has anyone had their band removed and got the sleeve? I am thinking of doing this not for complications reasons but the band doesn't seem to be helping me anymore.. i need some advice thanks!

What do you mean it isn't "helping" you?

well the first year i lost 100 lbs and since then i have been struggling to lose any more i was sticking to the plan and excercising for a long time but then i got discouraged and stopped trying as hard because the weight stopped coming off... i feel i can eat too much and have had to have a couple unfills as things kept getting stuck and i was throwing up a lot

well if you eat more than your allotted amounts, and you take in more calories than you can burn off, you will gain or not lose. that will happen if you have the sleeve or bypass. instead of opting for another WLS, how about regrouping and use the one you have. revisit the dr/nutritionist, knuckle down and eat healthier foods ( you lost 100 pounds so you know what to do) and exercise. the band will work if (you) help it. just my opinion, hope I did not offend.

I'm sorry you're struggling.

I'm not going to try to talk you out of the Sleeve- you have to do what is best for you. But you have to realize even with the Sleeve you have to make good food choices and limit your portions. Really, with any WLS, they require lifestyle changes for life to be successful with them. With the Sleeve you definitely can still over eat, only then it stretches your stomach and you're left with no options to "fix" it.

Also keep the mind the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. The band is meant to keep our hunger under control but it's not supposed to force you to stop eating. Too often people end up too tight by expecting this. Have a look at this link, I think it will help a lot: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Do your homework so you know the benefits and risks. I'd also talk to your surgeon. Just remember, regardless of which WLS you choose the work will always be yours. WLS is just a tool not a magic fix for fat.

Best wishes on your decision.

thanks for the responses ... i do have an appt with my surgeon today for a fill i think i am gonna request to get an xray to make sure my band hasn't slipped or anything and take it from there... you are right it is just a tool I think too many times i depend on it to do more than it's supposed to. I think i just need a lot of encouragement and discipline to really get back at it again and not give up if things slow down again... and i certainly was not offended by your comments/... i appreciate the input

thanks for the responses ... i do have an appt with my surgeon today for a fill i think i am gonna request to get an xray to make sure my band hasn't slipped or anything and take it from there... you are right it is just a tool I think too many times i depend on it to do more than it's supposed to. I think i just need a lot of encouragement and discipline to really get back at it again and not give up if things slow down again... and i certainly was not offended by your comments/... i appreciate the input

I agree what the others have told you and I wish you all the best.

My question is, have you continued with your support meeting, either here or somewhere else?

I think we could really help you, supporting you here and I hope you stick around .

Good Luck!

i go to my surgeon's support group every month but i feel the people there tend to be very fake and saying the things the dr wants to hear and not being real. because to them all they ever talk about is the good things not the things that they struggle with ... and i will stick around i have been on this site for 3 years now so i'm not going anywhere