I had my band placed on in April, 2006. The first year was a breeze and I lost a ton of weight. In month 13 of my journey, I was overfilled and slipped my band. Since then, I seemed to have developed an intolerance for my band. I have slipped it twice, constantly choke on my food, and have been miserable.

On April 2nd, I will be revising from the lapband to the gastric sleeve. Dr. Aceves will be doing the revision in Mexico. I have decided to chronicle my experience here, so others that have band issues and decide to convert can have an idea of what to expect.

I spoke with Nina, the patient coordinator yesterday and we now have everything scheduled. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I will leave here on April 1st, have my surgery on the 2nd and return home on the 5th. My mother will be accompanying me on the trip.

Nina advised me that Dr. Aceves is concerned about swelling due to the problems I have had with my band. Therefore, I am going this week for a complete unfill. Then, seven days before my surgery, I have to go on a complete liquid diet. This should alleviate any swelling issues and the chances of having to have the band removed and then go back at a later date for the sleeve. It is very important to me that I get this all done at the same time.

I am looking forward to this, and feel like I have been given a new opportunity at life. To those who have helped me to be able to get the sleeve, thank you. Because of you, I now am looking forward to enjoying life again, instead of living in misery.

I will update as I go through this journey.

Hey guys,

Well, I haven't been around much the past few days, did anyone notice I went missing? :thumbup:

On Wednesday, I started having a lot of pain under my right breast area. I started noticing that if I breathed real deep it hurt. Then, as the pain increased, I also noticed that when I drank, it hurt. So, being the dummy that I am, I started drinking less and less. All while continuing to have diarrhea on Wednesday and Thursday. My nausea had become worse, I was very lightheaded and felt like I was fighting a constant battle not to vomit.

By Friday night, I finally succumbed and went to the emergency room. I was released from there about 10:30 last night. I went in thinking something had gone wrong with my sleeve surgery. It turns out, what was wrong with me pretty much had nothing to do with the sleeve. I did get severely dehydrated and was put on IV fluids. They took four vials of blood, two urine samples, an EKG, ultrasound and a cat scan. By the time we got through all this it was determined that other than a little swelling, which is to be expected, I am healing beautifully from the sleeve surgery. However, I have a major urinary tract infection and there is a bunch of "sludge" in my gall bladder. The doctors said that is probably where my nausea and pain is coming from and that it looks like my gall bladder has to go. Just what I wanted to hear, more surgery.

So anyways, I was discharged with antibiotics, meds to help with the nausea and new pain medicine. Oh, and an order that I need to follow-up with a surgeon by Tuesday at the latest on my gall bladder. They said he might be willing to wait to take it out a few weeks based on the fact that I just had surgery, but at the same time, with the amount of pain I am having, that is unlikely.

So, that is where I have been the past few days and what is going on with me. Just thought I would update you.

Oh Susan! That's not good! I'm so sorry to hear that. Keep us updated.

Are you feeling better now?

I am still experiencing pain, but I am in a happy place right now! I am sitting here eating my first official mushy meal. I am eating a scrambled egg and it is wonderful. I just finished my fifth tiny bite and feel totally stuffed.

Hey guys,

Well, I haven't been around much the past few days, did anyone notice I went missing? :thumbup:

On Wednesday, I started having a lot of pain under my right breast area. I started noticing that if I breathed real deep it hurt. Then, as the pain increased, I also noticed that when I drank, it hurt. So, being the dummy that I am, I started drinking less and less. All while continuing to have diarrhea on Wednesday and Thursday. My nausea had become worse, I was very lightheaded and felt like I was fighting a constant battle not to vomit.

By Friday night, I finally succumbed and went to the emergency room. I was released from there about 10:30 last night. I went in thinking something had gone wrong with my sleeve surgery. It turns out, what was wrong with me pretty much had nothing to do with the sleeve. I did get severely dehydrated and was put on IV fluids. They took four vials of blood, two urine samples, an EKG, ultrasound and a cat scan. By the time we got through all this it was determined that other than a little swelling, which is to be expected, I am healing beautifully from the sleeve surgery. However, I have a major urinary tract infection and there is a bunch of "sludge" in my gall bladder. The doctors said that is probably where my nausea and pain is coming from and that it looks like my gall bladder has to go. Just what I wanted to hear, more surgery.

So anyways, I was discharged with antibiotics, meds to help with the nausea and new pain medicine. Oh, and an order that I need to follow-up with a surgeon by Tuesday at the latest on my gall bladder. They said he might be willing to wait to take it out a few weeks based on the fact that I just had surgery, but at the same time, with the amount of pain I am having, that is unlikely.

So, that is where I have been the past few days and what is going on with me. Just thought I would update you.

Yes, we did miss you and I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your gallbladder, diarrhea, and dehydration. Thankfully, I never had to deal with the diarrhea. Actigall (also called Urso) is a medication that is used to dissove gallbladder sludge and prevent gallstones and crystals.

I had my gallbladder out a few years ago and landed in the ER several months post-op with the exact same pain. I thought they forgot to take the damn thing out but, as it turned out, I was suffering from small gallstones and crystals. When they take your gallbladder out, the common bile duct is preserved so you can still have gallstone problems. Most surgeons will NOT take out a functioning gallbladder (assessed on a DISIDA/HIDA scan). See if you can get an MD to Rx Urso 250-500 mg 3 x day with meals.

Enjoy your first day of soft foods and keep us posted on your progress.

Susan: I did notice you were gone, but just thought you were busy, so sorry to hear of your gallbladder problems. I had several gall bladder attacks before I finally agreed to surgery. It was extremely painful. I went on the medication that Elisabeth suggested for over a year after my first attack and the stones never changed, but they were large stones. Multiple surgeries suck, especially when you had to have 2 surgeries for your sleeve. Sending you hugs!

Awww... Sorry to hear about your gall bladder problems Susan. I hope you get well soon!!

Wow Susan, you've really been through a lot lately. I hope you're on the mend soon. Maybe the medication Elizabeth suggested can help you until you are ready for another surgery.

Susan, how are you doing? Give us an update when you're able to.

Hey, I am doing lousy. Had a big snafu with my long time surgeon here and ended up having to find a new one. I am really ticked at my old surgeon, but don't feel like going into it right now.

At any rate, I see the new surgeon on Monday. I am still weak and dizzy. I just want this silly gall bladder out now, even if it does mean more surgery. I am ready to feel better, more like my old self, and to start exercising so I can really maximize my weight loss during these first few months.

Hang in there Susan! I hope it works out better with your new surgeon too. We all want you to get better and back to what you know.

Good luck with the new surgeon on Monday.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Question, is it possible for someone who loved milk and drank quite a bit of it to have this surgery and come out being lactose intolerant? It just dawned on me that when I drink anything with milk in it, I get very sick to my stomach.

I don't think VSG converts you to being lactose intolerant. If you're having problems with your gallbladder, it's more likely that the fat in milk products is causing the problem.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Question, is it possible for someone who loved milk and drank quite a bit of it to have this surgery and come out being lactose intolerant? It just dawned on me that when I drink anything with milk in it, I get very sick to my stomach.

Yes, absolutely! Not sure why but it happens to a great many of us however, it is short lived.

Hi Everyone,

Well, its going to happen, I am getting the sleeve on 5/1 by Dr Aceves. I had the partial gastrectomy/sleeve last month and 6 weeks later I am going for something more permanent. I even think I will go for spinal anethesia just so I dont have to go to sleep. I am sort of scared still. My big mistake was telling my daughter (BIG MISTAKE) I think I scared her really bad when I got so sick with the band removal and emergency surgery. I guess I cant blame her for that and should have kept it to myself. Oh well, this time next week I will be on my way to Mexico. Thanks everyone especially Was a Bubble Butt for all of your words of encouragement. Renee at Dr Aceves is really great also. Wish Me Luck

Ruthi

Susan: What a pain for you. So sorry. My guess would be that your old time surgeon didn't like you going to Mexico for you last surgery? Whatever the reason, so sorry for the hassle. It's not what you need when you're not feeling well. Wishing you the best!

Ruthi: Congratulations on your upcoming surgery date.