june2010

I would like to know if it is common to remove a band and get the sleeve in just one operation. If you have a band that hasn't been working (no restriction) and you want the sleeve will they do that all at the same time? Theresa

Did they do the endoscope today? How are you feeling? Sounds like you were keeping some fluids down, are you still in the hospital?

Well, I have had my band since Dec 2004 and lost about 25 lbs which was all from the liquid diet that you are on following surgery. At 6 days post op I was feeling extremely hungry and was very dissappointed because my Dr told me that with the band you won't be hungry at all. I have 8 cc in a 10 cc Vanguard Inamed band and feel no restiction. I have never had any restriction. When I talked to my Dr about this a few months after surgery they said I needed to eat meat and raw veggies. I can't do that for breakfast lunch and dinner and am not a big meat eater. Makes me mad because before surgery I was told that 3-4 oz of food would fill me up and I wouldn't be able to eat for 4-5 hrs. What a bunch of hooey! They never mentioned that I would have to eat meat and raw veggies for every meal for the rest of my life. .........Anyway, researching the sleeve sounds like it will get rid of my hunger and my stomach will be very small. No adjustments or tweaking or eating meat for every meal. I think it will work. I think I can lose weight with a restrictive only procedure, I just didn't get any restriction from the first procedure (band).

I am wondering how many people have had their band removed and got the sleeve all in the same operation? I've seen some of the people who went to Mexico have had this all done at once but I am wondering if your stomach needs to heal after band removal before having sleeve done? I would rather have it all done in one procedure, but want to be safe about it. Thanks for your input!! Theresa

Thanks for posting this very informative article! It says in the article that one of the insurance companies that approve VSG is Anthem BCBS Fed Employee Plan which is my insurance! That gives me some hope that maybe I will be approved (after I get the band taken out)........ Theresa:thumbup1::001_smile: