Hi! I had the Lapband procedure 5 years ago! And lost the most weight the first month (liquids and soft foods). I lost some after that but had trouble with the whole band thing pretty much from the beginning. I was misled to believe I would feel satiety, that's the word they used. No I never felt satiated, as in not hungry anymore. Filled, yes! Gagging, burping, drooling all part of the wonderful experience of the band. I found ways to "cheat", like God forbid drink with my meal (like normal people do) or go vomit in the bathroom, really pleasant especially when out to dinner. I guess I fell off the wagon and did not go to support group meetings to face successful banders and other sugery patients. I think the saline eventually evaporated. So about a year or so ago I saw the new doctor (my surgeon went to another hospital to practice). I felt like I wasn't connecting with this guy, so I didn't go back. Thenj I got a call from the weight loss center asking me how I was doing (first time in 5 years) and I told them not well. So I went in to see the new new doctor...younger guy, user friendly. So after a fill and a removal I am going to have an endoscopy done next week and then see if I am a candidate for the sleeve. He thinks it's a possibility. I didn't even know about the band except I saw a new flip chart in his office with the picture and description and I asked about it. They are just starting to dom this procedure and i hope to be a guinea pig! I need to hear success stories from people who have been through a similar situation.Thanks!

Read all the band to sleeve revison stories. There are plenty of us who have nightmare band stories who absolutely love the sleeve because living with the band is a nightmare and living with the sleeve is effortless.

Thanks! I have read some of the messages and I am encouraged!:thumbup:

Your story sounds soooo familiar. I too thought I was the only one who didnt have instant success with the band as it was a constant struggle for 5 years. I recently had to have my band removed and made the decision to be sleeved at the same time. It was absolutly the best decision. If I would of known it was going to be such and easy, positive and healthy choice I would of made it sooner.

I have several friends who have the band and since my sleeve surgery they have lots of questions. After I tell them my experience with it (I have only been sleeved since May) They have all said that if the sleeve would of been available when we were all banded they would of been sleeved. Actually one of my friend has made an appointment to see her Dr. about possibly having her band removed and getting the sleeve. She has hand nothing but problems with her band and the whole process. The band does work and will take the weight off but you pay the price (throwing up and so on). I wish you luck and I hope that the sleeve is an option for you. I didnt realize how unhealthy I looked towards the end with my band. I get comments from friends that I look so much better now, that my color is better and my mood is better because I feel so much better.

So I guess I will answer your question :thumbup1: I am happy with the sleeve and happy not to be banded any longer.

Thanks for your story and support, R. I have been reading severtal posts and it sounds like the way to go. : ) I hope insurance covers it or it won't happen.

Sending good insurance vibes your way - I just got my approval today and will have the band removed and the sleeve done in Sept!!

I think if the doctors says the right think my insurance will cover the sleeve. It covered the band. I am wondering..will I react to the sleeve the same way as with the band...gagging, drooling, burping, gurgling...all that. And it looks like the same rule applies about drinking before and after but not with meals. And the sleeve is irreversible. Glad to hear you were appoved and will be sleeved soon. Thanks for the good vibes.

Everyone I've talked to says that the sleeve is so different from the band - no puke buckets, pit stops and scoping out the bathroom so I'm hoping for good things!

Thanks again, Lynn.:001_tongue: