ASLEEVE4ME2015

It's been exactly 6 months today on thanksgiving. It's been a surprising time. Definitely giving thanks today for the weight I've lost .
SW 320 CW 200  

Band removed & Sleeve done 5/27/14. Mind you I was first Banded in 2010 then Band replaced in 2014. I had success in the beginning with the Band, then the slips & not being able to tolerate food. Also the Band is not a FOREVER thing in which is not told in the beginning. I work in the medical field & 3 Nurses that had the Band for 7 plus years revised to sleeve & the Scar tissue from the band had started attaching to the Liver. My scar tissue wasn't bad at all being that I just had it replaced in 2014. I'm in the healing process but thanking GOD everyday that I not only maintained, but that I'm making it through day by day. Much success to each of you.
Correction 5/27/15 revision

Band removed & Sleeve done 5/27/15. Mind you I was first Banded in 2010 then Band replaced in 2014. I had success in the beginning with the Band, then the slips & not being able to tolerate food. Also the Band is not a FOREVER thing in which is not told in the beginning. I work in the medical field & 3 Nurses that had the Band for 7 plus years revised to sleeve & the Scar tissue from the band had started attaching to the Liver. My scar tissue wasn't bad at all being that I just had it replaced in 2014. I'm in the healing process but thanking GOD everyday that I not only maintained, but that I'm making it through day by day. Much success to each of you.

Very normal! And when you wake up on the other side you realize how glad you are that you did it! Hang in there!

Also. I did do it in one swoop. Very glad to be done. I had my band for 9 years. Doc said I was a mess but surgery went great! No complications. No nausea. 1 week later I could hardly tell I had surgery. Very glad I did it in one swoop.

I had lap-band revision as well a month ago on April 30th. I had my LB for 10 years and any issues I had during surgery were as a result of my LB. I am so happy that it is gone, and I can actually live my life with out gagging all the time. Good luck to you! You will do amazing.

Hi guys!
I had my band removed about one year ago. Wow. What a horror story. I was banded at age 15. I barley lost any weight initially. Maybe 20lbs. I plateaued for 3-4 years. Eventually my band got infected and my weight dropped dramatically. I started at 220 and dropped down to about 128. The weight loss was amazing. I was unable to eat or drink fluids for weeks. Eventually I had the band removed. I have gained over 45lbs since last year and got fed up with feeling like I was in a prison in my own mind. I applied for a loan, got approved and schedule my sleeve for this Saturday 06/06/15. I am so unbelievably excited and overwhelmed. I currently weigh 180 and can't wait to share my results. I am so overwhelmed with fright after reading people's unsuccessful stories. Albeit, rare, still very disconcerting. I will show you guys a before/after from last year!    

I had my revision six weeks ago. I hit a stall around week 4 for two weeks. I lost 3 lbs this last week putting me at 30lbs lost so far. Stick to Protein, don't graze, and get your Water in. The scale will move.

Seasoned sleevers, what was your weight loss like? I have read several posts where people have talked about slow weight loss after revision. I know our metabolisms are slower already since we had the band, but I haven't really lost any weight in the last week or so, just 3 was post op. Just curious as to others experiences....
Also, I noticed a bump under one portion of my incision where they removed my port. Last week, the entire incision was a little hard, now it is just at one end. Did anyone experience this? How long until it went away?

I had to do a 3 month supervised diet, get psych eval, and meet with a dietician once. I have POS Aetna same as you, submitted to Aetna and within a week they wanted more info. Since I had the band since 2006 and showed minimal weight loss they wanted yearly weigh in's to confirm I was compliant. Dr submitted info and I was approved in a few days. Surgery date June 26th 2015 Sleeve. YEAH! can't wait to have this band out of me!

Hey buddies, hope u are all doing well. Today was day one of purees. Anyone have any good recipes to share? I had mashed potatoes and then some tuna for lunch. I have been dragging a$$ without Protein (clearly not getting enough). I just pureed a small sliver of quiche tonight and it is actually pretty good. My weight loss is slow since last week when I added more Soups, just 2.4 since last week, but 26 lbs from start of pre op diet. I know I need to practice patience. I miss food, but was prepared to feel this way so I am not blind sided by it. How is everyone else doing?

I'm scheduled to have my band removed and sleeve surgery on June 12th. I was banded July 2009.

I revised 3.5 years ago lost over 160# and have kept off 150 of em.
My experience was band relied on restriction /pain...the sleeve less so. my sleeve is predictable calm and doesn't magically toss back "bad" foods. What it does is reduce hunger and capacity ...which combined with following bariatric guidelines achieves weight loss.
The sleeve has been what the band promised but never delivered.

@NewNewMe I was banded in 05 also. I also had a lot of damage from scar tissue, my surgeon couldn't even do the Sleeve revision at the same time as band removal. I am so thankful he was able to clear enough out, and that my stomach healed enough, that he was able to do the Sleeve. I hear that a lot of doctors wont do the lapband anymore... I am surprised that any still do knowing the complication rates.

Congratulations! I had my revision on 4/30/15. Had a band since 11/5/05. I am so glad to be rid of that horrible thing! I see people here looking to get one and I want to scream "don't do it". I get why they want to. You think it is less invasive and reversible. But when my doc told me after surgery how bad my stomach looked from that band and how close I was to my stomach closing off. I was really shocked. I am so glad it is done! So far I love my sleeve!

Band removed & Sleeve done 5/27/14. Mind you I was first Banded in 2010 then Band replaced in 2014. I had success in the beginning with the Band, then the slips & not being able to tolerate food. Also the Band is not a FOREVER thing in which is not told in the beginning. I work in the medical field & 3 Nurses that had the Band for 7 plus years revised to sleeve & the Scar tissue from the band had started attaching to the Liver. My scar tissue wasn't bad at all being that I just had it replaced in 2014. I'm in the healing process but thanking GOD everyday that I not only maintained, but that I'm making it through day by day. Much success to each of you.

Band removed & Sleeve done 5/27/14. Mind you I was first Banded in 2010 then Band replaced in 2014. I had success in the beginning with the Band, then the slips & not being able to tolerate food. Also the Band is not a FOREVER thing in which is not told in the beginning. I work in the medical field & 3 Nurses that had the Band for 7 plus years revised to sleeve & the Scar tissue from the band had started attaching to the Liver. My scar tissue wasn't bad at all being that I just had it replaced in 2014. I'm in the healing process but thanking GOD everyday that I not only maintained, but that I'm making it through day by day. Much success to each of you.

Hi - I have had the lap band for 2 years and I hate it. Stuck foods, throwing up. Too tight. Too loose. I have lost only 30 lbs. I have adapted bad eating habits (compensating for lack of food with liquids because of fear of eating and getting stuck). I had my band adjusted by a new doctor yesterday who strongly suggested I would do well with the Sleeve. I'd love anyone's thoughts on this subject. Thank you.

This is exactly what I needed to read tonight. Congratulations on your loss! I'm 9 months post op and stuck at an 85 lb. loss--need to lose about 60 more. I've let some carbs slowly creep back in, but I am recognizing I am VERY carb sensitive. You've given me the motivation to journey on and revisit those rules. It does work and thank you for the inspiration!

Started at 265. Sleeved at 254. Hit my goal of 154 after 7 1/2 months. And at 9 months post-op, I just hit my stretch goal of 148 this morning. My only remaining weight-loss goal now is to "touch" 145. Don't need to stay there, but 120 pounds down is a nice round number. And then comes the biggest (and hardest) goal of all..... Remain below 150 – forever! Can I do it? I definitely know how to lose the weight, the question is, do I know how to keep it off? That remains to be seen, but I've developed some strategies that seem to be working so far. I have to say, though, that aside from the first two weeks after surgery, this entire journey has been a blast! I've loved watching the scale go down and achieving each milestone, loved how I look and feel, loved fitting into nice clothes, loved all the compliments, even loved the exercise, and especially loved that diabetes, apnea, asthma, cholesterol, blood pressure, and achy joints are no longer factors in my life. And how'd I do it? Simply by following the rules of my program to a tee. And that's my biggest recommendation for others on this path. The rules are there for a reason – follow them! I appreciate all of the support and encouragement from this Forum and others, and wish all of you nothing but success in your journey to good health!!! If you have any questions about my program, send me a message and I'll try to give you a thoughtful answer.
-Rog-

When I look in the mirror all I see is flaws but with a real picture I cant deny the progress. Total weight loss 53 pounds. I am 5'4. 218 to 165 . 13 weeks out.

My surgeon explained to me that if possible he tries to do the removal and sleeve in one procedure, but if the scar tissue is too severe, he does it in two. Complications (leaks) arise more frequently when there is scar tissue, so he doesn't take the risk. That being said, he never knows what the scar tissue situation will be until he actually cuts into the patient; even people with no Band complications can still have scar tissue that should be allowed to heal before sleeve. When I asked him which people most commonly had to have their surgeries done separately, he said often they were the ones with complications like erosion, band slips and the like that had given them lots of pain and distress.

I revised band to sleeve 3.5 years ago. First surgeon I went to "poo poo'd " the sleeve and we didn't even discuss it. I had an irrational fear of bypass so just couldn't do it
I met someone who encouraged me to go to a very pro sleeve surgeon and he recommended sleeve. He also had the support network all set up.
I lost over 150 and have been maintaining just fine.
However I also think I was wrong to be so afraid of the bypass.

I had the lapband in May of 2010. I lost 50 lbs, but regained 15 of that. Everytime I would go in for a fill, within 12-18 hours later I would be back in Urgent Care with the acid reflux cough the next day back to surgeon having fill out. I tried it evey 6 months for the first 2 years, then just stopped going. I vomited almost with every meal after 2 bites. Very frustrating. In June 2014, I met back with a surgeon, he suggested the band be taked out so the vomiting would stop. I was scared, I did not want to gain the 35 pounds back. He suggested the sleeve, and I started the procedures. I had both surgeries, the same day with a over night stay, October 6.
Went back to work on the 15, and since that day I walk a mile on my lunch. Unfortunately, that is the only real exercise I get. Not that 1 mile 7 days a week is bad. I have lost 70lbs and have had no complications. Knock on wood.
My only regret, is not doing it sooner. Good Luck you will love it

Nutritional deficiencies are a major concern after weight loss surgery.
You eat less food, so you eat fewer nutrients.
Sleeve and bypass patients absorb fewer nutrients.
You eat less fat, which makes it harder to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamin A.< br>
Some bariatric surgery patients take one or two multivitamins, plus an entire barrage of high-dose Vitamin and mineral supplements. Others barely take any supplements. Which should you be taking? How do you even know whether you need a supplement? Can you prevent deficiencies just by eating a better diet?


VITAMIN A – Vision, immunity, and healthy red blood cells
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS
Very low-fat diet

Food Sources
Orange fruits (mango, cantaloupe)
Orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes,
Green vegetables (kale, spinach)
Liver

Deficiency Information
Blood test: serum retinol (vitamin A)
Consequences of deficiency: impaired vision; changes in Iron metabolism

Supplement Notes
High doses can be toxic – take only if your doctor prescribes them.

VITAMIN D – Calcium metabolism and bone health, affects immune function and heart health
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS
Very low-fat diet
Little skin exposure to sun, live in northern climate, or older age

Food Sources
Fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel)
Fortified milk
Egg yolks (if you are a bariatric surgery patient, you might mostly be eating egg whites)
Some fortified cereals

Deficiency Information
Blood test: 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Consequences of deficiency: osteoporosis (low bone mineral density and higher risk for fractures); possible higher risk for heart disease

Supplement Notes
High doses can be toxic – take only if your doctor prescribes them.
Need for supplementation is very common.

VITAMIN B12 – Healthy red blood cells, homocysteine metabolism (important in heart health)
Risk for Deficiency
WLS that reduces nutrient absorption: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS.
Plant-based diet.
Heavy bleeding: e.g., complication after WLS)
Older age

Food Sources
Animal-based foods: meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs
Some fortified cereals

Deficiency Information
Blood test: vitamin B12
Blood test: CBC (complete blood count)
Consequences of deficiency: risk of heart disease; megaloblastic anemia; permanent neurological damage; osteoporosis; depression

Supplement Notes
High doses not likely to be toxic.
Supplements may be necessary if you are on antacids such as proton pump inhibitors

FOLIC ACID – Healthy red blood cells, homocysteine metabolism (important in heart health), prevention of neural tube defects (for pregnant women)
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS
Low dietary intake – especially when grain intake is low after weight loss surgery

Food Sources
Fortified grains (most grains in the U.S.): including spaghetti, bread, cereal
Lentils
Asparagus
Orange juice
Spinach
Lima beans

Deficiency Information
Blood test: serum folate
Blood test: homocysteine
Consequences of deficiency: cognitive dysfunction; neural tube defects; megaloblastic anemia

Supplement Notes
High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiencies.

CALCIUM – Bone health, muscle function
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass, BPD-DS
Diet low in dairy products – either because of lactose intolerance or other reasons (such as avoiding milk because of the calories).

Food Sources
Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt (choose fat-free)
Fortified milk substitutes (almond milk, soy milk)
Fortified orange juice
Canned bony fish (salmon, sardines)
Green leafy vegetables (absorption is poor)
Some fortified cereals
Tofu

Deficiency Information
Blood test: calcium levels – note: this is not a good test for adequate calcium! You can have normal test results and still not have enough calcium in your diet!
Dietary intake analysis: see if you get at least 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams per day from your diet.
Rough estimate of dietary intake: at least 4 servings of high-calcium foods each day
Consequences of deficiency: decreased bone mineral density (osteoporosis and higher risk for bone fractures)

Supplement Notes
Taking too much calcium can cause kidney stones and be bad for the heart.
Ask your doctor how much calcium you should take in a Multivitamin and as a calcium (or calcium and Vitamin D or calcium and magnesium) supplement.
Don’t take your calcium supplement at the same time as iron because you will interfere with absorption

IRON – Healthy red blood cells, energy and other metabolism
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass, BPD-DS
Vegetarian or vegan (plant-based) diet
Adolescents and women of child-bearing age.
Individuals with excessive bleeding (such as with a post-op complication)

Food Sources
Fortified grains (most grains in the U.S.): including spaghetti, bread, cereal
Meat, seafood, and poultry (animal-based sources have a more absorbable form of iron)
Beans and lentils
Green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli
Potatoes
Raisins
Deficiency Information
Blood test: serum iron/Fe
Blood test: ferritin
Blood test: total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (high value means low iron status)
Blood test: hemoglobin and hematocrit

Supplement Notes
Iron supplements can be toxic even if your dose is not that high. Don’t take them unless your doctor prescribes them.
That includes iron in multivitamins.
Don’t take iron supplements at the together with calcium supplements.
Try to take supplements with Vitamin C (in food or as a supplement) to increase absorption.

THE OTHERS
The above deficiencies are most common among weight loss surgery patients, but other deficiencies are possible. You are at risk because of your low food intake as you restrict calories. Malabsorptive procedures, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, also put you at risk. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about any of the following Vitamins and minerals. Often, a simple blood test or even a run-through of your daily diet can help you figure out if you need an additional supplement over your daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.
B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin)
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Magnesium
Zinc

The Bottom Line
Nutritional deficiencies are a big risk after weight loss surgery, but they depend on a few different factors.
Type of weight loss surgery – sleeve and bypass patients are more prone to nutrient deficiencies than lap-band patients.
Your diet – eat Protein first and choose nutritious foods to lower your risk of deficiencies.
Genetics and other uncontrollable factors – women are more likely to need iron supplements, for example, than men.

Megadoses of vitamin and minerals can be toxic, so don’t prescribe them for yourself. Instead, contact your surgeon or regular doctor. Simple tests can often let you know your nutrient status so you can know which nutrients to supplement.