TaiDyed

Oh thank you for posting this..I needed a place to go to put my thoughts out there into cyberspace. I broke up with food last night. Today is day one of a 2 week pre op diet. Surgery is scheduled for 8/6. I think right now what I am feeling is primarily mental. I feel "fuzzy" ... like the beginnings of what it must be like to go through withdrawals. I know I sound a bit dramatic...and I know it will pass as my body gets accustomed to not eating everything in sight. Or just to be able to eat when I want to. I am on a 3 shake/2 bar diet (Breakfast shake, snack bar, lunch shake, snack bar, dinner shake). I am allowed certain veggies. I think I will go invest in a few bags of those veggie steamer bags. Thanks for the app suggestion. I will definitely go check it out! Looking forward to sharing our trials, tribulations and successes!!!

I am going in today to complete some final paperwork and pick up my Protein plan for the 2 week pre op diet and what will get me through the first few weeks after surgery. My anxiety level has skyrocketed. I am a lap band to sleeve revision and I do not remember feeling this unsettled or anxious when I went in for my band in 2008. I don't know if it is because the sleeve is irreversible or the idea of having yet another surgery. Whatever the case is, I am a mess. I have less than 2 weeks to make sure my desk is organized and all my work is done so nothing is impacted while I'm off for 2 weeks to recover. I can't keep up with all the thoughts running through my brain. I've made my decision. I thought I was solid on that decision. But maybe my subconscious is second guessing myself. Any words of comfort or even just an "attagirl" "you can do this" would be greatly appreciated. :wub: Thanks!!

Squats and lunges...excellent butt firming exercise!! I'm bottom heavy - total pear shape - and ideally I'd like to keep my shape. Just less of it. Even the flattest of backsides can get some lift from a good does of squats and lunges.

Hey there...I am set for 8/6 as well. Not to wish time away, but I'm really ready for the next 2 weeks to get over and done with!!

A band slip is definitely a concern. I had a mild slip which caused acid reflux issues for me. Not pleasant at all. If you do choose the band, just be prepared to really listen to your body. For me, all it took was one bite too much and it was like a clog in a pipe. I had to determine if it was going to come back up or if it was just a matter of time for it to pass through and go down. It's a very awkward feeling. Keep us posted on your decision. And keep asking questions and doing research. We know there is no magic answer, but we all want to make the right choice to help us move on with our lives in a healthy and happy way.

I had the lap band in 2008. I am now in the process of starting the 2 week pre op diet to remove the band and have the sleeve on 8/6. I won't say don't get the band, but I will tell you that I had issues with it. I've heard great success stories for others, but unfortunately that didn't ring true here. The band is a tool. if you eat the wrong thing or too much, the "stuck" feeling can be very uncomfortable. I don't know what to expect from the sleeve, but have been told that there is a real element of satiation with the sleeve that didn't seem to ever occur with the band. I'm hoping that is true. Back in 2008, the sleeve wasn't an option for me. It was either the band or bypass. I chose the band because it was less invasive and I liked the idea that I could have it removed later in life if necessary. If the sleeve was an option back then, I don't know if I would have chosen differently. It's impossible to know. I hope others will chime in with their advice and insight. It is a big decision. Best of luck to you as you move forward in your journey.

Seriously, you have no idea how much these comments help. I am not usually an overly emotional person, but I got a little teary eyed...than you all so much. This board has been a God send.

Tonight I met my best friend of 26 years for a walk and chit chat. We discussed my upcoming surgery and she understands my reasons why I am doing what I am doing. For all my life, she has witnessed first hand how much I have struggled with my weight. She on the other hand is naturally thin and lean (fitness instructor) and has a high metabolism (you should see this girl chow down at a Vegas buffet). As we were walking, she told me that she had explained to her two boys (10 and 13) that I am going in for surgery. When they inquired what kind, she attempted to explain to them what I was having done and why. They both told her that I didn't need the surgery and that I am fine just the way I am. Oh, what sweet boys. The BFF expressed the same sentiments. That those who love me see me in a way that has nothing to do with my size and weight. I totally appreciate that. I told her that I'm just ready to not be identified or defined by my size "Oh that's Tai, you know, the heavy set girl"...that type of thing. On top of so many other reasons why I am doing this surgery...I'm just ready to get off the yo-yo ride and take food addiction out of the equation. I know the surgery isn't going to magically do all that for me, but I believe it is going to help me move on with the necessary steps to get healthy. Someday I hope to look in the mirror and see myself the way others see me.

Congratulations!! I hate to wish time away, but I'm counting down the days for my 8/6 date! You aren't too far behind. Looking forward to reading about your journey!

Awesome!! I'm looking forward to being there early next month...will even welcome the pain and nausea just to finally have the band gone and on my way to working the sleeve. Congrats and wishing you a smooth recovery!!

Indeed! I have been in the middle of just that over the past 2 months. I have been struggling with the "last meal" syndrome since I started the process of having band to sleeve revision. Fortunately, my pre op diet starts on Monday and I'm going to do my very best to really use those 2 weeks to regain control again.

I have added this to the list of things to ask about when I go back for my next appointment. Thank you!

I wish I had answers for you. I can't imagine the frustration you are feeling. It shouldn't have to be such a difficult process, but as we often read from so many other posts, getting approval can be a challenge. Vent away and I hope someone is able to add a comment or two that might help you with an inside perspective. Good luck.

BMI 37, 5'3", weight fluctuates in the 190s (although the past few weeks has gone up due to a LOT of stress eating). Pretty much healthy in every other way. Received the preapproval letter from insurance just yesterday. I imagine it all depends on how coverage is written in each persons plan. According to the paper work, it states I am "approved as medically necessary" based upon the health plan policy "Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity". I am a band to sleeve revision, so not sure how much that piece of information plays in being approved.

Hello there...I am new to this forum. Back in 2008, I had the lapband procedure. Four years later and it hasn't been all that great of a success. Yes, I lost some weight, but it's been a struggle. Within the last year I began experiencing issues and am at the point where frustration has set in. I went back to my surgeon in early June and he removed all my restriction to allow some time to heal from what may be a mild slip. We discussed the possibility of removing the band and having the gastric sleeve. I have completed jumping through hoops to get all the pre-op tests done and am now waiting to hear if my insurance will cover the revision which is causing me slight anxiety. If my insurances denies me, I am resolved to making the choice of whether or not I will keep the band in place and hope for the best. Part of me feels like I should just have the band removed and let it be the end of it. BUT, having struggled with my weight ALL my life, I feel like the sleeve is something I want to at least give a chance to try. The idea of having part of me removed freaks me out. One of the big reasons why I went with the band in the first place over the gastric bypass (at the time of mysurgery, the sleeve was not an option) was the idea of it not being permanent. The hardest part has been the last few weeks w/ absolutely no restriction. It's been like letting a kid loose in a candy store and I have not been able to reign myself in. And the penalty is the scale going up and up and up. Stepping back and trying to look at myself objectively, I think I am falsely allowing myself some sort of final "hurrah" based solely on the hope of having the sleeve procedure. And I know this self sabotage behavior is not in my best interest. So then, I beat myself up some more. It's a vicious cycle that I hope to get under control. I'm working on it. and I'm very thankful to have a place to come and find the support that is so helpful.

Keep a positive outlook...I know how frustrating the wait can be. Oddly enough, when I got home last night, after having written this post, there was the pre approval letter from my insurance company sitting on the table. I had to read it at least 5 times to understand what they were telling me. They are approving the sleeve but denying the removal of the band...BUT then in typical insurance double talk state that it is a matter of "coding' and that dependent upon how the surgeon writes up the procedure, which obviously removing the band is a necessary part of getting the sleeve. So go figure. Hang in there. Keep doing what you are doing - which is way better than me. Once my doctor removed all the restriction from the band it was almost like a freedom feeling - the freedom to swallow food without fear of throwing up or having to walk around feeling like something was stuck allowed me to lose sight of staying on track. Fingers crossed you receive the green light soon!!

Moving forward...received the preapproval letter today from my insurance provider. Oddly, since I am a band to sleeve revision - they claim the sleeve is approved, but the removal of the band is not. Then there are additional notes indicating that "removing the lap band is considered part of the approved surgery on my stomach and that the code could be approved after the surgery" - I get that it's all an insurance and coding game and that my surgeon will do what he needs to do to make sure everything gets covered appropriately, but still it's like a puzzle to have to read between the lines. At this point, I go in on Monday 7/23 for the pre op appointment. Finalize paperwork and purchase the 2 week liquid Protein diet. I would prefer doing my own Liquid Protein, but of course they have their own product and require purchase from within their program. I went through it before when I had the band done through the same center back in 2008, so I know it's not miserable, but still, I wish they'd be more flexible. Oh well, it's a small price to pay. Band to sleeve revision surgery date is set for Monday, 8/6. Eleven days later I will Celebrate turning 44. I'm in the midst of a gazillion different emotions. Excitement. Fear. Disbelief. Doubt. I talked w/ my BFF tonight for a bit. She's known me since we were 15 and had seen first hand my struggles over all these years.She said that doing this needs to be for me and me alone and made it very clear that my friends love and adore me no matter what my appearance/weight is. I know she is right. In every aspect of my life, I am content and happy. Every aspect EXCEPT my weight. So, here I go. Again. Only a few more weeks to not over think things and freak myself out even more.

Okay, so the anxiety is getting a little stronger. I haven't heard anything from my doctors office. I have my preop diet date scheduled for Mon 7/23 and was told that if they didn't call the cancel, that would mean everything was approved by insurance and we are on for the 8/6 surgery date. So no news is good news right? One more week to ... hoping to not get that call. My stomach is in knots. I just want it to be the day after 8/6 so I can move on with recovery and to the next stage of what life has in store for me.

The waiting is driving me crazy too. My doctors office scheduled my pre op appointment for 7/23 and told me that IF for any reason my insurance denies the request, then the appointment will be cancelled. So I'm left waiting and hoping I don't get that cancellation call. I'm marking the days off my calendar and doing my best to keep busy. Fingers crossed we both get a bit of good news soon!!

Yup...this was me. Had the band via the NEW program (Dr. Q) back in 2008. Have had all my followups over the years with Dr. B - who I adore...and am in the painful waiting period of *fingers crossed* to see if my insurance will cover the band to sleeve revision. At this point, if all goes as planned, I will start the 2 week pre op diet on 7/23 with my surgery date set for 8/6. I hate to wish the summer away but I really want August to be here.

You all have no idea how much better I feel reading these responses and viewing all the various threads on this website. I can't talk w/ my husband about things - he tolerated my band and seems to be in a bit of denial about me having the sleeve. He is supportive only in that he wants me to be happy but I know he is worried about me having yet another surgery. I am so ready. So very ready. Once the anxiety over waiting for the insurance response ends, the liquid diet will begin...and then *fingers crossed* my surgery date. 11 days after that I will Celebrate my 44th birthday. Can't think of a better gift to myself!!

Oh, I hope it is NOT the same stuck feeling that comes along w/ being banded. Go figure, but the healthiest of foods would get stuck the most often, while the crap food slid down super easy. It got to the point, that I was able to lose weight because I ate minimal amounts of food, but was so desperate to get something down, anything down, I'd resolve to eating the stuff that went down without getting stuck. It was a vicious cycle!! Stacy - you've been sleeved since June and you're happy w/ the decision. So glad to hear that. I'm still terrified I"m making a decision that I'll never be able to undo and that just freaks me out. However, the idea of living a life of continuous yo-yo dieting freaks me out even more. Hate to wish the summer away, but August 6th cannot get here fast enough!!

Stacy - the day he removed all restriction was a love/hate feeling. After 4 years, I forgot what it felt like to swallow a bite and have it go all the way down w/out any issues. Which then led to the next bite and the next and the next...it was liberating in a very strange way. And if I had kept my head about me, I don't think the weight gain would have been so bad, but unfortunately, I rediscovered my obsession with carbs. Muffins, pancakes, bread...all the things that would get stuck super easy. Looking at the calendar, I have 2 weeks to go until I start the liquid diet. It cannot get here soon enough!!

Fingers crossed, I will be a band to sleeve revision on 8/6 - will know in the next 2 weeks if my insurance will cover the revision and will then begin the 2 week liquid diet pre surgery. I totally understand the feeling like I failed w/ the band. and the "what if"...what if the sleeve isn't any different for me? I'm terrified. But I am more terrified of not trying. Wishing you the best of luck and hoping to hear more about your journey.