Hi guys, I used to stalk this forum a lot when I was pre op. Due to insurance issues I was switched from the band to the sleeve just 2 weeks before surgery. I was ok with this as I knew there was a risk that if I had the band, I might end up with the sleeve eventually, due to complications.

I don't have any experience with the band, as I didn't end up getting it, and am not trying to swing people over to the sleeve. I am posting on here to let you know that if circumstances change, if complications occur, if you are one of the ones that the band just isn't working for, the sleeve is not that bad and you can still have great results.

I'm only posting this because the advice I got from here was invaluable when I was pre op and making my decision. I wanted to return the favour somehow.

The band is a great tool, and for some, a great first step. If you find yourself having to take the 2nd step of revision to the sleeve, you have not failed and you can still expect great success.

Good luck on your weight loss journey.

210lb

Scars - 2 mo. post op.bmp

125lb. Surgery was on 13 August 2012.

Thank you for your public and private apology.

Everybody should check out this clip and remember it everyday of their lives. Wise words.

If you don't mind me asking. How tall are you and how much did u weigh when u had received the band.

If you don't mind me asking. How tall are you and how much did u weigh when u had received the band.

I didn't receive the band. I was supposed to, and spent a lot of time researching it, here and elsewhere, however just 2 weeks before surgery, my insurance refused to cover the band. My surgeon and I found a loophole that meant they would cover the sleeve, and I had that instead.

I'm 167cm or about 5"5'.

I'm posting on here because I spent more than a year researching and deciding on the band and then only had 2 weeks to get my head around the sleeve. I believe the more info you're exposed to, the more prepared you are for this big lifestyle change.

Oh ok thx for the info that's great the sleeve worked for you. That's crazy though that they wouldn't approve the band but they approved the sleeve. Insurance companies are crazy. I went through all this trouble before and they denied me so I'm going through everything again but with a different insurance and they said everything will work out but who knows I guess we won't know til it's time.

I have to be honest, I was devastated when I was denied, I think that's why I switched to the sleeve so quickly. I didn't want to have gone through a year of planning and supervised dieting and everything else for nothing.

I really hope everything works out for you this time and your surgery is a huge success. Good luck

Thanks I appreciate it. Good luck with everything.

To others participating in this discussion: I could be wrong (I know, I know, it's hard to imagine Jean ever being wrong), but I think Chez was responding to the title of this thread. "I don't belong here" does invite argument along the lines of "then why are you posting here?" However, I did read every line of what puppyphat said, and it was clear to me that she was offering encouragement.

To puppyphat: I don't agree with your statement that "the sleeve is not that bad" because my sleeve revision hasn't been good so far, but I'm glad it's worked out well for you, and know that you're welcome to post anywhere on LBT at any time, since as far as I know, having the band is not a prerequisite for LBT membership.

~hugs~ to Grammy...proud of you....for SO many reasons !!!

I was also confused why a non lb patient was endorsing the sleeve in a lb forum. But hey it doesn't matter how we get to our goals as long as we get there, right?

I recently had an unsolicited opinion of why I should get the sleeve and not rebanded from a local support group leader. This person knew nothing about my history or my doctor and was extremely rude and patronizing about my choice. She made me feel like I was ignorant, uneducated, and stupid.

I will admit I had the same first reaction as ChezNoel, but after reading through the thread am equally falling on my sword. I guess I'm a little testy from well meaning people injecting their unsolicited opinion. All my life people told me how to lose weight or how to think, which I guess makes me feel like I am always wrong. Deciding on the band by myself was the first time I did something because I thought it was right. And i had huge success! Perhaps I need to work on my confidence in myself, lol. And not be so sensitive.

Anyway. All thats internal and has Nothing to do with the original poster. By the way, you look just awesome! I AM very happy the sleeve works for you. And thanks for sharing your experience. If my replacement doesn't work I will be looking into permanent solutions, and the sleeve is at the top of the list.

I never stop learning about myself.

At first I wanted the sleeve and at the last minute as of 2 weeks ago my insurance will not cover it! I am not trying to be rude or hateful and I understand that people have bad days but I have been noticing a lot of rude comments from cheznole from my very first post when I asked about protien shakes!I was under the impression this is a support group! I am finding support from a friend that had the gastric bypass and another that had the sleeve!