So this is my first post. I'm new to all this forum stuff and I'm still trying to figure things out. Up until a couple of days ago I was in the process of getting a band, but now my surgeon feels that the sleeve is the best option. I would love any tips, advice, or stories any of you might have! Thanks

I was considering the band but after considering the cost of the band and the cost involved with band adjustments along with weight to lose I chose the sleeve I am so glad that I chose the sleeve I have never regretted getting the sleeve I lost 105 pounds in just over 4 months and reached my goal weight and passed it I no longer have to take blood pressure meds and my energy level is much higher

I'll admit that my only concern is how permanent this procedure is. But, this is something that I have been considering for 8 months now. I've been through the whole process of the seminar, the consult, the nutritionist, the psych eval. Now it's just time to get my insurance on board and set a surgery date. Thanks for the reply!

Hi Ashley,

About 2 years ago I planned to have the lap band. I was at the point of scheduling my surgery date when I decided to hold off on having the procedure done. I was concerned about having a foreign object in my body. During the last two years I have done a lot more research and met many people who have had the band. I found that more people had issues with the band when it comes to losing weight as well as complications with the band. A few actually had the band removed and had the sleeve procedure done and have had very positive results. I have heard that the first few weeks are difficult but in the long run it was well worth it.

My sister in law was sleeved the last week of May and as of today she has lost 100 pounds.

I am planning to be scheduled for my surgery the first part of Feb. just have one more class to take.

I hope all goes well for you...

Thanks for the encouraging words. Thats awesome to hear about your sister in law. Good luck on your surgery! Stay in touch. I would love to know how it goes for you.

Hi Ashley,

5 days post surgery and I am feeling a lot better then my first two days.. Wow, even though the VSG is laparoscopic, it doesn't mean it's not painful. (Don't let me scare you)... I would still have the surgery knowing its going to be uncomfortable. The only problem I found was that I had a real hard time getting rid of the gas they fill us up with so they can see everything inside of us easier. Some people have no problems at all with it. I struggled a lot with the discomfort of that mainly on the first day.

But enough of my surgery..

Have you made a decision on switching to the Sleeve? How is everything going with that?

Mindy

Hi Mindy,

I have definitely decided to go with the sleeve. I received my new insurance card in the mail (finally!) and faxed it over to my surgeons office, along with my medical records for the past 5 years. I spoke with my surgeon's coordinator this morning and she told me that she had received all of my faxes and that as soon as my insurance goes into affect on Feb. 1st she will submit all documentation to the insurance company. So now the waiting game starts. I'm glad your surgery went well! I hope you continue to have a good and safe recovery. I am a little scared of the surgery..mostly just going under the anesthesia, but I'm still certain this is what I want and I don't want to waste anymore time. Please keep me updated on how you are doing! It's nice to stay updated on other people so I can know what to expect before and after the surgery! Best wishes to you and your recovery!

Ashley

Hi Ashley,

Congrats on your decision! I know you will be happy with it.

Have you started any of the required classes through your Doctors office or group? I was able to speed things up on my end by getting the classes that my Dr required that I took prior to even obtaining approval for my actual surgery. I was already 100% sure my insurance would cover it since I verified that this procedure was covered before I started researching Doctors.

Getting my classes down while was what took the longest because I started around the holiday's but I wish finished pretty quick because I was determined. My insurance approved my procedure in less then 4 days of being submitted and I was having surgery 2 weeks later. It was crazy how quick it all went but in away it was good because I didn't have a lot of time to freak out...

Keep me updated!!!

Mindy

Mindy,

My doctor hasn't said anything about any classes! Is that something I need to call and talk to him about?

Hi Mindy,

This is new to me as well and I'm so glad I found your blog. I've enjoyed reading the posts because they answered a lot of my questions. I'm looking forward to my surgery on Feb. 19th. especially since it's the first day to a new life for me and it's my deceased father's birthday. I'm looking forward to this new start.

Take Care,

Sassime

Hi Ashley,

This could be different with each Dr. I was required through my Dr to take classes through the hospital's Bariatric program. . One was a behavior modification class, a support group class, nutritional classes and Pre op classes. It was basically add on classes onto your psych eval, meeting with the nutritionist etc..

I would check but I would assume your Doctor would tell you..

:-)

Mindy

Hi Sassime,

I am very new to this site as well. I find that this site is pretty useful. I can find answers to many of my questions and its such a motivator to hear all of these great success stories.

That's exciting to hear about your up ad coming surgery date!! How are you feeling about it as its getting closer?

Mindy

Hi Sassime' date='

I am very new to this site as well. I find that this site is pretty useful. I can find answers to many of my questions and its such a motivator to hear all of these great success stories.

That's exciting to hear about your up ad coming surgery date!! How are you feeling about it as its getting closer?

Mindy[/quote']

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Hi Mindy,

I'm getting more excited as the days go by.

Hi Mindy' date='

I'm getting more excited as the days go by.[/quote']

I remember as my surgery date got closer the more excited I got. Then when I was a week away I got nervous. It wasn't about the huge commitment that I have made with having this surgery, it was the surgery itself. I have had two surgeries in my life. One was awake - c-section and the other was emergency surgery to remove my gall-bladder. So the whole "what to expect the day of" and will surgery go ok etc made me really nervous. The day of turned out great.

I am so excited for you. I hope that I can offer some words of wisdom until your surgery date!

I remember as my surgery date got closer the more excited I got. Then when I was a week away I got nervous. It wasn't about the huge commitment that I have made with having this surgery, it was the surgery itself. I have had two surgeries in my life. One was awake - c-section and the other was emergency surgery to remove my gall-bladder. So the whole "what to expect the day of" and will surgery go ok etc made me really nervous. The day of turned out great.

I am so excited for you. I hope that I can offer some words of wisdom until your surgery date!

This will be my 4th surgery. I wasn't nervous about any of them because I had choices, just like this one. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I'll let you know how I feel as the days go bye.