I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who has been at or close to goal weight and needed to convert from band to sleeve. My body just isn't tolerating the band any more. I'm afraid of the long term complications of having so much of your stomach removed and loosing too much weight. At most I can only lose another 30lbs. But, without a "stop" button, I'll be right back to 285lbs or close to it. The more I read about the sleeve, the more it seems to do what I thought the band would. To be able to eat salad, veggies and fresh fruit again would be amazing

Thanks - Mary

Wow, Jean, I read your post from yesterday and then today's and wow! You've had quite the experience. I have "Bandwagon" and count it as one of my best resources for the band. I've loaned it to a few people who are considering the band based on my weight loss success. I've recommended it to others who have the band and have struggled. Thank you for your honesty. You're right, 5 months out may be too soon to say whether you love the sleeve or not. I love my band too and I haven't quite reconciled that I'm going to lose it. Knowing that I have to wait for a period of time before I can do anything else has motivated me to do what I can to prevent unnecessary weight gain. I've already gained 30 pounds over this last year so I can't let this go. I'm worried BUT proactive.

I just wanted to say how grateful I am for having this board and being able to share the "not always positive" experiences we've had with our lapbands and other WLS. I'm on a few other online forums but they're mostly for folks thinking about the band or new bandsters and it doesn't feel like the appropriate place to talk about my troubles. I'm happy for this place, to be able to read what others have gone (or going) through, to ask my questions and to share my experiences. I would feel pretty isolated without it so I am grateful!

Thank you so much for posting ladies. I have to agree that this site can be a real life line. I'm really hopeful that my insurance will cover the conversion. I've decided to go back and work with the nutritionist and psychologist. Since I have to wait 3 months anyway, I might as well work with them - both for insurance and to see if I really am at the point that I don't need another WLS. I have to admitt that without the Band, it is a lot more work to keep up with food - weighing - measureing, documenting ect. In some ways, I had gotten to the point where I just didn't need to think about food because I could only put so much in at one time. I'm curious what you aren't loving with the sleeve.

Mary

Wow, Jean, I read your post from yesterday and then today's and wow! You've had quite the experience. I have "Bandwagon" and count it as one of my best resources for the band. I've loaned it to a few people who are considering the band based on my weight loss success. I've recommended it to others who have the band and have struggled. Thank you for your honesty. You're right, 5 months out may be too soon to say whether you love the sleeve or not. I love my band too and I haven't quite reconciled that I'm going to lose it. Knowing that I have to wait for a period of time before I can do anything else has motivated me to do what I can to prevent unnecessary weight gain. I've already gained 30 pounds over this last year so I can't let this go. I'm worried BUT proactive.

I completely understand why you're worried, but try not to let it take over your life, because anxiety tends to send us to the refrigerator (or bakery, or McDonalds). On the other hand, if you can use the worry to fuel your healthy eating commitment, it can work to your advantage.

Thanks for telling others about Bandwagon!

Jean

Thank you so much for posting ladies. I have to agree that this site can be a real life line. I'm really hopeful that my insurance will cover the conversion. I've decided to go back and work with the nutritionist and psychologist. Since I have to wait 3 months anyway, I might as well work with them - both for insurance and to see if I really am at the point that I don't need another WLS. I have to admitt that without the Band, it is a lot more work to keep up with food - weighing - measureing, documenting ect. In some ways, I had gotten to the point where I just didn't need to think about food because I could only put so much in at one time. I'm curious what you aren't loving with the sleeve.

Mary

You're wise to put those 3 months of waiting to good use. it can only help you in the long run.

As for why I'm not loving my sleeve, read the post I made on a different thread (see the link I posted above), and then if you still have questions, let me know.

I was banded four years ago and my band and I both quit on each other. I was thinking of converting to sleeve but have to wait for insurance approval. In the mean time, My new Dr. says to work with the band some more and try to get back on track with it. So that's what we're going to do. He gave me a little fill and I am to start back to eating right with smaller portions. I started yesterday and so far so good. I even went to the gym this morning.

Ebonymc, I think that's sound. I would do anything to make my band work for me before I would want to try another surgery. Your surgical options are limited and permanent. If you try everything and it doesn't work, then you'll be better prepared to make your decision.

Well, I'm hoping that giving my band another chance will make a difference. So far in the past few days it has. I'm trying hard with my diet and getting in my exercise. I have lost 5 lbs and starting to get motivated again. I know it's too soon to talk, but I feel that's a good start. Thanks for the encouragement.

That's awesome, it sounds like you're on the right track. It is a process and the band can be fickle but I think it's a great tool! Keep up the good work!