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I'm still trying to believe it!

I've been doing well. Walking... no gas...liquids are going fine. This is very interesting!

Thanks. Same here. Say a prayer

Same here.

I started this thread so that you can personal message me if need be. I will just share my experience. I did not have a slip or erosion. I searched and never saw anyone in my situation.

I was unfilled 12/17/12. I'm scheduled for revision 4/25/13.

I was banded in 2008. Never felt full. Never reached a sweet spot. Random foods would get stuck. Sometimes the same food I'd eaten earlier without a problem. I never told anyone about my band either...and I'm glad because you can't tell I had WLS. I'm grateful that I never had a slip or erosion. However, the little weight I lost has all returned. Throwing up every day since 2008 got old...excusing yourself from the dinner table, etc. Even at 260 lbs people are thinking I have an eating disorder since I leave the table so often. 12/2012, I had all of the fluid removed from my band. I was hopeful for a revision, but the main goal was to get this band removed!! I am fortunate and have been approved for a revision on 4/25. I don't want to fail again. I'm going to give it all I got and not look back. I've decided to put the lap band behind me. I don't want to compare recovery, eating, digestion....anything. As of 4/25 (for me) the band never existed. I MUST do this. This band has been worse emotionally than any bad relationship I've encountered. Best to you all. I haven't even been revised yet and I know that it is a better decision.

Long story short....banded in 2008. No success with band. No erosion or slips...No reflux, just food that won't go down. I've moved a few times with my job since 2008. Spoke to my surgeon, Dr. Minkin, about a revision to sleeve on 12/17. To be honest, I was so upset and emotional when I left I don't remember what the next step was... I do remember we decided that I want the band removed. I'm so early in the revision process. I'm not unsure. I just would like to know if anyone in my area has gone through this process. Any input is appreciated.

Well I have a band. I am here because I'm hoping to be approved for a sleeve revision. I'm not the typical band horror story (I.e. erosion, slips, reflux, etc). I was banded 09/2008 and still haven't reached any type of consistency. I can eat a meal today and it is fine...Tomorrow I can go for leftovers and not be able to keep any of it down...SAME MEAL. My story is only my story. Plenty of people have done well with the band...just not my case. I'm not in the convincing business, but if it helps...regardless if my insurance approves a revision to sleeve, I'm definitely getting this band removed. It gets annoying in social settings having to excuse yourself. I'm still noticeably overweight and some people that don't know I even have a band have rumored that I have an eating disorder. Now that is kinda funny, but not really. My reason for getting a band vs. bypass (didn't know too much about the sleeve when I was in the market for wls) was the fact that my body would remain as close to it's natural state as possible. Now for my 20/20 hind sight...I just don't think the band was a good idea. AND my health is still at risk... But again...that is my PERSONAL opinion. Another thing to consider...that I didn't...is life evolves. I never knew I'd keep getting promoted and my job has moved me 3 times since 09/2008. Some surgeons won't accept patients from out of town. I've been with my job 12 yrs, but another thing some may want to consider is if you switch insurance companies. Some companies won't cover band fills from a surgery they didn't authorize. None of that has been a problem for me, but I'm 31. It is very rare for most people my age ( well in these days, any age)to have the same job and insurance for 12 yrs. I'm not trying to come across high and mighty nor as a know it all. You asked. When I reach out for opinions I don't like people to hold back. I was just trying to throw some things out there for you to consider. Or....you could be a total band success and negate everything I've said...lol Good luck

I carry all of my weight in the middle too. Good point you make, as my legs have always been my best feature too. I don't have a date yet but have started weight training (focusing on my arms) because I want to keep my arms as firm as possible. I'm curious to see what the chime in will be...

I'm sorry to hear that it didn't go as planned. However; I hope your recovery is as smoothe as it can be.

I'm not sure how much help I am because I'm pre- sleeve. The group I hope to get my sleeve through has several support groups. If you doctor has that, is that something you' 're interested in?

This is my first post EVER on this site, but everyone seems so nice and for the most part non-judgemental. I was banded in 2008. My husband is the only person that knows that I was banded, and I'm glad, as it was an epic fail. I met with my surgeon today (not my original one, I've moved a lot) and ended up having a melt down in the exam room. I told him I just want this band removed. It has been hell. He removed all of my fluid and tasked me with considering a revision because considering what I've regained, I've only lost 20 lbs. He also said he can/will do revision in one shot. I want a revision but at this point just want this band GONE! We'll see what happens with my insurance. I never thought to ask for a revision (even though I want one) because I've never had a slip or erosion, so I didn't think a surgeon would ever even consider it. I'm just tired of one day being able to eat and the next day not being able to eat the same exact thing. Let the process begin. Wish me luck!

You look great. You look much younger! (Like mother and daughter) That was not meant to offend you. Keep up the good work!

*not

I know I'm late to the thread, but could not resist sharing mine..."I'm sorry for your LOST". OOOOH that just does something to me! I just feel that if there has been a LOSS, that isn't the time for me to enforce proper grammar...lol. It doesn't mean I'm mot bothered by it though.

I haven't been sleeved yet-still have the band. Wow! You know I NEVER thought about the band being a contributing factor...I wonder if there's some truth to that. The band hasn't worked out for me. I'm going on 5 yrs. Ever since I've been banded my upper stomach is big. I don't have any hernias or tumors. Now don't get me wrong, I didn't have washboard abs prior to banding (clearly...lol), but now I almost look pregnant. That's a thought...

Thank you all for your input. I'm glad the sleeve is working well. Also, thanks for being honest about your experiences. I'm ready, but realize it will be a process. :-)

Awesome goals!! I'm sure you can attain each one, as you have an obvious determination!! And BTW, two step ain't nothin' but a two step (says a TX native) Just have fun. Good luck and CONGRATS in advance for setting and reaching goals!

Hi ladies. I'm new to the site and today is my first day posting. I was banded in 2008 and that has not worked out (for me). My surgeon mentioned revision to me today. I was actually glad because it is something that I'd been wanting to do but didn't mention to him since I haven't had any erosion or slips. If you are a convert, will you please share your experiences with me? The only person that knows I have a Lap-Band is my husband. I'm kind of glad, because I failed. I have mentioned the sleeve to a friend and a cousin and didn't get great "approval ratings". I'm ok with that...they're both small... ha! Hubs is fully supportive. He's cool with me as I am now, and is always supportive of whatever weightloss endeavor I enter... I'm in the VERY preliminary stages of this whole process. The dr's office is checking out my benefits. I know it is covered, it is just a matter of what all the insurance company will want and how long and drawn out they will make the process. I'm ready!

Hi all... Today is the start of my band to sleeve process... I'm hoping for the best. Maybe by summer I will be "sleeved".

Name it... higher life insurance premiums; a ruined trip to Vegas because my ankles and heels hurt so bad; at family gatherings continuously hearing "you are so stylish/cute/trendy for a big girl"; or on occasion "when are you due?"... (I've never been pregnant, btw); always being the "big friend/cousin"...and most of all a FAILED lap band. Hopefully I will be approved for a revision. I had my melt down today in the surgeon's office when I went for yet another hopeful band adjustment... Instead I left with a made up mind that this band has to go!! Revision? I'm hopeful!

Congrats! I hope that is my case soon. I just want the band out at this point. My doctor presented the revision idea to me today (even though I'd already been thinking about it). I don't know if I'll be approved for a revision, as I've had no erosion or slips. This band has to go!