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Where R my Struggling Bandsters? There's still hope!



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Just wanted to share my weight loss struggle! I had the lap band in 2009 lost about 60 pounds in 1 year. Everyday was a struggle, and for about 2 years I never found true restriction and would only lose weight by not eating and/or throwing up...Alot of foods just would not go down at all. I pretty much gained back all of the weight and accepted that I was a lap band failure. I know a few people who failed with the band, it happens, but what's not ok is giving up. I can only speak for myself, and the lap band was not the best tool for ME. I can honestly say, I have never been more pleased with my results with the gastric sleeve. I can actually eat dense Protein now without feeling stuck or throwing up, I actually can eat anything/everything in small portions and stay satisfiried. I am 8 months post op and have lost more than 80 pounds since June, In total from my heaviest its 102lbs! I'm not tryna bash the lap band, I just want those who are still struggling for years to know that there is still hope! You may want to look into getting a revision to the gastric sleeve. Congrats to those who have reached their goals with the band. Goodluck to u all...Below is my weight loss video...Dr.David Buchin is the doctor you would want to see if u live in NY and are interested in the sleeve

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Thanks for the post. I love the pics. Congrats.

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thanks guys :)

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I really want the gastric sleeve. Literally I can't get it out of my head. I had the Lapband in 2006 and all I ever lost was 60lbs. I now gained 20lbs back so it is like I only lost 40. I am convinced that the sleeve would do for me what the band never could. I was throwing up everything I ate and even throwing up in my sleep at one point and now I have ZERO ANYTHING from the band except one big headache. The best way I can describe my current situation is that it is like I never had the band at all. I am so encouraged to read stories like yours from patients that have converted to the sleeve. I have a lot of deciding to do !! You story is very encouraging :D

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Thanks so much!

Tina, hang in there! I know it sucks, trust me I was the same way. Sometimes I forgot I even had the lap band! and if your too tight, you end up throwin up, thats how I lost most of my weight. Until my mom told me enough is enough and that I have to eat! Once I got a slight unfill, it was all over! lol man you dont have to worry about that with the sleeve. Everyday is the same! you eat in small portions and your satisfied. All types of food goes down now. This is the only thing that works for me :) I hope you get a revision if thats what you want. Goodluck

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MsFab.... you look fabulous! Congratulations on what you have accomplished regardless of how you have achieved such great results!!!

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I keep seeing all these stories about banders get revisions to sleeve. The lap band helped me lose 40lbs I guess the rest was me and my band making me throw up. I've had my band since 2004. I'm wondering now if I'm even a candidate for revision bc I'm only at 211lbs. Is that even heavy enough to be considered?? I'm calling my Dr today bc I just had another fill and the reflux is back and some of the throwing up. We had taken some out to give my stomach a "rest." Your story is so inspirational, thank you so much for sharing. I wish they had had the sleeve when I had my band done all those years ago.

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Yes insurance covered my revision

Did insurance cover the revision?

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I keep seeing all these stories about banders get revisions to sleeve. The lap band helped me lose 40lbs I guess the rest was me and my band making me throw up. I've had my band since 2004. I'm wondering now if I'm even a candidate for revision bc I'm only at 211lbs. Is that even heavy enough to be considered?? I'm calling my Dr today bc I just had another fill and the reflux is back and some of the throwing up. We had taken some out to give my stomach a "rest." Your story is so inspirational, thank you so much for sharing. I wish they had had the sleeve when I had my band done all those years ago.

I too wish I knew about the Sleeve before doing the lapband. Honestly, you need alot of will power with the band, something I lacked thats why I wanted to get weightloss surgury to begin with! The band just makes it uncomfortable to eat, period. No restrcitions for me....The sleeve, man this is a miracle...Im confortable eating everything and I get restriction, makes me want to eat healthy forever!...Next month makes 1 year and im 20 pounds away from my goal! I strongly recommend a revision to the sleeve if your sturggling just dont stay with the band you will regret not doing something

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Hi MissFab!

and yes you do look FAB! (with all do respect) dont want to offend anyone out there. :0)

I do have a question for you.

Did your insurance cover your procedure after the band did not work for you?

Im going back after 1 1/2 year hiatus of not working on my band and I have an appointment to see my doctor in 2 weeks.

Just wanted to see other banders experience.

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Hi MissFab!

and yes you do look FAB! (with all do respect) dont want to offend anyone out there. :0)

I do have a question for you.

Did your insurance cover your procedure after the band did not work for you?

Im going back after 1 1/2 year hiatus of not working on my band and I have an appointment to see my doctor in 2 weeks.

Just wanted to see other banders experience.

Nine, I'm very curious to see if you do have any insurance problems. My band is working, but I'd like to have the option , to know I could change if I ever needed to. Thanks.

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