Jeepinutah76

10 years ago I started my Journey......and it continues.... I had a lap band done July 2008, I was 255 lbs. I was a single mother with a 7 year old daughter. I was so excited that this option was available to me! Something that wasn't crazy as a gastric bypass (don't get me wrong I have been in the medical field for over 20 years, so I researched this immensely. I thought this was the best option). Something that would hold me accountable for the food I put in my mouth and the amount. At first, that's exactly what happened. I could hardly eat anything, let alone drink. I had found my tool that I had been needing my whole life! Just an FYI, I ramble, start to think about something else and then want to put it down! I apologize in advance if my thoughts roam! My lap band was more an emotional battle then anything, it's crazy to think that really this whole overeating and what we eat really comes from our brain (at least for me this is what it is!). I lost weight, it was great, I was getting healthier and getting to a smaller size! 2 years into my band journey I met my now husband and was under 200 pounds. I went in for my fills and could never get to that sweet spot. Just never felt the restriction like I thought I would have with it. About 4 years in I started to have severe issues with reflux, couldn't even lay down at night it would come up through my nose and BURN! Not good. I ended up going to another surgeon as I had moved and he immediately emptied my band and made sure there wasn't any damage done. We tried to go from ground zero refilling back up but never worked. It failed. I took it as I had failed yet again!!! I still have the band in and it still has a fill, but there is no restriction. Just certain foods don't go down well and I vomit still a lot. So done of having this in my body. I am now back to my pre lap band weight and so frustrated. My insurance has finally changed to Federal BCBS and am excited that I have the opportunity to get the lap band out and go forward with a revision to a Gastric Sleeve. I am super anxious about this, I am now 10 years older and just want to be healthy and be able to live the life that I want and deserve to! Right now just waiting on my approval. The office said 2-3 weeks, today is 3 weeks plus 1 day. I am ready. Planned my out of pocket, ready to get work off. Just ready to move on. Bring on the liquid diet!!! At least I know what's going to be coming with this. What protein shakes are ok (never great) and which ones are absolutely undrinkable! Stocking up on my broth and sugar free popsicles! Any encouragement or anyone who has been through what I have and had a revision to the sleeve I would love to hear your comments! Am I making the right choice this time??? This WILL be the last gastric surgery I have so it BETTER work! LOL (kinda laughing manically..... :o) I know what I am getting into emotionally and have faith in my Heavenly Father, so I am prepared! Go with God! 2nd Verse, Same as the First

I would check around for a cheaper price. I know my surgeon charges under $15,000 for the whole surgery for self pay people. I had my band put in on July 22 with no complications, wonderful surgeons and hospital was great as well. If you want a phone# I'd be happy to give it to you. You don't have to go to Mexico to get it cheaper... Good Luck!

I had the realize band put in July 22.....Doing ok wih it. The realize band is the swedish version of the lap band. A litle wider to help stablize it a little more inside and to help food not get stuck. Nothing different about treating it differently the other lap bands though... Good Luck!

Oww! I can really tell where my port site is! More pain then I expected. Not eating isn't an issue, trying to get all my protein in is! I feel "full" pretty much all the time. I actually ate some cream of wheat last night and could really tell when I was full, one bite past was too much. It's amazing, still haven't lost any (post surgery swelling, gain) but it will come and Im sure fast at first! I just hope this pain will pass and I will be able to get all the nutrition in that my body needs!

Oww! I can really tell where my port site is! More pain then I expected. Not eating isn't an issue, trying to get all my protein in is! I feel "full" pretty much all the time. I actually ate some cream of wheat last night and could really tell when I was full, one bite past was too much. It's amazing, still haven't lost any (post surgery swelling, gain) but it will come and Im sure fast at first! I just hope this pain will pass and I will be able to get all the nutrition in that my body needs!

When I said last week my life was going to change! Wow! not like it will tomorrow! Banding day! Im so excited and nervous and can't sleep! I've been overweight since I was 11 and can't wait to see the person I know I can be! And want to be! I want to hike without running out of breath, wear normal size clothes, not have my little girl say "you're fat". Just how kids are, they say it like it is! I will be strong! For her and for myself! Just her and I will get through this time of adjustment in my life! YEE HAH!!!

When I said last week my life was going to change! Wow! not like it will tomorrow! Banding day! Im so excited and nervous and can't sleep! I've been overweight since I was 11 and can't wait to see the person I know I can be! And want to be! I want to hike without running out of breath, wear normal size clothes, not have my little girl say "you're fat". Just how kids are, they say it like it is! I will be strong! For her and for myself! Just her and I will get through this time of adjustment in my life! YEE HAH!!!:smile:

My life changes tommorrow morning....I never REALLY realized how much an emotional tie food is to me! I starting thinking about what I couldn't eat, how can I survive on a liquid, protein drink only diet for 1 WEEK!?? I start tommorrow morning and am so committed to this that I will do it! I can be strong for myself and my daughter. These feelings are weird and new to experience, I want a different life full of activity and new experiences. I can overcome this tie to food! Surgery date 7-22-8

My life changes tommorrow morning....I never REALLY realized how much an emotional tie food is to me! I starting thinking about what I couldn't eat, how can I survive on a liquid, protein drink only diet for 1 WEEK!?? I start tommorrow morning and am so committed to this that I will do it! I can be strong for myself and my daughter. These feelings are weird and new to experience, I want a different life full of activity and new experiences. I can overcome this tie to food! Surgery date 7-22-8

Wow, it's finally here! I start my protein drinks and clear liquid diet tommorrow morning in prep for my surgery on the 22nd. Help! Any suggestions on how to cope with this and any help with protein drinks would be appreciated! I'm so new with this type of eating I'm almost terrified, but at the same time so excited to get going on this new life!