jaxmom

I got my band converted to a sleeve this past Wednesday. I too have the side pains and lots of bruising (scar tissue removal) and gas. I keep lapping up those GasX strips and maybe they help? I don't know.... All I do know at this point is that my son is 10 and any gas in any form is a source of hilarity so right now, I'm the funny parent- wooohooo me!!!! Now if he mentions it to any of his little school buddies we may have problems....

Kindafamiliar these message boards need more people like you. Just sayin take care everyone! sleep well and no gassing any tooth fairies, sock gnomes, sandman or boogie man. Just hang in and wake up happier and hopefully thinner.

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My procedure was 8:45 am Wednesday and I was home by noon on Thursday. I'm in a lot of pain compared with the initial lap band surgery but my doctor said there was a lot of scar tissue. I'm taking it very, very slowly.

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Wow after reading these I'm SO happy i woke up with a sleeve!!! I had no idea until the actual day of the surgery that there was a possibility of it being done in 2 steps. I'm GLAD i didn't know because I would have been so upset and worried that i would wake up with no sleeve!!!! My doctor is extremely cautious and I had a ton of scar tissue from the band but he made it work and i love him for not making me go through 2 procedures. Yes.... This hurts way more than the band (and I have a super high pain tolerance) but it's quite a procedure. The healing time, etc. is much more involved. Plan to take it super easy on yourself, Rest, have a great support team and you will be fine.

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Ruth1ess how do you feel? Are you on a full liquid diet?

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I have to be honest... The sleeve recovery is quite more challenging than when I was lap banded in the Dominican Republic. My doctor said I had an extensive amount of scar tissue to work through which made my surgery longer and my pouch much smaller than normal. Still, I'm a big girl, this is what I wanted, but right now at this moment? OUCH! :)

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Conversion from band to sleeve April 20th in Jacksonville, Florida. Anyone else a Southern Sleever?

Mine took a little longer than he anticipated because I had a ton of scar tissue from my band that was being removed. I think 2 hours total. I was so excited and relieved when I woke up enough to discover that my doctor HAD been able to do the conversation even with so much scar tissue. As a result, however I have a VERY small pouch. I'm not going to complain though, this is what I have been dreaming about! Anyone else sleeved in Jacksonville Florida this April?

Ok, I really need some help and advice. I got banded on January 6th. At the time, the doctor put 2 cc's in my band. I went for my first fill yesterday and got 2 more cc's. I have no restriction whatsoever. I called the doctor and they told me not to worry, " It may take 3 or 4 fills before I feel any restriction." My doctor sees me once a month. So... Am I supposed to go along with no restriction until June possibly? I just don't get it. Should I call the office and push for another fill? I know the band is not a miracle cure- you still need to be very aware of what you are eating, working out, etc. I am doing all these things! Right now I feel like my band is a piece of plastic and I have a neat scar...:cursing:

Thank goodness I found this thread. I had my surgery done in the Dominican Republic on 1/6/10 and got my first fill today. The problem is, I still don't feel any restriction! So here is my question- how long until I can go back for another fill? Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Thanks for the info. I was banded in the Dominican Republic and am looking for someone to do my fills. Question for you- How long did you have to wait after surgery to get your first fill? Does he use a floro? Any idea on price? I REALLY appreciate any information!!

I am so glad I found this thread. I was banded on 01/06/2010 in the Dominican Repubic. My doctor really didn't give me a lot of instructions other than to drink lots of liquids. I went to a seminar in Jacksonville Florida (where I live) and the doctor who gave the seminar said after a day or so of liquids, he recommended his patients start eating normally. He said too many people go overboard on the cream Soups, grits, ice cream etc. and actually gain weight. What gives? I am very worried my band is working at all. I feel as though I can eat as before and don't feel a thing. HELP!!!!

I just got banded in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday (I'm typing this from the DR Hilton where I am recovering) and I feel GREAT. The day of surgery was no fun but the day after I felt fine. In fact, the only thing that is bothering me now is the pain in my shoulder OUCH and the feeling of fullness and swelling in my tummy from the gas they pump in. I am drinking clear liquids and am looking forward to some real food in 15 days.

If anyone wants info about surgery in the DR or the experience through Global Medical, feel free to send me an email - I would be happy to share my experience.

Good luck fellow bandsters!!! I'm off to see the sights!!

I'm having surgery in the Dominican Republic on January 5th so I needed someone to do my fills as well. Turns out, I can have them done at the hospital here in the states where I wanted to have surgery (but was denied by insurance). They told me that it will cost $1000 up front and $75 a fill. I really think it's worth it because the actual surgeon will do the fills and I will have access to support groups the nutritionist, etc.

I checked out some info on Fill Centers and have heard good and bad. My biggest issue was that I wanted somewhere close- it sounds like sometimes, you need to go back a few days later because the fill was not enough, too much, etc. I didn't want to have to drive for hours and possibly not get the best care.

Best of luck!

Hi All!

I am going to be banded on January 5th in the Dominican Republic. My insurance would not pay (my BMI is 39 but I have no other conditions) so I'm out of pocket. I live in Jacksonville, Florida, and would love to meet some other bandsters in the area.

This website is amazing. I love how willing everyone is to share their stories. It's what convinced me to go ahead and have the surgery!

:thumbup:

Hi Everyone!

I am a newbie who is ready to be banded. I am from Jacksonville, Florida and unfortunately, insurance will not cover my procedure (my BMI is a 38.5 and it needs to be 40). I am planning on having my procedure done in the Dominican Republic by Dr. Leino. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I found this site- the information is wonderful.

Anyone banded in the Dominican recently? If so, I would love to hear your experience. I am taking my mom with me and I was wondering where she will stay while I'm having the procedure. Also, any info on the hotel? I read the Dominican Fiesta and some of the reviews said it was horrible. I spoke to someone at Global Medical and she assured me it was ok and had recently been redone...

At any rate, it's not about the hotel (just kinda worried for mom) it's about being banded and starting a new, healthy life!!!

Again, that you all for sharing your stories. I'll let you know when surgery date is!