NoMoBand

Sablr3r, Thank you for posting this. 7 days out today, I was doing extremely well until yesterday!! The constipation and the associated cramps with it was bearable until last night. I stayed on the living room couch not moving an muscle and sweating profusely until the cramps faded. Holy Crap, it hurt!!!! I'm doing all the right things like walking, moving, keeping hydrated, using gas-X etc., but, surgery is surgery and these are things associated with it, I just wasn't expecting it to be this harsh for me. I'm praying to get over this stage quickly!!! jake

Good things come to those that wait and everything always happens for a reason. All sayings that we just repeat as comforts, however, I really do believe that everything is supposed to happen the way God wants it to happen and in his time schedule. God used you before your surgery to help us get though ours with this forum that you started which to me is an honor to be used this way. You are on your way. hang in there. jake

Warning: May be a little gross! Due to severe allergies, I’ve kept a loose band for years, thus my weight is up and down by 10 – 15 lbs. Now that allergy season has semi slowed down for me, I went in for a fill and what I thought was the “green zone” before this fill was actually allergy driven zone. I finally have good restriction and in the green zone driven by the lapband, which, I have not felt in years. The difference with this fill, is that restriction is consistent vs daily variations and my hunger is hitting me every 4 – 5 hours. This is the most volume I’ve had in my band for the past 3 years. I’m sharing this because I want to help anyone considering the lapband who experiences severe allergies and why Lapband is probably not the proper Weight loss surgery option. Let me explain: When I say “severe allergies”, I’m not talking about the sneezing, watery eyes, normal drainage, miserable feeling during allergy season. What I am talking about is the above symptoms with lots of mucus drainage into the stomach causing constant nausea and huge amounts of phlegm. You also know you have “severe allergies” when you get sinus infections every 3-4 months and your allergy symptoms last year round. Lapbanded people deal with a stoma (the entrance from the upper pouch to the lower part of the stomach). With extreme allergy drainage the stoma gets plugged and slows food passage, but, when the mucus is thicker you end up with a more severe mucus plug referred to as lapband cement and you can’t get anything down. A stoma plug is unplugged with several cups of hot liquids, where lapband cement requires several and sometimes many cups of hot liquids to break it down. Helpful medications I take are Sudafed, Chlortrimeton and Musinex, however, I still deal with daily inconsistencies with restriction and the sweet spot. For a few allergy seasons I had kenalog injections that helped for a few months, but, now my new primary doctor will not give these to me. I’m not a doctor, but IMO, most of my complications with my esophagus and stretched pouch were probably due to this. I thought it was only me, until I met another person on another forum with the same issue. She had her lapband removed after many years. We are probably the few that have the “severe allergy” problems that make lapband unfit, but, if you are do suffer extreme allergies and considering the lapband, talk to your doctor about this. I still love my band and for me having to keep a loose band only holds me most accountable. Jake.

One thing that helped me was Kenalog injections. I would get one in the springtime and another at the end of summer. Kenalog is a steroid and will take away all your allergy symptoms for about 3 months. This only problem is many doctors will not give these injections. Talk to your primary. My primary told me that the injections are safe as long as you don't get them too frequently. He would only give me the 2 per year.

Rita, Yes there was chest pain until the Sudafed would take affect. Once the drainage was gone the pain would go away. That's why I would keep up with my allergy meds and never wait til I needed them. Every 4 hours or I really liked the 12 hour Sudafed.

Finally home. Feeling great!!!! Here is an updated list. Wow, we're getting to become an enormous group! 141 strong! May1 Bubbly_d Preynusa Dalysm86 Flairness May 4 Raquel_c Jayshann Mel24 Smile121 Kelley74 Deb1327 Teebaby Ms. Kay’s New Life VSGMomma2 Kdawgsmom Juliaq321 Mremilio Mamasinator RealRocknRollaVSG NoMoBand Jgbc85 Mspatricia Chas42 Sabl3r May5 Yamshams Mrmrshandie KM1284 Bestisyettocome8 Hthr Dischord MassageMini Shaun_na Brenda L. Robertson Kjaydee Transformed_king Jade1375 Jenngeb Msdenean Hb.mambo May6 Kelly1223 Joego2014 TreyLu Marybear1965 Newbeginning77 May 7 Milemorales KIM10 Fuzzy52 May8 Murni Vsgval Manuela Moremarilynthenbarbie tsylvester May11 Merrill1955 Teecee Pepeka Ette16 Bmocareful2 Lisator1975 Bvenegas (tentative) ToyNy Knf7111 May12 Dattgirl68 mssugarK djackson17 Mandat miks mallen1895 craigcu SheSoBain classynessa May 13 Less of Jess Katress27 Soon_To_Be_Slim Sh1211 Amylynn41 Hilary1984 Steph77498 Sharob ValerieDee1975 carolscience May14 Dlmadeja27 Mattthew282 Turnaroundtina Roci708 Kristomoto Djay210 missmuffet May 15 Sleeved2015 Better-half Meryam Layla- May18 Smilingsarahjo Llynn34 Antigone40 Littleblackdress Alexkira02 Tnkrrbl Brenda L. Robertson Bvenegas (tentative) Dream125 VivKS May 19 SamanthaLC Jeni2u Cosmogirl2535 Egill0607 Rnyryry MyNewLife28 May20 Mespo Cjanee Bubbletoes Riley09 May21 Lexiemustang Martene81 Gracy0721 LindsB Pops24 journeyforlfeRN VSG_Hopeful May22 Cinchgirl50 Crich36108 May 23 Nickbel May 25 Lisarb May 26 JSchool10 Km30381 Tulip3 SassyXray Sutter Phoenix Ellieschad Roberts30 Jordantaylor Lean15 May27 MamaBiv Omgitzmichy Lizbead Paulisha Tulalulu Shadoegrounds M.E.Flores omgitzmichy May28 _nelly_ cheektowagasleever May29 SeahawksGirl FitFor40

My surgery was yesterday. Mine was a double whammy with lapband removal and sleeved within same surgery. I am one of the very lucky ones with no gas/pain issues at all. I have not had issues with nausea, dry heaves or throwing up. I started clear liquids along with broth and unflavored protein this morning at 6am and have had no issues. I would not need pain medication, however, my lapband port removal is very painful. I was kept an extra night because of this. Each surgery is so very different. My lapband install surgery 5 years back allowed me to experience the awful gas pain, so, I totally sympathize with those that are dealing with it. Walk as much as you can if you can handle it. Walking is the only thing that allows the body to absorb the gas quicker. I started walking about 20 minutes after I got to my room. It was tough, but, I did it. I wish that all you experience such a good experience as I did. It really does happen. Good luck. Jake. Btw, I will update the list tomorrow.

Kept myself busy all day, but, now, oh man, now!!!!!! Butterflies are turning into eagles!!! I asked the doc for a sedative for tomorrow, so, I'll be ok tomorrow, it's this evening and tonight. I'm scheduled for 12:30, so it will be a LONG morning! Good Luck to all of you that are scheduled tomorrow. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Band removal and sleeve revision approved by insurance! Surgery date is 5/4. Unless there is far too much scar tissue or band erosion the sleeve will be done at the same time. Doctor tells me that he has not had one person that he was not able to revise in one shot yet, but, I could be his first. He has to prepare me, just in case. I must remain positive and keep thoughts on the prize. I liked the band. It worked very well for me, however, my esophagus didn't take much liking to the band. I'm going to ask the doctor if I can keep it as a souvenir, but, I'm sure hospital policies won't allow it. Am I weird or what? This doctor is not the same bariatric doctor as my band doctor due to insurance changes. I also like this doctor. It's really something how all doctor's order on pre-op diet are so different. Band doc had me on 2 week, 2 a day Bariatric Protein shakes with 1 light meal. This doc requires only 1 week pre-op diet using sugar free carnation instant Breakfast, 2 a day with 1 light meal. Brand new journey starting soon and kind of freaked out! jake

Updated list. Send me a message if your date has changed or if I forgot you. May1 Bubbly_d Preynusa Dalysm86 Flairness May 4 Raquel_c Jayshann Mel24 Smile121 Kelley74 Deb1327 Teebaby Bubbletoes Ms. Kay’s New Life VSGMomma2 Kdawgsmom Juliaq321 Mremilio Mamasinator RealRocknRollaVSG NoMoBand Jgbc85 mspatricia May5 Yamshams Mrmrshandie KM1284 Bestisyettocome8 Hthr Dischord MassageMini Shaun_na Brenda L. Robertson Kjaydee Transformed_king Jade1375 May6 Kelly1223 Joego2014 TreyLu Marybear1965 Newbeginning77 May 7 Milemorales KIM10 Fuzzy52 May8 Murni Vsgval Manuela Moremarilynthenbarbie tsylvester May11 Merrill1955 Teecee Pepeka Ette16 Bmocareful2 Lisator1975 May12 Dattgirl68 mssugarK djackson17 Mandat miks mallen1895 craigcu SheSoBain classynessa May 13 Less of Jess Katress27 Soon_To_Be_Slim Sh1211 Amylynn41 Hilary1984 Steph77498 Sharob ValerieDee1975 May14 Dlmadeja27 Mattthew282 Turnaroundtina Roci708 Kristomoto Djay210 May 15 Sleeved2015 Better-half meryam May18 Smilingsarahjo Llynn34 Antigone40 Littleblackdress Alexkira02 Tnkrrbl Brenda L. Robertson May 19 SamanthaLC Jeni2u Cosmogirl2535 Egill0607 rnyryry May20 Mespo cjanee May21 Lexiemustang Martene81 Gracy0721 LindsB Pops24 journeyforlfeRN May22 Cinchgirl50 May 23 Nickbel May 26 JSchool10 Km30381 Tulip3 SassyXray Sutter Phoenix Ellieschad Roberts30 May27 MamaBiv Omgitzmichy Lizbead Paulisha Tulalulu Shadoegrounds M.E.Flores omgitzmichy May28 _nelly_ cheektowagasleever May29 SeahawksGirl FitFor40

I have the sorted list of May Sleevers in WORD file format and will update the list every so often. In all fairness to bvenegas who started this post, we need to add her as soon as she gets her date. Let us know bvenegas. jake

I had time today and put together a sectioned list of May Sleevers by confirmed dates. Forgive me if I missed you, spelled your name incorrectly, or put you in the wrong date. May 4 will be the busiest day. I'm in that list. jake May1 Bubbly_d Preynusa Dalysm86 May 4 Raquel_c Jayshann Mel24 Smile121 Kelley74 Deb1327 Teebaby Bubbletoes Ms. Kay’s New Life VSGMomma2 Kdawgsmom Juliaq321 Mremilio Mamasinator RealRocknRollaVSG NoMoBand Jgbc85 mspatricia May5 Yamshams Mrmrshandie KM1284 Bestisyettocome8 Hthr Dischord MassageMini Shaun_na Brenda L. Robertson Kjaydee Transformed_king May6 Kelly1223 Joego2014 TreyLu Marybear1965 Newbeginning77 May 7 Milemorales KIM10 Fuzzy52 May8 Murni Vsgval Manuela Moremarilynthenbarbie tsylvester May11 Merrill1955 Teecee Pepeka Ette16 Bmocareful2 Lisator1975 May12 Dattgirl68 mssugarK djackson17 Mandat miks mallen1895 craigcu SheSoBain classynessa May 13 Less of Jess Katress27 Soon_To_Be_Slim Sh1211 Amylynn41 Hilary1984 Steph77498 Sharob ValerieDee1975 May14 Dlmadeja27 Mattthew282 Turnaroundtina Roci708 Kristomoto May 15 Sleeved2015 Better-half meryam May18 Smilingsarahjo Llynn34 Antigone40 Littleblackdress Alexkira02 May 19 SamanthaLC Jeni2u Cosmogirl2535 rnyryry May20 Mespo cjanee May21 Lexiemustang Martene81 Gracy0721 LindsB Pops24 journeyforlfeRN May22 Cinchgirl50 May 23 Nickbel May 26 JSchool10 Km30381 Tulip3 SassyXray Sutter Phoenix ellieschad May27 MamaBiv Omgitzmichy Lizbead Paulisha Tulalulu Shadoegrounds M.E.Flores May28 _nelly_ May29 SeahawksGirl FitFor40

Wow, lots of you getting sleeved in May. Not sure if I count, but, I'm getting lapband to sleeve revision May 4. Hopefully all goes well. Surgeon tells me that once he's in he'll make the determination if he will be able to do both band removal and sleeve in one surgery, otherwise, I have to schedule sleeve for a later time. He's pretty confident that he will be able to do both on Monday. Wish me luck. jake

Good luck to you Big. A prayer your way. Perfect verse Jer.29:11. My day in Monday.

I would do liquids for a day or 2 then mushies for a couple more. Sounds like you have swelling causing the stuck episodes. I have revision surgery scheduled for next week. My band was emptied out several months ago and I was having stuck episodes frequently shortly after I was deflated. I had to go on liquids, mushies stage and all is well now.

On my 4th day of diet. I did this 4 years ago when I had my lapband surgery and thought that it would be a piece of cake this go round. Not so much!!!!! It is tough and now I remember that the pre-op diet was the hardest part of the whole ordeal. The good thing is it gets easier after the 3rd day. Best advise is keep yourself as busy as you can the first couple of days, after that it's very manageable. jake

Nurseforlapband, Thank you and I very much appreciate the good wishes. I always hoped that I wouldn't end up a lapband complication statistic ending with removal, but, I always kept an open mind to the possibility. I'm ready and let the new journey begin. Thanks again. Jake

Lapband to Sleeve revision scheduled for May 4.

I'm scheduled 4 days after you. I have a ton of mixed feelings and all the "what if's" have surfaced. The one thing that occupies my thoughts the most is: I can't seem to grasp or imagine how "feeling full or satiety" really feels like or even knowing when to stop eating with the sleeve. With the band I knew the exact volume and when to stop else............. This will be a whole new learning curve for us. The scarey part of sleeve surgery is the potential leaks, that we didn't have to deal with lapband surgery. I think that is what dominates my fears. Good luck to you and a prayer out your way. jake

Bewell, Thank you so much for the information, it really helped. I have dilation of the esophagus and pouch and see a surgeon this Wednesday to seek band to sleeve revision. I was one of the lucky ones where the band helped me loose over 100 lbs. I have, however, gained 30 lbs.and recently discovered the issue with my esophagus and pouch. I'm excited about the sleeve, but, a little scared. I won't know exactly what happens next til this Wednesday, but, I can't wait to get on with my weight loss journey. Thanks again for the information. jake

"But what I can tell you is that for me, eating with the sleeve is very different than a lap-band. With the band, if I could chew it long enough I could eat most anything and usually a lot more than I needed. But when I moved to food with the sleeve, I kept eating too much, and would vomit. The lap band gave me an immediate notice if I didn't chew or ate too fast. But not so with the sleeve. My tiny sleeved stomach would fill up with such a SMALL amount of food post-op. Like 2 level tablespoons full. Eating too much might only be ONE teaspoon too much. Our new swollen tummy is very small and tender. So be prepared that eating is different with a sleeve than a band. At least for me it was. And unfortunately, I was a slow learner!" Hope you don't mind me asking. How is your hunger like? Do you actually measure your meal or are there signs before you get to the point of having to purge? jake

Got the dreaded call today. UGI showing my esophagus is in trouble due to dilation and other issues with stretched pouch, then, to complicate matters my new insurance does not cover the bariatric programs in my local town where I got my lap band and I have transferred care to the new insurance bariatric program 400 miles away. I have an appointment with the new doctor in 3 weeks. The call today came from the new clinic letting me know that the band needed to come out and revision to sleeve will be done 6 months after band removal. I did not want to hear either one of these news. So, I understand the 6 month wait due to scar tissue caused by the band and time to allow healing. My question and concern is undergoing 2 surgeries, what are my chances of getting approval for the sleeve after lap band removal? What I am hoping to hear is that revision approval (if there is such a code) includes band removal and sleeve after the six months. What I am unfortunately expecting to hear is that both removal and sleeve are two separate approvals. What if I don't meet insurance requirements to qualify for the sleeve after removal is my biggest fear! I've been successful with my weight loss and the band, however, will my BMI meet the requirements after band removal? Will I need to gain weight to meet the BMI requirements? I will be devastated if I end up with no weight loss tool of any kind. Just with a few times that I had complete unfills of the band, I started gaining weight quickly. Anyone have any ideas how all this works? All insurances companies are different and I will contact mine to get more information, but, I am afraid I will end up with nothing. Jake

Liz If you don't mind me asking, what were your symptoms? You mention fever, anything else? Let me tell you I am freaking out! Now it seems like I'm starting to experience things that I have not experienced before. Could just bestress related or avery cold storm that has come through. I am now experiencing night coughs and reflux. I am sleeping with 3 pillows to keep things down and my band has tightened up so much that I have to sip Water very slowly at times. I am very grateful for the band and will miss it! I am also scared about the next chapter.

As long as you can get things down, especially liquids you should be OK. You may need a slight unfill, however, after your fill did you stay on liquids that day, then mushies the next, then eventually regular meals? Whenever you get a fill, things will swell up and you must progress slowly before eating the regular meals. The progression allows for the swelling to go down. If you did do the progression, I would say that you need a slight unfill. My advice - I would go on liquids today (liquid Protein drinks and others) and include some pineapple juice, just in case something is stuck or ligering on. Tomorrow do the mushies, etc. If you still feel the same after the next couple of days, then you need a slight unfill. A trip to the ER would be if you cannot get anything down, otherwise, IMO you should be ok. jake

Definitly talk to your doctor, but, to ease the anxiety, more than likely is not a slipped band, however, it does sound like you are still stuck with the cheeze. Try drinking several small cans of pineapple juice, followed by hot or warm liquids, which will help dislodge whatever is lingering on. I use the pineapple juice Dole brand. The acids in pineapple juice is what helps dislodge and clear the stuck episode. This usually does it for me. jake