Hi everyone..My name is Kari and I am 51 years old. I've been trying to get approved to have the surgery for over a year now and finally just got the approval on Monday! I am excited and nervous at the same time..My surgery date is April 2nd. Last year when I first decided to get the surgery I had decided on the lap band, since that time after further discussions with my surgeon and reading these boards I have now decided on getting the sleeve..I hope I am making the right decision. My family isn't very supportive of my decision on the sleeve instead but I'm hoping this decision is right for me.They can't understand why I would want to remove part of my stomach if I don't need to with the band. I'm done trying to explain it to them and just hoping for the best...I can't wait to start my new journey and to look and feel better. I've been overweight for over 20 years and have tried everything to lose the weight. I have 3 grandchildren now and want to be healthier and be able to do more things with them without feeling tired all the time. I am only telling a "select few" about my surgery and only took off a week from work, I hope that will be enough time, since I don't want anyone at work to know yet. Wishing all of you the best of luck in your journey as well..wish me luck! Kari

Congrats Kari! I was similar in that my initial decision was the lap band as well but I ended up going with the sleeve and I'm glad I did, as I'm sure you probably will too. I am much happier now with a partial stomach as opposed to a valve stem, tube and band that can come off and possibly not work all that well when it is in place. Most all people here on this board are very helpful and have lots of insight. Some have even gone back and revised to a sleeve after first getting the band. Please keep us updated on your journey and I wish you the best!!!

Thank you! I need all the positive feedback I can get, I feel that I'm making the right decision with the sleeve, just tired of trying to explain to family members why I'm going that route...Glad you are doing so well with it, looks like your making great progress with it..congrats!

Same here, I know what you mean. But in the end, you need to lookout for "Number One" and do what's best for you, especially as far as health goes. Supportive friends/family goes a long way and is very beneficial, but some of us don't have that support, so we often come here for it. Thanks! My overall weight loss is not very much, but I'm A LOT healthier now and that was my main goal.

Good luck with your surgery! I'm currently in the process of doing the insurance requirements and can't imagine how excited you must be to finally have a date!

I also was on track to get banded but have decided to switch to the sleeve. I've been hearing of too many people who have been banded only to have revision surgery and more than one surgery is (hopefully!) not for me.

I am ready to start my new healthier life NOW!!!

Thanks Lyndee, I wish you lots of luck as well! It's been a long process for me with my insurance company..last year they denied me because my BMI was off by a half a point, and no co-morbidities. Since that time my BMI went up and I now have 2 co-morbidities so they finally approved me. I had to go to 2 psych evals and 2 nutritionist evals and 6 consecutive months with a nutritionist before they would approve me as well..So now I'm very excited to finally be approved, alittle nervous about the surgery, but excited as well..I can't wait to start my new journey and be a healthier me! LOL..I didn't want to have the band for the same reasons, so good luck to you as well..