I had my first band put in August 2006. Lost 88 pounds and did wonderful until it slipped. I had my second band put in February 2008 and never found the "sweet spot", gained 40+ pounds back. Finally, dragged myself into the doctors office January 2012 and told him I had enough take it out I wanted the sleeve. Sleeved August 8, 2012

I went for my one week postop visit today. I am acting exactly like a sleeve patient being miserable the first week or so. He wasn't happy at how weak I was and told me to drink fruit juice or yogurt smoothie to get sugar into me. He was surprised I was able to drink a Protein drink. He said I looked a lot better compared to the hospital. The reason for not being able to take deep breaths is because he had to cut the muscle a little bit deeper where the port was to get the band out, very little scar tissue and bruised like you know what! He said I could start blended food for a week then try soft foods and see how it goes. I really liked him. I gave him hell and he laughed. Plus another week off of work! Good. I've had a hard time with this. Ask me anything.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Thank you!

I'm about to have my band removed next month. How is your pain level as compared to the band surgeries? I didn't do too badly with my band and was back to work after 6 days (my job is really sedentary and was conducive to taking it easy). This time around I'm def taking more time off, and focusing on getting myself rested and better. I kind of felt like I rushed myself a little, almost like I had something to prove. smh Any problems with nausea after this surgery? Are you on purees yet?

Hi JammyDancer! I had little pain. I think I used the Lortab liquid my doc prescribed maybe twice at night. My nausea was bad in the hospital, but since being at home it comes and goes. I started purees this week and you definitely will know when you are full. I feel stuffed like I just ate Thanksgiving dinner. I thought I was going to take a week off but ended up taking 2 weeks off. This took a lot out of me such as being tired. Just follow your doctor's orders and should be fine. Remember to sip your liquids. Mine hurt in the beginning going down, but I kept with it. My doc told me he wanted me to drink 2 shot glasses of water every hour. The more you sip and walk the faster you heal. He also told me everyday gets a little bit better and he was right. I go back to work this Friday. I have a desk job too.

Today is my one week surgiversary and it has been the worst day so far. I just feel so blah - tired and weak. I feel like I havent been able to drink fast enough and get my required daily intakes of protein and carbs. Pain isnt too bad until night time, but I am still having chest/shoulder pain from the gas they pumped into me. Tomorrow is my 30th birthday and I dont even feel like celebrating. I told my sister not to come visit today because I wasnt feeling up to it. Of course I am afraid of everything ... I sneezed and I worry I tore my staples, a bruise appears out of nowhere on my hand and I'm afraid I have a blood clot ... my mind is working overtime. I just hope it gets better from here. I literally cannot wait to get to the other side of this thing and feel like my old self again!

Hang in there. I had days like that especially the first week. I feel a lot better this week. My problem was I had no sugar in me and felt horrible, weak. Doc said go home and drink a glass of fruit juice and you will feel 100% better. I did just that and I did feel better. I was worried too about getting enough liquids in but just keep sipping. I feel about 70% of my old self this week. I'm get worn out easily. I ran a couple of errands today and felt exhausted when I got home. Hang in there. It does get better.