Sun Godess

Thanks! Good luck to you too, and yes, let's keep in touch!

They are! Many are US trained anyway.

Yeah, I'm not telling anybody hardly. My husband, cousin (who's in the process) and 2 friends (1 who's in process). Nobody else!! People don't understand who are/have not struggle with their weight, and especially have not researched Mexico. It sounds crazy if you don't know about Mexico. You have to do what YOU have to do, and not let other's fears keep YOU from living YOUR BEST LIFE! A long, healthy, happy, feel good life. They won't carry your weight, your sorrow, your diabetes, your heart disease if you come down with these co-morbidities for not getting it in control....they mean well, but do what is best for you!

I never got to the so called "green zone" and consistently got fills, and overall I did eat less than pre-surgery, but never waay smaller portions. All I got was increased unbearable heart burn with more fills! I started getting de-fills in October, and then in December and at that apt decided to move forward with the sleeve. Later realizing I'd have to go thru another 6/7 mo process with insurance and what if after all that they deny me? Said not waiting or taking that chance cuz I can just go to Mexico and move on with my life and start seeing results now and be up and moving before summer!

Wow! 3 days!!! Lucky! I'm flying the morning of.

I'm ready to see results, and I know I need this tool so I can't say I want to turn back, however I was sooooo very scared getting my lap band and often thought of turning back. I overcame it and did it...even tho it didn't work...I did it, so i'm braver this time around in some regards.

SweetSusy, I am nervous, but totally consumed trying to get thru this dang liquid diet now. I am nervous about it, mostly just because it's a revision surgery. I am ready to just get through it all and fast forward to at least pureed soft foods!!!!

I'm going to Oasis hospital with Dr. Illan.

i'm going to Mexico because I didn't want to wait another 6 months for my insurance to approve a revision, and possibly deny me. So, I just said nope, I'm doing it asap and make me happy! That means I have to pay, but it's worth it! How about you?

April 1st here. I'm on day 2 of liquid diet. No fun, I'm hungry, got horrible headache!!! I'm doing what I gotta do and telling myself to remember the bigger picture. I know it can only get better from here. I'm getting my lapband out and getting sleeve.

So...I have a lap band. I never got to the "green zone" or optimal restriction, just increased unbearable heartburn with additional fills. I have insurance, and kind of fell into the revision process this December. My insurance requires the repeat of the 6 mos diet process again to submit for a revision to sleeve. I do not want to wait and take the chance of ultimately being denied. So, I have scheduled a revision with Dr. Illan in a few weeks. Everything is all set up. I told my lap band surgeon a couple weeks ago at my last appt. He seemed concerned but understood. This morning I got a personal call from my lap band surgeon. He said his partner was in surgery as we spoke trying to fix a leak from a patient who had a sleeve done in Mexico. He said he was not trying to scare me, because he understands that I have to do what I have to do. He was just warning me that they see this regularly. He did not know the doctor or anything. So, I feel that I have done a good job, but am worrying now about the what if's due to it being a "revision" surgery of lap band to sleeve, and the possibility of a leak. It is scaring me now, and whether they REALLY REALLY REALLY check thoroughly before closing you up! I know they do leak tests during and after, but then how does someone get home and then have a leak!?!?! He did say, yes, it can happen to anybody. I am just wondering, scared and slightly second guessing. I can't afford to get back home and have complications and be in the hospital! I have found one band to sleeve patient on here who went to Dr. Illan. I have heard all glowing reviews. I have phone conferenced with Dr. Illan and feel good. I don't want fear to hold me back. I don't want to wait until July/August to hope to have surgery and maybe be denied because there "technically" is no mechanical error with my band. I am ready to move on and find success NOW beginning of April, be several pounds down by summer, all healed up, and moving on with my life...not to mention over this heartburn! Any words of wisdom and experience...especially of band to sleeve revisions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all! Everything you've said rings true. Although I know I'm taking a measured risk with surgery, I'm just nervous and hoping everything goes goes well. NoMoBand, you have a point. I have heard of heartburn with the sleeve. Unfortunately, I want this thing out, and know that for my greater long term health, I need a tool to help get me to a healthy weight. I have no health issues, other than being overweight, and do not want to be regretfully met by any because I did not get it under control. I hope the sleeve allows me to be successful.

Hello, I am having a band to sleeve with Dr. Illan on April 1. I visited the website MissKay shared, but it mentioned coverage for pre-existing conditions. I'm very interested in getting it just to be sure! Does it specifically cover "complications?" Also, any tips and notes about your experience with Dr. Illan. I'm nervous due to it being a revision.

Hello. Has anyone had a Lap Band to Sleeve revision with Dr. Illan? How was your experience, recovery and weight loss? I see lots of sleeves, but not band to sleeve revisions with him. I would love to hear!

April 1st with Dr. Illan. Band to Sleeve.

Hello All, I have been cruising on here for a few years periodically, but today I finally got up the nerve to post. I love this community and have found so much valuable information, positivity, and insight into having a lap band. I have secretly been thinking about having the lap band for about 3 years, but the thought was very scary and seemed extreme to me. Well this January, after no weight loss success, I decided to get a consultation and begin the process. If they use a previous weigh in, I may get surgery in late June. Considering all of this, I am getting very scared of the unknown and actually doing it. I know I am NOT good at loosing weight! I have never lost a significant amount of weight on my own, except for 2 times, which I did the low carb, drastically starving for a few weeks and lost about 15 lbs. but didn't keep it off. That was years ago. Now I am married with 2 kids, work, and just cannot concentrate and stick to something. I have tried weight watchers many times, but loose focus after a couple weeks, and find that I do well all day some days, but then am hungry at the end, and blow it! I have no health issues, but want to be a healthier me, live long, get back to myself, and FINALLY be successful at losing weight. I have had so many questions and fears and as the reality gets closer, I am feeling confused if I should go through with it, although I know I absolutely need help other than appetite suppressants that make you feel crazy. I really need something to help me stick to a diet without giving up and starving. I cook, we eat Protein and veggies and a starch every evening. I do eat lots of healthy foods, love protein and love vegetables, but am honestly a junk food eater and love chocolate! If anyone could give de honest real feedback on these questions I would be SOOOO very appreciative! My doctor tried hard to talk me into the sleeve and said he thought I would lose about 50 lbs( I'm 258 lbs). 1. Are you satisfied with your lap band? Are you happy you chose the band over vsg? 2. I'm afraid of the unkown. Do you feel normal...like just living and being your normal self and don't know it's there? 3. Do you get used to eating little portions? Do you feel deprived? 4. I work on a team, and we eat lunch together and chat daily at work. I don't want to tell anyone at work. I'm afraid I won't be able to do this without them and or me having eating issues in front of them? Do you think I will be able to? What are your experiences? 5. I've heard many people say "oh, the band is only 25% of the help...It's really me." I'm hoping the band is A LOT of help, not a magic wand, a GREAT help...more than 25% else wise, what's the point! What is your opinion/experience? How much help is the band for you? 6. I need appetite suppression... Does the band actually do that? What exactly does the band do you for you? n How would you describe it? 7. Looking back, do you think you could have lost your weight without the band? 8. I hear a lot about eating slow and small bites...I am very afraid of this! I don't want to be a spectacle in front of others or feel weirded out and miserable having to eat with baby spoons and pea size bites. I want to eat normal. How is this for you? 9. Any personal testimonies, advice or warnings? Please share and

I am no expert, as I have only had the lap band a month and some change. I will say I totally understand where you're coming from. I am a very scary person, and I have pondered this for 4 years, but kept telling my self it was so drastic....do I really need to do this? I had to finally be honest with myself, that I was not successful on my own. No one truly understands "your" battle, it may not be theirs. So, it took me this long because my fear of the unknown held me back. I hit a new high, said I will have to make healthy changes one day soon, by force, or by my own choice. I decided to put fear aside. Don't focus on the negative, but take your life by the horns...it's your life and your future. How do you want it to be? I naturally was wondering the first couple days after if I had made the right choice. I know I did! My band only has a half of a cc in it, and I can tell the difference. I feel totally normal. My stomach was sore for the first 5-6 days, but really on day 5-6 I was at the store finishing my Christmas shopping! So far, I am very glad I did it and gave my self a CHANCE at being successful, and I am only beginning my journey! You can do this! Best Wishes!

I got my 1st fill yesterday. I actually went 2 days ago, but the NP could not find my port, so I had to go back and see my doc yesterday. MY BAND WAS EMPTY AFTER SURGERY! He told me at my follow up that he would give me 1 cc, and I was immediately alarmed that, that was really low. He went on about not wanting to be too tight and find out at home... So, when I saw the NP she said she would give me 1cc and, and I expressed that I didn't want to drag along and not make progress! So she said that I could see her every 2 weeks for the first few months. So, when I had to see my doc yesterday, he found the port and I expected 1cc, but after he was done, I asked and it was only .5 cc's! WTH!!!!! I am trying not to let it ruin my outlook, but I am so sad and upset! I was still very hungry yesterday evening! I dont understand why they cant at least give me 2 or 3 to start, like most other people, and then go 1cc or .5 cc???? I do apperciate their caution and uderstand that I do not want to have a bad experience, but this seems like it's gonna be a horror story! I initially lost 16 lbs, but since solids am not losing! I only have .5cc total!! What to do?

Hey Guys, Wow! Glad everyone is recovering well. I am excited! I admit the first couple of days after I got home, I was wondering if I had made the right choice, and what the hell have I gotten myself into!? But, everyday has been better and better, and I feel great! bel1995, I am THEE scariest person, so I know just how you feel! If I can gather enough nerve to actually go through with this, you will be just fine!! It will be fine, everyday is so much better than the day before, and every time I let doubt and fear creep in, I just reminded myself of the bigger picture! I had to let reality of the truth and my future take precedence over my own fear! Fear is what took so long to finally start the process after researching and pondering this for 3 years. I reminded myself that soon, I would HAVE to make changes! If I do nothing, because I am NOT and have NOT been successful at loosing weight on my own, I would be forced to make changes, because irreversible diseases like diabetes would befall me, and then you're stuck with it and it is a slow and silent killer. If you get stuck with it, you STILL have to make lifestyle changes! Or, even if you try losing weight on your own, YOU WILL HAVE to make the same changes!!! So, why not get a little helper installed to finally give yourself the support you've been needing and missing, and making those same changes will come easier, and you WILL FINALLY BE SUCCESSFUL at it!!! I deserve it!! I have NOT been myself with all this weight on me. So, this is what I kept in mind, whenever fear crept in. December banders....WE DID IT!!!! We are on the other side! The hard part is over!! I am sooo proud of myself for taking the steps to improve my health and create an opportunity to live longer, and best of all...LIVE MY BEST LIFE, not just any life! So, as I feel better everyday, I'm gon rock this damn band out!!! Can't wait for the 1st fill to get this sucka fired up! I asked my doc right before surgery to fill this puppy up with a couple cc's for the meantime and in between time! LOL!! He said it fit nice and snug, so he did NOT put any fill in. So, I guess...don't wanna be to tight!! I got the standard Allergan 10cc band. I have my 1st follow up apt with him tomorrow, due to the Christmas holiday. Looking forward to blending up so Christmas leftovers like my husbands delicious turkey that I couldn't even taste, with some greens and mashed potatoes and a lil gravy!!!! I guess I'll get to taste some of our Christmas dinner after all! LOL! Hopefully my doc will move me forward when I see him tomorrow!!! banded4change, how exciting! The hard part is over now, and you have so much to look forward to! I love Florida!

Hi Guys, Glad to hear everybody's surgery went well. I am doing pretty good. Feeling pretty good. I started full liquids today. So I can have creamed Soups, yogurt, decaf coffee, thin grits or cream of wheat, thinned mashed potatoes, and Protein drinks and milk... I'm doing pretty good at not being hungry, and the scale is moving down! I have been able to sleep on my sides now. Last night I had about a 40 minute horrible experience with trapped gas that I needed to burp up, but it seemed like it was stuck like couldn't get past the band? Not sure, but it was like pressure and a bubble in the back of my throat! oh my, I didn't like that! I just kept walking and drank hot peppermint tea. Eventually I was able to burp several times and it relieved it. Other than that, I have been out and feeling pretty good.

@@kiba78 I was banded yesterday, and spent the night in the hosp too. I am doing pretty darn good. I should be discharged around noon. I am ready to get home in my surroundings! Glad too hear your surgery went well and you are doing well!

Hey there kiba78 we have the same date. I go in on the 17 and will stay overnight, but I think its required by the insurance or my doctor, or cuz its a center of excellence. I hope all is well and you have a successful surgery.

Hello All, I first must say I apologize for no response. It was a crazy busy time! Your responses were so helpful, and I had to reread them all today! You guys really helped me get insight into the reality and life after band. I initially wanted to have it done in June, but the surgeon stopped doing lap bands, so I had to switch to another one in the group, which required a resubmission to insurance, and after all that....I got scared again. I let my fear have me drop the ball and just sit on my approval until early November. I will be getting my lap band in tow days, on December 17th! Yes, I am nervous, but excited to at the chance to FINALLY be successful at losing weight and live my BEST life! So....Here goes! I am doing my best on this preop, and it it NOT fun! I am hoping that after my appetite will be gone, and make the 4 day Clear liquids, and days 5-14 full liquids a bit easier to cope with!!! I can't really eat anything, won't be able to eat anything, and I am trying to keep up my energy, and a keep Christmas and Chistmas morning Breakfast "normal" for my kids! I know it will pay off, because I want to be around for them living a long life. My husband is very supportive and that is a big help. Wish me luck and more importantly say a prayer!!! Again thanks for answering my laundry list of questions, you have helped more than you know!

Hi All, I am scheduled for the 17th. I am so busy trying to make it thru this preop diet, that my mind isn't focused on being nervous! I started it yesterday, and oh my! I am having to self talk all day too! I made it yesterday, and I am so ready to be done! These last days are gonna go slow. I know I will be nervous the day of, but I am just trying to survive and stick to this crap! I feel a little bad that I am not going to be cooking the nicer meals I usually do, but I have to cope and make it thru this diet! I'm not as much worried about after, because the swelling will help with less hunger at first. My husband said don't worry about the meals, he can cook if I need him to. I will just get some delicious microwaveable/ oven meals! LOL! But, now suffering thru this preop diet, makes me ready to get this thing done today!! Already!

Banded, glad to hear your surgery went well and you're not in a lot of discomfort ! Sounds like it wasn't too too bad. I picked up lots of the stuff I may need too.