the band to the sleeve ?!?!?

[amyloveslou 11]

has anyone thought about getting the lap band removed and going with the sleeve???? i am VERY happy with what the band has done for me,but... i get stuck episodes ALL the time for hrs at a time. i cant eat meat. All of my protien is coming from shakes and cheese sometimes beans.... i go to my Doctors appointment on wed and was going to bring this up to him. just trying to get some input first

thanks,

Amy

[cwm812 11]

Amy,

I know you asked about the sleeve and honestly, I know nothing about it, but I really think you're too tight. If you can't eat any meat, something is wrong and before I tried another surgery, I'd try an unfill. You probably only need a little removed and then wait a few days for everything to calm down.

I don't think I ever got to the point you are at, but I have needed unfills. I've had three in the 18 months. The first time, I was so afraid of having an unfill, I waited forever. I was at the point where I could only do Soups and chili without getting stuck. I figured I would gain weight, but I actually lost with each unfill. The more solid food, I eat, the less I eat.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

Cindy

[54Shirley 105]

I looked into some research on it:

The problem with the sleeve is "from what I understand."" is they cut away part of your stomach, and as a result, the Hormone that causes you to be Hungry is removed. That part was great with me, but,,,, in a couple of years they say that it grows back, and your back to square one,,,,, again.

So for now, I guess I'll stick to the band.

[amyloveslou 11]

Thanks for the input. I think im going to stick wiith what I got. I havve to talk to the doc about being to tight.i dont belive I am because I have always had this problem with meat n the band...

Ty

Amy

[Melissannde 41]

Thanks for the input. I think im going to stick wiith what I got. I havve to talk to the doc about being to tight.i dont belive I am because I have always had this problem with meat n the band...

Ty

Amy

A few ideas/suggestions:

Make sure your meat is not dry...or if it is, use something to moisten it to help it slide down. BBQ Sauce, ketchup, greek yogurt, mustard.. whatever you like. It's not going to matter all that much on the calorie content of the "food lube" because you're not going to eat all that much of it. I find that having 1 bite of Protein and a bite of a juicy veggie (cucumber, tomato) often works as a food lube too.

Double check that you really are taking small bites and chewing well. You could get toddler utensils or a cocktail fork and demitasse spoon. Some suggest chopsticks.

Try drinking a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a cup of hot thin soup/broth right before your meal. The warmth can relax the band and make eating denser foods easier. You don't have to wait 30 minutes after drinking the warm liquids to eat.. maybe 2 or 5 minutes...but I've not waited at all and still had good appetite control.

Avoid reheating meat in the microwave. Or if you have no other choice, try wrapping or covering the meat in a damp towel (paper or cloth). The reason to avoid the MW is that microwave cooking tends to remove moisture. The damp towel will help prevent some moisture loss.

If you decide on an unfill and other than the meat issue you're doing well.. I'd ask for a tiny unfill. .2cc's would be my suggestion, but this is just based on my experience of tiny fills. Your bariatric team will know your case and if they suggest more.. well.. your call.

Hope you get some relief.. it's no fun getting stuck so often. And not good for the band if you're having to bring the stuck substance back up frequently.

[54Shirley 105]

Thanks for the input. I think im going to stick wiith what I got. I havve to talk to the doc about being to tight.i dont belive I am because I have always had this problem with meat n the band...

Ty

Amy

I have the same thing going on with bread. I don't dare touch it. meats are very cautious, and a lot of chewing. So your not alone Also even if I eat anything, I must have a splash of something warm to clean out the pipe, or it's painful. It works too.

[amyloveslou 11]

Wow Great ideas....ty !!!! Im going to give the warm liquid a shot today

[amyloveslou 11]

I LOVE this site!!!! ty all !!!!

[54Shirley 105]

I LOVE this site!!!! ty all !!!!

Just remember to take it easy some sips.

You don't want to throw up.

If it works for you, you will soon get the feel of it.

[cwm812 11]

Great suggestions from Melissa about the liquids before eating.

Even though my doctor told me no drinking 15 minutes before eating, I found out early on that I needed to drink right before eating anything solid. It's almost as if, I need to get my stomach primed. If not, I can only eat a bite or two and I feel awful. I told my doctor about it and he said it was fine and to remember that even the rules aren't 100% for everyone!

Make sure you try to hot liquid...I always do that if I feel like I'm having a problem.

Cindy

[Sistersue 12]

It drink hot tea about 20mins before a meal and I can then get meat down fine, otherwise, not so much.

[sassyfrass 24]

I am glad I came to this thread. I am going to keep all of this great info in my head for when I get banded. A funny thing....about the hot liquids.... ...me and some of my friends always laughed at another friend when she ordered a hot Water at the restaurant AFTER the meal because she felt too full, but.....after reading this post (although you are not talking about being too full...) there really must be something to the hot liquid thing. Hmmmm.... I guess we do learn something new every day.