For those of you that got band removed and had VSG all at the same time... a) did you get your band completely emptied?? If you didnt did this effect your healing and if you did what benefit does it have?? c) if you had it emptied- did you obsess about gaining too much weight back-

I see benefits to both....

My doctor emptied mine two weeks ago. I am so hungry. I have gained several lbs,but I am journaling my food. I hope to be approved this week. Then maybe surgery in a few weeks. I wish he had not taken so much fill out, but I was having reflux.

My doctor emptied mine 4 days before surgery and I was under the impression that it was necessary for the surgery? I didn't gain any weight because I was on a liquid diet anyway. I LOVED having it emptied because I hated it so much.

I had mine completely emptied about 10 days before surgery. I did not obsess at all about gaining any weight back, because I had already gained it all back anyway. That said, I still ate healthy and even did an extra week of my pre op diet because I was more serious than ever to make my sleeve work.

Good luck!!

Don't know if it was because I was a low-BMI patient, but I did not empty my band until the day of surgery. Literally 3 hours before surgery. The surgeons rep said I didn't have to empty it before-hand.

On the plus side, I remember them sticking the needle in the port and almost crying, thinking to my self that it was the last time I would have to endure the port / needle poke. Fantastic feeling!!!

Well today I got emptied COMPLETELY!! Funny- my calculations would have had me at 9.5 cc's he only got out 8.5 cc's which proves that there is a LOT of evaporation... It felt weird but in a good way and now I just have to watch what I eat and the reflux that may or may not begin... I got my surgery date and authorization from insurance today so I def feel like celebrating!!!

Well today I got emptied COMPLETELY!! Funny- my calculations would have had me at 9.5 cc's he only got out 8.5 cc's which proves that there is a LOT of evaporation... It felt weird but in a good way and now I just have to watch what I eat and the reflux that may or may not begin... I got my surgery date and authorization from insurance today so I def feel like celebrating!!!

When you say weird, what exactly did you feel? I remember literally getting a serious head rush! I guess I was pretty tight... LOL

Congrats on the surgery date!!! You're on your way now!

I am still hungry! I start on pre-op liquid diet on Sept 21st and be sleeved on Oct. 5. When he emptied my band he told me" now, don't gain any weight before surgery". Whatever! I've gained five lbs.

It did take my breath away so-to speak- sort of like a "rush" ... I was told to be cautious on what I ate but not to worry because in the end it will all come off then some- I am still going to eat like I did with my band portion wise etc and protein wise. BUT I am going to try and eat some pork and steak (previously unable to do so becuase it got stuck) OH yeah and a bagel before I go carb free for good....

Thanks for this thread, I didn't even think to ask my surgeon if/when my band would be emptied if I'm approved for revision. I'm starting a list of things to ask!

He's planning to empty my band 2 weeks before my procedure

My surgeon gave me a 'I can't believe you just asked me that ridiculous question' look when I asked about it. He said he doesn't empty the band before surgery.

My doc took the fluid out a month before surgery. I delayed the surgery to get ready. I gained 10 lbs but I was eating mostly healthy foods. Chicken, salads & veggies. Stuff I couldnt eat with the band. It was hard to count those 10 lbs as a lose at first since I had just gained them but I gained them so I still had to lose them.

I am in the process for insurance approval to remove my band and have the sleeve surgery. I received a band in February 2009. The band worked wonderfully for the first year -- I lost about 60 pounds, which placed me about 40 pounds from my goal weight. The two years since have been a disaster. No matter how many adjustments, it just doesn't seem to work for me. I've gained back 40 pounds. And I paid cash for the band procedure, so I am very disappointed that this did not work for me.

This question of when the band will be emptied is very interesting. I don't think it will matter for me. I can't imagine that not having it will leave me with any less restriction that I have now.

I had my band emptied about a month before my surgery. This was purely my choice as they did tell me that I didnt necessarily have to have the band emptied before I had the surgery. I simply wanted not to be uncomfortable for the time before my surgery. I also wanted to enjoy some things I knew I wouldnt be able to eat once I am sleeved like bagels and sandwiches. I have gained about 5lbs and am not to concerned about weight gain. Surgery is in 3.5 weeks.

My doc said it was a must. I'm sure it's got to be easier to remove if it's tight on your stomach..

My surgeon gave me a 'I can't believe you just asked me that ridiculous question' look when I asked about it. He said he doesn't empty the band before surgery.