eat with coworkers without having to explain why I'm jumping up to the restroom. I love it.

Hi everyone! I had my surgery on the 13th to have the band removed and the sleeve put in place. I was doing well the first night and then I came home on Saturday I had a lot of issues with the scar tissue from the lapband (one last "screw you" from the band, I guess) and I couldn't get anything down and I was throwing up blood once I got home. It was because the scar tissue swelled shut and I ended up back at the hospital in the ER and now I'm much better. I feel great now! This surgery, so far, seems much easier than the lapband, disregarding the initial swelling issues. The pain is less, the gas and bloating is less, and so far I have high hopes. I did weigh myself, of course, when I got home - down 3 pounds, but that's to be expected on a tight liquid diet. I am so happy it's done!

Awesome - thank you, Ms. Diva! That makes me feel better! I don't take into account the ounces. My digital scale shows the oz, but I only round to the whole number. But, the ounces have been going down, about 2 a day. It's slow, but at least I can get my head around the fact that I AM losing, just very, very small amounts.

I'm sorry you're feeling so much pain! My doc did both removal and sleeve in one shot, so I'm not sure how I'd handle 2 surgeries back to back like that. Good luck with your pre-op and you sleeve surgery!

First off - Congrats!!! I can't wait to be in onederland. I never got there with the band, but hoping to with the sleeve. I like that you said you were wondering about the size of your sleeve with all the liquids - I've been wondering that, too! Guess I'll find out next week. One recipe that I'm dying to try is one that was in my doc's packet: 1 egg 1 teaspoon of chopped black olives 1 teaspoon of feta cheese pinch of garlic & salt, scramble all together. I love all of those things, so to me that sounds yummy.

Gracey, How did the appointment go? I'm logging back in to announce progress - and a stall - and to see if it's "normal". I was losing steadily up until 5 days ago and I'm plataueing (sp?) I knew it was to be expected, but I'm a little bummed it happened so soon. I was at 266 when I had the band removed on May 13 and now I'm at 241. I'm in shock at how quickly it came off, but I'm scared at the stall. What can I do to trigger more weight loss? I'm in the liquid/mushy stage now, and I'm thinking that the change from all liquids confused my stomach! LOL

Congrats on 2lbs!!! Just think of the days when the scale jumped up 2lbs, and how bad we felt. 2 is awesome!!! I just started my 2nd week and had 2 oz of Protein shake for Breakfast. I thought I was in Heaven! I hope that I can remember this part of the healing process and not take advantage of food the way I've done. I want to appreciate it for the fuel it is. I was sleeved on the 13th and my birthday was the 18th - my brother was in town visiting and it was SO HARD to watch everyone eat around me. But, I got through it! I can't wait for mushies! lol Keep up the good work!

Thank you all! I am definitely taking the meds on time (something I did NOT do w/the band, which was stupid on my part.) I also had a lot more gas w/the band - did anyone else have that difference? I'm so happy I can't stop smiling - now that I'm home!

Small world! I had lapband w/Dr. Balette and I LOVE Cheryl. I moved to Wilkenfeld, though, because Balette couldn't do Barium fills in his office. I loved him as a doctor, though - so good luck to you! (Okay, okay...plus Balette is a cutie, so that's a plus!)

As many here I am also a LB failure. I'm having revision soon and I'm nervous that I'll just end up in the same spot I was a few years ago. I'm really hoping this works for me. One thing I'm really anxious and excited about it eating fruits and veggies! chips and crackers and Cookies go down so easy with the band, but strawberries, celery? Ain't no way.

Hi, McKee! I am having the sleeve done by Dr Wilkenfeld on the 13th. How are you enjoying your experience? I'm going from a band to sleeve revision, and I'm actually more nervous about this than I was with the band. Good luck with your sleeve process!

You are amazing!!! This is exactly what I'm looking for! Still nervous about May 13th, but this is perfect.