MissMinnie

I also had a band for almost 4 years. At first is was great but then after so many fills and unfills I found myself eating around the band since if I ate dense Protein I would just throw-up. With my last unfill about 7 months ago I gained a lot of my weight back. This is not the fault of the band, it is solely my fault for putting the stuff in my mouth. After reading just about everything on this site I went to Dr Aceves in Mexicali on 02/22/2011 and got it removed and sleeved. I was also self pay for the band, as our insurance that we pay a fortune for doesn't cover weightloss surgery. Almost 2 weeks later I am feeling pretty good and can finally get most of the Water and Protein shakes in, took me a while though. I would not think you are too old and I know the difference I felt without the port alone was worth it. Good Luck

Hi Jess, I am usually a lurker and followed you on a different site for 3 years. Like you I lost a lot of weight at first with my band and then all fill out, more fill in over and over again. Well on 02/22/2011 I had revision surgery with Dr Aceves. Between this site and the one on OH I read every question even though sometimes it was the same one over and over. So scared but now that it is done and I am back home as of yesterday I am totally surprised. I took the worst of everything I read and decided if I could live with the pain, puke, gas and even a leak then I was willing to go forward. Well, no puke, very little pain and so far no leak. It went surprising well, and even flew 3 days out back from San Diego to Florida. Even though I am tired today I am so glad it's done. Having a really hard time getting all the Fluid and Protein in but other than that i fell really good. Actually better than when I was banded. It took 1 1/2 hours in surgery to remove my band and to do the sleeve. Only difference I can think of is this HUGE bruise on my belly. Good luck and REALLY, REALLY look forward to all of your stories about your journey and your life, you are a really great writer. Karen

HI, Totally understand. My surgery is next week and even though I have been through the band surgery I am scared to death. Sometimes I even think about canceling. After readying all the great posts I realize that I am even more chicken to cancel. So happy to be getting this band out and looking forward to the rest of my life with the sleeve. Flying from Florida on Monday and will be picked up and taken to Mexicali. There is someone who helped me a lot. Here screen name is WASA and even though I have rarely PM'd her, I would read all of her posts and answers. Just found this site and everyone seems so helpful. Good Luck on your decision. Karen