Alfie

That would have been a great answer and so true too. Thank you!!

So I am scheduled for my sleeve on December 9th. Yesterday, my surgeon drained my band of all saline saying that he wants me to have as normal anatomy as possible when he does my surgery. I told him of my concern of gaining weight between now and then but he said "well you're on the road to doing healthy". When I had dinner last night, it was the first time in 7 years that I had no restriction. It was a strange feeling for sure. I didn't overeat but my tummy hurt a bit anyway. I think it was because of the food dropping directly into my stomach instead of going in slowly as it did with the band. The band did it's job for me but there was a lot of getting stuck, vomiting, frothing and not being able to find the ever elusive sweet spot. On to better thing but I'm just worried about gaining back more weight.

So last night I went to dinner with an old friend who had moved out of state. I wasn't going to tell her about my upcoming surgery but we got on the topic of weight and so I let the cat out of the bag...big mistake. She was saying that she has eaten so much on her vacation and was thinking she will probably gain weight. Anyway, she said "Alfie, when you really want to lose the weight, you will" and "when you set your mind to it, you'll do it" and "you have to lose weight with those co morbities, so you really need to do it". I answered her at first but then I thought what the heck I'll just let her talk. I know she meant well and doesn't understand. I felt like she was basically saying that I've not tried hard enough to lose the weight and that was frustrating. With over a hundred pounds to lose and being 60 years old with a 30+ year constant struggle, those words just got me totally annoyed. Rant officially over!! Thanks for reading.

Hi thats great. Did you lose a lot with the band too? I lost 80 but put back 40.

silly but the thing I am hoping to be able to do after I lose my weight is to squat down to the floor; the way you might do when talking to a small child to get down to their level. I have not been able to do that in many years. At one point I was down to the low 200's (I'm 5'10"), going to the gym regularly and even started to be able to run but still could not squat. Something very small will make me very happy. I think it's a balance thing or more how my weight is distributed in my case.

I bought the grape, apple melon and passion...Not bad at all. I heard unjury has a chicken Soup that is very good;

that sounds very upsetting so sorry you're going through this. Does he give a reason why he didn't approve you?

Hi I am going to my first appointment tomorrow. I have the lapband and am hoping to have the revision to the sleeve. According to the nurse at my insurance, it will not take me long to be approved. Anyway, I decided to go out on a limb and buy 3 cases (online) of Isopure. It just came in and I have to say, not bad at all. Very doable. I've read that some people say its horrible but knowing I am not too fussy, I bought it before knowing what it tastes like. It is 40 grams of clear Protein per bottle and 160 calories with 0 carbs. I think it will help greatly during my post op Clear liquids stage.

Hi My name is Alfie. I will be 61 in December. I have the lap band since 2008 and am hoping for the revision to sleeve. My first appointment is tomorrow October 1 where I will get the 411 on what to do next. I already called my insurance and the nurse there told me he will take my case and watch out for my paperwork. I am super excited. I wish all of us 60's all the best of everything!! We have a long life to live!!

Hope you're feeling better by now and doing well. Don't know if you ever tried Isopure but it has 40 protein per bottle and 160 calories; no carbs and tastes ok. Well some people have said they don't like it but to me it's very doable. I enjoy it.

Thank you Vicky. My appointment for evaluations is tomorrow; very excited. Glad you're doing so good!!

all the best to you on your journey

I found the thread. it's called "Lapband to sleeve but I left my band in" You can search for it in the Forums

Well I'm not sleeved yet but I do have the band (getting it out soon). I did see another post somewhere that a woman had the same scenario as you and they then got the band. Could the doc have left your stomach too big?

I was happy to happen upon this thread. I am banded and having a revision to the sleeve. What you are speaking about is the same thing that happens with the band. I feel like a band failure although there are also mechanical issues that can happen. It makes me scared to move forward to the sleeve as I am well aware of head hunger etc and how it can take over. I am going to do all that I can during the honeymoon period to get myself ready for when it's over. I hope that by being aware will be part of the battle.

All the best to you. You can do it on the liquid diet. I was able to lose 10% of my weight within a short period with the liquid diet (I think it was about 5 or 6 weeks).

I think you're right. I just reread what they will need from me and one of the things is michanical failure etc witht the band so I guess it is because I was banded and already went throught the 6 month thing when I got the band albeit I had Aetna at the time.

Hi there Drea. The nurse that I spoke to said they do not require a medically supervised diet of any kind. But he had all my particulars so maybe he said that for me since I already have the lapband. You should call there; they are very nice and do try to answer all of your questions. If you call though, ask for a nurse to answer your questions. I hope that helps. Alfie

all the best to you on your surgery tomorrow. And I wish you a speedy recovery!!

are you feeling much hunger?

thank you for posting. It is very encouraging to someone that is not yet sleeved. You sound like you're doing awesomely. Going for my first appointment on October 1st.

I do this. Here is a site that is about dry brushing. https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/dry-brushing-101/

wow you're doing great MC. Good for you!!

I am just going to my first "evaluation" on October 1st in a few days. I am banded since 2008 and have not been terribly successful with it. For that reason, I am scared of failure. I mean I know I'd be much heavier if it had not been for the band but at the same time, I've had my share of issues with it. Hoping I won't have to wait too long. I already know my insurance will go through as I spoke with them. So I'm thinkin I will be possibly sleeved before the end of the year or maybe the beginning of the 2015. I suppose I'll know more on October 1

Good for you AStoot. I am only in the beginning stages of looking into getting the sleeve. I was banded in 2008 and can't wait to get this thing out. I will say it served its purpose because who knows how much I'd weigh by now without it. I wish you all the best on your journey...Alfie