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.

That is interesting that Inamed did the video. They did mention the band a few times and were very heavy on the risks side of the sleeve and how it was "permanent". What is wrong with permanent? I don't anticipate ever waking up one morning and thinking, "darn, I wish I wouldn't have had that sleeve because I sure would like to be fat again".

I had no idea how much was involved with bypass, glad I have never even considered going that route. I guess I can understand why insurance won't cover it, but the rest of them, not so much.

I can't wait to start living life again. Now, everyday I get up and wonder, am I going to be able to eat today, will it be a liquids only day, will I embarass myself at lunch with the girls, etc. That is not a way to live.

Susan, I just wanted to quickly say Congratulations! I'm hoping for a quick and safe surgery for you. I'm sure you will do awesome from here on.

Whoot!

Good luck Susan! I just got the ball rolling on my RNY and am crossing my fingers for approval in every respect. I thought of you as I flew into JAX last week, nice airport. Anyway good luck and I'll be reading your postings even though we're doing different surgeries, Nancy:thumbup:

Nancy, I didn't realize you had definitely decided on another surgery. I know you mentioned your daughter had RNY. I hope it all works out for you.

Irene, thanks for the well wishes!

Does anyone one know if blue Cross Shield hmo would approve someone for sleve due to no weight loss?

That is interesting that Inamed did the video. They did mention the band a few times and were very heavy on the risks side of the sleeve and how it was "permanent". What is wrong with permanent? I don't anticipate ever waking up one morning and thinking, "darn, I wish I wouldn't have had that sleeve because I sure would like to be fat again".

I had no idea how much was involved with bypass, glad I have never even considered going that route. I guess I can understand why insurance won't cover it, but the rest of them, not so much.

I can't wait to start living life again. Now, everyday I get up and wonder, am I going to be able to eat today, will it be a liquids only day, will I embarass myself at lunch with the girls, etc. That is not a way to live.

HAHA! I've thought the same thing. If you go on a diet and lose weight do you WANT reversible? What's so great about having the ability to eat a ton of food again? However, in your case I am sure you just want to eat FOOD period. Life is pretty good when you aren't sliming all the time!

I have this theory, I think the reason noobs want reversible is because we have failed at every other weight loss method and in the backs of their minds WLS is just another shot at something that will fail.

Tweety:

Does anyone one know if blue Cross Shield hmo would approve someone for sleve due to no weight loss?

It depends on your individual policy. Does it cover WLS? Does it cover one surgery in a lifetime? Does it cover revisions? Under what circumstances? Has it been at least two years since your banding? Do you have proof of diet and exercise efforts such as a medically supervised diet AFTER banding? A gym membership with proof that you went? Does it only cover mechanical defects like a leak or faulty band? BC/BS has a ton of various policies.

Susan,

After going through all the emotional issues I had dealing with my lap band and it's removal and after putting back 20 lbs I decided my quality of life was definitely suffering and I met with my surgeon's office today to get it rolling and am crossing my fingers that it will happen! Take care Nancy.:thumbup:

Nancy, I truly hope this works out for you.

Today, I went and saw my band doctor for the final time. He made sure that all the Fluid was removed out of my band. I was very pleased to find that he was extremely supportive of my decision. He agrees that I obviously have a band intolerance and other issues with it. He said he feels the sleeve is the obvious and best next step for me and said he hopes everything goes well for me.

That's fantastic, Susan.

Today, I went and saw my band doctor for the final time. He made sure that all the Fluid was removed out of my band. I was very pleased to find that he was extremely supportive of my decision. He agrees that I obviously have a band intolerance and other issues with it. He said he feels the sleeve is the obvious and best next step for me and said he hopes everything goes well for me.

I agree w/M. You are lucky, you have a WLS surgeon that gets it. Not many US docs support someone going to MX. He clearly cares about you a great deal.

All I want is for you to have a normal life and eat like a normal person and be able to eat in an average social situation.

Amazing how this surgery affords you weight loss AND a normal life.

I can't express to you how much I KNOW what you are going through and how much your life will change for the better. It's just one of those things that you have to experience before you can truly get it.

In a few months you'll be singing my own praises... when you get your life back you can't help but to encourage others to do the same.

You'll see. When YOU see the light at the end of the tunnel you'll do just about anything for someone in the same boat.

Susan, I am sincerely happy for you. Life will change in ways you never dreamed of.

You'll see!

Today, I went and saw my band doctor for the final time. He made sure that all the Fluid was removed out of my band. I was very pleased to find that he was extremely supportive of my decision. He agrees that I obviously have a band intolerance and other issues with it. He said he feels the sleeve is the obvious and best next step for me and said he hopes everything goes well for me.

He sounds like a wonderful doctor. It's getting closer! :confused:

I am glad that I will have somebody close to my surgery date. Even though we will be a month apart, in the end, a month will seem like nothing.

I will cheer you on during your liquid phase. If you're anything like me, support during the liquid stage is important. Even though I don't expect to be hungry, I

will more than likely still be thinking about food.

Good luck on your revision.

I have to note that you are having your band removed on the three year anniversary that you had it installed, same as me (installed 6/2005, deinstalled 6/2008.) Maybe there's something to the 3 year mark.

Thanks for the support everyone. I am really looking forward to leading a normal life again. I am getting more excited every day!

Denise, we definitely need to help one another through this. I remember how tough the liquid stage was when I got my band. I didn't cheat, but I got pretty darn cranky towards the end. But, I know it will all be worth it.

So, what does everyone do for the Clear Liquids stage? I am looking for suggestions, as I am beginning to stock up on my supplies now.

hi

i need to ask u a question, i am going to my second meeting to get banded,do u recomend lap band or this other procedure,thanks for u r input larry