Jenpen197803

Hi Everyone! I'm just curious about how many of you were able to have your band removed and converted to a sleeve in one surgery or if you had to have two separate surgeries. Also, did any of your surgeons say they have a preference? My surgeon says he prefers to complete everything in one surgery assuming they're are no complications or major scar tissue. Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

Hi Everyone! I'm in South Jersey in Burlington County currently in the pre- op stage through Lourdes Hospital. Does anyone know of any South Jersey support groups? Lourdes offers them, but I can't always make their meeting time. I'd like to connect with other sleeve people in the area. Good luck on everyone's journey!!

My surgeon says he hardly places bands anymore and is doing several revisions a month. He's really supportive and positive about revisions. He said that lapbands just never performed the way they were "in theory" supposed to work. As long as you are comfortable and confident in your surgeon, you should be in good shape. If not, it never hurts to look around if you can.

Caela,you probably saw I posted the same concern, so I completely feel your concerns. Good luck and keep up posted on how you are doing in the weeks ahead!

Thanks so much for the replies! My surgeon said it should be just one surgery, but I want to be mentally prepares for whatever the outcome. It's just been stressful becauzd only my husband and therapist know what's going on. It's really nice to share on here with people that have been through or are going through the same situation. I just want to move on with my life, you know?

Thanks so much for the replies everyone. I have an appointment with my surgeon coming up and wanted to spend more time asking him about whether my revision is one or two surgeries. He briefly mentioned he usually does it in one, but I want to ask more questions. I just want to prepare mentally. Do any of you ever feel like this whole process can be mentally exhausting sometimes or am I the only one??

I've heard this as well. I haven't had my sleeve done yet, so I can't personally speak to it. My own theory is maybe because lap band people sometimes get into the habit of "grazing" throughout the day and may carry that habit into their sleeve life. Then, more calories are consumed. Again, it's just a theory that a few band to sleeve people I've talk to said they've struggled with at times.

Interesting! So for those of you who just had the band removed, did you go home the same day? I assumed I'd have to spend the night if this was the case.

Thanks for the responses! Liannatx, I've seen a few of your previous posts and it sounds like you had a lot of issues with your band! I'm curious, did the doctor do any tests or scans beforehand to estimate scar tissue or did they just figure it out during surgery? I haven't had a ton of band issues except for GERD whch led to emptying it a couple of years ago and that is leading to preparing for the sleeve this year. Thanks for everyone sharing! Like so many others, I'm trying to wrap my head around everything

Hi Linda and Amy! It's nice to connect with other people getting ready for surgery. Amy, my husband is a cancer survivor too, so I can relate to already worrying about long-term health in your twenties and thirties. Blessedly, he's been in remission for close to 9 years. I understand that feeling of being heavy my whole life. I'm also bit of an emotional eater, so I've been working with a counselor on these issues and it's definitely helped. Linda,what end of NJ are you? We are south jersey. What kind of protein drinks are you ladies drinking for pre op? I can always use suggestions!

Hi Amy! I'm Jenny and live in NJ. I have a 12 yo daughter and also married. We moved here from Ohio a few years ago. I'm scheduled to have the surgery at the beginning of February. I'm currently around 275lbs and 5'5"". I'm excited, but really nervous and still thinking a lot about it. What about you? How are you feeling?