crystal525

Wow. What a story. I also had my sleeve on 1/14 after having a band for almost 4 years. My band was removed and alot of the scar tissue was cleaned up last April and my doc still said I had an enormous amount of scarring. I also had a huge hernia to repair. My surgery took 5 hours. It was expected to take 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. I'm sure I'll hear all the details once I go to my post op appt. My husband was so worried I doing think he heard anything other than she's ok. I have a drain that I'm worried about getting removed too. Our stories are very similar. I was the first surgery of the day and didn't get into recovery until after 5pm. But the good news is that today I feel great and am able to get my liquids in. I'm sure in a few days you'll be doing just as well. You had a 2nd surgery and alot of blood loss. Hang in there and keep us posted! Crystal

I was told 65 minimum and the retirements for men are higher than women. You should check with your nutritionist. If you don't have one I'd definitely up it! I'm only 5 days out and I know I'm not getting it all in yet, but I've been adding a scoop of unflavored protein to all my drinks to help. Good luck!

I didn't know how to move it! http://www.verticals...band-to-sleeve/

So here's my story... Banded since November 2008. Lost 76 pounds (254 to 178, size 18/20 to size 10). Alot of the weight was lost when I was too tight to get/keep much down. No significant loss in the last 2 years. I get recurrent fevers every 6 months or so, for which I've had numerous tests for -- they thought I might have an auto immune disease but all testing was negative—my surgeon thinks it might possibly be my body rejecting the band, but we don’t really know. Fevers lasted about 24-48 hours then I was back to normal! ...and then my pouch got dilated. I was completely unfilled in December 2011. It has corrected itself, but I’m still gaining. I really started gaining last March when I was getting really bad heartburn and was way too tight (I believe my dilation started then...), at first it was a small gain. Since the unfill, I have gained 25 pounds in 4 months. Ugh... So—I saw my surgeon today and I start my 90 day program for the sleeve next Tuesday. Two surgeries--I will be getting my band out by the end of the month. I am concerned about insurance approval because I'm afraid they only consider it a revision when it’s done in one surgery and my BMI is under 40. But I’m ok with two-step process because of the leak issues…which I'm also scared to death of. The insurance person at my surgeon’s office doesn’t seem to think my low BMI will be an issue since I had the band (I still have the same insurance that covered my band placement if that matters). The policy isn’t very clear to me when I read it (is it only revision in one surgery…that is the question…???): Repeat Bariatric Surgery: Aetna considers medically necessary surgery to correct complications from bariatric surgery, such as obstruction, stricture, erosion, or band slippage. Aetna considers repeat bariatric surgery medically necessary for members whose initial bariatric surgery was medically necessary (i.e., who met medical necessity criteria for their initial bariatric surgery), and who meet either of the following medical necessity criteria: Conversion to a RYGB or BPD/DS may be considered medically necessary for members who have not had adequate success (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or Revision of a primary bariatric surgery procedure that has failed due to dilation of the gastric pouch is considered medically necessary if the primary procedure was successful in inducing weight loss prior to the pouch dilation, and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or Replacement of an adjustable band due to complications (e.g., port leakage, slippage) that cannot be corrected with band manipulation or adjustments. I so didn’t want to be here again. I cannot regain all my weight. My body hurts already with where I’m at right now. If everything goes as planned, my 90 day program will be up Jul 9 and I’ll be sleeved at the end of July. Wow-this is moving quickly. I knew I wanted to do it, but was scared to pull the trigger...I just really decided to go for it when I saw that I gained another 7 pounds at the dr. office this morning. Been reading for a couple months...looking forward to posting here (I used to be on lapbandtalk.com). Crystal

So I thought I'd update my band to sleeve thread for those who are in the same position. I was banded this past Monday, 1/14. My surgery took 5 hours because of all the scarring caused by my band and because I had a new large hernia to repair (I also had a hernia repaired during my band placement in 08). My doc said my surgery was a very long one and was glad he didn't try to do it in one procedure!! In addition to the staple line he stitched completely over the staples to reinforce it. My leak test (which I have read not all docs do) went perfectly. I know leaks can still happen but for me this gives me some peace of mind. I stayed 2 nights in the hospital (mostly because of how far I am from the hospital but also because my surgery was so long). I came home with a drain and an onQ pain pump (auto drip of pain meds directly into stomach). As of today I'm trying to limit pain meds to twice a day. I'm not having nearly as much gas/shoulder pain as I had with my band, which is a relief! I'm able to drink my fluids (slowly) and eat Jello and broth easily. Protein shakes....It's taking effort but I'm able to get at least half in. Mixing Protein powder with half Water, half milk is much better than the pre-mixed ones for me...it's thinner. No heartburn to speak of and I had major heartburn before this surgery. That was a huge worry for me since I know increased reflux is common in sleeves. A little nausea in the morning usually related to trying to drink a Protein shake before taking my anti-nausea med. Thankfully I'm never hungry. But I'm not full either. The best way I can describe it is that feeling after you eat and you are no longer full but know you are not ready for your next meal any time soon. This also worried me knowing my doc requires a 3 WEEK CLEAR liquid diet with the only exception of the Protein drinks. Then it's another couple weeks of full liquids, then mushies... Overall I'm very happy with things so far! Sorry for the length of the post! Ask any questions you'd like and I'll help if I can. Crystal

Had my surgery on Monday the 14. My surgery took 5 HOURS!!! My husband was so worried. I had the band for 4 years and the doc said my scar tissue was really bad, even with having my band out 9 months ago. I also had a large hernia he repaired. He was very happy we didn't try to do the revision in one surgery. I wanted to post earlier but really didn't feel up to much of anything until this morning. I'm still here in the hospital because of the distance I live from the hospital but am being released today. My experience so far has been what I expected. I had my leak test yesterday which came back with no leaks, thank God!! I've had trouble getting in fluids...but I'm working on doing better. The cranberry juice and warm broth goes down pretty easily, as does chewing on ice chips, but the Water and crystal light isn't so easy. I do have to go home with a drain, an onQ pain pump and have to give myself lovenox shots....but I guess I'll get used to it all. I'll check in later! Crystal

Day 4 post op update. It's true that every day gets easier. I'm not getting all my liquids and Protein in, but I'm at least halfway there. My onQ pain pump finished last night so my husband pulled it out. It was almost a foot long and freaked him out but it was very easy and I didn't feel a thing! Now that it's out I do feel more pain in my stomach area, but it's not unbearable. I'm only sleeping a few hours at a time but I'm trying to limit my pain meds to every 12 hours or so. I think my increased pain is from my hernia repair. I know my weight was up about 8 pounds when I got home from the hospital so I'll wait until I get my drain out next week to have a loss amount. I do know that I'm already down to my surgery weight so thats a relief because I know my stomach is still excessively bloated. Well thats it's for now! Crystal

I'm home and resting. Surgery was Monday the 14th. It lasted 5 hours!!! I had a band which was taken out in April but my surgeon said it was still really bad...lots of scar tissue. And I had a large hernia to repair (probably caused by my band since I had my previous hernia repaired when my band was put in). Now I'm just trying to get my liquids in. I haven't done well with that yet. Each meal in the hospital was only 58 calories!!! I stayed in hospital 2 nights. The doc suggested staying the second night since I'm so far away. If I lived closer to the hospital I'm sure I would have been able to go home yesterday. But wow what a difference that second night made. I am feeling much better today than I did yesterday. Yesterday I was still in a drug induced fog. Today I washed up and dressed myself! Lol. Things I've noticed so far: crystal light not going down too well; soup, ice chips and jello are ok. I had no nausea. The hospital nutritionist seems to have linked severe nausea to people who also get motion sickness. She's been suggesting to her patients that get motion sickness to get the patch before surgery...just a thought to those of u with upcoming surgeries. Lastly, and maybe tmi, since I wasn't passing gas I had to have a suppository this morning before they released me to make sure I didn't have a blockage. It took awhile but I was all good. Well back to sipping! Crystal

I think the pre-op diets are all doctor's choice. Some go by weight. In my office even the different doctors within the same office vary. Some of the other patients had to do 2 weeks optifast... Glad I didn't have to do that!

Me too!!! I'm having every kind of emotion...I'm scared of having a smaller stomach, I'm scared of complications...I'm not scared of the actual surgery though. I only had to do 2 days of Clear liquids before but I'm wondering how the hell I'm going to do this for 3 WEEKS!! 21 days of clear liquids & Protein shakes. Then 7 days of full liquids. Good luck to us both!!!

I had the PPO when I had my band. Now for my sleeve I have the H M O (POS II I think....). Same employer...I just changed plans due to monthly costs. My surgeries are both covered 100% but my center's program fee was $830-- that covered all the nutritionist visits and various other classes during my 3 months.

I just got my FMLA/disability paperwork back from my docs office and it says I am to return to work 2/11!!! My surgery is Monday 1/14. They put down 4 weeks just in case of any issues but will clear me to go back sooner at my post-op appointment after 2 weeks if I'm able. I'm an admin assistant at a law office-- They said it's easier to have the initial paperwork be worst case rather than say 2 weeks and need more time. I understand that! Plus I just found out that I have to go home with a drain.... boo. Not happy about that... Now I get to research that experience.

Aetna also has a 3 month program...was that an option? Maybe it's a different plan??? I only had to do 3 months before my band and this time for my sleeve.

I've had the same band experience as you. Reflux, pouch dilation, vomiting in my sleep. I also had periodic fevers and flu-like symptoms for years that they couldn't explain (which my doc thinks my body was rejecting the band...). I had my band out in April 2012 and have gained nearly all my weight back. Started gaining as soon as I started having problems. I'm getting my sleeve on Jan. 14. I think all of us revisionists have the same feeling of hoping this is not the band all over again. I had my band placed in 2008 and you rarely heard anything negative. I regularly review the complications forum. I'm scared of leaks and being able to not eat anything...I threw up a lot with the band so I know what that's like, but I also knew I could remove the band. The sleeve is irreversible and I think that's my biggest fear. But I'm doing it...

I work in DC, live in MD, and am having surgery in VA! I'm Jan. 14! Good luck!

I'm January 14! I'm in Maryland. My surgeon is Dr. Moazzez in Virginia. I'm a revision ... had my band out in April and gained 31 pounds since then. Band in at 254, down to a low (for a split second) of 175, up to 245 now. I've been eating what I want while trying to stay fitting in the few clothes that I have...I am ready to go back in the right direction. I'm scared that, while this is permanent, it still won't work permanently and I should've gone with the bypass (even tho I have never wanted to do that...). But i'm ready to start another journey. The doctor is confident that I'm a good candidate and will do well since I lost (although very slowly...) with a restrictivee only procedure before. Good Luck to you all. Crystal

I'm a band to sleever. I have been without my band since April and since the problems starte with the band last year I have gained 70 pounds back. EVERYTHING HURTS AGAIN...knees, back, you name it. So--I'll be more of a regular here as I now have a date! Crystal

I'm a revision too. Actually had my band out in April though. Just got my approval and date - January 14! I had a pouch dilation and I'm having the same struggle about not being able to get my stomach back, but I'm just reading, reading, reading right now! good luck!

I had my removal done in April and just got my approval for my sleeve!!! January 14 is my date. Congrats to us both. Best wishes... I have to admit I'm nervous that 5 years from now I'll regret this like I did the band and there's nothing to reverse . BUT--I'm hopeful that the sleeve will be what I thought the band was going to be...

I too would like to hear your other story...but not until you are ready to share it. You said fever and I had a similar experience. I have been unbanded since April. For the last 2 years of having my band I too had fevers of over 102. Flu-like symptoms. Freezing cold, physically could not force myself to even get out of the bed. It would last no more than 36 hours. My primary doc had me tested for every auto-immune disease out there which scared me really badly since my mom and my cousin both have MS. They were thinking Lupus with the "unexplained fevers". I even went to the hospital during one episode to see if the bloodwork showed anything while it was active. NOTHING...They never found anything. My bariatric doctor believes that my body was probably fighting the foreign body (hence the fever) and rejecting the band. Then I also had a pouch dilation, I'm sure due to all the throwing up--I couldn't eat any bread, chicken, anything solid for a long time. The dilation fixed itself with a total unfil, but I was never able to start losing again. The last year and a half was pretty tortuous. I had my band placed November 13, 2008 at 254. Got down to 175 after 2.5 years, then slowly began creeping back up. I am now back at 235 (30 pounds has been since the removal)...looking for my sleeve approval any day now. Hoping for a mid-December surgery date. I'm glad you shared your story in both places...kudos to us both. There were none of these stories on lapbandtalk.com when I researched for 8 months before getting it. Thank you.

I had my band for 4 years and in the 5 months I've had it out, I've gained 20 pounds. I gained 25 during the unfill. The first several months I gained constantly with no explanation. Having the band your metabolism adjusts based on what you are intaking. Once it's not there, you metabolism has to readjust. I'm only gaining minimally now, but still gaining. You need to decide what is best for you long term. I've tried to do this myself for 25 years. I hope to have my sleeve in December. Best of luck to you!

I would like to ask if you think your purging was because of the band? I too threw up alot with the band...probably the only reason I lost weight. But I don't think I had an eating disorder. I ate and threw up because of how uncomfortable I was after eating most meals. Yes...sometimes I knew I should stop eating, but never felt full, never felt satisfied and when I did-the food had to come out. I think there is such a thing as band-induced bulimia. Since I had my band out in April I have not once thrown up (unless I was sick). I am hoping to revise to a sleeve...just taking my time making my decision. I meet with the therapist next month for my psych evaluation. I'm just scared of the finality of having half of my stomach removed. But--since my issues started (pouch dilation), I have gained 50 pounds in the last year and that fact is outweighing any fear I have now. So I think you should evaluate the reasons behind your bulimic issues. I'm sharing my insight from life on the other side when you have the band out, as someone who also threw up regularly. Not many people knew how often I did (probably except my hubby and he probably didn't really know). Personally I know from experience that the weight you lose does not stay off and your metabolism is basically **** so once the band is out it is extremely hard to keep the weight off. Since waiting and seeing how you do is really not an option, maybe you can ask for a larger sleeve? Sorry I'm not more help, I just know I gained 10 pounds with my dilated pouch, 10 pounds with my unfill, and 30 since my band was taken out. Ugh... Best wishes with your decision. Crystal

Unfortunately no call yet...but confident. Submission not until my 90 days up!

Congrats all! QDMama--I see we have the same surgeon! I love Dr. M--he did my band placement in 2008, band removal last month, and will now do my sleeve hopefully in late July/early August! He requires 3-4 months before he'll revise. And I too have Aetna...my package will be submitted after my 90 day program is up on Jul 9 (unfortunately I had to do the program again--Aetna covered my band so hopefully there'll be no issues with revision coverage!).

Aetna covers the sleeve--just FYI!