FromBandToSleeve

My research showed Memorial Hospital with Dr. Cywes, Dr. Paul Chappano and Dr. Uchal (Reviosonal Bariatric Surgeon) both at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fl. Both hospitals have been awarded the "Certificate of Excelence". Has anyone had surgery here in Fl. besides Ocala? Thanks for any advice..

Congratulations Nancy!! I am contemplating VSG. This entire site dedicated to any WLS really, has been enormously helpful to me. Just breathe...When you're feeling up to it after surgery, let us know how you're doing. I would love to hear all about it!!. There are a number of us that meet in VSG Chatroom between 7-10pm depending on any time zone differences. Come on in...Would love to see you join us... I'll be praying for you tonight.. Good luck in the AM..

That ia such a great point ladies...I forgot about that after my lapband surgery. The "girls" were set free for a while due to the surgical site where the band is located....Lol.. When I have (hope to be covered for) the VSG, that is something I would need to keep in mind this time.

I meant *you..Lol

Oy!!! I really hope oyu get to feeling better bell...

Cujet I meant Healthy and no difficulty recovery...Lol

Congratulations cujet!! Wishing you a healthy and do difficulties...

Mesa, did your Insurance cover the surgery? Did it pay for phsych and nutrition visits pre and post-op? What about all post-op visits? Were you transfered to ICU immediately after your suergery to keep a close watch fo complications? That's what their website states. Just wondering. I was interested in Dr. Uchal because he does do revisionals as I think Cywes does as well. I guess I have to start calling my ins companies and get to some seminars. Thanks!!

Rosy, It gives me comfort in knowing/hearing of your feelings both physical and emotional. As I read the threads here tonight, I've noticed you have pulled yourself together through one of the most difficult times in your life. I had the LapBand surgery doone 5 years ago. It was not a good experience for me what so ever. Too each his/her own. Thru your posts I've felt your Pain and yet literally heard a sigh of relief. That's where the strength lies!! I'm agressively looking into having my band removed and have the sleeve done as a revisional surgery. The post-op surgery days can suck!! I know it and have been through the worst of it as well. Regardless the afterward food restriction on any WLS, the healing is the most important part. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself Rosy. I'm so happy physically& emotionally feeling better & you're pushing yourself with the help from the site. Thanks for the honesty and sharing in your transformation on your journey. My next journey is yet to come!! Thanks Everyone Here...

Thank you shellyac and all of you for the informative websites regarding Health Insurance Coverages. Circa, I wish you all the best of luck with your surgery,and safety in your travels...

Aww...That's so Exciting!! Congratulations...

Does Memorial Hospital have a Seperate recovery floor/unit specific for Bariatric patients after surgery? Do the surgeons do surgeries there on site? I know in St. Vincent's bariatric patients are sent to the ICU to keep a close eye on the patient. St Lukes Did Not (after my LapBand) and I had a horrible experience there... When I got up out of bed to sit/sat in the recliner and fell backward, is when the after care nurse said "Oh wait. I forgot that chair is broken". Are you kidding me? I was screaming and crying in such pain...I had to ask for a different nurse. Seriously, I'm afraid to go back there.... It was truly a traumatic experience that I will Never forget.

Aww....That's wonderful!!

Oh geez...Dr. Webb also...

Thanks everybody!! The names suggested are the surgeons that had come up in the top 10. I typed in "Top Doc's in Jacksonville" Oh, Dr. Pinnar was also mentioned along with Dr. Cywes...Sorry I forgot to mention him. Dr. Merema is affiliated with Flagler Hospital right? My head is in a Whirl Spin right now.... Thanks Ladies...

Hi everyone!! Well, I'm now 5 1/2 years out from having the LapBand surgery. I've lost about 43 lbs. I was not covered for band fill adjustments post op. I was told otherwise before I making the forever, life changing decision. Needless to say, I'm frustrated, confused, and feel "stuck". The past 5 days/nights I've been online researching the long term effects the band (has caused) and the sleeve (can cause). I want the band removed. The information I've found and the symptoms that people say they have evperienced or currently experiencing...I found myself relating to the symptoms, signs, complaints and discomforts. Actually, it's like a "light switch" went on in my head!! It all made/makes sense!! The joint pain, 2 broken feet, heartburn, back aches/pains, low Vitamin D and B-12 levels...D level was only 18 when it should be at least 55...Holy Crap!! Anyhow, if I get the band removed and have no replacement "Hello 43lbs" or I could decide the Vertical Sleeve route and lose 85% of my stomach risking the chance of making a more "permanent" decision. Under the supervision of one of my Dr.'s advice, the band was a "better choice" being that the anti-depressants I am on would absorb more effectively than if I had the Gastric Bypass. Well, apparently it doesn't make a difference now does it? How do I "weigh" my decision? Ultimately it is my desision. Is there anyone else out there like me? Lol... Opinions/suggestions? Thanks...

Thnak you all for the informative feedback. Now I feel less "crazy" and more confident toward my decision to have the revisional surgery toward the LapBand. Thanks!!

That's wonderful!! I've had the band in now for over 5 yrs now. The past 3 I've had to eat standing up "literally". It takes forever to get my meds down, food gets stuck, eggs? I thought I was going crazy!! Lol...I don't do well with them at all...My familythinks I'm nuts.. The more research I do and the more threads I read the more convinced that removing this foreign, sewn object around my stomach will be the best thing for me. Thanks fro sharing your story...

Sweeww!! I feel soo much better now that I have read these posts. Thanks for all this information. Now I'm not going "crazy"...Lol. I'm currently banded at around 5 1/2 years now. All that I've read is Exactly how I feel physically, emotionally and logically. Thank you for helping me through all your posts...

AB...Indeed it's frustrating. When I was "banded" and frustrated, I'd pop in some relaxing or upbeat music. I would have preferred to have popped in a funny movie, but I was in so much pain I couldn't physically laugh...Lol. Try not to put all this pressure on yourself. Stress hinders your healing...Nurse yourself...Keep talking about what's going on...It's Healthy...

AM I EVEN DOING THIS RIGHT??