Hi everyone. I had the lapband placed on August 26, 2008. When my journey started I was 363 pounds. I had to do the 6 month diet and I got down to 300 pounds the day of surgery. I lost a grand total of 208 pounds getting down to 155 pounds(my goal was 140 pounds). I went from a size 28 to a size 8. In March 2012 I discovered I was pregnant and did as advised and had my band unfilled. I gained 85 pounds and was horrified. I went at 4 weeks postpartum and had my band filled back up and have lost 45 pounds but can NOT get the last 40 back off. My weight fluctuates between 193-198 pounds. I am seriously considering having my band removed and getting the sleeve. Initially I wanted the sleeve but my insurance would not pay for it so I settled and got the band. And just an fyi I have the realize band and I am somewhat of a medical marvel to my weightloss dr and nurse. I currently have 8.25 cc in my band which they tell me is unheard of for a female. They also told me they only have a few males with the realize band that have that much saline in their bands. The realize band is designed to only hold 10cc of Fluid so I don't see it really being an option for me to get more fluid in my band. I mean I know technically I can but it seems almost pointless. So my question is for those of you that did have the band and had it removed and the sleeve procedure performed how has it worked out for you? How much weight did you want to lose when you had the revision and how much have you actually lost? I've attached some pics of me before and after. The after pics are me at my smallest-size 8, 155 pounds.

I was wondering how long it would take. I meet with my surgeon on the 23rd. Its not the same one who did my initial band I actually have more confidence in this guy and switched to him after my previous one refused to accept that the band was the reason for my reflux.

It took my insurance about a month to approve my revision I have anthem blue cross blue shield

Hi Guys... I was banded in May of 209 at 260lbs. Due to complications my band was removed in February of 2011 at 170lbs. Since then I have gained 40 lbs and currently at 210. My band has been out for 4 years now but I am considering the sleeve as well. I am just confused/concerned with the range of pain/complications after the sleeve. Does anyone know why some suffer more than others? After the lap band I was sore and had bad gas for a while but I was up and back to work within a week.

Well, tomorrow is my surgery. It went fast once I decided to go ahead. They will remove the band and I get a sleeve. I have a lot of anxiety but know this is my chance to get my healthy life back and do the things I want at a normal weight. Also want to do things with husband that I can't now. He's been very supportive and wants me back in health. Anyway, trying to keep positive thoughts. Hoping all will go well and I won't have any issue.
Here I go!!! Yikes

Oh yay!! Congrats!! I want to be where you are right now before I chicken out!! Please keep me posted !!!! Are you having to stay in the hospital over night or anything?

surgery is tuesday afternoon. 1 or so PM. Then overnight but discharged at 7:30AM! Not even 24 hours for me.

I know there will be some pain. And getting used to a new tool, diff than the band. BUT I CAN DO THIS! (Saying that for me....)

I was banded almost 2 years ago. I've learned that the band just isn't for me. I eat too much and too fast and it's a lifelong habit I just haven't been able to completely shake off. I have a full blown slip and have been living in discomfort/ pain for the past few months. X-ray tomorrow to see if the slip has corrected some after a couple weeks of liquids (I don't think it has). I'm asking them to do a revision to sleeve when I get there. Worried about the cost- I paid cash for lap band and now I don't have the funds for second surgery. Just recently joined blue cross blue shield of Texas so here's hoping insurance can cover some or most of it? Lost 120 with the band and hope I can lose some more and rid myself of the pain and complications with a sleeve revision

Hi - I did great with the band at first, but then had a slip, and a revision surgery (just readjusted the band) and still had major issues after the revision and couldn't tolerate a fill. Gained all the weight back. Revised to sleeve in June and am down almost 90 pounds! About 10 less than the lowest I reached with band so far. Hoping to lose some more. My recovery from sleeve surgery wasn't much different from my two prior surgeries. Good luck

My insurance made me get the sleeve out and I have to wait for 3 month for the sleeve. My surgeon stated that he would have backed out due to the scar tissue I had from the band. It was a concern for me to do 2 surgeries but now I am glad. Had mine removed in December, sleeve coming in March ...whoohoo

Had a band 7 years ago and lost 100lb but regained 45lb due to a slip and two pregnancies my Bmi is now 31. Having a revision on feb 13th and I cannot wait!

Carrie jess are you having removal and sleeve in one surgery?

Keep fingers crossed I go Friday for my consult. I hope it is as easy as it was for me to get the band. I had hardly any trouble with insurance getting it put in now lets hope they'll take it out and revise.