Band coming out today

Bandy2sleeve · March 1, 2017

Hi all,

Im new to this forum. Was banded about 10 years ago - had good weight loss and have maintained my weight at 70kg for 5+ years.

My issues with my band started just before christmas. I went to have a fill and virtually could not swallow a thing. Had a barium swallow and could see band has slipped so surgeon suggested band removal and changing to gastric sleeve instead.

I am sitting in reception of the hospital as we speak awaiting the operation to have my band removed. Booked to be sleeved on May 30. My surgeon mentioned that if I had damage to my stomach he might have to perform Gastric Bypass instead (that terrified me a bit)

Is there anybody out there who has a similar experience to me... I'm just a bit worried as i don't really have much weight to lose - im concerned about how my body will adjust to the sleeve. I guess it already lives very happily on a restricted diet - but i know there is also a pretty dramatic weight loss phase post op. Im worried about my energy levels as we are scheduled to have a family holiday 5.5 weeks after my operation and hope I wont be suffering really low energy levels? My surgeon assured me I would be fine to travel but just looking for some reassurance.q

I would love to hear from anybody who might be able to share their experience with me.

I had posted on another thread, as I never realised there was a thread for exactly what I am about to go through.

My3angels031703 · March 1, 2017

HI!

I am scheduled for same. NOT because my band has slipped, just because it doesn't work! But, I have A Lot of weight to lose. my surgeon is not sure of the condition of my stomach from be banded for 12 years so it may be two surgeries. I tooo am stressing out because we have a big family trip planned 4 weeks after anticipated sleeve date. I personally think I would put the sleeve off till after the trip. I don't know that we will feel well enough at 4 and 5 weeks out. In addition, we would still be in puree, soft stage. And I think it's too close to Fly.

These doctors aren't GOD. THEY will tell you what they want. Do what you feel is right for you and your family. Can you put off the sleeve procedure till after you return? When you say you don't have a lot of weight to lose, what are we talking 20, 30, 50? Can you just remove the band and not have the sleeve, maybe see how it goes on your own first (try WW)? THEN take it from there. Someone gave me this advise when I couldn't find the answers and it makes sense for me. The Doctor's are telling me when, and how. I plan on telling them what works.best for me and my family.

I'm scheduled to remove my band March 16... from there... I'm not sure..

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Edited March 1, 2017 by My3angels031703

Bandy2sleeve · March 2, 2017

Hi my3angels
I had asked my surgeon about flying both legally and physically and he said I will be fine for both. I will be sitting on a beach in Thailand so Shouldn't be too stressful.
I was actually a success story from the band until it slipped last december. I lost and maintained my weightloss for 9 years. I didnt fluctuate other than in pregnancy. BUT I did know where my limits were because of the band and know that my issues with food are far from over.

I literally just saw my surgeon and asked him lots of questions prior to my Op.. he says I will be fine with the sleeve and I will feel the benefits of being able to eat a wider variety of foods which once got stuck.

As luck my have it, thr nurse who did my preop check has the sleeve operation 4 weeks ago by my surgeon. She was back nursing after 2 weeks and started solid foods today, which is 4 weeks post op for her.

I am dreading the next 3 months without my band. It has really been an excellent weight loss device for my own situation. Im hoping the sleeve will be as beneficial or if not moreso? I have three friends who have been sleeved by my surgeon and all of them are so happy with their decision to do it. Hoping this is the case

My3angels031703 · March 2, 2017

Hi!!!! How are you feeling? So it's done?? It's out!! please tell me how it went.

And possibly luck the next couple of months.

Bandy2sleeve · March 2, 2017

Hi My3angels

Surgery over and all good.

Was up and walking around shortly after my op. The surgon said my band came out really easily. There are a few stitches internally within my muscles as they were apparently surrounding my port. But my stomach is in really good shape and will be fine to be sleeved on May 30.

I elected to stay in hospital last night only so that our 3 year old didnt jump all over me. I slept really well and was only taking Panadol for pain relief after midnight. Just woke up now and feel refreshed and relatively pain free. There is three lots of external stitches on my stomach, but they are not uncomfortable at all.

I am back on solid foods since immediately after the Op but didnt feel much like eating at dinner last night so just had Soup and a bread roll - felt really satisfied after that.

Only side effect for me was feeling really thitsty after surgery.

Happy to be on the other side and on my way to being sleeved now. I know that the recovery from that will be very different - but after having a really long talk with the nurse who had the GS - know im making the right decision.