But I'm terrified. I'm definitely a rule breaker (hence the slipped band 3 1/2 yrs later from frequent vomiting. Never did learn how to eat slowly). My band had a minor slip last year, my dr took out 1/2 of my fill and it worked. no more reflux, so he decided to leave it alone. In the last year I gained 21 lbs. I HATE dieting, why I got the band in the first place. So I've been on the fence for months whether I wanted to just go ahead and revise it even tho I had no symptoms. This past Friday nite, I started having stomach pain. Not bad, just bothersome. Monday nite (after having constant pain for 3 days) it got unbearable and I ended up in the hospital. My band was herniated (a bad slip). They unfilled my 6cc and told me I'd need a revision. My band dr is 3 hrs away, so I haven't been seen by him yet.

I called the insurance girl at my drs office and asked if revision would be covered under my Medicare. It is, even tho my bmi is now 27 cuz it's a complication. They don't cover plication, however, which is what I wanted with my band - to improve my chances of future slips. She talked a little about the sleeve (which is also covered) and said most band patients convert to the sleeve. Like I said, I haven't even talked to my dr about it yet so I'm not sure what he's gunna say, but I started doing research on the sleeve today. I loved my band. Helped me to lsoe 104 lbs. But it's so much maintenance - always going 6 hrs round trip for fills/unfills/tweaking and alot of money involved (Medicare only pays for fills for the first year) and worries about slipping. The sleeve doesn't require maintenance, does it? How long do you spend in the hospital? Is it like gastric bypass where over the years your stomach can stretch back out? Whats the difference between GB and the sleeve?

Any and all info is greatly appreciated!! Even tho I'm only about 28 lbs from my 135 goal, I know I'd gain back every lb that I've lost if I don't have a tool to work with. I proved that this past year with less than optimal restriction. I never did learn how to eat healthy - the band just stopped me from eating too much.

Thanks!

Marci

Read my threads I'm band to sleeve convert

Read my story in my profile and read my posts/threads also. Stop killing yourself with the band. Get it out NOW!

I'm sleeved and happy. You will have to know this won't work like the band.. You have to set you mind right and you will fail if you think it's going to let you eat like you're used to eating.