buttercup06

I'm having my sleeve done on Sept. 14th! I started my liquid diet yesterday and it was a really rough day (I don't remember going through this preparing for the band). Today was much better and I didn't have a pounding headache all day. For the first time, in this almost year long journey, I am beginning to feel a little scared! My band removal was a breeze (June 29th) but I guess now it's all sinking in that this is my new life again and what if it doesn't work again? What kind of pain will I be in? What if, what if, what if?!??! I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time. I just don't want to fail.

I am happy to report that I had my band removed one week ago Monday after 5 years of torture!!!! I am feeling pretty good and heading back to work tomorrow. My sleeve is scheduled for September 14th and I'm curious to know what my fellow revisioners have experienced in regards to eating. What does it feel like to have the sleeve v. the band? I had (what I referred to as) "the gurgle" every time I ate or drank anything, I could always feel the food going down and through my band, I never had that feeling of being full, only being in pain or stuck being forced to throw up. Are these feelings I might expect to feel again with the sleeve? Any info would be really helpful. Thanks so much!

Thanks for this update! I have my sleeve scheduled for 9/14 and had my band removed on 6/29. I've kept saying that I hope the sleeve is as smooth as the removal because I was fine after a week. My original band surgery, five years ago, was really hard and I struggled with a hematoma, severe swelling and incredible pain. I know everyone is different but I've heard so much more positive regarding the revision than I've heard negative so I'm excited.

It's interesting to see that so many people were able to have the revision in one surgery. I had a second opinion with another popular surgeon and he too wouldn't do it in one. I'm jealous! Oh well, this is just part of my story and I'll get there soon enough! Thanks all, for your very helpful comments. ????????????

I have insurance and went thru a lot to get my band removal approved so I can only imagine the anxiety of paying out of pocket! I had my band for 5 years with constant problems. After a horrible experience with a routine fill last year (it took two Drs and a counted 27 needle pricks to get into the port), and an overfill causing severe swelling and vomiting, I made the decision to have it removed and revise to sleeve. I had to go through numerous tests to determine I had severe stricture (which is considered an approved medical malfunction for Aetna). In order to get it all approved though I also had to redo all of the behavioral and nutritional evals and 3 months of weigh ins before it could even be submitted to insurance. It was actually approved in the same day it was submitted but it was a major amount of work. If you have insurance, even the same you had during your original surgery, they may have changed their policy and might approve it now. I would recommend you speak with your insurance (if you have one) and then talk with your doctor about testing. Good luck!!

@@hockeyfan7 thank you so much for your post! Yes, I too had the stabbing pain at my port site and I've always thought it was just me! You are the first person to tell me you had it. I feel like I'm about to break out in tears reading this because it's me to a tee. The thought of being able to remain at the dinner table through an entire meal without having to throw up in numerous public bathrooms is worth all of this! Yesterday, I ate broccoli for the first time in about three years and cried because it went down! Thank you again!

Would have liked it all done at the same time but my dr requires a three month wait period between the two. I even got a second opinion and was also told it had to be done in two surgeries. Just had my band removed on the 29th and looking forward to the sleeve in September! Really glad to hear though that the one and done has not caused complications and I wish you luck!

@kiki52 And good luck to you also! I can't imagine two slippages. This experience has been really painful but I'm happy it's out and looking forward to the revision. I'm not as concerned with how fast I lose either. I just don't want to feel sick and in pain every day which is why I'd like to understand from others what the physical feeling has been between the two. I've gathered from my research and conversations with my dr. that I won't go through the same complications. Fingers crossed!

@@arimerm1 - I posted this message on a band to sleeve revision forum. I am going through my own issues and asking people who have gone through similar experiences as ME. This was not directed at newbies. It's a big giant forum and you will come to see that people have many different experiences that have nothing to do with you and its about being real. Yes, torture! I didn't say you are going to have torture, BUT I dealt with 5 years of torture. I wish you the best of luck with your band but again, my question is directed to people who have gone through a revision.

I'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain! I remember the horrible pain I was in after the band and I suffered for nearly two weeks. The gas pain was horrendous and you don't want to drink anything but now that I know what it feels like, I know you have to push through it and keep drinking to avoid dehydration. Did you have your band removed in advance of the revision or did you have it all done in one surgery?

@@Hope41 Protein!! You have to get in the habit of eating all your protein first (instead of mixing or going for the carbs first). Add unflavored protein powder to your morning meal (into yogurt works). I was banded for 5 years, just had it removed last week and doing the sleeve in Sept. I only lost 40lbs and could never be filled more than 3.5cc in a 10cc band due to severe restriction. I feel your pain but i also know I didn't follow perfectly. Just from personal experience, stick to the protein first and foremost and make sure you really are getting at least 64oz a day. Oh and water water water!! Add lemon if you struggle. Good luck!

@@Djmohr I had to sign a contract for smoking and drinking alcohol also. It's something new because I didn't have to do it when I was banded 5 years ago but had to do it for my revision (same dr.).

I was banded 5 years ago and joined this forum back then but had to walk away for awhile because there was so much talk of blending cheeseburgers and I was disgusted. After serious issues with my band I came back to the forum and began to find people who were in the same position I was. I think maturity is a bonus that can only come with time. I will be the first to admit I failed my band and my band failed me but now I've had it removed and being sleeved in September and I'm determined to make it right and follow all of the rules! I enjoy my glass of wine, but I also care more about my health and getting to my goal so it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. FYI I never blended a cheeseburger and never will LOL!

I'm scheduled for September 14th! I'm a band revision and just had it removed this past Monday, 5 years to the day I had it put it. Recovering well and ready for September to get here. My dr. requires a three month healing time between the procedures so wanted to do it the safest way. Im always looking for buddies!!