Heidi22

My brief story is that I was banded 6 years ago. Horrible tool. I lost about 40 lbs. and have gained back about 35. I am now starting the process of getting insurance company approval for the gastric sleeve. I am terrified of this surgery! I have to follow a 6-month diet prior to approval and I've started and stopped twice due to changing my mind. I just can't get passed permanently removing part of my stomach. I'm searching for any advice you can offer. Will my stomach eventually stretch back out (if I overeat? I assume that after a year or so that I want it to stretch out a little. Can you eat carbs? Will I be able to take normal size Vitamins again. Will food get stuck like in the band? Can I eat carbs while sleeved (even if it's just a 1/4 cup)? Did anyone have malnutrition issues? hair loss issues? What do you struggle with the most being sleeved? Anyone else that was banded first that can make a comparison of the two? Any information on long term effects of the sleeve? I've done some research but just don't seem to find enough information. Sorry for the all my questions - I just need HELP!