Thinking of making the switch

[tabbie 0]

Hello:biggrin0:

I am new to this forum and had lap band surgery last June (2008). I am extremely disappointed in the results. Started at about 228# and am currently at about 203#. I haven't gained back, just haven't lost anything. In 14 MONTHS!! I have an appointment with my surgeon to discuss other options this Thursday. Not sure if the insurance will pay for a second surgery?? For as much as I throw up, I can't believe that I have not lost more weight. I do not drink high calorie liquids and seriously have thrown up on the side of countless roads in Michigan. (I travel for my job). I try healthy foods (salads, fruits etc. they get stuck) I have a fast food lunch of chicken sandwich etc. it gets stuck. I hate how there are times I have NO restriction and can eat gobs of food, and other times I know as soon as I start eating it will be all over in just a minute as I am searching for the least obvious place to throw up. I have had more fills, then had fills removed because I can't swallow my own saliva and cannot find a happy restriction. I know that this is not healthy (the constant sliming and upchucking) but for some reason it has nothing to do with my losing weight. It is embarassing to see people who know that i had the surgery over a year ago and they can't see any difference at all. because I have lost so little. My husband is very supportive and tells me to just remove the band becuase he is worried about my constant vommiting, and says he loves me no matter what (awwww) but is not stopping me from considering alternatives. From what I understand, the majority here recommend the sleeve to RNY huh?

[Tiffykins 673]

I hate to hear of your constant eating issues with the band. I know it's miserable. . .

I didn't like the idea of my intestines being re-routed. The nutritional deficiencies were not something that I wanted to deal with. I also know some RNY patients that have regained back most of their weight at no fault of their own, but they are miserable, and options for revision are slim.

When my band worked, it worked well. So, I knew I could be successful with a restrictive only procedure. The sleeve vs. band is like night and day. I couldn't be more satisfied with my decision to revise to the sleeve.

[Malaika 50]

Hi Tabbie - I didn't have the band, I was a virgin sleever, so I can't answer those questions for you. I didn't like the idea of the RNY or dealing with malsborption issues and tons of Vitamins and supplements the rest of my life, so I chose the sleeve and am glad for it.

Welcome to our forum family - ask your questions and know that we're here to support you in anyway we can.

[Jagator88 1]

My daughter had an RNY 8 years ago and continues to have issues. She left me a myspace post today that she too was on ice chips as nothing would go or stay down.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

My daughter has RNY too and she has gained back 50 lbs which she can't seem to lose no matter how much she tries. She gets really tired of all the stuff she has to take because she does not absorb all the nutrients from her food.< /strong>

[*susan* 1,709]

Tabbie, welcome to our forums! Your story sounds so familiar. I had almost the exact same problems as you. Towards the end though, it was more of not being able to eat anything at all, even with very little fill in my band. I wasn't losing weight either, because I was living on ice cream, it was the only thing I could keep down.

If you are able to stick to a healthy eating plan, then another restrictive surgery, aka, the sleeve, would probably work well for you. I revised to the sleeve and the difference is like night and day. I no longer spend just about every waking moment of my life wondering if I am going to be able to eat or not, avoiding social situations in fear of embarassing myself by pb'ing, etc. You don't have to worry about fills and unfills. The sleeve just works. I don't think about it at all. I eat, and when I no longer feel hungry, I stop. That is it. For the most part, I make healthy choices and I do exercise. I am very pleased with my weight loss thus far.

Please let us know if you have anymore questions, and what you decide to do.

[MacMadame 81]

My surgeon is seeing his sleeve patients lose as much as his RnY patients at one year out so I can't see getting RnY. It costs more, has more complications, but doesn't get better results?? That does not compute.

[nana2three 0]

Hello Everyone! :smile1: Like tabbie I am new to the forum. I also have the Realize Band and am not happy with my results.:frown1: I have had my band for 12 months and can't tell a lot of difference in my size. I have an appointment in 2 weeks with my Dr. to discuss the sleeve. I am so tired of everything getting stuck. I am always afraid to go out to eat. I hope this is the answer to my prayers. :smile:

[Road Queen 0]

I loved my band and lost weight gradually. It took me 4 years to lose my weight (90 pounds). But, it slipped and had to be removed. I am unable to keep my weight down and am struggling every day. So I am thinking about getting the sleeve. I don't know much about it so I have signed up today to start learning. Glad to hear so many people are happy with their sleeve.

[Malaika 50]

Welcome to our family Road Queen - there are several members here who have revised from band to sleeve and all seem totally thrilled to have done so - me I was a "virgin" sleever and I am (now) thrilled with the sleeve. Don't hesitate to ask anything - someone will always have a response for you.

[nana2three 0]

I had my visit Friday with my Dr. It looks as if all is a go for the revision. :cool0: I have to go back on the 23rd of October for another visit. He said that he would talk to the insurance for approval on a revision, which may be a better choice for me. I am really excited. I forgot to ask if he will remove the band and do the sleeve at the same time? I sure hope so.

Some of my friends think I am crazy for going through it again,:eek: but I don't think so. Most of them are slim and don't know what it is like to be over weight. We that are, have to do everything we can to become healthy for our selves and our familys.

If you have had a revision from band to sleeve please share any important info. to make sure I don't over look anything. I am a little scared.

[*susan* 1,709]

Nana, congrats on deciding to move forward with the revision. Your doctor should remove the band and do the sleeve all at the same time. It is a good idea to have a complete unfill a couple of weeks prior to getting your sleeve. That way, if you have any swelling or irritation from the band, it has time to go down prior to your surgery.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I am so glad to have that band out of me. I love the sleeve. Maintaining my weight is

effortless.