Hey everyone, first of I have to say I love this site! I have been reading the posts non-stop for about 4 days.

About myself..I got my band back in 5/07 with Dr. Aceves, I actually loved it..until about 6 months ago. For the last year I have been getting fill unfill fill unfill, anytime I would get the slightest fill I couldn't eat and I'd end up having to get an even bigger unfill. My US doctor finally tested me and told me that I have a slip and I'm going to need to get my band removed (he does lap band surgeries here in Portland so I think that he wants to do it for me) but I don't trust myself without my band, it hasn't worked for me for the last six months to a year but its like my comfort blanket and I still have 30 to 40 pounds to loose. All this being said I am thinking of going back to see Dr. Aceves for a revision, and you all have such good advise so I was wondering if I could ask you all some questions...

First, do you think I would be a good candidate for the sleeve? I am currently 160 lbs, up about 15 lbs from my lowest last year...I am concerned that he will think I am too small for a revision, but I want to do something before I gain more weight back.

Also I have been reading all sorts of things about different sleeve/bougie sizes..I am new at this so I might be wrong..but do you think I would need a smaller bougie size, like a 32f, since I am starting out at a lower weight. I read that Dr. Aceves uses a 36F bougie, do you think Dr. Aceves would go smaller for me? Or will it even make a difference?

Last question...for now..:thumbup1:..this is for people that are a little farther out. Do you still have good restriction? I did really well with the band, I had about 120 lbs to loose when I got my band and I lost about 80 in the first year and then slowly lost a little more until my band started acting up. I know I can loose the rest if I have good restriction. I am just scared that I will loose my restriction (like w/ my band) and in a couple years I will end up in the same spot.

Thank you guys for all your help! I really appreciate any responses!

~Beth

I followed Dr. Aceves post op diet to the letter. Since he did your revision, I sincerely doubt you need to worry about a leak. He has never had one, so I can't see any reason why you would be his first.

On my 10 days of full liquid, I had egg drop Soup from the Chinese restaurant. I had a lot of different Protein shakes and tomato soup with cottage cheese blended in a blender so that it was smooth and creamy. I also had yogurt.

On my 10 days of soft foods, I ate a lot of chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad. I choose whatever foods were on the list I was given.

When I moved to solids, I decided I didn't like the feeling so I stayed on mushies longer and tried a couple bites of solids per day. It was not easy in the beginning. I got full from 2-4 bites of food. One time I ate some fish and thought I was going to explode.

I needed to learn to stop eating before I felt full. I was much more full 20 min after I was done eating than I was at the table. I bought those little cans of already made chicken salad. I looked at my portion on my plate and imagined if it would fit in that can. If it was more than that, I knew I would be sorry later.

I am much better now at knowing when to stop. I can eat anything I want and I just know by looking at it when to stop. It's hard to get a full signal

Feel free to ask anything you need to. We are all happy to help!

I appreciate the details you have given me on the next phases..thank you sooooo much...as I have been reading for several days here, your imput is wonderful to help those of us just getting the hang. After all the nightmares with the band for 2 yrs, you can only imagine my fear of something wrong. I knew with my surgery I was in God's hands..for Dr. Aceves explained to me after the surgery..it was God's hands leading the way..I knew I was blessed for the Dr. I choose. Thanxs for pointing out the small things about how to view the foods not to over eat..love those visuals..again..thank you!

You're welcome! In the beginning, eating is definitely a learning experience.Just go at it slowly and don't try too much too soon. You will get used to what you can eat and how much, if you only stick with a few foods at first before introducing something new.