Hello all ...
Brief history of me. Banded in 9/2011. Starting weight 239, current weight 173 (well teeter between 170-174). I'm proud to have almost lost 80 lbs in 14 months. However, the majority of that weight was lost prior to June of this year. I've pretty much been stuck since. I've had alot of issues with my band. Since September, I've thrown up almost daily. I don't bother attempting to eat before 1pm and 3-4 cups of hot liquids. I refuse to be like some banders and resort to pure liquids as a way of life. I am willing to sacrifice, but to me, that's just too much.
I went to see my doctor yesterday to have 1/2 CC removed from my band. I was tired of not being able to eat, and gaining weight because I resort to liquids. During my visit she looks through my file and all the issues I've had. My issues are just based around the amount of mucus in my body and that is preventing me from being able to eat. We've tried allergy shots, allergy meds (including claritin); i sleep with a humidifier.. I really don't know what else to try and she felt my pain. Well she looks at me with her cute smile and says "I just don't think the band is for you, we should consider removing it and going with the gastric sleeve" Umm what? We won't even go into how i only have about 2 weeks to decide, as I have to have the surgery by 12.31.2012 (surgeon will no longer be covered by my insurance). Oh and there's the little matter of the $2500 copay...
So I've been online nonstop since yesterday morning. My band website praises the band of course, this one focuses on the sleeve.. My whole issue with this (besides most of my stomach being tossed out of my body) is...what if researchers find issues with this in 2-3 years? The band was pushed and pushed rather than gastric. It's safe, it's effective..blah blah.. now it's an about face, get the sleeve it's more successful, better tool... blah blah. This is non reversible.. HUGE detail. I hate to be a skeptic, that's not how I live my life.. but damn it..another surgery? I'm a damn human pin cushion! 3 C-secitons, gall bladder removed, hysterectomy, lap band.. now sleeve?
I'm happy with the goals I've accomplished, I"m a few lbs shy of 80. I'm ok with that. I don't need to be smaller..or really desire to. Howeve, I refuse to gain weight.
I guess the point of this rant and rave is.. I really don't know what to do. I know I can't keep this damn band because it's causing too many issues (and I miss bananas and avocados !!). But is it wise to go with the sleeve? It's so new, not too many studies.. that caused me to lose sleep last night.. .
Yes, the band was worth what I've lost.. I love me..and now, it's hindering more than helping...
I've read some posts from here and read the positives of band to sleeve.. but please...are there negatives? HONESTLY do any of you regret it? What's the biggest challenge?
Thank you!!
