msmitch

That doesn't sound right to me. I had an emergency band removal last July (2013), and I have Premera insurance. They covered the surgery, and follow up visits with that surgeon / hospital. My only thought would be that I had my band removal done through a hospital, and not an independent clinic. I am not fluent enough in health care rules to know if that would make any difference, but there are serious health risks when your band has slipped and it doesn't sound right that your insurance would not cover part of that surgery cost. I has the sleeve surgery in January, and had to pay out-of-pocket to do so. The recovery time seemed longer (but maybe I forgot how long my band recovery process was the first time around), but I am very happy with that decision. Wishing you the best...

I remember having those issues with my band, but have not had my sleeve long enough to have that experience. Two things my doctor would tell me are the each time I would vomit, I would irritate my stomach which would cause it slight inflammation and upset. The more we fight it, the worse it gets. The second thing mentioned is that if there is an acid taste when I vomit it could be a larger issue. In your case, if you feel alright and are able to comfortably survive the night (even if you can't get food down), it might be best to wait. I say that only because they would likely help treat you until you could get in to see your regular doctor tomorrow. However, if you feel that there is something else going on... definitely take yourself to the ER!! Please let us know how you are feeling and what you learn. Very best to you!

Hi everyone, I had my surgery a few weeks after most of the people who replied. But, I would love to keep up with all of you as a glimpse into what I have in store. I am a former band patient who had to have my band removed due to complications. After several months, I decided to have the sleeve surgery -- surgery for me was 1/28. I am now almost a week out, still on clear liquids hoping to add full liquids after my post op appointment tomorrow. REALLY excited for this. Knowing that all scales are different, I am showing 10.2 lbs lost on my home scale. We will see what the official word is tomorrow. I know that some of this weight might be water weight or temporary weight loss from surgery, but it is still exciting to see progress. Looking forward to reading more about all of our successes!!

There is one thing in your statement that I really hope you can see as a positive... you lost 18 lbs in 2 months. That is something many of us could not say prior to the sleeve surgery, so please be proud of yourself. That is huge! Other folks are highlighting the issues I had challenges with when I was originally banded (eating foods that were not always the healthiest choices for my weightloss). If you are continuing to eat healthy, avoid carbs and sugars, and workout regularly, hang in there... change will happen. Congratulations on your successes so far, and keep your head up!

A big THANK YOU for sharing your story. I am also a convert of band to sleeve, and had some success (though slow) with my band before it was removed. I am now going in for my sleeve surgery in 5 days. I have heard a lot of stories from folks who either have zero appetite after, and need to remind themselves to eat their 800 calories a day. Or people who have the same levels of hunger as they did prior to their surgery. Having had a band that was removed in an unplanned surgery, I am extremely fearful that I will fail with the sleeve as well. Are there folks who have had success maintaining the 800 calories a day diet post-sleeve? Is this doable? Cheers!