Hey guys! I am new to this forum. First let me say that it is so inspiring to see how supportive y'all are with each other. I am so excited to get this surgery and feel some support from other people going through the same thing.

I'm 23. I got the lap band 3 years ago. At this point the sleeve hadnt been approved yet. And before surgery I was 250. After surgery I really got on the bandwagon, but I just couldn't lose the weight. I struggled with trying to eat constantly. I threw up constantly. Even Protein that I was supposed to eat, I couldn't get down. It was depressing. It was enbarassing. I couldn't go out to eat without staying in the bathroom throwing up all my food. It was awful. I got down to 230 and that's where I stayed. After 2 years my stomach started growing over my band and I had to get all the Fluid taken outta my band and I've gained all my weight back and more. I am now today July 4th at 265 and these past few months have been the most depressing of my life.

One night last month I laid awake at night and couldn't stop thinking about getting weight loss surgery again. I considered bypass but that's just too major for me and idk about having children after that. The sleeve sounds perfect! I really hate the band. I hate throwing up constantly and being on the bathroom at all social occasions cause I can't get food down.

Are there any quirks I need to know about? Foods that make you sick or what happens if you eat too fast?

I'm waiting to hear back on my insurance but Im pretty sure they're going to approve it. I've already called and asked. So I'm very excited!! And I can't wait! I just hope I don't have to do the 6 month criteria.

I look forward to the support from y'all and I'm excited to start this journey!

Welcome! I'm pre-op too... You can learn alot by doing searches on subjects and reading the feeds.

Yay for not giving up.....I haven't had surgery yet, but has done my homework on the sleeve. I think it's better for freestylers. I'm in my 4th for insurance approval. I am too very excited about the surgery.

Yay for not giving up.....I haven't had surgery yet' date=' but has done my homework on the sleeve. I think it's better for freestylers. I'm in my 4th for insurance approval. I am too very excited about the surgery.[/quote']

I know! I find myself thinking about it constantly. Lol

Good for you to seek an alternitive, I tell you this is a life long battle. I got the sleeve which was the only option for me. I thought about the bypass but didn't want the absorbtion issues. I can eat all foods only in small amounts. If I get greedy and eat too much or too fast then I will have issues. Good luck to you.

For me, the sleeve was a perfect option for me. I first went to the orientation bc I wanted the lap-band, but when I heard about the complications of the lap-band and realized that it's not a permanent solution. I researched the vertical sleeve and loved what I was reading. It's permanent and very effective. I have lost 77 lbs and so happy I chose the sleeve! For me, it's been a god send.

For me' date=' the sleeve was a perfect option for me. I first went to the orientation bc I wanted the lap-band, but when I heard about the complications of the lap-band and realized that it's not a permanent solution. I researched the vertical sleeve and loved what I was reading. It's permanent and very effective. I have lost 77 lbs and so happy I chose the sleeve! For me, it's been a god send. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> [/quote']

Wow! Was the surgery bad to go through? How long have you had the sleeve?

Good for you to seek an alternitive' date=' I tell you this is a life long battle. I got the sleeve which was the only option for me. I thought about the bypass but didn't want the absorbtion issues. I can eat all foods only in small amounts. If I get greedy and eat too much or too fast then I will have issues. Good luck to you.[/quote']

Like what kind of issues?

Welcome! I am pre-op, so I can't offer much help, but the vets on this site are amazing. The posters here are incredibly knowledgable, supportive, and motivating. They have great tips about everything regarding the sleeve.

Best of luck on your journey!!!!!

I went to my first dr's visit hoping to get a lap band. My dr suggested the vsg instead, for multiple reasons. After researching and talking to folks (I love this site), I am excited about this and I'm sure I'll be happy I listened to him!

Like what kind of issues?

Issues such as full feeling in the chest and throat until the food goes down and if I get really greedy and eat too much at once it will come back up. I now have to eat very slowly which is hard to get used to especially when eating out with friends and such. I don't regret it but it takes some getting used to.