qdh

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!

Same here.

qdh your story is my story and getting revision on the same day! I cannot wait!!!

I too can relate to this, only it was worse... I had the band for 10 years. I lost 70# the first year but gained it all back PLUS after I had to have all the fill removed due to reflux and other problems.
It was emotionally traumatizing - I think only those who have been through this can understand that. I have tried to learn from the experience though rather then just starting over. I felt all this shame, all this sense of failure all this sense of embarrassment (mostly about the vomiting). That shame kept me from seeking help aggressively enough - like I was the only person on the planet who was morally weak enough to have these problems or something.
Since being sleeved I have been very assertive about seeking help and support and guidance. For example, statistically, it is very common to have a weight bounce of 20-30# in about the 3rd year post op after the sleeve especially for someone who was very high bmi like me. Well, it could happen to me but you can be sure that I am not giving in without a fight. I have resources lined up, i have a plan and most of all i am NOT gonna let that struggle make me feel worthless. This is the main thing I learned from my band experience - no more shame, no regrets, and damn it, there are people out there who have been down these roads before that can help guide me too.

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.

Hi. I can't answer your question because I am band-to-sleeve pre-op, too, with a surgery date of April 18. I'm nervous and excited for the new start, too. I hope you get more feedback on this post. Congratulations on your surgery date! Feels good to know that the lapband is coming out and a fresh start is on the horizon, doesn't it?

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.

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...

1. I always aim for 70+ grams of Protein.
2. 112 oz of Water everyday without fail!
3. Always make healthy food choices and 45 min of cardio 4-5 dys a week.
That's it. That's what I do.

Well here it is. I'm so embarrassed by my before photo smh, but that was me. All 330 lbs of me. Yikes!! My highest was 346 lbs at the start of this journey, but I lost 16 lbs pre op and 134 lbs post op and still going.
330 lbs day of surgery 196 lbs

OMG - FINALLY!!!!
Hey Nikki,
I am pre-op and asked about this type of situation in the forum twice and no one answered. I am guessing its the "elephant in the room" situation. So I have to thank you - with all of my heart for this posting.
I am an emotional eater and am getting sleeved in February. I know I can lose the weight but also know my emotions are stronger than my will power (hence me being 314lbs). I was hoping that the surgery would help me get down to my goal weight and my emotions become controllable with help from a therapist.
Now the reality of how hard it will be to maintain is out there, I will work from now to seek professional help.
Thanks again Nikki!

I knew that I wasnt going to die in the OR. God wont give me that break. I have about 6 more years left before He would even let me die. I got child support to pay lol

Hi,
I got my band in 2006 and switched to sleeve December 16. I had it done all in one surgery. I was in the hospital one night and home late the day after.
I chose to have my band removed because of food intolerances. Some days I couldn't even drink. I never had a slip or any erosion. I did have some scar tissue around my port.
I had almost no pain after the revision (or the lap band) , but I did have one complication which I consider fairly minor. I ended up with a hematoma (capsule tube of blood about 3 cm long) where my port used to be and we tried to drain and pack it, but it hasn't healed. So I will have a minor surgery on Tuesday to clean and stitch the wound. The worst of this has been some itching from the tape pulling at bandage changes and some extra laundry from the leaking before I figured out what was going on.
Overall, I'm still pleased with my choice. By day 3 I was already swallowing more smoothly than I had for at least a year. I still have some anxiety around it though.
I've also had some relearning to do. I just moved to soft foods and the sensations of enough food aren't the same And I find time and measuring are time only things that work. The postop diet for me is easier this time around....probably because I already sip instead of chug drinks and actually chew my food now.
I know this is a small novel, but feel free to PM me if you want to hear more. I know revision was a frustrating call for me to make.
Best wishes as you figure out the right thing for you,
Kristin

If you having hard time ask your coordinator at the surgeon office if you have do they have one they deal w on a regular basis maybe the take your insurance

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

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

Hey! Welcome to VST and also Montifiore hospital! I attended the seminar on oct 26 and my first appointment with Dr. Choi was December 20th. the seminar was nice and quick! But a lot of Important info given. Everyone's favorite doctor seems to be Dr. Choi and also Dr. Camacho. I was a bit scared when I went to the first appointment with dr. Choi but I guess it's just the whole surgery thing has me worried , I mean every surgery should be taken serious but being that I've never had surgery for any reason makes me terrified! Lol but this forum has really made me feel much more comfortable with my decision. My doc advised me on maybe thinking about RNY due to my reflux but RNY just has too many malabsorption issues. To tell you the truth on still confused and scared of coming to a decision on which surgery to have because deep down I'm worried about getting rid of 85% of my stomach but I guess running around with 320 pounds should be more intimidating! ugh! Decisions ! Decisions! May god be with all of us! I have my foray weight management appointment January 30th so wish me luck and I wish u the same! Let me know how it goes!!!

My name is josephine and I'm new to this I've been thinking about the surgery for quite some time now bit I was scared of the after math (not looking weight) but just the cautions of after but I've made my appointment and I've made my decision I'm super excited I was just wondering how long it took everyone before they actually had the surgery?

As usual, my response will be a novella. Bear with me!
I think the biggest thing to be aware of is that the sleeve is going to help immediately (and forever) with Portion Control. You will never sit down and eat an entire pie, pizza or box of Cookies in one sitting again. That said, the emotional and habitual triggers will not be resolved. I think a lot of people transition from binge eating into grazing because that's what their sleeve will allow.
I was completely in denial about my overeating and binge eating until I was forced to confront it post op. I had really, really convinced myself that my weight and inability to lose it was entirely due to my diabetes, my hormones, my metabolism, whatever. I really thought that simply controlling my portion size would be this miracle solution and that for the first time in my life the weight would just fly off and I'd be skinny.
It wasn't until I stumbled upon the book "Hungry" by Allen Zadoff that I acknowledged the behavior I'd been denying and realized why I was struggling with my emotions post op.
The most important thing to do is track your food. I tracked every single bite religiously, to the point of ridiculousness, actually. Six M&Ms and a sip of soda? I'd do the math and add them into MyFitnessPal rather than ignore them. This was the first big step in acknowledging what I was eating.
The next step was to force myself into a set caloric/nutritional window. If I didn't have "slack" to indulge on any given day, I did not do it. That was tough and many a night I went to bed thinking about food. But it was so important to me that I learn to control my eating instead of continuing to be a slave to my desire for food. I LUSTED after food. I had to break those habits and the easiest way was taking advantage of that window where I had zero physical hunger and using it to overcome the habit of eating.
From that point, I evaluated my emotions and feelings every time I found myself thinking about food or opening the door to the fridge. Once I pinpointed my triggers I was able to stop the behavior. The sleeve made this so much easier for me, because I really wasn't experiencing any hunger. The only time I ever struggle with this is during my cycle, when my hormones are wacky and I feel like I could eat paint chips off the wall (all despite feeling ZERO actual, physical hunger) but I still keep myself under control.
Once I was able to tackle those three things, I had to learn moderation. I could not treat the sleeve like a diet. I could not approach the sleeve as the other half of a life on Atkins. For me to succeed and feel happy about my success, I needed to feel like I wasn't denying myself or like I was fencing off an entire world of food forever.
This is different for everyone, because some people have serious trigger foods like white sugar or white flour that make it incredibly difficult to incorporate them in moderation. My only real trigger at this point is popcorn. I could eat it every day. Every other food that used to set me off has no control over me these days. So my experience in this won't work for everyone.
But basically, I found that around six to nine months post op that I was able to incorporate a more reasonable amount of carbs and good, quality fats into my diet. All at once my mood improved and I stopped dreaming about food at night. I was able to indulge myself occasionally without feeling the compulsion to eat myself sick. From that point forward I started eating about 40% Protein, 30% carbs and 30% fat as my diet.
I try to make good quality food choices 90% of the time but I allow myself 10% of give where I'll eat whatever strikes my fancy. If I feel like I'm slipping I immediately start tracking every calorie again and find out if I really am slipping or if it's all in my head. Usually it's in my head, to be honest. There's a huge amount of baggage that goes with a lifetime of negative body image, crazy diets and generally poor eating habits. There were times when eating a few bites of cake could make me feel guilty but if I counted up my calories for the day I'd see that there's nothing wrong with a few extra calories and carbs.
And I'll admit that those days are mostly behind me at two and a half years out. I have now ingrained the habit of healthier eating and the desire to binge and graze endlessly is gone. Most of the emotional baggage has been worked through and shelved, and I don't question my choices like I used to do. It really is a huge relief to feel this way - I imagine this is how people that never had food issues or a weight problem feel about food. It's just food. I enjoy it, sure, but it doesn't control me or make me feel guilty or send me into fantasies where I eat it all anymore.
All of that aside, I did not whip down to goal quickly. I was still a slow loser, even sleeved and doing my best to be healthy mentally and physically. It took me 17 months to reach goal but when I got there I was ready for it. Maintenance was a breeze for me once I accepted my body's happy weight was going to be a few pounds more than I wanted. This is why you will see me repeat the same things over and over again here - it's important to learn moderation and stumble on your way to healthy BEFORE you reach goal. Do not save up all of the issues that caused your obesity until that point and then try to live a normal life while unpacking your baggage!
I could not have done this without my sleeve. I urge anyone that's working through this to really address it as something you can fix, something you can control. You really are in charge of your body. Make the sleeve, and the fact that you removed most of your stomach, count. It is a struggle. It is hard. Those compulsions, cravings and desires are seriously hard to break, but we can do it. I'd say we HAVE to do it if we want to live life at goal as a happy and healthy person.
Best of luck to everyone struggling with this.
~Cheri

Lady K, being satisfied with a single envelope of oatmeal is the FIRST thing I thought of when considering this sleeve. I need to eat three packs just to feel satisfied... four would make me feel full!

Ugh.. I feel you! I once went to a PCP and I was really concerned about my weight as I was 360 pounds and gaining. I tried to talk to him about it and he looked at my blood work and he told me I'm the picture of health and that losing weight was optional, if I really wanted to do it..... A month later I visited an endocrinologist who said my thyroid, cortisol, progesterone and estrogen were all a disaster. Yeah, I never went back to that PCP again!

Oh my! Yep... Time to find a new pcp!!
You need one that will listen to you and be supportive!!
It sounds like you are very smart and know what you need to do... FOR YOU!!!
Good luck on your journey!!

So, I advised my PCP roughly about the first part of December that I'd made the to get the VSG, he hesitated and asked me to make and appointment with his office so that we can discuss it.
*My annual exam was in Oct. On that day flat out told me I need to loose some weight.
So, yesterday I went in for the appointment. Thinking ahead I scheduled it as WLS consultation just in case. l dont know know if BCBS will require them but I want to be as proactive as possible.
PCP: ....so you want to loose some weight huh?
Me: yes. Didn't you also suggest it a few months ago?
PCP: You'll have to change your lifestyle a lot. Have you see a dietitian?
Me: Yes I have several times, she says my eating habits aren't the worst she'd seen. She feels like I will be fine once I get the weight off.
PCP: Well.....I going to prescribe you 2 diet pills and something to work on bringing down your Triglycerides.
Me: Are those the same pills you gave me 4 years ago that did nothing for me?
PCP: **blank stare**
Me: My WLS surgeon also told me that I am Hypertensive, do you have a prescription for that as well?
PCP: **blank stare** The nurse will take care of those for you.
All I could think is WOW! It was beyond me that he would rather commit me to a lifetime of medication to correct a problem that I have already found my fix for. You didn't even bother to see if I had taken the medication previously or what the out come was. At no point did he offer any guidance or additional information on the WLS procedure. I am praying that I don't have to go back ever! Needless to say after this is all said and done I will be looking for a new PCP.

Hi Everyone,
So this week I'm on pureed food. I'm finding it SO difficult not to drink while eating food. I've done it a few times, and then I can't eat as much, making me feel full super fast. I know that I'm not supposed to because it makes the food slide through faster, so I'm trying very hard not do it.
I've always been a huge drinker of beverages while eating. After eating, my mouth just feels so dry and I want to reach for a nice glass of cold Water. I was thinking maybe gum might be a good option? I can pop it in my mouth, and boom, saliva to help with thirst. (My nut says gum is okay to chew and mints).
What do you after you eat to help stop the urge to drink something? Was this something easy for you to overcome or do you still struggle with it?
Any tips would be great!

Tears rolled down my cheeks in the dressing room when I went shopping today (fist time since surgery on 10/25). After having to try on a few medium shirts because the larges were too big and having to go back for size 12 jeans because I was swimming in the 14s, I couldn't em back. The first time I thought was maybe a fluke but after buying 3 medium shirts (some larges as well) and 3 size 12 jeans I had to just soak it in and realize that I haven't been this size since jr high. In just 9 weeks I've went from 18/20 and xl/xxl shirts to 12/14 and m/l shirts. It's so strange shopping in a store and having to skip the plus sizes and know that you don't have to try to squeeze into their biggest size and are able to shop the "normal" racks. Bring on 2013, I'm ready for my life back!