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.

4 down, a few more to go! LOL

Hey, I never thought of that! LOL. I have a hard enough time in the chat room when they are all excited about getting their date.

At least Alex is still banded.

I am always honest though, and tell them I loved my band at first too, until I started choking on vomit in my sleep.

Susan, which Soups can you buy in the store? I would suppose you have to add unflavored Protein to it?

I am always honest though, and tell them I loved my band at first too, until I started choking on vomit in my sleep.

Keep me updated as to whether the sleeve resolves your reflux symptoms, because it sounds suspiciously like your reflux could be part of a potential sleep disorder. Not that I'm biased, or anything, lol. I was thinking the same thing about Elizabeth. Here's hoping the sleeve will solve all your probs!

no, it's not a sleep disorder. The unfill took care of it, but now i can eat way too much!

no, it's not a sleep disorder. The unfill took care of it, but now i can eat way too much!

Oh, ok. I (as usual) got confused, I guess. Shows how much attention I pay, eh?

is it worth getting banded or should i get bypass,or sleeve? you got me nervous now, but your right not to many success story on band long term yet people help me i/m confusd going 2nd meeting to get banded soon larry

lpglarry, read the complications section of the band on this board. You should become aware of the possible complications with the band before you make a decision.

Wow, I start my liquid diet tomorrow and one week from today, I will be on a plane making my way to Mexico. I am actually getting pretty excited, as opposed to nervous. My husband has decided he will be going with me instead of my mother.

is it worth getting banded or should i get bypass,or sleeve? you got me nervous now, but your right not to many success story on band long term yet people help me i/m confusd going 2nd meeting to get banded soon larry

Men have a greater muscle mass and seem to be a bit more successful with the band but, had I known what I do now back when I was banded, I would have NEVER done it. I got the band to help me solve one problem... obesity. I am now getting a second operation to solve all the problems the band caused (esophageal irritation, gastro-esophogeal reflux, insomnia from reflux, heart burn, etc.).

Have your surgeon explain ALL forms of weight loss and do a ton of your own fact finding before you allow them to do ANY surgery on you. The band is actually preventing me from losing more weight because of the dietary restrictions it imposes in me... not being able to eat solid Proteins, etc. Good luck to you.

Wow, I start my liquid diet tomorrow and one week from today, I will be on a plane making my way to Mexico. I am actually getting pretty excited, as opposed to nervous. My husband has decided he will be going with me instead of my mother.

I started the pre-op diet a day early and am trying to get everything done that I need to before leaving for Mexico in 6 days! I am so eager to get the band out of me that I really am not nervous. Good luck with the pre-op diet. Mine is not as limiting as yours.

So great Susan, thanks for sharing your experience.

Your welcome, Irene.

Well, I had my "last supper" last night. Hubby and daughter treated me to my favorite Japanese Steak House. It was delicious.

Today, I started my pre-op liquid diet. As I mentioned previously, this is not what Dr. Aceves usually requires for his sleeve patients. But, they are requiring it of me due to all the problems I was having with my band. He wants to make sure there is no swelling or anything else that would prevent me from having my band removed and the sleeve done all in one surgery. So, I imagine by Saturday I will be a complete grump. I remember when I started my liquids only pre-op diet for the band, the first three days were the worst. Once I made it past them, the hunger and headache seemed to dissipate. I am hoping for the same now.

I can't believe a week from today I will be in Mexicali, in the hospital being prepped for surgery. I am pretty excited to have the band out and all the problems it has given me gone. I know for many people, they have success with it. For me, it has been misery for the past year.

Susan: Good luck with the liquid diet. I found it easier to not watch TV. I never think about the blasted food commercials until you are on liquids than everything looks good! Wishing you the best! Looking forward to following your journey.

You guys are getting me all excited now, even though I'm not going to be a sleever, but ever since my lap band went down hill I was severely in the dumps! I just called my insurance company and they will cover a second surgery for "med nec" which shouldn't be a problem. I feel like I have a future again!!! Good luck to you all and let's hope #2 is a WINNER!! Nancy:smile:

good luck susan,

wishing u good luck on your surgery,can i ask u a question,how come u r going mexico to get it done?larry

good luck susan,

wishing u good luck on your surgery,can i ask u a question,how come u r going Mexico to get it done?larry

About three of the doctors there are more experienced than a majority of US surgeons. Their experience is greater, their stats are better, they keep you in the hospital for 3 nights following surgery instead of outpatient or one night in the hospital in the US, and they are about half the price.

That's the only place I wanted to go for my revision. We just don't have great revision surgeons in my state so for me, MX was a better option.

I think Susan's thinking is similar but I'm sure she'll correct me if I am wrong.

When it comes to a revision you can't just go to anyone. Leak risks triple with a revision instead of a straight sleeve so you really have to go to someone mega experienced.