difference bet. band and sleeve??

suzysings2001 · May 23, 2010

:confused1:Hi,My name is Suzy: I had a Lapband in 2007, lost 60 lbs. felt great, was 10 pounds away from my ultimate goal wt, in 2009 had a major slip and had it removed. So I've been bandless for a year now and gained 20 pounds--despite exercising, going vegan, and trying to eat healthy, the weight is creeping up. I'm freaking out and just found out that my insurance will cover a sleeve. How do you feel, restriction wise with the sleeve?? With my band I had fairly often PBs, discomfort, and other days, could eat alot. I only had 5 fills om 2 years. In between small meals I got really hungry!!! I'm really hoping that with the sleeve the hunger is less!! Please former bandsters, let me know the differences!!! Thank you, Suzy

Tiffykins · May 23, 2010

Band and the sleeve are like oil and Water. Completely different life post-sleeve. I don't pb, slime, or puke with the sleeve. I did have a couple of episodes of the sliming/pb when I first started eating with the sleeve, but it is easily avoided by slowing down during the healing period, and when the swelling is still present.

My restriction is consistent. But, (you knew there was a but) I can relax my sleeve by drinking warm liquids right before a meal to get more in, and I can extend my meal time, and fit more in. I'm still never hungry, I just know I need to eat. Often times if I'm out running around, or get wrapped up doing stuff around the house, I forget to eat. I'm maintaining at this point, and I eat on average 6 times per day 3-4 meals with 2-3 Snacks. Some days, I eat 8 times a day if I haven't hit my calorie goal for the day. I have zero food restrictions. I can eat scrambled eggs, and pork chops, but they don't "work" or "feel" good. I don't miss those foods at all.

Hope this helps. I truly live a fairly normal life post-sleeve, and am approaching my 1 year out mark. It's been amazing.