minxie

Call it what you like. My surgeon said the sleeve was too tight. He used a balloon to stretch it.

It wasn't reversed. The sleeve was too tight. I had difficulty swallowing anything with a consistency thicker than Water and thinner than fish. So things like oatmeal, shakes, mashed potatoes, etc. were out. I threw up a LOT the first 3 weeks. The surgeon went in and stretched the passage from my esophagus to the sleeve through a procedure similar to an endoscopy. Since then I am much better. It's still tight with excellent restriction, but it's not TOO tight. I am happy and love being successful with my sleeve!

I just discovered FITTER. Lurve it! Plus it interacts with my Withings scale and my Jawbone UP. woo woo!

I kept an "exercise journal" that was used to prove I exercised. If you need me to send you documentation of your exercise, let me know. Seriously, I have BCBS insurance, too. It doesn't have to be anything serious. They just copied a few pages from my book that showed what I was doing, frequency in the gym, etc. PLUS you may have a waiting period between the time they submit the paperwork and the date of your surgery -- you can keep on working out through that time.

You sound so happy! I am thrilled with your progress and wish you continued success! WOO HOO!

The first couple of weeks I regretted it - I was SO tired, couldn't eat, threw up a lot. Turns out my sleeve was too tight. Once that was fixed, I bounced back quickly! I am 6 months out and am almost 100 lbs lighter. I'm training for a 5k this August. I have confidence and am loving every inch of myself. It's not easy, but it is SO worth it! Literally, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

I had the same exact symptoms for 3 weeks. My sleeve was too tight and food wouldn't pass from my esophagus to my stomach if it were too thick. I couldn't eat farina, creamed Soups, mashed potatoes, fish. Things got stuck and I threw up frequently. My surgeon did an endoscopy and stretched the passage a bit. I still have excellent restriction, but can tolerate foods much better. Hope this helps. Wishing you continued success! Nathalie

I had the lapband in 2006 and just had it converted to the sleeve. Zazi I had shoulder pain, too! And weight gain. And constant pain in my port site. And constant HUNGER! I'm THRILLED to have that band out of me. If the sleeve had been a viable option in 2006, I would have done that instead of the lapband. It's obviously your choice, but I've been more successful my first 30 days on the sleeve than I was with the band. I'm 35 lbs down and haven't had any hunger since surgery.

Looking good, girl! How are you feeling? Your smile is getting brighter! :-) Congratulations on your success!

No idea - I was under sedation. I don't believe it involved cutting though.

I was sleeved on 11/8 and had to go back in last Monday to get an endoscopy to stretch my stomach. I still get full after 2-3 bites. I'm eating 1 meal per day and drinking Protein drinks and Water through the day. I'm not supposed to be eating much yet anyway. 6 weeks is when I can start eating. The difficulty was that semi-solids (mashed potato, cream of wheat, thick soups) were getting stuck, and most times if I ate sitting down I'd get stuck and slime/vomit. I'm still eating slowly and doing lots of Soup and other soft things. Call your surgeon, get a swallow test, maybe ask about an endoscopy. Good luck!

Girl, I feel your pain! So... did you drink it? I did the night before surgery. 2 glasses. I savored every swallow! I'm 4 weeks out and haven't had any wine since then. I miss it so terribly. Sauv Blanc is my clear liquid of choice. :-)

I don't have trouble with them, but I blend them with my stick blender (immersion blender).

What are you eating and how much exercise are you getting? Also, what is your current weight?

Congratulations! You look so happy and so very proud of yourself!

I, too, am sick sick sick of Protein drinks! The isopure drinks make me gag now -- I have a closet full of Alpine Punch that I've tried to gussy up wtih lemon juice. I think I'm going to mix it with Crystal Lite lemonade. I stopped in to tell you about the delicious mix I just made! I mixed up the Syntrax nectar - Caribbean Cooler flavore - with coconut water! I blended it with my immersion blender, and if I close my eyes I almost feel like I'm drinking a pina colada! DELICIOUS!

Hey - I'm a major lurker around these parts, but wanted to share with the *world* that I finally got my approval! It was kind of a weird situation - -I was originally scheduled for 10/18, but the insurance company put a hold on my case after deciding that I needed another psychiatric evaluation. I had it done and the new approval came through on 10/18, but of course I missed my date. So they pushed me back until 11/8. I'm to lose 10 lbs by then. I go in for pre-op registration on 11/7. I AM THRILLED! My lesson to share for all is to keep fighting. If the insurance company says NO, then please keep fighting. Find other documentation or justification to force them to approve you. Go above and beyond. Call multiple times and ask questions, get the name and reference number of the phone call. Keep your notes. The insurance company is there to work for you. Sometimes you have to make them do it. Good luck!

YAY! We are band-to-sleeve twins! :-)

It depends on the insurance policy through your employer. Keep fighting! Ask for a copy of the insurance policy, and word your letter to meet the criteria to qualify for the surgery. Good luck!

I'm having my conversion (surgeon's term) on 10/18. He is doing it in one surgery. I can't wait!

Hi Teriiann -- I have Anthem BCBS and do not have that line in my company's policy. However, each plan is different. It isn't a BCBS requriement - it is a corporate requirement. HR is a good place to start. The other thing you can do is put the $3,000 is your flexible spending account during benefits enrollment. That way it's not as painfully out of pocket. Good luck!

I just met with my surgeon yesterday and he is doing it in one shot - he says he prefers it that way. (YAY!) Dottie, you sound like a very strong woman! Your posts totally shine with confidence and self empowerment. I love that! jerseyjandj - you said you're 5 months post op and have lost 95 lbs?! Does that mean you've lost 95 in 5 months, or are you counting your highest weight? Pre-op diet? I'm just curious.

Hi evonnrae! I am sending you as much positive energy and as many prayers on your behalf as I can muster! We are in the same place -- I submitted my paperwork today, and the insurance coordinator said she would get the letter in tomorrow. Isn't it exciting and nerve wracking at the same time?!! I am fighting the urge to call Anthem BCBS and tell them to watch the fax machine, pull up my policy and get an approval sent without delay! LOL Good luck and congratulations! ~ minxie

Hey scubadottie - I am in the process of being approved for the band revision, and I have to take an UGI on Tuesday. I don't have to have an endoscopy that I know of. I had one before being banded, and it wasn't bad at all - I rather enjoyed being loopy all afternoon! :-) I'm totally jealous that you have a surgery date, by the way. I'm hoping to get a date sometime in early October. Thanks and Good Luck! minxie

I agree that we have nothing to talk about, as evidenced by your disrespectful tone. What's the point in attacking me for positing a different perspective? Extremely rude and unnecessary. Nevermind the fact that you misrepresented what I said. Duh