sleeveconvert

I have horrid reflux, I will trade it for the 120# any day. Mine is similar-- its a side effect, and beats the heck out of the band. For me-- the band stopped my reflux. I'm 6 mos out, and had reflux the first week or two post op, similar regurg-- can't lay down within 2 hrs, best not to bend over. I had reflux pre band so its just part of my life. I take zantac or axid twice daily (h2 blockers) and a PPI- protonix or prilosec every day. Honestly preband-- "its because your fat",now at goal wt 130#--- no pressure on my belly--- it just is. I just treat it, eat small- if I don't eat its worse, I drink a lot of milk, keep nut /rice crackers or almond butter on me 24/7. Good luck to you !

I am in support of you doing what makes you happy ! When the Team isnt anymore it doesnt work and you getting out may be whats best for you! Good Luck !

Keep scouring the boards-- most stay one night, some three nights. For ME immediate post op pain was wore, overall recovery easier-- less belly pain.

You are NOT going to get an unbiased discussion here. Just know that. I would recommend the sleeve for all the reasons the banders board would tell you not to--- its permenant, its a lifestyle change, its not reversible, it does take work. I would NOT recommend a band for all the reasons you've read here, the pro's--- temporary, slips, erosions, breakage, did I say expensive-- breaks and has high complication rate. I wish I had done sleeve first-- it just wasn't available to me when I had my band. My recovery was better/easier w sleeve--- it was less of a shock to me after having had a band--- your a virgin so get ready for the mental screwing of your life which ever way you go. You will find that your food relationship is warped and needs adjusted. Good luck !!

You may not see this as helpful--- re read your post !! You didn't gain that much that short!!! Take a deep breath, eat 1200 for a week, it will continue, your expectations are not realistic . Your body is so mad at you--- get past the numbers, view this as the life change it is and all will be good. You cannot continue at that rate is is not healthy, not reasonable and not realistic. I wish you well..... Adjust your expectations of yourself, self acceptance for the pounds lost and endurance for the road ahead.

The surgeon and the compliance of the patient determine the effectiveness of the sleeve. In MY case I had no scarring or damage from my band-- so it wasn't any longer on either surgery or stay.

Re-read your opening complications-- the google and internet doctors- the family- you have allowed to cause doubt and fear, Don't have the YEARS of experience that you pay for from professionals. This is a no brainer ! You cannot leave it as is. At minimum you have to remove the band. The conversion is where you need to decide to stand up or not. Are you doing this for your health or for another reason ? You have to be strong in your conviction - ONLY you will experience it, tough thru if necessary. The decision is what's in your best interest long term. Only you can decide.

I was sleeved with a lower BMI- 25. I weighed 147 the day of surgery-- I lost to 128, I back and steady at 130- BMI 22. Don't be afraid- BMI of 29 is still overweight. This is a lifestyle change NOT a quick or temporary fix for fatness. Embrace it for the opportunity it is and sing the praises for your one of the lucky ones. I self paid as it was an exclusion on my ins. No one will here will feel sorry for the overweight, not obese chic who got approved for a sleeve-- complaining about a granted blessing you asked for is a double edged sword. GREATEST thing ever having a sleeve not a band !!!

FOR ME-- yes- I Get stuck-- harder to get unstuck-- Nausea, sliming and IF I'm lucky vomit-- the biggest difference-- I could eat and drink and wash it thru kinda-- NOT w sleeve-- if stuck--- not fun and NO drinking around meals ever !! Only happened twice w too fast/too big of bite--- but FOR ME-- yes still that 'negative' there --- its my good mental reminder/ physical punishment-- SLOW down !!

I was up walking 3-4 hrs after, I stayed 2 nights as self pay. If you pay for 3 -- stay !!!

It apparently is part of the sleeve for 60-75%. Pre band had horrible reflux-- "your fat- abd pressure" blah blah blah- , band curbed it, post sleeve I get reflux horrible if I dont eat regularily, don't drink enough watern drink any alcohol or if I eat and don't stay vertical. Others don't seem to experience it as bad-- I just accept it treat it and go on-- it was worth the trade!!

For me----My reflux is worse (10X) than with my band-- my band ended my reflux. I take axid 150mg twice a day and prilosec for break thru- usually daily to every other. I don't eat within an hour of lying down, alcohol and sugar make it worse. Reflux has been my only negative-- I'm 130#-- I will trade reflux for 230# and heart disease any day !! Hope that helps.

ABSOLUTELY more sore-- your unaware of all your doing! Your now more normal life back and your abdomen is still reminding you-- hey I'm healing. Remember the lift restriction is 6-8 weeks !

I was self pay-- those are short term issues we trick ourselves into believing. The REAL issue is fear of losing food forever--- I'm on the other side and I didn't lose food, I gained respect for it as nourishment not comfort for lonliness, scared, boredom, fear, reward for doing good-- it is food--- the sick relation with it continues-- the learning its ok will be daily. I allowed myself to Mourn the loss of the relationship and move on to healthier!!

That's easy-- its winter, boots, heavy clothes- they don't weight you naked. Leg weights just get 8#! Our healthcare system is broken its a hoop get jumping . We all do it.

Stephen Hamn- done at Baylor Frisco , w 2 night stay ! Would do it again !!!

I had my done in the DFW area--- its Was 14K--- removal and sleeve.

I wish I had done sleeve first time instead of band !!! The ONLY negative I've had w my sleeve is reflux. I'm 20 weeks out and below goal weight, had reflux before band, none w band, and its back. That's the only negative. I reached goal before my sleeve--- I had sleeve so I never go back to fat land. I had all the negatives all banders do-- just life w a band !! No WLS is perfect--- its still work, you CAN stretch and mess up your sleeve !! Break your bad habits now-- the sleeve is more forgiving than the band !! I WAY older than Taylor SWIFT generation--- but "we will never ever ever get back together"--- my band and I !!! Good luck !

I was self pay, paid three occassions on a broken band. Don't let money determine your decision. This is an immensely personal, intimate decesion-- requiring honest introspection to oneself for motivation, goals and can you follow rules. Sleeve is ONLY restrictive, can like all of them be abused, stretched and manipulated. I chose sleeve because I met my goals w my band and am determined to NEVER go back. I can, did and will follow the rules to a fault. I will NOT stretch or abuse my sleeve---- I worked too hard to get here. From 240 to 130. I Did not need the malabsorption component. I wanted to maintain. My spouse has RNY, doesn't follow the rules-- he is 130# Lighter but will never reach goals even with RNY becAuse he cheats the WLS like so many do. Be honest with yourself, habits and expectations--- you will pick what's best for you. Good luck !!

Im sure it happens! Bariatric patients by the nature of Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes and ALL the other co-morbidities and health complications ARE THE HIGHEST SURGICAL RISKS . It is just a fact. The fact it doesnt happen more, the complications are higher is amazing!!

Gladiator from smoothie king is great! 45 gms of protein. # flavors-- the strawberry with a couple of fresh or frozen strawberries , 1/2 cup ice --good good good

i had my conversion from band to sleeve done at my goal weight. I lost about 8-10#, and only had trouble with liquids and protein intake the first week. I would encourage you to proceed as you are correct- 90% gain it back when the band is removed. I didnt work hard to drink the protein as i was on the upper end of my BMI goal range and am happy with the 8-10# loss. The only thing that was preventing me from getting protein in was they are all sweet and that was nauseating to me the first 4 weeks post op. I am 6-7 weeks out and am on solid foods and doing well. I can eat band similar portions of anything I want. I am so glad I converted- - - I am not going back to fat land.

"I switched from the band to the sleeve Aug.29th. So far I feel like a failure. I have only lost 17lb. since then but was expecting to lose more like 45lb. It is much better than the band because I'm not throwing up all the time. I'm being very careful not to over eat & drink as much Water as I can every day so what can be going on? I go back to my surgeon Nov.28th but I'm almost ashamed to go. Has anyone else had this problem & if so does the loss ever kick in?" Pauline--- I post this in the most supportive, caring manner- - - - Read what you wrote, I dont feel your a failure- - you didnt gain 17# in such a short period- -your expectations are wildly inappropriate. Good for others who lose faster- -your body is REELING in shock- you can hardly take in enough to stay off starvation- - your body is holding on for its life- - cut yourself some slack and do a reality check. You are on track, you are different from others, stay the course and it will happen. It took me 6 yrs to loose 105# and I AM NOT A FAILURE!! I do not need surgery for excess skin, i dont look old and it was healthy slow and frustrating- - - I didnt get fat over night - - I didnt get thiin over night- - Tears, hungry and lots of discipline got me to goal- - - HANG IN THERE IT WILL Happen!! Forget the comparisons - - its like saying my kids are cuter than his kids- - who cares it is what it is. Sorry to sound like debbie downer or reality crasher but you are on your own journey and it cannot be compared, or judged against others or your expectation. Reset both and you will be successful.

I think we all forget--- it took years to GET fat-- it wasn't 20# a week-- it takes a while to loose it! Patience and persistence will be your second best friends IF you follow sleeve rules.... NO procedure is the magic we all want. Its slow, its WORK, and its a well earned reward when done !!!