Newbie to be

Eddie Giddens (MsDad) · July 19, 2011

My name is Eddie. I'm 47 years old from Jacksonville, FL. I had unsucessful Lap-Band four years ago. My husband, however, is the poster child for Lap-Band, having lost all his weight in nine months and keeping it off for four plus years. Anyway, a year ago I had three strokes due to a vertebral artery dissection. Since then, I have gained an additional 50 pounds above what my Band allowed me to regain. I now tip the scales at a whopping 307 pounds, my highest weight ever. My primary care physician, endocrinologist, neurologist and surgeon are all on board with a revision of my band to either RNY or VSG. The reason I joined this forum is because I am strongly leaning toward VSG (at the recommendation of my surgeon) and would like all the input I can get. After one failed surgery, I want to make sure I'm making the best choice this time. So please, hit me with all the facts and experiences you can! And may I say it's certainly a plus to find fellow LGBT folks on here!!

KristeyK · July 20, 2011

Hi Eddie!!! Saw this on my Facebook feed and had to come say HELLO! I wish we could ALL have your hubby's experience with that damned lap band. I'm in your boat, although I KNOW I want the sleeve. I was also considering getting the RNY, because I think I need that anti-cheat mechanism built in because of the dumping syndrome. However, I did my research and decided on the VSG because of the long term success numbers of it. I also see that the people who are happiest with the decision in my support group meetings are the ones who have had the sleeve done. (I've also watched my mother regain quite a bit of her weight with the RNY, whereas my sister has done remarkably well.)

I wish you luck! Come say hello in the "band to sleeve revision" area if you haven't already.

Eddie Giddens (MsDad) · August 9, 2011

Woo hoo! I'm down 13 pounds! I don't have a date yet, but I've been on pre-op diet for a week in the hopes that after I complete all my pre-op stuff this week they'll schedule me for next week. I will have been on the diet for the required two weeks and after all, how can they resist a face like mine?!?