Mrready

I have not gotten that stuck feeling like I'd get with the band, thankfully. The worst thing was one time I ate far too much. Nobody except my wife knows I've ever had any kind of bariatric surgery, that's the way I want it. i eat out with friends occasionally and one time I ate until I knew I was full and there was three or four bites left. One of my friends pushed me until I finished my plate, big mistake. I wasn't in any kind of pain other than the same kind of feeling the "old me" would get after gorging myself on Thanksgiving. I just waited until it passed, about 20 minutes. I knew I was full and ate anyways, that will never happen again....

I had my band for eight years with many problems along the way. Had a terrible slip six months in that required a second surgery. After that it was full/unfill for years to follow. I was either in pain every time I ate or could eat just about anything. I finally settled for not much fill so I wouldn't have pain but still threw up almost daily. Finally had to have it removed last May due to severe acid reflux. I had to wait until the new year to change insurance before getting sleeved. Finally was approved January 29th and set a surgery date of Feb 23rd but Doctor didn't like my EKG results at pre surgery physical so surgery was cancelled until seeing a Cardiologist. Went through that and received his approval and will finally be sleeved tomorrow. I'm anxious yet concerned at the same time. After all the issues with the band my wife is very much against the revision. Before I got banded I felt like I had researched it thoroughly but really only looked for the benefits. After having all the problems I researched to see if anyone was having similar issues. I was shocked to see how many people had the same problems and regretted getting banded. So this time I researched all the problems with the sleeve and found very little issues. Nearly every person who revised wished they had gotten sleeved to begin with. I'm feeling pretty good about this procedure but at the same time worried because there is no going back once done. A last word on encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

I had the same concerns before surgery. When I was banded I always knew I could end the pain/pressure caused by the band by having it removed. But once a large portion of my stomach was removed there was no going back. I have had no issues since the surgery, even with water. The only time I had to sip the water was the first week post surgery due to the internal swelling. Since then drinking water has been the same as before surgery. Granted, I can't chug a 24 oz bottle of water but no issue with regular drinking or getting my required amounts down. I can't stress enough how happy I am now, wish I'd have done this years ago instead of dealing with constant issues with the band.

I'm doing great, it's been two months now. I was a lower bmi to start, 36, so the loss has been slower than others but I'm ok with that. I'm down 36 lbs so far and still losing. I can't believe how different this is compared to the band, it's what I'd hoped the band would be like. Definately the best decision I ever made. I haven't had any problems so far. I do at times have trouble getting in as much protein as I'm supposed to have. I don't know if I ever got this much protein before. I think the best part is the loss of hunger. I know it will come back eventually but for now it is great. I do have a craving every now and then, especially if I smell something I like, but just a couple bites and I'm satisfied.

I had Highmark Blue when I got banded. When I had it removed I had Geisinger Health Plan. They had a "Once in a lifetime" policy, would cover the removal of the band because it was medically necessary, but would not cover the sleeve afterwards. I then changed to Capital Blue the first of the year and they covered it. I still needed to qualify as if I hadn't had the band to begin with but my BMI was such that I did. I'm doing well six days out. The night of the surgery was painful but they kept me well drugged. Each day has been much easier. Really no pain at this point, just sore at the incision point. I can feel pain/pressure behind the sternum if I take too big a swallow of water or don't allow time between spoonfuls of soup but it only lasts about 10 seconds. I did have a little Buyers Remorse the first day but that has now passed and I'm looking forward to a better me now.

Thanks for the word of encouragement, in the waiting room now with last minute jitters.