rcm1216

Hi. I was banded in 2008. I went from 191 to 117 pounds and now I'm back up to about 160. I started having pain and my EGD showed a bad slip. My doc wants to remove the band and sleeve me. If you've had both, will you compare them for me? With my band, over the years, I got to where I could eat anything I wanted-even with good restriction (I was uncomfortable a lot). I assume I'd still be able to do that with the sleeve, though I hope I won't. When you're too full with the sleeve, does it feel as bad as with band (I hope so, to discourage)? I realize this must be a very common question on these forums, but I'd sure appreciate any input.

Hi Sara! I'm doing well. Tomorrow will be two weeks since my revision. I've lost 7 pounds, but I'm still retaining some fluid and swollen. I weigh 157 today. I'm not hungry. The soreness was pretty much gone after 6-7 days, and the part that seemed to linger the longest was the place where my port used to be. I'm having Gatorade Low Cal and creamed soups mostly, and I notice a difference than with the band. At two weeks with the band, I felt huge restriction, and I vomited quite a bit-slime and all. I feel full with the sleeve, but no urge to vomit-not "stuck" or over-full. I hope this doesn't mean I won't feel any kind of restriction when I graduate to regular foods. Any advice on that hermione53? My doctor recommended a protein powder, and I'm liking it so far. I can't get 60-80 grams any other way. It's called Genepro. There's some debate about it online because they claim to use some science to pack 30g of protein into 1 tbsp. My doctor says it's good. I add it to creamed soups, and I can't taste it. And only 1 small tbsp! How are you all doing?

Hi Marisa! My surgery was 3 days ago and yes, he removed the band and did the sleeve at the same time. I know how scary it is to think about losing the restriction the band gives you. I wouldn't have removed the band if I didn't have the money for the sleeve. Insurance paid a portion because of the hiatal hernia part, but between my surgeon and the facility, it cost me 6,000 up front. Recovery from the sleeve is definitely harder for me than from the band. I've only been consuming 400-600 calories a day for a week, but I haven't lost weight. I was 164 pounds the day of surgery and the same today, but my belly is really swollen, so I'm sure that's the reason. Let me know how you're doing.

Thank you Christina!! My surgery is in about two weeks!! Thanks for the information. That's encouraging.

Hi all. I'm kinda worried. I was banded in 2008. I never had any problems and went from 191 pounds to 117 (currently back up to 155). A few days ago I started having pain in my left side. Today I started to feel around and I noticed my port wiggles like it's in at least 2 pieces. It always felt stable before. Also, there's a portion of my belly above the port that is hardened. It feels hard like equipment, but there shouldn't be anything there other than organs! I have good insurance now- United Healthcare, but I was self pay at time of band. I can't afford to go to my surgeon to have him look at it, and I think an ER would give me Tylenol and tell me to see my lapband doc asap. What should I do??? My friends say, "This is important-you have to take care of it", but they don't understand the degree of "broke" I am. I don't even have enough money for my electric bill- there is no wiggle room here. I guess I'm not only asking for advice but wanting to know if anybody has experience with your port not dislodging or turning but....exploding??

That's funny! My doctor's first name is Nirmal. So are you doing ok? I lost weight fast and was a skinny happy girl for about three years, but I've let my compulsive overeating and food obsession take over, and I've been gaining. I feel helpless. And worried cuz I could never afford surgery again.

How long have you been banded? I was banded in late 2008 by Dr. Jayaseelan. I went from 191 down to 116 but now I'm back up to 165 and pretty depressed about it.

Hi funsize. You still around? This site is hard for me to navigate, but I hope to check back and see if you're here.

I've been banded for 6 years. I reached my goal weight and beyond quickly (I'm 5'8" and I got down to 114 pounds). Slowly, I've gained 40 pounds back (this morning I weighed 153). I am sad every day because I have zero control over what I eat. I'm looking for someone in a similar situation so we can text each other when we feel weak, or somehow help motivate each other. There is a catch-It can't be anyone who will preach that the ways I want to drop the weight are unhealthy, blah blah. We have all been overweight and we know exactly how we got there. We also know every single diet/health tip in the book. Anyone?

Danielle and Arlene, are you still here?

Thanks for replying Arlene. My doc looks at mine under fluoro and says my restriction is very good, but some days I can eat huge meals and snack all day. I'm never, ever hungry. I just eat when I'm stressed and sad and happy... So you are at a plateau, huh? Those are frustrating, but you aren't gaining. That's something to be proud of!

Also, it seems I'm horrible at navigating through this forum, so I hope I can find my way back to look for replies. Maybe you could send me a message that I'd notice on the home page?