VDLT

Following. There is a relatively new TJ close to my home and I have always been once. I was a bit confused about it and didn't buy anything. Will try again in two weeks with a list!

Hello all, sorry for the long post. I am new here and was hoping for some feedback. I was banded in 2001 and initially did very well and loved my band. Started having bad shoulder pain about 5 years in and saw three different band doctors who all told me there was no way it was band related. I was on a forum back in the day in which several banded folks related the same pain. Around 2008 I started vomiting a lot and had several fills with a doctor who is very aggressive in his fills. I would often leave the office spitting up and had to turn around on two occasions to have some fill removed. He was not too pleased so I stopped my follow up. Developed heartburn and imaging studies in 2011 revealed esophagitis, gastritis, and a hiatal hernia. I had a complete unfill in either 2011 or 2013 and just gave up and have gained most of my originally lost weight back. I am now considering switching to sleeve. I keep putting it off because I am terrified of any surgery and also about how bad the band might be in there. I went back to my original band surgeon two months ago who in no uncertain terms told me the band has to come out. He has not done any more bands since 2004. I will most likely be self pay and I am very worried about complications, how I will feel, and not losing. Can anyone tell me how it feels to have sleeve restriction versus band restriction? Do you vomit with the sleeve or slime up? Do you still have GERD if you developed it with the band? Thank you all in advance for any responses and for all the information you have posted in this forum. I look forward to reading the other posts and getting to know you all

Hello all, I live in Winter Park but got sleeved in Miami two weeks ago. Does anyone know of any support groups in the area that would be open to patients from other surgeons? Would love to get to know some folks locally.

Hello all. I live in the Orlando area and was just sleeved in Miami two weeks ago. Any local support groups?

@@brayd_mommy09 27 pounds is awesome! I have not started food yet, I start puree tomorrow. I just plan on taking it easy and see how it goes...

Well I did it! After 14 years with the band almost to the day, I had the band removed, a hernia repaired, and the sleeve on October 1st. The first few days were rough due to pain but today I am two weeks out, back at work, and feeling pretty good. I am still on full liquids and start pureed foods tomorrow. I am glad to have the revision behind me and look forward to life with the sleeve

@@brayd_mommy09 I had some cardiologist drama and got my surgery pushed back. Just had it October 1st. I am doing pretty well. I am on full liquids until Thursday which marks my two weeks out. Mushies start on Friday. Not sure what to do with that. I don't find the plan I was handed to be very helpful. How are you doing? I can't wait to hear!

I am next week too. Converting from band. So nervous!

So glad I found this post! I will need to go back and read up I am converting from band to sleeve on September 23rd. After 14 years I want the band out but I am not going to lie, I am scared. Getting hiatal hernia repair also so it will be a big surgery. My surgeon does not require a preop diet but I am going to try and eat clean and do protein shakes starting tomorrow. Can you guys tell me what your favorite shakes are and what to look for in a shake? I want to try a couple. I will be traveling 4 hours for surgery and staying in a hotel for 10 days so premade is best but don't mind having powder suggestions for when I get back home. Again, so glad I found you guys

Yay brayd! So happy for you! Mine is the 23rd. Wanna be my buddy?! LoL

@adnlyn Thank you so much, this really helps. Sorry about your fever but glad it resolved. Must have been frustrating. My surgeon does not use a drain.

@Bndtoslv Thank you so much! I am soooooooo nervous!

Thank you everyone for your responses! For some reason I lost this thread and glad I found it again I have been approved for my revision and I am very nervous. I am taking 3 weeks off from work then returning to a sedentary job. Do you think that will be enough? I am also going on a short cruise (3 nights) at 5 weeks out of surgery. Anyone think it will be an issue? Thank you all for sharing. I sometimes feel very alone in this whole thing and your words mean a lot to me

How is everyone doing after revision? I have been banded for almost 14 years and revising next month. Was wondering how long before you went to work if you don't mind sharing. I am planning on taking 3 weeks off. I have a sedentary job. I also have a 3 night cruise booked for 5 weeks after. Think I will be ok? Many thanks!

@@brayd_mommy09 Any word on insurance?

I just got off the phone with insurance and I have been approved! I am excited and terrified!

@@DianeSav thanks so much. Mine has been submitted already. I also have basic. We shall see!

@@DianeSav Thanks so much. If you don't mind one more question... What did the three months of doctor visit entail? I guess I am just confused because I don't have three months of supervised diet. My surgeon's office has submitted my packet. I hope they included the barium studies I provided, my letter explaining my symptoms and the psych eval.

@@DianeSav did you do the supervised diet?

@ I am fed basic. I sent a letter to my surgeon's office and Ned records showing my side effects and weight for the last few years. They said it might be enough and to get my psych evaluation done. Doing that in two weeks and we will submit. We shall see! Thanks so much.

@@judyd I have read that the sleeve is not the best option for GERD so am glad you are doing well

@@ReaderGirl thank you so much for your post. I can definitely relate. I am glad your surgery went smoothly. I have been worrying about what can potentially be going on with the band but figure I will need to deal with it eventually so I am guessing the sooner the better. I have been putting it off but am feeling like I am ready now. I am submitting to insurance and hopefully it will get approved. But I agree with you, it need ps to be done and I will find a way. I appreciate you taking the time to post and wish you much success c

@banded2004 hello, I just found this post. I have had my band for almost 14 years. I am looking to convert to a sleeve and I am terrified that I have had my band this long. Just wanted to check in and see how your removal had gone.

@@JK90 thank you for sharing your experience. Did you have to do the supervised diet?

@ Thank you so much. I just pulled some old medical records and one doctor has me as being an inch shorter than another so with that info I am techinically over the 35 BMI for the two years. Might try to get them to pay. Rather do the surgery now than wait for 3 months to do a medically supervised diet but if they request it I guess I will need to try. Did you call BCBS Fed first or did you just submit your paperwork. Just curious if I should call them or just send my surgeon my paperwork to be submitted.