kekerene

I had the Lap Band put in about 5 years ago and quit for 6 months, 1 month pre-op and 5 months after surgery. I am now about to have a revision to the sleeve on June 23rd so yesterday was my last day for smoking. They told me to quit 10 days before surgery so I just figured I would get a head start and quit now. I also got pregnant in Feb. 2010 and quit for 10 months. I know quitting is soooo hard as I have been a smoker for 15 years now. I have never used medications or patches when I quit. For me, I just have to keep reminding myself of the reason I am quitting and how that is more important to me than a cigarette. The first few days are really really tough but each day gets easier. You can do it. Like the others have recommended, there are meds out there, patches, etc. Try anything that you think might work for you, everyone is different. I can tell you that before my surgery was tough but after the surgery the cravings really did go away. The only reason I ever started again was because I went on vacation and had a few drinks and everyone around me was smoking so I asked a friend for 1 cigarette. After that 1 it turned into 2, 3, 4, etc. I know it's tough but you will get through it. Best of luck to ya!

Hi italianlady13, I am not a seasoned sleever yet but I am a seasoned bander, LOL. I am having a revision from a band to sleeve on 06/23/11. The more I am reading it seems as though I am one of the MANY people having a revision from band to sleeve. I know there have been many people who have been successful with the band but from my experience I do regret it. I did initially lose 60 lbs. with the band but that was only because I could not keep any food down and I pretty much lived off of Soup. When they would loosen the band then there was no restriction at all. I guess they never really found that happy in-between. I have been having the band since 2006 and in 2010 I got pregnant. My doctor loosened the band just a little but I gained a whopping 80lbs for ny pregnancy. My baby is now 7 months old and of the 80 lbs I gained for the pregnancy I have been able to lose 20lbs. This puts me right back where I was before I got Lap Band. I went to have an upper GI X-Ray done 2 weeks ago and find out that my band has partially slipped and it can slip completely at any time which if that were to happen it would be an emergency surgery. So now I am scheduled to have this band out and a revision to the sleeve. I always thought that somewhere maybe 25-30 years down the road the band would have to come out, I just never thought that it would be 5 years later. I will be more than happy to have this band out and to hopefully be able to eat a small amount of food and be full without throwing up every single meal. Anyhow, I am sure that you will choose the best choice for you and again everyone is different. I just wanted to share my story with you. Best of luck to you!

I currently have the band and I am having a revision to sleeve on 6/23/11. With the band I really struggled with hunger a lot. Either my band was too tight or too loose, there was never a happy in-between. When it was tight most everything I put in my mouth came back up and I found myself hungry constantly. I would like to know if anyone here has experienced this with the sleeve. I want to know if you feel satisfied after having 2-3 bites. I just want to get some feedback on this in advance. The LapBand can be removed....the VSG cannot. All comments are appreciated!

June 23rd, Dr Aceves. Anyone else going to be there at that time?

Thanks you guys for all the info.

June 23rd, Dr Aceves

Thanks for the info you guys. I really appreciate it. I am scheduled for June 23rd, cant wait

Scheduled June 23rd with Dr. Aceves....Anyone else going to be there at that time?

I see Dr. Aceves on June 23rd. Band to sleeve revision.

Hi all. I am a lap band patient and considering having a revision to a sleeve by Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I am a self pay patient and I know Mexico is a little cheaper than here in the US. Also, I have been hearing great things about Dr. Aceves and that he is great at revisions as well. I must admit that I am a little apprehensive about going to Mexico. Does anyone have any suggestions or a similar experience to share?

Hi I am very interested in a revision from band to sleeve and having this done by Dr. Aceves. I must admit I am a little nervous about going to Mexico. Would you be so kind as to share your experience with me? Thanks!