BrokeMyHalo

That is why I said "personally"... I know some people have had great success with Mexico and had no problems. It is the thought of if something goes wrong, I want to be in the US.

Complications DO happen. That is why it is SO important to research and go to a doctor you trust. PERSONALLY I would never go to Mexico.. I know it is cheaper but still. I worked for a bariatric surgeon and the stories I heard from patients were INSANE. Then they called our practice looking for help. So matter where you go make sure you feel comfortable, educated and most importantly prepared for anything. We all like to go into surgery thinking we will come out in one piece but having a plan of action if you don't is important. Talk to your surgeon!

CowgirlJane!! I noticed you lost another pound!! Weren't you 122 lost a day ago? Very cool. I look back on some of the questions and I wonder what I was thinking... but after my band I want to think about everything!! I feel ready to do this... just need to do it! My main concern has shifted to the bougie (sp?)... my surgeon uses a 40 french and for some reason that makes me nervous, rather have a 38 since I already can eat a ton! but I need to trust him since he is the best in the area. I appreciate everyones support and feedback- I will have to pay-it-forward!

Oh! My goodness!!!! I do not like babies but your baby is BEAUTIFUL. If I knew mine would turn out like that maybe I would want one lol. Aw so cute. Congrats mama

I would if my skin bothered me too much, like rubbing or redness... but if for vanity I would wait

PEvette: WOW! Its super helpful you went through each of my questions. Its crazy to think when I got my band I wasn't half as nervous or unsure. Congrats on your 80 pound loss.. I bet that feels so good! What do you typically eat in a day?

Thank you for all the great information! This is very valuable to me, I have been so nervous about making the wrong choice! I feel like I can eat healthy but its my portions that are crazy! And how often I eat. With my band I liked healthy food, but I was hungry all the time!!

Find a good therapist... You'll be more successful with your sleeve in the end!

Buy a used treadmill on Craigslist

So I have had a lapband for 8 years... lost a little but never hit goal weight. I have gained about 100lbs back I went to my surgeon yesterday and discussed getting sleeved. He said he would like to do it in 2 steps. First remove my band, wait 3 months, and then sleeve me. He said he feels most confident doing this because of scar tissue. I found a way to pay for this (23k - ouch!) but now that I found the money I am faced with deciding if I should do it. A part of me is terrified of failing. I went out to dinner last night and all I could think about is can I really handle the sleeved life?? Will I be miserable like with my band? Also- in your opinion does the size of the sleeve really matter? My surgeon does a 40 bougie... he said it was safest and that there wasn't THAT big of a difference.

Dr. Michaelson at NWWLS as well... He's pretty fantastic

samomo- who is your surgeon? did you have the band out and then sleeve all in one go? or was it done in 2 surgeries? Maybe the band has screwed your metabolism... do you know what bougie size your surgeon used? Has he mentioned making your sleeve smaller? I know this isn't much help but some more info would be good.

Thanks Irish! I am so nervous about making the wrong choice :/ When do you plan on getting sleeved?

Wow... he is really booked... some of the best surgeons in my area can get people in, latest a month away? What surgeon is this? Typically surgeons don't schedule till insurance is approved and everything is paid (selfpay) so that should keep their schedule moving and clear for a month or 2 ahead

Stick with the sleeve... sadly, 2 of my friends that have had gastric bypass haven't done well. I've worked in bariatrics are a loonngg time... if there is a will, there is a way! Hang in there!

First off, have you talked to your surgeon? Second visit http://wlsappeals.com/ to learn more about what happens with appeals. Good luck! I know my surgeon has an insurance coordinator who would help you step by step, but the link I gave you can give you some immediate answers on what to expect if you go forward with appealing.

I currently am reading "The Sleeved Life" on my iPhone... pretty good so far! I just finished "Beyond the Refrigerator" the entire time I read it, it made me feel like I would fail with the sleeve :/

Odee- Do not come down on yourself! The most important thing right now is to realize you may have a problem and get some help. First of all, I would recommend getting some books on food addiction... I can send you some titles if you'd like. Also, you really should get a therapist who understands WLS and food addiction- super important. This could mean the difference between success and a leak in your sleeve, or worse. Wether your food addiction is physical or mental it will haunt you. You can take control of it and get some help. I use to think there was NO way I could ever control my impulses with food, but you can! And its not painful! Just need to read some books and get a therapist to help guide you! Good luck on your journey, its great you were honest to yourself and in your post so you can get some encouragement! By the way: NO more off post-op foods!

Lol we ALL have our ups and downs- especially waiting for our surgery date to FINALLY come!! This just gives you more time to research!

All that is important is if you get approved!! Id gladly wait 2+ weeks if it meant my insurance would even consider me! My insurance says "F*ck no." Good luck It *will* happen!

Tell your boss and co-workers you decided against the sleeve and are just getting your band removed. Do not put that kinda pressure on yourself! I am getting sleeved after having a band, and plan on only telling my boyfriend and people on this site. Once you drop the weight, you can tell them if you want or keep it to yourself and others who are supportive.

I was being sarcastic

This sounds awful, but I would gain a little weight (aka wear some weights in your pants when getting weighed in) lol. I don't have the problem of not meeting the BMI requirements but my insurance doesn't cover AT ALL. I hope your doctors appeal works! Good luck!!

Ive had my band for about 7 years as well! I am currently talking to my surgeon about getting it out and getting sleeved!! I wish I could do it in 2 surgeries but I think it'll be too expensive (self-pay). I am excited for you!

Yeah he said if i find a plan he will look into it, its a small company (13 people). I feel so frustrated. My current insurance should cover it! Seems like not many companies in Seattle covers. I guess I could selfpay if i took a loan out, and then also i was told i could buy my own insurance but i have no idea where to start! thanks for the feedback isajck!