Band, Birth and Back...

[amybaby33 5]

Hello All,

It has been awhile since I've been on a WLS forum, but after a long and enduring 3 years..I'm back. Here's my story:

I was banded in February 2008 and had great success my first 1.5 years. I lost over 70 pounds and was a happy, compliant bandster Unforunately, in August 2009 my band slipped and I had to go into emergency surgery. I thought I was going to lose the band, but I was fortunate enough to have it replaced. After trying to conceive a baby for more than 8 years, God (and weight loss) finally answered our prayers and I got pregnant in December 2009. I had a FABULOUS pregancy. The band was such a wonderful tool to help me stay on track, keep healthy and I only gained 10 lbs up until 37 weeks. That's when the problems started. At 37.5 weeks, I got insanely sick. Couldn't hold anything down..not even Water. Turns out, my band slippe AGAIN and this time it caused a total stomach obstruction! Fast forward to 5 days later when I was told I would have to have a c-section under general anesthesia because they needed to take out my band and fix the obstuction. Words cannot desribe how devestated I was not being able to be awake for the birth of my son Fortunately, he was born beautiful and healthy. I had to stay in the hospital for 6 days because I was still very sick from the obstuction and subsequent "toxicities" that came with it. It wasn't until about 3 months after I gave birth that I started feeling the effects of not having my band. The ravenous hunger slowly started to creep in and now here I am almost 10 months later and have gained back much of the weight I had lost with the band. Fortunately, I have a phenomal Doctor who went to bat for me and got my insurance to approve a revision to a sleeve. I am scheduled for July 11th. I have to admit, I have mixed emotions. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to get my healthy lifestyle back with the help of the sleeve, but the stakes are higher now that I'm a Mom. I'm scared to go through another surgery and terrified of any complications. I know I will be fine, but I sometimes lay awake at night wondering "what if". I also think of how wonderful it will be to lose that weight again and be able to run, play and swim with my son. He's 10 months old and I want to be a fun, active Mommy and I know this is my ticket to getting there. Anyway, I know this is long..so thank you for reading. I just wanted to share my story and rally some support for myself as I head into surgery. Thanks!

P.S Attached is the reason I am doing this!

[valentine 0]

I wish you the best with your VSG. I was denied the band by my insurance company this past January...I was really disappointed but now that I'll be a self-pay I'm planning to get the sleeve instead. Hoping for July, so maybe we'll do it around the same time. You've had success with your previous WLS so I know you'll have success with this one too. And hopefully less complications.

http://stealingskinny.blogspot.com/

[wishes 125]

Aw, congrats. You story is so inspiring. Congrats on getting your sleeve revision approved, and OMG, you're son is so cute!

[amybaby33 5]

I wish you the best with your VSG. I was denied the band by my insurance company this past January...I was really disappointed but now that I'll be a self-pay I'm planning to get the sleeve instead. Hoping for July, so maybe we'll do it around the same time. You've had success with your previous WLS so I know you'll have success with this one too. And hopefully less complications.

http://stealingskinny.blogspot.com/

Thank you! I'm sorry you got denied but good for you for being self pay. I hope we are in July together and can support each other!

[amybaby33 5]

Aw, congrats. You story is so inspiring. Congrats on getting your sleeve revision approved, and OMG, you're son is so cute!

Aww...thank you for your kind words and compliments! Ya--my son is a heartbreaker. Those eyes...OY those eyes!

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

That's great that your ins. will pay for a revision to a sleeve! Congratulations!

Your story sounds like mine. I lost all my weight and got to goal then started having band problems. I am so glad to have the band gone.

I love the sleeve. you will too!

[Rev Me Up! 75]

Yeah, the lap-band is a mess. I am so glad I got the sleeve. The first month or so is tough with recovery. You will truly know the meaning of restriction and it may throw you for a loop :-)

Good luck on your journey--