PrettyLilButterfly

This is a tough one. The band was the only surgery offered in town so of course me and many others jumped at the opportunity. I was fortunate to only have been banded a year. The new surgeon at the clinic dislikes the band and encouraged the sleeve. I had complications with the band as we all did (not being able to eat, constant throwing up). I did have scar tissue once it was removed. This caused discomfort while I'd chew for about 6 months after removal. I feel better now and am in love with my sleeve.
Had I had the band longer, I may consider joining a potential lawsuit. However...I was blessed my insurance covered the revision. I woulnd't mind the $2500 I paid for the band.
Had I not been insured and had to pay for the fills out of pocket, oh you betcha I'd join! The fills were the worst part, trying to find that damn non existant green zone!!
I'm sorry for those of you who had so many complications I"m glad the sleeve is working better and you are moving on with your life! The band truly was a miserable tool

Oh i do love this thread!!
Best would maybe be this weekend. Saw an aunt/uncle of mine I haven't seen in a year. Ran up to them, threw my arms around them to hug me and they both stared. My aunt looks at my uncle and says "who's that".. haha.. Once I reminded them I'm their NEICE, she repeated over and over "OMG I didn't recoginze you, you look so beatiful".
Worst thing I got was "wow, you look sick. Your face is all pale. You look like a cancer patient" (let me tell you, I was LIVID!!!!!!!!).
Another bad one was when I took the kids to meet their dad for the weekend and he tells me "Hey i'm selling weight loss Protein shakes, did you want some".. umm.. hey jack@ss..i've lost 80 lbs..I dont need to buy your product!
of course I love all the "hey skinny mini " and "hey skinny B!t..." or "hey sexy mama". I actually was called a milf the other day...(giggle). ME? What? aww shucks..

This is a tough one. The band was the only surgery offered in town so of course me and many others jumped at the opportunity. I was fortunate to only have been banded a year. The new surgeon at the clinic dislikes the band and encouraged the sleeve. I had complications with the band as we all did (not being able to eat, constant throwing up). I did have scar tissue once it was removed. This caused discomfort while I'd chew for about 6 months after removal. I feel better now and am in love with my sleeve.
Had I had the band longer, I may consider joining a potential lawsuit. However...I was blessed my insurance covered the revision. I woulnd't mind the $2500 I paid for the band.
Had I not been insured and had to pay for the fills out of pocket, oh you betcha I'd join! The fills were the worst part, trying to find that damn non existant green zone!!
I'm sorry for those of you who had so many complications I"m glad the sleeve is working better and you are moving on with your life! The band truly was a miserable tool

Oh i do love this thread!!
Best would maybe be this weekend. Saw an aunt/uncle of mine I haven't seen in a year. Ran up to them, threw my arms around them to hug me and they both stared. My aunt looks at my uncle and says "who's that".. haha.. Once I reminded them I'm their NEICE, she repeated over and over "OMG I didn't recoginze you, you look so beatiful".
Worst thing I got was "wow, you look sick. Your face is all pale. You look like a cancer patient" (let me tell you, I was LIVID!!!!!!!!).
Another bad one was when I took the kids to meet their dad for the weekend and he tells me "Hey i'm selling weight loss Protein shakes, did you want some".. umm.. hey jack@ss..i've lost 80 lbs..I dont need to buy your product!
of course I love all the "hey skinny mini " and "hey skinny B!t..." or "hey sexy mama". I actually was called a milf the other day...(giggle). ME? What? aww shucks..

I was banded 9/2011. I lost 60 lbs but then the weight loss halted. I noticed how easy it was to gain weight. I did teeter totter 5-10 lbs up, then down..then up again.
I had my band in 12/2012 and in the blink of an eye lost 40 lbs. I have been at my goal weight since June.
Personally, I found life with the band more....depressing. I found myself wanting to eat more..to 'cheat', to have slider foods, to not be as focused. With the sleeve, life is just wonderful, less complicated and I am more focused to maintaining my weight loss.
I don't know that I answered your question, but I wanted you to understand how I saw the 2 surgeries.
Good luck to you on your surgery, you will NOT regret it. And you will hit your goals! Please keep us posted.

I also weigh myself daily. It's the only way I can keep ahold of this. At first I felt I was being obsessed, but honestly, that's what I need to do for ME to remain in control.
And if I see it go up a lb or two, I correct myself. I tend to gain a lb or 2 when I lose sight of reality (lately with me, it's too many aloholic beverages). And I put myself back in check.

I also weigh myself daily. It's the only way I can keep ahold of this. At first I felt I was being obsessed, but honestly, that's what I need to do for ME to remain in control.
And if I see it go up a lb or two, I correct myself. I tend to gain a lb or 2 when I lose sight of reality (lately with me, it's too many aloholic beverages). And I put myself back in check.

I also weigh myself daily. It's the only way I can keep ahold of this. At first I felt I was being obsessed, but honestly, that's what I need to do for ME to remain in control.
And if I see it go up a lb or two, I correct myself. I tend to gain a lb or 2 when I lose sight of reality (lately with me, it's too many aloholic beverages). And I put myself back in check.

I would agree with everyone, it's when YOU feel comfortable in them. I wore my girdles about 2 weeks out. Granted I don't do Spanx. I Love the concept, dont' get me wrong..but umm a small hole at the bottom to attempt to pee out of? no thanks:)
I have found some amazing alternatives at Walmart & Ross where I can wear my own bra and still get the full effects of spanx i'm somewhat addicted to girdles!! Almost have as many as i do shirts! haha..but it boosts confidence and keeps my skin in control!

Milk of Magnesia is my new best friend. However, i may try the flaxseed! This once a week 'going' is kind of bothersome. More so because it tends to hit me AT WORK!!

I have to say I see everyone's side of this issue!!! At first this thread started to scare the hell out of me and I got somewhat discouraged about doing this surgery thinking what's the use if you can get around it BUT then it really made me think about why I'm doing this and it is a tool to help not a cure all. If anything it taught me that I need to be really mentally healthy to do this and have already dealt with your over eating issues. If you haven't it's going to be a much harder process. Like any other weight loss program u gotta work it

Girl.....I SO feel ya!! It truly is a day to day thing. Some days I wake up so hungry I want to chew on my own arm! some days I wake up and dont' even think about eating until 10ish..(shrugs). hmm...bi-polar sleeves...who knew!!

oh my oh my..
Well in keeping with the original post...I was a bad bad butterfly post-op. I was SOOO tired of the 2 week pre-op liquids, that I sped up the post-op process. I snuck in 'mushy' foods (puddings, mashed potatoes) around day 3. On mushy phase, I felt mac-n-chez was just fine. I don't feel guilty since it was almost never more than 4 bites..
so there you are world....dirty secrets aired....
Feel like I should light up a cig...

Girl.....I SO feel ya!! It truly is a day to day thing. Some days I wake up so hungry I want to chew on my own arm! some days I wake up and dont' even think about eating until 10ish..(shrugs). hmm...bi-polar sleeves...who knew!!

oh my oh my..
Well in keeping with the original post...I was a bad bad butterfly post-op. I was SOOO tired of the 2 week pre-op liquids, that I sped up the post-op process. I snuck in 'mushy' foods (puddings, mashed potatoes) around day 3. On mushy phase, I felt mac-n-chez was just fine. I don't feel guilty since it was almost never more than 4 bites..
so there you are world....dirty secrets aired....
Feel like I should light up a cig...

Curious to how youre feeling sweetie, can you give us an update? I'm 9 months po from band to sleeve..loving every second. few issues now and then but compared to the band it's a God send!!

For me, it wasn't a matter of "what do I need to give up" but more.. OMG I"m going to be a normal sized person for the first time since I wasw 18. I think that good out weighed the 'bad' (so to speak). The things I felt I would 'miss' out on were buffets (REALLY? I mean REALLY? pathetic).
At first, the thought of 5 bites per meal was a lot to take in. But the first time I ate those 5 bites and felt like I ate a full plate... WOW.
I think Arts has a good point, do lots of research. Read as many posts here as you can.. Get all the facts. If you are comfortable with your choice to have the sleeve, that's the biggest hurdle right there! Everything else really is minor!!

sweetheart, you are doing amazing!! 23 lbs in 21 days! You are doing just fine! Keep your focus, keep your thoughts postiive, do NOT become addicted to your scale.. and just know you made a wonderful life change for YOU

I won't even comment on the 4-5 times a day! LOL I was happy with once a week! And I considered that a healthy sex life!
But to answer your question, during the liquid diet, I was not happy about the limitations. So I was somewhat angry at the world and had zero sex drive. And to be honest, I haven't gotten it back. It's been since December.
And with you still having sex more than 1x a week, I think youre doing ok :| just saying..

Good luck to you! And asauv is right, the worst part is the hours before surgery. The rest is smoother sailing. You were nice to your band, you said such lovely words to yours. Me, I didn't like mine so much,I only had it 15 months..but that was a long enough relationship.
I wish you well tomorrow and look forward to seeing how you're recovering and how you feel with your NEW relationship

Vacations are difficult for me mainly because my partner is an eater. When we plan a trip, she's already planning WHERE we'll eat whereas I'm planning WHAT we'll do. I've learned to either order a-la-cart or just get an appetizer. Being as she is an eater, I usually can eat off her plate. She's had to learn to adjust to not eating at all you can eats while we're on vacation. There was one particular place she HAD to eat since they shut it down here in town. The manager was amazing and allowed me to order a single item. She charged me $1 per item i wanted. It was a mexican buffet, we walked all day, so i got one rolled cheese enchilada.
At first I dreaded vacations. My partner said it made her feel stupid to sit there eating a full pate while I nibble 5 bites. This is why I've went ahead and done appetizers. I know I'll be hungry in 2 hours anyway, so I take my leftovers and end up nibbling on them before they go bad. I really do push to find hotels with a refrigerator. Since I'm eating 5-6 mini meals, I snack constantly. I keep my leftovers there so i can heat them up later. The timing of eating is hard too. I guess it's one part of where we need the most family support is when we vacation or dine out.
It's working pretty good. I guess my biggest challenge will be in November when we go to Arizona...they have In-n-Out burger there.. Although, they have the 'carb friendly' burger now wrapped in lettuce. It's just me trying to not steal 1 fry.
It sounds like you did great with your cruise!!

It's so funny to read this... it reminds me of the moment I had with my mom last week. All my life I've been 20+ lbs over weight. And every month she'd bring me a new pill, a new shake..something to help me lose weight. She was always on me "you're too pretty to be overweight" "you need to lose weight, i'm worried".
I was at her house last week..and SHOCK.. guess what? the comment of the day was "you're getting too thin, you look too old, don't lose anymore"..
ummm??? I'm only 139 (I'm 5'3, just barely hit 'healthy' for my size by 1 lb).
I can imagine what a shock it was for you to hear that from this person. It's funny to hear comments, who they come from and the times they choose to say them. I just giggle.
At the end of the day, Im proud of me..period. I'm healthy and that's all that matters.
And you are happy with yourself and where YOU want to be

sweetheart, you are doing amazing!! 23 lbs in 21 days! You are doing just fine! Keep your focus, keep your thoughts postiive, do NOT become addicted to your scale.. and just know you made a wonderful life change for YOU

Each day is a different emotion for me.. Most days I look in the mirror and say "OMG I"M HERE!! THE REAL ME IS HERE!!". And some days I'm "wtf did i do...this is forever". Then I watch walking dead and think "hmm I can survive a zombie attack, I don't need to eat as much as others".. The things I find to get myself through it!
We've spent most of our lives overweight..we adjusted to it, accepted it...we didn't think there was any other way. So we got used to not fitting on the airplane, riding rides at 6 flags, being the biggest person in the room....
And NOW, we have to adjust to being some hot sexy people, being just a person in the crowd, fitting on the airplanes WITH extra room, and loving the NEW us.
It's an adjustment, but one I do not regret.
Take it one day at a time sweetie. Live fully for today..and be happy with your decision! Your health with thank you!

It's so funny to read this... it reminds me of the moment I had with my mom last week. All my life I've been 20+ lbs over weight. And every month she'd bring me a new pill, a new shake..something to help me lose weight. She was always on me "you're too pretty to be overweight" "you need to lose weight, i'm worried".
I was at her house last week..and SHOCK.. guess what? the comment of the day was "you're getting too thin, you look too old, don't lose anymore"..
ummm??? I'm only 139 (I'm 5'3, just barely hit 'healthy' for my size by 1 lb).
I can imagine what a shock it was for you to hear that from this person. It's funny to hear comments, who they come from and the times they choose to say them. I just giggle.
At the end of the day, Im proud of me..period. I'm healthy and that's all that matters.
And you are happy with yourself and where YOU want to be