I had my revision from Band to the Sleeve on June 12. Wow, what a difference. No banders hell, restriction is immediate. I've lost 11 lbs since then. I'm below 200 lbs so I'm very happy with 11 lbs.
I also was extremely anxious abiout the permenence of removing 80% of my stomache. But I knew that my Lap Band had to come out, so I firgured I might as well try it. My sister had the sleeve done earlier this year, and I saw first hand how well she was doing, and the difference in our restrictions. So that was encouraging. The sleeve has been around for quite awhile as half of the duodinal switch procedure, it's just lacking the rerouting of the intestines. If you check the stats on the two surgeries (band and sleeve) you'll see that the sleeve has a very low percentage of complications or further surgeries needed, and a higher percentage of weight loss.
With the sleeve, you are very limited as to HOW MUCH you can eat, but all foods go down ok. With the band it seemed like I was limited to either food that was bad for me, or food that I found unsatisfying.
I also love the idea that I'm done driving 1 hour away for constant fills, and unfills. I was so tired of the yo-yo! I was always either too tight, and too loose. Never a happy medium.
I did have some complications (bleeding) due to some damage to my stomache from the band, but my Dr. took good care of me, and I'm on the mend. Back at work, and being active already.
I guess I was just one of those poeple that weren't going to be successful with the band.
Good luck to everyone. I do recommend checking out the sleeve forums that can be accessed at the bottom of this page if you are considering it. verticalsleevetalk.com
UPDATE
I was just contacted by my local surgeon who said my insurance has approved a revision to the bypass procedure!! I am tentatively scheduled for surgery on August 13th. I am SO FRICKEN relieved and happy!
hdbjohnson got a reaction from anayortiz in Sleeved 9/4 & Weight Loss....