Becca

Men always lose weight easier though. I wonder if a woman did this if the results would be the same. I don't know if I could eat that for two months! BLAH~

I am having a band to sleeve revison due to a small slip and broken tubing. My doctor says that once your band has slipped there is a VERY HIGH chance it will happen again. When I was waiting for my endoscope, I met a girl who was in for her second slip. She was hoping her doctor could fix it, but when he went in, she had to have her band taken out. She was in tears when we woke up together in recovery and the nurse told her. I felt so bad for her. If you research, you will see the evidence of all the horrible issues that having a lapband long (and in some cases short) term can have. My advice is to have the sleeve, but I guess my opinion will be a little more validated after my surgery on December 20. Good luck!

I will pray for you! I know how your feel. I had an exclusion and paid $8,000 for a lapband that didn't work. Even though I have coverage now, I still have a $2,800 co-pay for my revision. Are you sure the hospital won't allow a payment plan? I would think they would rather have a payment plan than to not cover the surgery at all- since they will still get plenty of money from the insurance. I would call and speak to someone at the hospital and explain your situation. Don't give up!

Glad you are doing okay now! I will know to buy the lactose free milk after my surgery!!!

We can always start our own group. We just need to think of somewhere that is centrally located. I bet if we make a post on the main page (tell your story) we will get more of the Houston area sleevers to respond. I live in Northwest Houston.

Hugs and prayers!

I am having my surgery December 20th and I couldn't be happier. I get so tired of being depressed every holiday season because I haven't lost weight. It will be nice to not have that feeling this year, even though I am sure I will miss the holiday treats just a little. Good luck in whatever you decide!

My doctor's office and the hospital I am having surgery at (University General) have support groups. Maybe after I have surgery in December we can see if we can get all the Houston and surrounding area sleevers together. That would be fun!

Don't feel bad about giving up...I did the exact same thing! I got a major leak and since I was self pay, I gave up too. Over two years after they found my leak, I started having serious pain (tubing came disconnected and was poking me in the abdomen). Luckily, I do not have a weight loss exclusion on my insurance anymore and my revison is next month. If your band does have a problem (slip, leak, etc), most insurances with cover it. We will be cheering for you!

Congrats and welcome!

I am so glad you are doing well. I wish you lots of success!

Great! I will look for it~

How awesome for you! I know you must feel so happy. I am going to watch your vlog now! : )

Hi there! I had my band in 2007 and I am through with the band as well. As far as revisions, insurance will cover the sleeve if you have an problem with your band pretty easily. I am not sure about coverage if nothing is wrong. I read that if you have not lost significant weight, they will consider a revision. All insurance policies are completely different though. You can call or go online to see what your coverage is. Most people have the revision surgery in one operatation. That is how mine will be and I believe most on the forum. Sometimes, if there is too much damage from erosion or scar tissue, they have to perform the surgery in two operations. My doctor performed an endoscope to make sure it was safe to do everything at once. Good luck and I really hope you get approval for your sleeve. Bands are such a pain! I can't wait to get rid of mine!

Sure! I believe the sleeve is actually one of the safest surgeries for weight loss. At first, I was worried when they said it was not reversible. But honestly, the band isn't reversible. All of us with the band have damage to our stomachs and scar tissue when they take it out. Most people with a sleeve will tell you it is the best decision they have ever made. I know it is what I want and need to do. Good luck!

Good for you! Your post is too funny, even though I know how bad you want the sugar! You can do it!

I have received mixed reviews from people about my surgery. I have decided not to really talk about it anymore. The people who are the most negative from my experience are those WITHOUT a weight problem. This is so NOT the easy way out. How is surgery easy? Good luck with your journey. We are always here for you!

Hi all, I was so excited about getting my date yesterday, that I forgot to ask my doctor if I will have to do a liquid diet before surgery. If you have had a revision will you please let me know what you had to do? I see my doctor again in three weeks for all the official pre-op stuff. I would just like to have an idea of what to expect. Thanks!!!

I am so happy for you. The approval process can seem to take forever, but it is so worth it when you get your date!

Wow! You are really looking great!

Awesome! We will both be December sleevers!

Hello everyone! I just had to share the great news that I am getting sleeved on December 20. I am VERY happy! I am just so thankful to have a second chance after dealing with my disfunctional lapband for over three years. Yeay!

I won't have to worry about getting the fill out since the tubing is cracked, broken off, and empty. LOL Three days of liquids doesn't sound too bad. Thanks for letting me know!

I think you should do it! You have already come this far. PLEASE don't have band. It has honestly been nothing but a big painful mess. I was scared at first when my doctor told me about the sleeve. I think that is normal. I am really excited now though! Watch some of the Youtube videos and read the posts of the successes. The pain is only the first few days or so. Then you get to start living the life you know you want and deserve.

I have a failed lapband as well. I am so glad you are sharing this. I feel more lapband patients need to speak the truth about the pain and trouble they cause. I was reading an article about how in Sweden, one of the first countries to use the lapand, there is an 85% failure rate at 10 years out. I wish I had known that before I had my band put it. My band worked for awhile, but I haven't had restriction in about three years. Although, I will randomly slime up at the most inconvienent times. If your doctor won't give you answers, seek a revision specialist. My doctor is so wonderful and was able to explain all my complications. I am having my revison in December. Hang in there!