Hi everyone. I'm scheduled for my sleeve at the end of the month. I'm wondering how successful everyone was with the switch. I have to wait 2 months between having the band out and getting the sleeve and I'm so ready to just get it but I want to know what I'm in for. I've been told I'm on the smaller end of the spectrum (for the first time in my life) because I'm just around 200 lbs, but I do have other conditions that make me a candidate for the surgery. I'm looking to see how much everyone lost in the first 4 months if they started somewhat close to where I am. I'm getting married in October and stressed out about the dress situation.

Any input or feedback would be so greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Amanda

I had my lap band removed and sleeve inserted on March 9. I was lucky that I was able to have it done in one procedure. My surgeon told me that my lap band was a second-generation from 10 years ago. It had the most scarring of all the lap bands and it was replaced subsequently by the company with newer lap bands. If there was a lot of scarring, I would need 2 procedures over 3 to 4 months. My band was giving me problems in the last two years and I don't know why I waited for the sleeve. It was the best decision I ever made. I am down 35 pounds since December and 32 pounds down from the day of my surgery. My wife is going to have this procedure in June although she never had a lap band. My daughter is getting married next June and I think this is a prime reason for her but also we have all failed the diet groups over the last several years and this is the last recourse. I feel great and sometimes I miss that 20 ounce ribeye steak. I always was a steak and potatoes man but this is a new journey for all of us. I have learned to eat differently and plan what my meals will be. My wife and I still go out to restaurants but there is always a lot of take-home from meals that cannot fit in the sleeve. This includes children's menu items. it's amazing how much food is in a children's menu dish when they will serve me that. Good luck and I know this will be the best decision you will ever make

Edited May 8, 20179 yr by shots95

I also had mine done in one procedure. He removed scar tissue and fixed a hiatal hernia. I had the t done March 14 and started at 230 lbs on date of surgery. After 8 weeks, I'm down 27 lbs. It's still early but so far I'm much happier with the sleeve and glad to have the band out. It was a harder surgery to bounce back from but worth it for me.

I had my band removed in Dec 2016 and was sleeved on 3/20/17. I'm down close to 61lbs total and around 28lbs since surgery 7 weeks ago.

I am also doing a revision to a sleeve. I am encouraged by these positive outcomes

I had surgery March 14, 2017 and it was conversion from Lapband to Gastric Sleeve. Absolutely the best thing I could have done. I was originally banded in 2003 adn lost 165 pounds in 12 months. I proceeded to have a ton of problems because the band was lose. I returned to my doctor and he said he could take me into the operating room, but since my insurance quit covering anything to do with the band, I could end up owing $7,000 if he ended up putting in a new band. I couldn't take the chance, I could not afford that. Later, a different surgeon attempted to fix it twice, to no avail. Fixing it ment tighting where they originally put it with a stich or two. Finally in 2008 I said, I'm done. Take it out. I had terrible reflux and really just wanted it to work. By that time, my insurance started overing it again and my new surgeon put in the new band.

I managed to keep 85 pounds off, but I regained weight. Have tried to get fills and it just doesn't work for me, though after having the band totally unfilled prior to my surgery, I gained 20 pounds in a heartbeat. I admit that I think it was working much better than I gave it credit! I finally decided a year ago that I wanted to have gastric sleeve, at the time again, my insurance didn't cover it. So, this year, I said just take it out, and they told me my insurance covered it. I was easily approved and am now eight weeks post op yesterday. I am down 29 pounds and am pleased with that as is my doctors office.

Personally, it was the best thing I've done. You will do fine! I'm never physically hungry, but I've been having too much protein and am lowering it to between 75 - 90. I love not being hungry, but I do battle a little head hunger. Sugar-free popsicles are my "go to" when I get like that!

Best of luck!