Newbie in need Of a Good support groud.

USMCWifeDixon · April 7, 2011

Hey everyone!

My name is Courtney and I was banded 12/09, worst decision of my life. The never worked for me, I was always in pain, and my doctor filled me to much to fast. I spent 16 months living in hell. I am 22 going to be 23 in August, I am a Heath Science student, Married to a Marine, and I completely hate myself.

So after a long journey I am finely getting this horrible band out, but now I am getting the VSG. I am so nervous. I feel like the band didn't work for me why would this?

It doesn't help that my main supporter, my husband, is in Afghanistan, and my mom well, I never know what shes thinking.

What should I expect from the sleeve? My husband will be home 12 weeks after surgery, who much weight do you think I could lose?

I am just all around nervous.

Thank you for your future support

Courtney

Tiffykins · April 7, 2011

Hey Courtney welcome to the forum.

You can expect a different healing period than the band. Usually a more strict post-op diet than what you had with the band, but it depends on your surgeon. My husband was deployed during my revision as well. I dropped 80lbs in 4 months, but losing is individualized, and try not to compare yourself to others. In addition to not comparing, losing will depend on how much you have to lose, and what type of post-op guideline you follow. I low carbed it, high Protein, never snacked, and lost steadily and hit goal within 6.5 months post-op.

Read as much as you can about people's different experiences, and realize that your recovery might be more difficult especially since you are a revision patient, or it might be easier.

The band failed me miserably. I worked the shit out of that band, and did everything right. At some point, you have to believe that the sleeve will work. I don't think you failed the band if you've had complications. If you've sat around eating bon bons and hos hos the entire time, then yeah, the sleeve won't work either. Follow the post-op guidelines, measuring your portions, and following your program can ensure success. None of the WLS are bulletproof, but you can be successful if you choose that path ! ! !

Best wishes with your revision.

Rev Me Up! · April 7, 2011

Welcome!

You will find there are quite a few of us former lap-band victims on this site. Be sure to look into the "Band To Sleeve Revision" topic on the main page, about half way down. We post everywhere, but there is a lot of information there.

As Tiffykins said, the recovery is different - I am exactly one month out today and it has been more challenging from a diet perspective (its very strict), but I am so impressed with the consistent restriction. Once you get past the first couple of weeks, you can live more normally.

Good luck with your decision and your procedure! I wouldn't want to say how much you could lose in that amout of time because it depends on how much you have to lose in the first place, how well you stick to the low carb guidelines, and if you have any other physical reasons you might be a slow loser. Like I said I am a month out and I have lost 26% of my excess weight. For me that is 16 pounds - for someone else, it may be different.

Take care,

Lara