Hello All,

It has been awhile since I've been on a WLS forum, but after a long and enduring 3 years..I'm back. Here's my story:

I was banded in February 2008 and had great success my first 1.5 years. I lost over 70 pounds and was a happy, compliant bandster Unforunately, in August 2009 my band slipped and I had to go into emergency surgery. I thought I was going to lose the band, but I was fortunate enough to have it replaced. After trying to conceive a baby for more than 8 years, God (and weight loss) finally answered our prayers and I got pregnant in December 2009. I had a FABULOUS pregancy. The band was such a wonderful tool to help me stay on track, keep healthy and I only gained 10 lbs up until 37 weeks. That's when the problems started. At 37.5 weeks, I got insanely sick. Couldn't hold anything down..not even water. Turns out, my band slippe AGAIN and this time it caused a total stomach obstruction! Fast forward to 5 days later when I was told I would have to have a c-section under general anesthesia because they needed to take out my band and fix the obstuction. Words cannot desribe how devestated I was not being able to be awake for the birth of my son Fortunately, he was born beautiful and healthy. I had to stay in the hospital for 6 days because I was still very sick from the obstuction and subsequent "toxicities" that came with it. It wasn't until about 3 months after I gave birth that I started feeling the effects of not having my band. The ravenous hunger slowly started to creep in and now here I am almost 10 months later and have gained back much of the weight I had lost with the band. Fortunately, I have a phenomal Doctor who went to bat for me and got my insurance to approve a revision to a sleeve. I am scheduled for July 11th. I have to admit, I have mixed emotions. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to get my healthy lifestyle back with the help of the sleeve, but the stakes are higher now that I'm a Mom. I'm scared to go through another surgery and terrified of any complications. I know I will be fine, but I sometimes lay awake at night wondering "what if". I also think of how wonderful it will be to lose that weight again and be able to run, play and swim with my son. He's 10 months old and I want to be a fun, active Mommy and I know this is my ticket to getting there. Anyway, I know this is long..so thank you for reading. I just wanted to share my story and rally some support for myself as I head into surgery. Thanks!

P.S Attached is the reason I am doing this!

I wish you the best with your VSG. I was denied the band by my insurance company this past January...I was really disappointed but now that I'll be a self-pay I'm planning to get the sleeve instead. Hoping for July, so maybe we'll do it around the same time. You've had success with your previous WLS so I know you'll have success with this one too. And hopefully less complications.

http://stealingskinny.blogspot.com/

Aw, congrats. You story is so inspiring. Congrats on getting your sleeve revision approved, and OMG, you're son is so cute!

I wish you the best with your VSG. I was denied the band by my insurance company this past January...I was really disappointed but now that I'll be a self-pay I'm planning to get the sleeve instead. Hoping for July, so maybe we'll do it around the same time. You've had success with your previous WLS so I know you'll have success with this one too. And hopefully less complications.

http://stealingskinny.blogspot.com/

Thank you! I'm sorry you got denied but good for you for being self pay. I hope we are in July together and can support each other!

Aw, congrats. You story is so inspiring. Congrats on getting your sleeve revision approved, and OMG, you're son is so cute!

Aww...thank you for your kind words and compliments! Ya--my son is a heartbreaker. Those eyes...OY those eyes!

That's great that your ins. will pay for a revision to a sleeve! Congratulations!

Your story sounds like mine. I lost all my weight and got to goal then started having band problems. I am so glad to have the band gone.

I love the sleeve. you will too!

Yeah, the lap-band is a mess. I am so glad I got the sleeve. The first month or so is tough with recovery. You will truly know the meaning of restriction and it may throw you for a loop :-)

Good luck on your journey--