Tkrk0325

Does anyone have any regrets that they had the sleeve done? I'm approaching my date for surgery and I'm getting nervous. I'm excited, but worried. Mixture of emotions.

@-Cleo's Mom. I agree with the increase in GERD being a risk factor. My dad died a month ago of esophageal cancer. It was awful and I'm so very sorry for the loss of your husband. One of my best friends also died from this horrible disease and he was only 41. Both my dad and friend suffered from GERD. They didn't have WLS, but the GERD was there. I had lap band and when I learned of all of this, I have been diligent about getting fluid removed if I've experienced any GERD whatsoever. I'm having revision to sleeve next month and surgeon said they don't perform band or sleeve on anyone with Barrett's. That's reassuring. What I keep in mind is if I don't get this weight off, I'm probably at higher risk for early death from all the other bad things that go along with being fat. Again...so sorry for the loss of your husband. I feel like I've become a spokesperson for not ignoring heartburn!

I was wondering about Barrett's and esophageal cancer too after VSG....does anyone know the risks?

I was also banded in 2011 and having revision. I was told reversible, but permanent. I despise my band...can't wait toget it out. My port has flipped and Dr. unable to access it. It feels like an orange is right under my skin (where the port is)and Dr. thinks it sticks out like a tumor because of how it's sitting on my abdominal muscle. It's gross and embarrassing. I'm so ready to move to the sleeve and start this new chapter in my life. My clinic discourages the band now and Dr. states they haven't seen the success as they once hoped.

@jlkhollins- So glad you're surgery went good. Hang in there and keep us posted.

Does anyone have any good self help books related to over eating, emotional eating, etc. I have the The Big Gastric Sleeve Book...but looking for more of a psych type book too. Food addiction, etc??

My story is similar...banded in 2011...going through revision process and nervous about all the same things you're all mentioning. Great to have the support.

@@Julie norton- I've been compliant...just that my band isn't working properly and it's causing physical problems. Those are my Dr.'s words...I don't feel that a band patient can cause it to leak...maybe I'm wrong. Truth is...I knew the risks going into it and now I need to face the music. I have a dear friend that has a band and it eroded through her stomach and another that it's working great. I have coworkers that have had different WLS and have gained back all their weight...yes...there's a huge commitment to being compliant and lifestyle change is a must. I'm very sad my band is not working....I don't wish my worst enemy to have to go through another surgery. My intention wasn't to offend you. I apologize.

This story made me giggle. I had something similar happen...my mother in law had surgery and I took care of her for 3 weeks after. Trust me...I had to bath her, help her in the bathroom...etc...she needed a lot of help. She's not my favorite person, but I knew helping her was what I wanted to do. During this time I had started on my liquid pre op diet and she knew it. At the end of the 3 weeks (and right before my surgery) she went back to her own home. She was so excited to "present" our family with a gift card for letting her stay with us. Did I mention I did all the dirty work? Well, the gift card was to Culvers. Wow. Just wow....I'll buy some coffee??? The worst part is that she demanded we use it with her. Sooo, my mother in law, husband, and kids enjoyed their Culvers while I enjoyed my Crystal Light. Seriously? I bathed her! Ugh. When I didn't eat anything from the gift card outing, she said, "Oh yeah...I forgot you can't eat. Sorry". Did I mention I bathed her? Some people will NEVER get it. Lol.

That happened to me at my last fill. Dr couldn't pull put any fluid (to check it) so he just filled with .3 and said to wait and see how I feel. I was banded over 3 years ago...this is the 2nd time this has happened. I really want this band out. I'm so sad as I know I made a mistake with this choice in WLS.

@@Bacon-n-Limes I've had that same situation where I see myself in a video or pic. Wow. Just wow. What has happened to me? Well, seeing is believing. I'm so glad to be part of this group and hoping 2015 people will be seeing "less" of me.

I like the EAS Advantage Carb Control protein shakes. I also like Pure Protein. Both of them I get at Target.

Please keep me posted on how you're doing. I'm also a patient at PNC -Methodist. Have you gone to any of their support groups on Wednesday evenings? I had lap band and now starting the process of revision to sleeve. I just handed in my packet of info yesterday....ready for a new chapter.

I'm happy I've found this group. I'm in need of support and nurses are the best. I'm an RN and have worked in Public Health (PHN) for 16 years and 5 years before that in Peds. I'm 44, married, have 2 active kids I want to keep up with. I had lap band in 2010 and I'm not happy with it. I can't find my green zone. I'm either hungry or the band is too tight. Ick. I'm started the process to have the sleeve and so relieved my clinic is on board with me proceeding this route. It's frustrating and embarrassing to start over, but I want this. It's time for me. We give and give and give some more. It's exhausting and it's time for us. I'm in the Mpls area of MN. Anyone else been through band to sleeve or live in MN. I look forward to this group. Thanks and Merry Xmas.

I have a similar story. Banded in 2010...can't find my green zone...ugh. I've had a gazillion fills and now it's hard to feel restriction. I've bobbled between 30 lbs. I'm sick of this. I've had some back and knee issues (herniated discs and joint pain related to weight) which makes exercise painful. I exercise...have pain...feel frustrated...Anyways....just decided a revision to sleeve will be a good option for me. I'm just starting the whole process over. I start all my pre appointments in January when my new insurance starts. Please keep me posted on how you guys are doing. Best of success and here's to a fabulous 2015!!!!

My husband and mom have said the same thing...about...you'll gain it all back, etc. I just reply with the statistics that less then 5% of people who are obese will lose and keep it off the "natural" way. I like the 95% odds that I have with choosing surgery. At least we have a fighting chance. Hang in there and think how good it will feel to prove them wrong.

I'm also a patient at PNC and starting my band to sleeve revision journey. I won't schedule my surgery until I go through the process to get approved. Were you happy with Dr. Jones? I've heard good thing about him. How are you feeling? Are you having success?

Ohhh...I bet that was the best. So glad you felt better after and keep that sense of humor.

Yes!!! Go have him take some fluid out. That has happened to me and I ended up eating higher calorie slider foods...thus wt. gain. Listen to your body. Best of wishes!!

So happy for you! Please update in your progress. I'm just starting the whole thing over. I had lap band in 2011 with not so great results. Now I'm starting the process for a revision to the sleeve. I would have liked to do this earlier, but like you...insurance got in the way. As of January, I'll have a different insurance to cover. I wish you the best of luck.

Ask if it's related to the CO2 gas used (if it was laproscopic). That happened to me after I had lap band surgery. It was scary...headache and blurred vision. It did resolve with meds. Best of luck to your mom.