Need Some Serious Advice!

[BrokeMyHalo 107]

So I have had a lapband for 8 years... lost a little but never hit goal weight. I have gained about 100lbs back

I went to my surgeon yesterday and discussed getting sleeved. He said he would like to do it in 2 steps. First remove my band, wait 3 months, and then sleeve me. He said he feels most confident doing this because of scar tissue.

I found a way to pay for this (23k - ouch!) but now that I found the money I am faced with deciding if I should do it. A part of me is terrified of failing. I went out to dinner last night and all I could think about is can I really handle the sleeved life?? Will I be miserable like with my band?

Also- in your opinion does the size of the sleeve really matter? My surgeon does a 40 bougie... he said it was safest and that there wasn't THAT big of a difference.

[irish1988 46]

I am in line to get the sleeve, I actually was signed up for the band and then changed my mind because of all the negativity I have been hearing about it. So I have experienced neither so I don't know how much help I could be, but from what I have heard and read on this site, there are quite a lot of people who have switched from the band to the sleeve and have never regretted that decision. I have heard that if you need to loose 100 pounds or more, the band is not for you. You loose more with the sleeve and from what I have heard, a lot less complications. But then again, everyone is different. I would just talk to people on here, because you aren't the only one facing this choice. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you choose to do.

[BrokeMyHalo 107]

Thanks Irish! I am so nervous about making the wrong choice :/

When do you plan on getting sleeved?

[Linda 66 34]

I had the band put in 2003 and had it removed in 2010. It's now 2 yrs later and I've gained all my weight back since the band was removed and now wanting the sleeve. I did lose all my weight with the band but it slipped w/out me knowing. I'm waiting on my sleep study now but all my other tests are completed. I'm afraid too...I think we all are, surgery isn't an easy thing. I honestly don't know anything about the *sizing* of the sleeve :/

[LibbyLou 59]

There is a thread on here about Bougies. I think they range from 28-54? Most use 34 36, my dr uses a 40. I have had no complications and I had a hiatal hernia and lots of strictures from previous gall bladder surgery. Losing steady since 9/6, about 4 lbs a week. (I lost 20 in the two weeks before surgery so I am not losing as quickly but I am satisfied) I start eating real food this week but not too excited about it.

Do it!

[Savedbyamazinggrace 66]

I was approved for the band but changed my mind after reading all the post on here..... i would go for it if you can afford it.

[5DoxieMom 87]

I originally wanted the band, because I didn't know the sleeve existed. Once I found out about it, I knew it was for me. I'm over 6 months out. Even though I am a slow loser, down about 45, with 38 to go, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I don't even think about it anymore. I now automatically go for the Protein first. I do have to really make a conscious effort to get all my Water in. The first couple months were rough getting used to a new way of eating. I have some days where I feel like I can eat a lot, other days not. Good luck in whatever you do. I am over 50 and have been overweight since I was born! I could have NEVER lost the weight without the sleeve. Now, we'll see if I get to goal, and the real test, can I keep it off. I haven't had chocolate in over 6 months and I don't even miss it. (except for the choco flavoring in my protein shakes)

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I have shared my story with you already. Bottom line, the sleeve is much better then the lapband (banded in 2001, removed in 2011 so i have some experience on the subject).

I think that it is really important to go through the self questioning - am I really ready for this??? Am I ready to committ to just eating ALOT LESS food for the rest of my life? There are other "rules" too, but committing to that permanent, child's portion, well, it is a big decision. I sure as heck was ready by the time I did the surgery, but it took me a long time to get there.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

It is my understanding that the current protocol on bougie size is 32-40 range. Going too small, higher risk of side effects like acid reflux; going to big, higher risk of not losing weight well enough. My surgeon used 38 and as near as I can tell, I am losing weight at an expected rate for my age/situation.

Now, one thing to keep in mind is that this bougie thing is just a guide the surgeon uses. Your actual stomach capacity depends on the length of your stomach as we are not all identical and on the surgeons technique too.

My opinion is that as long as your surgeon is somewhere in that range and that practice has a good track record/good stats of weight loss and low complications - I wouldn't worry about it. The difference between say a 38 and 36 is pretty minor and frankly I doubt makes that much difference. Who knows, 5 years from now they might have whole different recommendations! Anyway, you can search youtube and find videos of the surgery and there is one video that explains about the bougie and how they are used. I am sorry, I don't have the links anymore, but i found them pretty easily before. Dr Alvarez does have a series of videos out there, some of them you might find interesting search for "Endobariatric"

My personal philosophy is to be an educated consumer, and part of that might be asking the surgeon about these things, but in general i leave this kind of stuff to him as long as i feel confident his patients have good outcomes.

[irish1988 46]

I have my last appointment on Friday and then I can make a consultation with my surgeon and pick a date. I don't know how booked up they are though and so I have no idea when my surgery may be. But hoping soon!