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Lap Band revision to sleeve?



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Hi. I'm in the same boat as many of you, as it would seem. I'm about 4 years out from being banded the first year was the greatest year of my adult life. The band was so helpful and I had very little problems. Then the 2nd year, trouble started slowly....vomiting, not tolerating ANY bread, red meat and really only chicken as Protein. This lady year has been the worst. Probably my biggest problem was when I was banded, it was covered by my then husbands insurance...when we divorced the insurance went too and only my insurance, which no way covered anything to do with bariatric. So, I didn't see a surgeon for just about 3 years....now, new insurance, new surgeon and really wanting this band out....gained 40lbs cuz most days and barely get Water or any Fluid down and resorting to lots of spoonfuls of creamy Peanut Butter late at night. Vomiting every single day almost any "real" meal just vary crazy way to live....hoping for band to be removed and getting the gastric sleeve. Seems like there's no question that I need the restriction and this procedure seems like it's the way to go. Thanks for whomever listens, just good to get it off my chest to people whom understand. My new hubby is a chef and just doesn't get not eating...he actually gets hurt cuz I can't eat most of his delicious meals.

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Hi. I'm in the same boat as many of you' date=' as it would seem. I'm about 4 years out from being banded the first year was the greatest year of my adult life. The band was so helpful and I had very little problems. Then the 2nd year, trouble started slowly....vomiting, not tolerating ANY bread, red meat and really only chicken as Protein. This lady year has been the worst. Probably my biggest problem was when I was banded, it was covered by my then husbands insurance...when we divorced the insurance went too and only my insurance, which no way covered anything to do with bariatric. So, I didn't see a surgeon for just about 3 years....now, new insurance, new surgeon and really wanting this band out....gained 40lbs cuz most days and barely get Water or any Fluid down and resorting to lots of spoonfuls of creamy Peanut Butter late at night. Vomiting every single day almost any "real" meal just vary crazy way to live....hoping for band to be removed and getting the gastric sleeve. Seems like there's no question that I need the restriction and this procedure seems like it's the way to go. Thanks for whomever listens, just good to get it off my chest to people whom understand. My new hubby is a chef and just doesn't get not eating...he actually gets hurt cuz I can't eat most of his delicious meals.[/quote'] WOW I sure know what you are going thru. So not the way to be living. Have you seen a new surgeon yet? I have been during some looking around and really think I'm going to go to the band. I just need to reach out to my dr now and get the ball rolling. I'm so done being sick and not bring able to eat.

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Hi. I'm in the same boat as many of you, as it would seem. I'm about 4 years out from being banded the first year was the greatest year of my adult life. The band was so helpful and I had very little problems. Then the 2nd year, trouble started slowly....vomiting, not tolerating ANY bread, red meat and really only chicken as Protein. This lady year has been the worst. Probably my biggest problem was when I was banded, it was covered by my then husbands insurance...when we divorced the insurance went too and only my insurance, which no way covered anything to do with bariatric. So, I didn't see a surgeon for just about 3 years....now, new insurance, new surgeon and really wanting this band out....gained 40lbs cuz most days and barely get Water or any Fluid down and resorting to lots of spoonfuls of creamy Peanut Butter late at night. Vomiting every single day almost any "real" meal just vary crazy way to live....hoping for band to be removed and getting the gastric sleeve. Seems like there's no question that I need the restriction and this procedure seems like it's the way to go. Thanks for whomever listens, just good to get it off my chest to people whom understand. My new hubby is a chef and just doesn't get not eating...he actually gets hurt cuz I can't eat most of his delicious meals.

I am in your shoes. Self pay 08. Band slipped. New Insurance, with coverage. BUT - I'm a bad "band patient" - I had my surgery in SW FL in 08. In 2010 I moved to BFE, Vermont - the woods basically. Didn't see about new insurance covering anything and closes doc was 100 miles one way - yeah - NOT! In the snow and sleet. So I had no problems therefore no doc. BAD GIRL! So I get back to FL - praise the lord - and with coverage - AND TON'S OF PROBLEMS. My band slipped and I've gained over 40lbs since Feb - and climbing. I can eat ANYTHING - but it hurts. My insurance won't pay for sleeve because I didn't see a doc in over 3 years. They will cover "emergent" surgery to remove, but that means me basically going to the doc and stating I can't live like this I'm in pain all day every day. Which I'm not unless I overeat - their answer - "Don't over-eat" - HELLO...I've been obese my whole life, elected to get cut on to help that so what makes them think I would be able to diet now. Anyway, I''m ranting and raving. SORRY. I'll keep you posted with my development's please do the same. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

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I had my band installed in March of 2010. I had great success, and in the first year lost 100 pounds, and felt great. Over time of trying to get the fill in the band adjusted to be right, I gradually gained about 30 pounds. In August 2013, I had a slip, which caused my stoma to be completely closed, and even after removal of all the Fluid, the stoma stayed closed. I ended up having my band unbuckled and my gall bladder removed. To say that I am disappointed with the Lap Band process is an understatement. In researching my options, I have found many long term complications with the Lap Band. I am now working my surgeon and insurance company to get revision to the VSG.

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I also had my band in 2009. Lost 104 lbs in 18 mths and then it slipped. I guess vomiting everyday can cause that! The nightime reflux started. After numerous unfills/fills/tweaks, it never fixed itself. I gained 30 lbs 4 mths ago, I revised to the sleeve (in 1 surgery). While I've only lost 22 lbs in 4 mths (knew Id lose slower cuz I started at 174), I'm loving my sleeve so far. I take Prilosec twice a day most likely forever. If it takes 2 pills everyday forever to keep obesity and reflux away, I will do it.

I have 22 lbs to goal. Ive lost 50% of my excess weight in 4 mths. I guess it's not too bad. Im going to start watching more of what I put in my mouth. Ive been tossing around the same 2 lbs for the past month. Maybe my nighttime snacking is the culprit? I will get to 130 someday. I'm now in a size 8 (from a 22 4 yrs ago) and if I never lost another lb, Id be happy. And I've only vomited once since being sleeved, vs almost everyday with the band. And I dont have to drive 3 hrs each way and pay $180 for every fill/unfill (at 1 point after my slip, I was in there 5x in 1 mth). The constant adjustments are not fun at all.

Good luck with ur decision. I will say this: The sleeve was a much more painful post op recovery than the band. My band was easy peasy. Sleeve was not fun at all. Used the liquid Vicodin for 12 days. Was in the hospital 48 hrs (average stay) vs 24 hrs with the band. But would I do it again? Absolutely! Just not vomiting everyday was worth it for me...

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I am 2.5 years out from having my lap band. I lost over 120lbs in the first year. Since about the beginning of year two I have been struggling. I had an overfill and had to have Fluid removed. Since then I've had fills and unfills. I've put back about 40lbs. I have also been struggling with acid reflux severely at night. I had an endoscopy. Tried different kind of acid reducers, not eating 4+ hours before bed and it still doesn't go away. The only time I do not experience the reflux is if my band is pretty much unfilled (less than 2cc) which means I have no restriction. Now I know some of you lose weight without the restriction but for me the only way I lost the weight was restriction (and exercise!). Now that I have none, I am thinking why have the band? I saw my surgeon this week. After listening to my concerns and reviewing my history. He is recommending I have the band out and look into having the sleeve? Anyone else thinking about the sleeve or have any feedback? I am truly confused and overwhelmed. I tend to think why have this foreign object in my body if it is not helping with my weight loss anymore and only causing me issues. Anyone else thinking about the sleeve or have any feedback? Thanks in advance!

I have heard drinking Alkaline Water with a Ph of 9+ will eliminate all excess acids ; you can even Google it as they sell Machines for this for home.

Also note Cancer cant live in an alkaline body!

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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