I've seen a lot of posts on here about people being scared or confused and there aren't a while lot of us that transitioned from band to sleeve so I would like to share my story in hopes to give some people hope and incouragement. In 2010 I had the lap band done. My starting weight was 320. It was a struggle from day 1 between the swelling in my stomach not letting me eat or drink, to twork months later having to get my gall bladder taken out. The first year is always a learning process. I didn't tolerate fills all that well because I was so sensitive after surgery. 3 almost 4 years go by and with a lot of hard work and gym time I lost a total of 100lbs. This brought me to 220 which still put me in obese category (I am only 5 feet tall and 22 at the time). For my own happiness I decided that my goal weight was going to be 130. Whatever I had to do I was going to be 130. Hard workouts, no carbs, etc. Well I tried this a few months and I lost 5lbs at best. My dr. Told me that the band would only take me so far and I was at that point. Well I didn't want to accept that. I decided to go with the sleeve because I knew I was struggling and I knew that if I did this those last 80 or so lbs would be easier to take off. He removed the band first in May and I had the sleeve done in July of 2014, exactly 8 months ago from today. It was a scary decision, and yes I had the same troubles I did when I first got the band with not tolerating liquids for a week and having to stay in the hospital a few extra days and nights. BUT let me say that it is the best decision I have ever made for myself. I am now 23 and 153 lbs and shrinking every day. It's definitely not a cake walk I still have to closely follow the drs orders but I've never felt better, my feet rarely hurt anymore, ailments that I never knew were the result of my weight are gone. I've lost a total of 167lbs and I feel almost normal. I still have about 20 lbs to go but to get this close is beyond mind blowing. If you're nervous and are in the edge of doing this do it. If for no other reason to just live life the way it should be lived and feel great doing it!

Edited March 17, 201511 yr by Rocangela

Awsome, congratulations, thanks for sharing your story!!!! You're doing amazing!!! I too feel getting my sleeve was the BEST decision of my life and feel amazingly great, my only regret is not having it done when I was younger but then again, I wasn't prepared or ready like I was last year when I had it done. Good for you!!!!!!!! Best of luck!!

Very inspiring!! Amazing work!!

Great job