Lovely Lady

I had an appointment with my primary Dr. Visit. I weighed 196! I am happy with my weight loss.

I had an appointment with my primary Dr. Visit. I weighed 196! I am happy with my weight loss.

I had an appointment with my primary Dr. Visit. I weighed 196! I am happy with my weight loss.

It has been very hot, so I decided to go swimming. I can't think of anything else to do that will help my Arthritis.

Bandarella, That is just what I will do! Thank you everyone for your feedback!

I was told that since I do have some comorbidities, that I have nothing to worry about so long as my BMI doesnt go under 35.

What this study tells us is that the Sleeve, just like any WLS is a tool, not a magic bullet and that to be successful, long term the person with the Sleeve must work their program, every day, for the rest of their life. Just like a Lap Bandster or a By Passer or Switcher... Imagine that...
It all comes down to choosing the right surgery for your own body, health concerns and lifestyle.

I had lap band 6 years ago, I only loss 35 lbs Now I had my band removed due to infection I do not recommend the band, but the sleeve, Whatever you decide I wish you good luck.
Dhenise Oliveira

I have had tremendous success so far with the band BUT doctor post op treatment and guidance is key. Exercise must also be a regular part of your life. 33 lbs in 3 months. Good luck!

I haven't seen you around lately. How are you doing ? I know I only wanted the band. No major removal of my insides. I know of about 6-8 people that had by pass and after around 8ish years they are all huge again. Maybe that can happen with the band but I know that if I over eat I get sick.

My surgeon assured me that with my RNY it is reversible (he leaves the amputated portions of the stomach & intestine in the abdomen). He does this for the sole reason of needing to meet calorie requirements for battling cancer should it arise.

I've heard this sentiment lots...that the doctors are in it for the money. And I'm sure that's true to varying degrees where ever you go.
The amusing part is that first I hear that docs want you to have the band because they get all of those aftercare dollars. And then I hear that docs want you to have the sleeve so there is more limited aftercare.
My advice...find a doctor and practice you like and work with them to make the best decision for you. Most really do have the best interest of patients in mind.

All WLS have huge potential for great benefits to obese persons. If they didn't, we wouldn't be lining up to lie down, let a surgeon cut us open and altar our insides in one way or another to help us lose our excess pounds. This is major! Lovely Lady, don't let a surgery center, a surgeon, any group or other individual make this decision for you. Only you know your body well enough to make this momentous decision for you. Only you live in your body, only you know how well you will be able to comply with whichever procedure you eventually decide to have done. Only you know if you will be happy with a band and the follow up aftercare it will require. Only you know if a sleeve might be more to your liking. Only you know if perhaps a bypass might suit your body, personality, lifestyle best. You have to research, weight all of the options against your health concerns, lifestyle, personality, what you are willing and not willing to do and live with and make your own decision then move forward, secure in the knowledge that you made the very best choice for yourself.
Clear all of the voices from your head and just listen to one. Your own. It will never steer you wrong.

I don't know if he had a monetary stake in this, but what studies show isn't stacking up with what your Dr. said (about sleeve's efficacy):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20622654

To elaborate on what Chickie said, also do the research from credible non-biased sources (like PubMed, nih, and WebMD) and see how they stack up to each other. If you're looking for the least up front cost and least invasive, band might be for you. But if you're not good on follow-up, want fewer late complications, and want to lose a little more sleeve or bypass might be for you. Each WLS has it's strengths and weaknesses so everyone should look into them and find a best fit.

I am following your suggestions. I am now working on building my upper body while my ankles are healing. My right ankle is feeling better, but my left one is still pretty sore. I was watching this younger man try the arm lifts I was using. I was lifting 50 lbs. He couldn't lift that as easy as I was.

I am following your suggestions. I am now working on building my upper body while my ankles are healing. My right ankle is feeling better, but my left one is still pretty sore. I was watching this younger man try the arm lifts I was using. I was lifting 50 lbs. He couldn't lift that as easy as I was.

that sucks!! You could get hand weights or bands and work on your upper body. Any exercise is better than none! Good luck with your healing!

I agree with Danni - work on your upper body. If you don't have weights, improvise. Use such things as canned foods or plastic Water bottles. Keep doing anything to move. Best wishes!

Are you doing PT for your ankles?
I broke my leg back in June - it totally set my surgery date back quite a bit (7 mo!) and now that I'm exercising a lot with a group, the trainers think we're gonna train for a walk/run 5k! I feel so discouraged because I can't even limp a half mile anymore (5k =~3 mi) .... And my leg hurts and complains. I can't even "push through" because I can't take NSAIDs...
I understand where you are!! But there are lots of things you can do that are just upper-body, even good cardio! Try punching a pillow for 30 seconds as fast as you can - just pop-pop-pop over and over, doesn't matter how hard just do it fast... As others said, lifting and stretching your arms will help!! You can also do core exercises (crunches etc)... Again, don't worry about "how many" just do it for 30 seconds at a time.

Hi I only 6 days post op sleeve but am very happy so far.I feel great and have had no problems with gas, nausea or pain or bloating. I know it was a commitment to know this is permanent and irreversible but I like the fact that both the top of stomach is still attached to the esophagus and the bottom to the intestine so it is basically a normal stomach tho smaller. If you are concerned about it not being reversible there is also the gastric plication which just folds the stomach inside itself making it smaller but can be reversed. I too know people who have had the band and have had problems or also have not lost weight. But it has to be your decision so good luck and hope this forum has helped.

I talked further with the W.L. Center. They asked me if I decided what surgery I decided to have. I told them that is a hard decision for me to make, they are both good surgeries, and I think I would do fine with either one of them.
The nurse explained how they have a few Lap Band patients that are needing to have their band removed, and how Medicare doesn't want to cover for the cost. The patients are right now, trying to figure out how to pay for themselves. The nurse said she doesn't want me to be in a situation like they are. I am just not willing to take a chance, so I plan to get the sleeve.

My suggestion would be to go to the band to sleeve forum. Ask former bandsters their opinion. Also post on the pre surgery sleeve forum and ask for opinions of veteran sleevers.
Many hospitals are dropping band as an option. It's not the routine aftercare, it's the potential liability of late term complications...
I wish my ins had covered sleeves...

Medicare paid for my surgery, implanting and removing and all tests, diagnostics, fill, unfill, etc.

You must have talked to the rare customer service rep who had no idea what they were doing. I would try again and ask specifically for someone who could explain plan benefits. This is their job, and really something they should be able to answer for you.
I recently called a health insurance provider, and they were very simply able to tell me what they approved/did not approve. What they could not answer, they transferred to a higher ranking rep in another department and stayed with me on the phone until they got on.