reshiapooh96

Thanks Kristy. I was thinking to find a surgeon thats been in bariatric surgery longer than my new surgeon. No disrespect to him, but he is fairly new and has yet to do a revision.

Hi, I've posted here, and also on gastric sleeve. I was banded 3.5 years ago. I lost 48 lbs with the band within four months. After which I became more and more tighter with fills. However, I could still eat more than usual because I was always still hungry. Therefore, spite being too tight and could still eat, I lost no more weight and started having more severe issues. Now my Doc is saying that the band must go b/c it is no longer of use to me. I have a little fluid left in my band and have regained 10 lbs. I am 5'3" and weigh around 215 lbs. I have diabetes, high BP, and high cholesterol. I'm assuming that If I had to wait 6 mos. after band removal, I would probably gain even more weight. I am so rounded and have very small wrists and legs and a huge mid section and that worries me a lot too. My family has bad issues with these comobidities. BUT! as I ponder, (because of fear) I'm still gaining and getting older. I'm 57 and want to continue to be active. What would you do at 215 lbs? I've tried for years on my own and can't. I'm getting so depressed over this and just want to cry. I do know now that choosing the band was a very poor decision.

I'm still banded right now, but have those same ideas in mind if I were to have this procedure.

@Kelly, Why more invasive and more pain?

District of Columbia originally , siblings in Maryland

I have pain in my upper right thigh/hip when sitting and I thought it might be contributed to my hanging skin that is partially sitting on my lap when I'm sitting. That's a good question and one that I need to ask my Dr. about.

That's my Birthday! I was hoping to have a conversion soon, Due to insurance reasons, I have to wait until January before I'll know if they will pay for it. They will pay for bypass right now but that's not what I want :=(

Thanks all, I needed to hear of your success concerning diabetes with the sleeve

Nicole, I'm undecided too! my band is already half emptied due to severe acid re/flux and a dilated esophagus. my Dr says the same thing. But as someone here said, We can either stay fat, or give the sleeve a go at it. It's so easy to say, but as you said, It's permanent and we wouldn't be able to untighten it if we get the same band symptoms. I completely understand. I hear so many positive responses from our friends here who have converted to the sleeve, that I totally believe that it's a good thing.

That's what I want to hear.....Normal levels

I was on Metformin twice a day 1000 gm, and Avanderyl. I was taken off Avanderyl and metformin was cut in half. I was also taken off one of my BP meds after losing 48 lbs 2 years ago. I was told that the band wouldn't stop me from being diabetic but I didn't listen. Now my BS is out of control again and I'm hungry all the time. I look forward to having an A-1c level like that

That's good Nate! I guess there's hope for me

Hey guys, I have diabetes and was hoping that the band would alleviate that once I lost weight. Well, In 3 years now I have only lost 48 lbs and have regained 8 of those back. I still have diabetes and I'm not a spring chicken sort of speak. Does anyone else Have/Had diabetes that wasn't corrected with the band? If so, Have your diabetes improve after sleeve? I need to stop being a chicken and do something NOW!

@ Kerry, So your conversion was done in one procedure? And Monken, is yours suppose to be done in one or two?

New Carrollton, MD

Thanks Jane, Now I have a better understanding.

Hey Jane, So what should we do? remove the band and try to lose on our own. that may work for some, but I tried on my own for a little over 30 years w/o success. Yes, I had all of the complications you mentioned and tried to deal with them thinking that I would continue to lose if I just deal with it and not be a failure. That didn't happen. As tight as I was, I lost no weight. As a matter of fact, I gained some. I have most fluid out now but not all. I feel so much better but still have 40 lbs to lose. What would you suggest to do?

@Vicki, I know how you feel. I know that I need to make that call and say OK, Let's do it! But my legs and arms are skinny already LOL. I'm afraid of losing too much but I've gotta do what I've gotta do for my health.I am still obese. My family have a bad history with diabetes. I have a brother in the hospital right now due to it. As my weight start to creep back up, I'm worrying again because I was taken off two medications. I'm thankful that BC/BS will give me another chance to get it all the way right this time.

I have BC/BS Federal. I was banded in 09 and have lost 48 lbs in 3 yrs. gained back 10 lbs even though my band was too tight. I'm looking to convert for health reasons. I'm still diabetic and have high b/p and joint pain. My Dr. office called yesterday and said that my insurance will not cover the sleeve but they will cover me for gastric bypass. After thinking about it, I will call them back on Monday and start the ball rolling. Did anyone have to wait after the band was removed? or were they done at the same time?

I am looking to convert as well. I thought about the sleeve but my Dr office called yesterday and told me that my insurance will not cover the sleeve but they will cover the bypass. I am also still a diabetic with high blood pressure and joint pain. I thought the band would help me get rid of that but it didn't happen. I had some issues with the band and now it's no longer working for me. I have to ask for another chance too.

Yes, I'm concerned about losing too much. I have a failed lap band and my Dr. wants me to be converted to the sleeve. I have another 50 Lbs to go before reaching MY goal. But, on the other hand. I also have a stubborn body that doesn't wake up after hitting a plateau.

Neither have I had surgery yet. and yes, this is one of my fears too. I am type 2 and will be converting from the lap band.

36 lbs in 12 days is a lot. Maybe your body is thinking that you're starving it and trying to keep that from happening. It's just a thought.

I hope you feel better soon. prayers already sent

Yes, I was told 3 times by my Dr. that the band needs to go. We tried another fill on Wednesday and I was right back in there in Thursday morning to have the fluid back out again. I guess I'm in denial and hate the position that I'm in now. This last attempt convinced me that the band really must go. I was told that I would have to wait 6 months after the band removal b-4 I could have another procedure done. I only have about 40 lbs to go B-4 reaching MY own goal weight. I'm afraid and just don't know what to do. I could gain back the 40 lbs that was lost in a 6 months waiting period. And if that were the case, I wouldn't have to worry about only losing 40, B/C then it would be 80 lbs......LOL. But safety comes first.