Hello new friends. I had a lapband 4 years ago and it has given me trouble from day one. It simply wasn't the best tool for me.

My sister had full gastric by-pass the same day. Shes down 100 pounds. (she made the right choice for her). Four years ago I thought lapband would be best for me. My body has not responded regardless of amount of Fluid in I have had port pain- side pain- and choking and vomiting. I recently decided to go forward in my life and after prayer, research and counsel I have decided to have the sleeve.

My doctors feel that I will be successful. I also feel that I will be successful, but I have to share that I am not willing to share with friends and co-workers. I don't want to continue to be the person they always greet with A. How you feeling? B. Have you lost weight? C. Wow Your looking great!.

The only loss I had before was during the pre-op. After that I started gaining off and on throughout the years due to not able to get meat down (protein) and choking even on the smallest bites and frothing. Ugly story. My doctor shared that when you can't get Protein down, you live on carbs therefore- your body thinks its going to starve so you hold on to all the carbs and the carb results. Needless to say- I went up 25 pounds in 4 years. I just did'nt want to give up on the band. I wanted to be successful so bad. Now, things are different, I am tired of being tired, chaffed, taking blood pressure meds, the arthritis, swelling and uncomfortable in clothes, uncomfortable sitting, standing and walking. I want to be healthy. The same thing I wanted 4 years ago.

I am ready to be bandless and to be sleeveful. :wub: MollyBsleeve wants to be sleeve- full very much.

I do have a question and hope someone will have the answer for me. If you have Hypo-glycemia how do you keep from having sugar drops when you are so limited on getting nutrition in at the beginning. I had very few sugar drops after surgery but I know when I am weak and can't eat due to stomach virus or such I get sugar drops and it usually takes Peanut Butter - (small spoons at a time to get me back up).

Blessing for a new journey for all.

My son is a type 1 diabetic, and while he was working in a hot kitchen environment he has times when his blood sugars would drop. The best solution we found for him was glucose tablets. We bought them in a roll (kinda like candy) and when he needed it he could chew one or two.

Thank you for sharing. I wonder if this is something that would work for me if I have a sugar drop. Surely as many people that have issues with sugar problems there have been others that could share their after-surgery experience in this area.

hi Molly ! I've read about a LOT of successful band-to-sleeve revisions on various forums! I hope the sleeve is what you need to get the weight off and feel better. It has worked for many people and you sound like you want it bad enough to make it work. One lady told me that the sleeve is what she thought the band would be for her. She said it's like "instant restriction!" She used to have a band and never really got to the sweet spot and did not do good with it at all. She said it always bothered her that she never got to the sweet spot and that it never really helped her lose weight. She has lost successfully with the sleeve as have many others. I wish you all of the best in your quest!

Thank you. I am looking forward to a healthy life.

Hi, Molly, there's a whole board here devoted to people like you and me - check it out "Band to Gastric Sleeve Revisions." Good luck!