Barbwired

I guess I'm lucky, I use artificial sweeteners all the time with no issues at all. Didn't realize how lucky I was I guess. :-)

Hello, I just had a conversion from band to sleeve September 21st. I was banded in 2010 and loved it and did really well until a few years ago when the GERD became unbearable. They removed the fluid from my band first and I had to wait about 6 months to get the surgery and I gained 40 pounds, the result of no restriction and not being able to work out because my gym closed due to Covid. Yes, I know I could have worked out on my own but I'm not good at that at all LOL. I've been doing fitness boot camp for years and it's the only thing that works for me. I need a coach to crack the whip, otherwise I tend to just stay on the couch. The surgery was much easier than I thought it would be and GERD has not been a problem, but I am still on Omeprazole. It's too bad you can't have the revision all at once rather than having two surgeries, but it sounds like you're doing the right thing. I think this is pretty common now and most people do really well. My weight loss has been slow, partly because of my age (60) and because I still haven't been back to the gym, it's open again but I still don't think it's safe to go. Unfortunately for me if I don't work out every day I just don't lose weight. It's always been that way for me. I am glad I had the revision though and I'm trying to figure out a way to get my workouts in on my own. I'll get there! I wish you luck on your journey, I'm sure you'll do well and I'm sure you're making the right decision!

I love these Wasa Crispbreads. Only 20 calories each and they're really yummy with a little melted cheese on top. Great way to have a snack and satisfy my crunchy salty cravings. Also makes for a nice lunch with some tuna or chicken salad on top. They also come in other flavors like rye, flax seed, sourdough etc. but this one is my favorite.

I am getting my revision from band to sleeve on Monday, September 21st. There was no problem with the insurance covering it but I had to go through the whole program again like I did with the band so it took months. Then Covid hit and all surgeries were postponed so it's been a long wait. I got my band in 2010 and loved it and did really well, but a couple of years ago I started getting horrible GERD that was caused by the band. They had to take all the fluid out and since then I've put back on 40 pounds and I'm miserable. The fact that my gym closed and I couldn't go to my usual exercise class everyday didn't help either. I'm pretty sure your insurance will cover it, but it might take awhile if they make you go through the whole program again like they did with me. Good luck!

I don't know how you do it, you're a stronger person than I am! If I can't eat it, I can't cook it LOL!

I'm sorry but is there some reason why your husband can't cook for now until you're ready to eat solid foods again? It DOES seem very cruel that you have to cook what you can't eat. Again I'm sorry but that's just not fair at all to you.

I loved my band and lost over 100 pounds but a couple of years ago I started getting horrible GERD so they removed all of the fluid from my band, and then Covid hit so I couldn't go to the gym and I've put back on 40 pounds and I'm miserable. They're going to remove the band and hopefully do the sleeve in the same surgery.

I should clarify; Had a band in 2010 and getting a revision to sleeve on 9/21.

I'm scheduled for 9/21. Terrified and excited all at the same time!

Thanks Sandra. Great job on your weight loss! :-)

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Thanks for sharing your story and I'm sorry to hear you're struggling. I'm crossing my fingers for you that things get better. Sending positive vibes your way!

I also had the lap band 10 years ago and loved it. I lost over 100 pounds and life was good until the gastric reflux started. It got so bad I was aspirating stomach acid into my lungs and I had to sleep in a chair. They removed all of the fluid from the band and the reflux went away and then I started on the track to get a revision to a sleeve. It seemed to me that I shouldn't have had to gone through the whole program for approval again but I did. I'm now waiting to get my surgery date finally after 6 months, which was probably a little longer because of Covid. Unfortunately having the band deflated and my gym closing (I was working out like crazy and now I've just stopped) I've gained a ton back. I'm so frustrated. Hoping to get the sleeve in 4-6 weeks, fingers crossed.

So has this been your experience?

Thank you Barbara. Great job with your weight loss!