katybelle7

Have you started your liquid diet yet? That should give you a chance for second thoughts if you still have them. If you're a religious person, pray on it, make your decision and know it's the right one. Don't second guess yourself then! Whatever you choose, it will be right for you. Personally, I'm not looking forward to surgery, but I'm looking forward to a healthier me and positive results. Keep your eye on the prize.

Babbs "...after time the sleeve will lose its effectiveness?" Really? My doctor NEVER told me this. I assumed the restriction would last a lifetime. I understand I must follow the nutrition/exercise guidelines, but have gone into this thinking the sleeve would keep its effectiveness. Am I misinterpreting your quote?

More Than This I gained back my weight because I was ill a few years ago, was on a lot of drugs that really turned me into a zombie, and had to take Prednisone. Gained 20# the first month of my illness. It lasted nearly 4 years. I'm thankful I only regained the weight I had lost and no more! I'm in remission now, and am anxious to get back on top of things again! Until I had gotten sick I had only lost weight and was actually shocked when I started gaining. I don't anticipate the illness will recur, but one never knows. Also I'm 67 so not as active as I was when I was first banded. I'm so glad my doctor never blinked an eye when I told him I wanted the sleeve. He told me going from the band to the sleeve was becoming a common surgery now. I was told my band was permanent when I first got it 7 years ago.

Running2thesleeve, God is in control, ALWAYS. He's given us this opportunity, and we're taking advantage of it. It's ok. I have your doctor too, and know he is very competent. All will go well, I'm sure. Blessings.

Perhaps your mother is worried about you and surgery. Perhaps she's concerned you'll change as a person after losing weight. Who knows? This is life altering, and you need to reassure her you'll still love her and need her after you follow through getting your life and health in order. I hope you have a friend or family member who is supportive so you won't feel alone in your journey. This might be an issue you'll want to tell your doctor or psychologist and get their professional opinion. Meanwhile, stick with it and good luck!

Best of luck! Luckily I'm on Medicare now which will cover the switch from lapband and to sleeve. Although I went through all the tests, psych evaluation, sleep study, etc the first time, (7 years ago), I was surprised to find out I had to go through it all over again changing to the sleeve. My band has slipped, I have had port pain from the beginning, and now have a hernia with my stomach popping through. I've finally finished all the testing for the second time and am awaiting my surgery date. It's amazing the hoops we have to jump through the second time around! Again, I hope all goes well with your surgery!

I just turned in the last of my requirements to the Dr. today. Now I'm getting nervous instead of excited. The doctor intends to remove my band and do the sleeve all in one fell swoop. I'm concerned about pain, but I'm more concerned now that I won't be able to stick to the strictness of the diet plan. I've had many problems with my band over the last seven years, slippage, port pain, and now a hernia. I originally lost 60 pounds, but have gained it all back. I know I can lose it again with this surgery, but can I keep it off is my worry. I've read some stories here of some who regained their weight which I can't understand with such a small stomach. I don't eat sweets and treats all day, but I like them sometimes. Will I be able to ever indulge in a treat and still keep my weight down? Will I be able to ever eat a small popcorn at the movies, or eat out with friends? I'm feeling very insecure now. Any encouraging words out there? I'm really needing them now.

Happy for you...very happy!! I feel so bad for those who had to hang their heads, and go back.

MRH, I wonder if this has nothing to do with drinking beer but facing something I had issues issues with: grieving giving up food for comfort. No more mashed potatoes and gravy. No more mindlessly eating popcorn while watching TV. No more seconds at the dinner table. Are the benefits worth the changes that will be lifelong ? It's almost like getting married and giving up your single state. Is it worth it? Only you can answer that honestly to yourself. Make your decision, and decide it's the right decision. Stick to it and follow through with it, whatever you decide. Don't live with what if's. Be strong and confident in yourself!

I had to wait also, BC/BS of IL. It was very frustrating because I only lost 5#'in that time and my pcp who was monitoring me was frustrated with me too. She said every time, "why aren't you losing weight?" I finally told her if I COULD lose weight on my own, I WOULD have lost weight already! She finally seemed to understand and became more supportive! Hopefully someday people won't have to go,through these hoops for WLS. No one makes you me go through psychologists or anyone for a hysterectomy, liposuction or a face lift. It's MY body, I pay my premiums on time, and a six month wait was ridiculous!

My therapist talked for over an hour mostly about himself and how he keeps his weight down. Think I answered 7-8 questions, plus the computerized test (which he never mentioned.) I guess it just depends on who your therapist is. He approved me.

My doctor said he didn't want to unfill me until my sleeve surgery date because he doesn't want me to gain weight while I wait.

Texy, I don't have answers for you, but want you to know you're not alone in this crazy process! I have a LapBand that has created a hernia and have decided to have it removed and go thru gastric sleeve surgery. I'm 67 and have had my band for 7 years. It's doing me absolutely no good, causes pain so hopefully I'm doing the right thing. I lost 60 pounds with the band, and have gained it all back. I still have two tests to go and will have surgery around 9/1/15. I must say, my doctor didn't say anything about my age when I spoke to him, which surprised me, nor have any of the specialists I've been sent to. Hopefully your current doctor is informative and compassionate this time around. Best of luck with whatever decision you make!