I was banded September 09. Benn filled unfilled etc. never really lost more than 26. I'm now at 201. Esophagus dilation been totally unfilled for the last two months. I just realized there was a thread for revision only. I have a realize band. Thank god no weight gain. Since unfilled stated weight watchers for tracking etc. it's been good. I failed my band and my band failed me. I'm headed to the Brigham in Boston. I had such an easy recovery with the band I'm praying the same with the sleeve. I teach zumba so I love being active. But no matter how much you excercise it won't correct a bad diet or eating habits. I'm not nervous. But more afraid of the unknown pain. I didn't even have gas pain with the band. My third day post op I walked a 4 mile jaunt in the park. Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have no advice as I'm pre-op as well, but I'm getting sleeved May 2nd also! Sleeve sisters!

I hope we both have a speedy recovery. Good luck to you!

I have no advice as I'm pre-op as well' date=' but I'm getting sleeved May 2nd also! Sleeve sisters!

I hope we both have a speedy recovery. Good luck to you![/quote']

Good luck to us both lets stay positive

I'm right behind you for my revision and I had dilation too! I was banded in 2003 for the first time, then after a really bad slip and erosion, I had to have my band removed in 2005... but lucky me? They punctured my stomach during surgery! I was in the hospital for 10 days and had a pretty tough recovery, but was eventually rebanded as a self pay in 2006. My insurance changed during that year, so what started as a "she's too thin to be approved for another band" turned into "we don't cover any bariatric, even if it would prevent eminent death" after the new year's plan was activated.

After eventually paying out of pocket for my second band, I just never had near the success with it as I did my first band. I had put back on the 100# that I lost, plus another 20 in that unbanded year. After almost 7 years with that second band, I'm only down the additional 20lbs, leaving me with 100# to lose again (still lol). I did at one point lose almost 50 of the 120 with the second band, but after 2 pregnancies, all but 20 of that is back and no matter how many adjustments, I just can't keep losing.

Since I'm pre-op, I don't have much sleeve advice to offer, other than what I've learned with success and failure with my band over the last 10 years. I think surgery itself can be a very easy recovery if you follow all of the pre-op and post-op instructions. After talking to tons of revision patients, and just sleeve patients in general... Walk walk walk after surgery!! The mantra is sip sip sip, walk walk walk, repeat!!

As far as eating post op and long term success, the people with the most success are the people that stuck to their surgeons plan. If it's liquids for two weeks, stay on liquids for two weeks, even if other patients can eat soft foods 7 days out. Don't negotiate your plan, just stick to it. And keep up with the exercise. It sounds like you're already ahead of most of us in that department! lol

But as far as pain, I wouldn't worry about that. I know it's a legitimate fear, and one that I've spent some time on myself, but most people say it's mostly pain free, just uncomfortable. The first day or so when it actually hurts, you'll be medicated in the hospital! And most people attribute any actual "pain" to gas, which will be minimal if you walk walk walk!! Otherwise, the patients that have surgery in Mexico (like I am doing) actually aren't even sent home with narcotics, just a anti-inflammatory pain reliever, and they have all said that it's been more than enough to control their pain!

Good luck! Let us know how surgery goes!

Thanks you too what a great post lets be positive for each other