Ange2992

I've seen a lot of posts on here about people being scared or confused and there aren't a while lot of us that transitioned from band to sleeve so I would like to share my story in hopes to give some people hope and incouragement. In 2010 I had the lap band done. My starting weight was 320. It was a struggle from day 1 between the swelling in my stomach not letting me eat or drink, to twork months later having to get my gall bladder taken out. The first year is always a learning process. I didn't tolerate fills all that well because I was so sensitive after surgery. 3 almost 4 years go by and with a lot of hard work and gym time I lost a total of 100lbs. This brought me to 220 which still put me in obese category (I am only 5 feet tall and 22 at the time). For my own happiness I decided that my goal weight was going to be 130. Whatever I had to do I was going to be 130. Hard workouts, no carbs, etc. Well I tried this a few months and I lost 5lbs at best. My dr. Told me that the band would only take me so far and I was at that point. Well I didn't want to accept that. I decided to go with the sleeve because I knew I was struggling and I knew that if I did this those last 80 or so lbs would be easier to take off. He removed the band first in May and I had the sleeve done in July of 2014, exactly 8 months ago from today. It was a scary decision, and yes I had the same troubles I did when I first got the band with not tolerating liquids for a week and having to stay in the hospital a few extra days and nights. BUT let me say that it is the best decision I have ever made for myself. I am now 23 and 153 lbs and shrinking every day. It's definitely not a cake walk I still have to closely follow the drs orders but I've never felt better, my feet rarely hurt anymore, ailments that I never knew were the result of my weight are gone. I've lost a total of 167lbs and I feel almost normal. I still have about 20 lbs to go but to get this close is beyond mind blowing. If you're nervous and are in the edge of doing this do it. If for no other reason to just live life the way it should be lived and feel great doing it!

Forgot to mention that! Yes I have had my gallbladder removed about 2yrs ago

Last few days I have been getting on and off pain in between by breasts (chest) and it radiates through to my back between by shoulder blades. Could this be my new tummy? I am 3 weeks post op. Seemed to have started after I tried a little sauce last night. could it be a leak? I know im paranoid. Took some gasx and antacid. Any advice would be great. Thanks

I am 1 week post op and am wondering if this is normal. Sometimes out of the blue the inside of my stomach will feel warm like there is a heating pack inside my tummy. It happened after the shower and sometimes when drinking especially warm...am I supposed to be feeling this? It feels almost in my rib too mostly left rib and back. Thanks!

Thank you guys. My insurance is covering it. Just a little cold feet I guess.

So I had my band out in early June.my surgery for the sleeve is scheduled for July 16th. I am so beyond nervous and the killer part is I feel pretty darn great right now. I'm no longer super uncomfortable, I'm still eating small portions and I'm losing weight like crazy. Do I really even need the sleeve? I lost 115lbs with the band. I am about 60 lbs from goal. I just don't know what to do. I was expecting to be ravenous and eating anything that wasn't nailed down but it is so not like that. The band taught me how to eat for 4 years. Any feedback would be helpful!

We will be holding the July Bariatric Pal support group for NY/LI on Long Island. Stay tuned for information!!! You can always PM me directly if you would like to take an active role in helping set up the meeting!! Look forward to meeting you! Great thanks so much!

Hi all! I would love to help fellow bariatric pals by starting a support group meeting in Suffolk Long Island. I do go to one at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip on Monday night at 7 and Tuesday afternoons at 2...they are wonderful for any surgery and any stage and the doctors of the practice welcome any and all even if they are not your surgeon. I have found this meeting and the people very kind and helpful. But message me if you guys in suffolk want to get together for a friday night or Saturday meeting and I can get something going. Thanks!

Thank you all very much for the advice!!

Im more afraid of getting the band out and then my insurance not covering the sleeve. That and just going through 2 more surgeries. I wish he'd do it all in one shot but I understand his concern with the weakened stomach after the band.

Thank you so much for your input! And good luck! Did you do the band removal and sleeve all at once?

Hi All! So I haven't been on in a very long time. I had the lapband in November of 2010 and have lost exactly 100lbs. My highest was 320 I am now 220. I still have about 70lbs to make me very happy but weight loss has been terribly slow and it frustrates me many days. I agreed to get the sleeve done and my doctor wants to take the band out wait a month then do the sleeve. Im just so confused because I did loose a lot of weight I am very disciplined with my rules and exersise and 70 lbs in the grand scheme of things isnt a whole lot but I feel like maybe I need that extra boost. Im only 22 and I feel just overall scared and confused so any and all comments will help!! Thanks!

haha...I have .4ccs....point 4 as in less than 1cc. :/