citygal

You are all so AWESOME!! These are great tips and I updating my list. I'm buying some really comfy slip on pants for the trip home....I have to tell you....I am so ready to have my procedure. All of the comments about Dr. Aceves are helping my friends feel more comfortable with this.... I'm single and have no biological family so my friends really are my heart....thank you all for sharing your tips with me.... Happy Spring everyone!!

hello all- I am scheudled for my band to sleeve revision with Dr. Aceves on April 9. I weighed myself this morning for the the first time in two years and was 301. I was 350 when I was banded and am more than a little heartsick that I have started to gain the weight back....but onward I go... I am hoping to get suggestions or tips of anything you would have done or bought or thought of when you first had the surgery. I am traveling back from Mexicali (San Diego) by myself to Philadelphia and I live alone...so want to be as prepared as possible. Any and all suggestions are welcome... 1. What should I bring with me that you wished you had or really were thrilled you had with you. 2. What "Stuff" should I have at home 3. What do you know "now" that you wish you had known "then" I am really open to hearing your thought and suggestions and wanted to thank you all for sharing your experiences....I'm less scared of this porcess than I am of continuing to gain weight... Defy Gravity.. Grace

I'm a week away from my sleeve surgery.....so I can't cheer you on from "that side" of the process. I just wanted to send so good mojo to you. Being honest...telling the truth and getting it out of your system is a great and healthy thing to do.... Cheering you on from Philly!!

As a suggestion...DON"T buy one...I fly 100K miles a year...I know its mortifying but just ask the flight attendent as you are boarding...(also you can board early...they always do an announcement for folks who need more time getting down the jetway)...be kind to yourself and just get on early....tell the gate agent you just had a "procedure" and need a bit more time...THEY WON"T QUESTION THAT!! As you get on...tell the flight attendent in your cabin you will need an extender...since you are on early, you won't have to be embarrassed doing this in the big crush. use it...be COMFORTABLE...when that flight is over...PUT THE EXTENDER IN YOUR PURSE!!! Use it on your way home and then leave it on the plane.... Saves you the hassle/embarassement of having to ask. Seriously I am a hardcore flyer and have been humliated enough by mean flight attendents and passengers who look at me like I am disgusting. I have sat next to people who literally are rude and smell...so don't you dare let this bother you... Just call me your warrior sister in the sky!!! Grace

Thank you soooo much. This is exactly what I am looking for. I now am starting a list of items and will get myself a heating pad and slippers (I don't have either at home) I hope you are on the mend and I will keep looking for you on here to cheer you on!

Hi there....I am scheudled for my procedure with Dr. Aceves next week. All of his materials state you must have a deposit (mine was $500) to him by 10 days before the procedure, but full payment is due when you arrive at hospital. this is right out of the materials they sent me: If your deposit is not sent 10 days before surgery make sure it is sent priority mail so that it gets here on time or contact your patient coordinator to make credit card payment online. Please do not send overnight, delivery comfirmation or signature comfirmation; this is not possible at PO Boxes. The balance will be due at the time of admittance to the hospital please see information on page 3 for methods of payment allowed. If you decide to cancel your surgery, your deposit is refundable as long as you cancel 7 days before surgery. Hope this is helpful..

I'm new here as well....just sending you an ocean of good wishes!

Hi Missy- I had lapband surgery in 2007 and went from 350ish to about 270. Today I weighed in at 301. I 've had serious issues with acid reflux induced laryngitis (lost my voice for 6 weeks) and when I moved to Philadelphia...no doctors here will do my fills becuase they didn't do my procedure. I have decided to do the sleeve but I am self pay. Just wanted to say you aren't the only one who had issue with the band...and I am sending you an ocean of good wishes... My surgery is next friday in Mexicali with Dr. Aceves. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.. Grace

Hello-- My name is Grace and I'm brand new on this site. I was banded in 2007 by Dr. Rumbaut and intially had good success with the band. I was 350 when I had the band and went to 300 pounds pretty quickly. I subsequently started having issues with severe acid reflux and moved to a city where I could not find a Dr. who would fill my band. I got down to 270 but now have an unfilled band and am back to 300 pounds. I struggled with the idea of yet another WLS, but at 51 feel that the long term health issues with being so overweight are taking thier toll on me. I've done a ton of reading and know there are risks but I feel like I am choosing the best option for me right now. I have selected Dr. Aceves since I will be going alone for the procedure and am self pay...I felt the information I've read about him made him the right choice for me....My friends are worried about me going to Mexico, but my lapband experience with Mexico was very positive and again....I have to choose what is right for me. Any and all advice is welcome. I am concerned about hair loss and (please don't laugh) about my face sagging (I know it's vain but I'm 51 and its a real worry)...everything else is covered by clothes...but my face....well....since I'm not a professional hockey goalie....my face is seen every day.... Thanks for reading....my motto which you'll see when I sign off is Defy Gravity!! Grace

Thanks so much!! i've just going to keep reminding myself whatever sags can be lifted, tucke, sucked and put away

Hi there....my best advice is to call your airline. Southwest is notorious for making folks buy two seats. I fly 100K a year on USair and fit in the seats ( NOT comfortably) but have to use a seat belt extender (I'm 301 pounds and 5'8). This should be a matter of your comfort as well and some airlines don't have armrests that move up.... you can go to www.seatguru.com and find your airline and the type of plane and it will tell you any seat restrictions you may have... Hope this is helpful. Defy Gravity Grace

Hi there...I'm Grace. I'm flying in on the 8th and having my band to sleeve revision on the 9th. I am traveling alone from Philadelphia...but I'm sure we will both be fine! Sending everyone an ocean of good wishes!! Defy Gravity! Grace