Should I or Shouldn't I?

[SpicyGirl 1]

Looking for advice on whether or not I should spend more money and convert my band to a sleeve? I was banded in 2008. I am 4' 10" and weighed over 170 lbs at the time. I was self-pay at around $13K. I have lost down to 135. I had a Tummy Tuck in 2010 to remove excess skin. Over the course of a little over a year, I have been unfilled and filled about 3-4 times due to a stretched pouch, acid reflux, coughing at night, dilated pouch or esphogus spasms. I also recently learned I have a flipped port and while I could really use an unfill, it's not possible. The band is very fickle and I've had all the problems others have had with vomitting, only can eat at certain times, stress makes the band tighter, that time of the month makes it tighter and so on. I've flucuatd in weight 10 lbs up, 10 lbs down, etc. If I want the converstion, my insurance will pay part of it and I will be out about $6500. It's a lot to stomach....paying $13K and then potientally another $6500. I have about 20-27 lbs to lose. Some people say I don't need to lose that much or they can't possibly see where I'd lose it from. It is there to lose. I hide it well. I don't think my doctor would agree to the surgery if it was unsafe or there was a chance of malnutriction. Is the loss of 20-30 lbs worth another $6500? I keep telling myself that with all the problems I'm having now, get it over with and move forward. Doctor said I'm too young (35) to have had so many issues with fills and such and that I'll likely continue to have issues. It's best to make the change and not have to worry about stuck episodes and maintance, etc. Looking for advice. Please be sensitive. I know most will think they wish they could weigh what I do now but at less that 5' tall, these extra pounds is a lot. What should I do?

[lml32937 65]

After joining this group and reading all of the problems with the band that many have had I am now a beleiver that the band is not a permenant thing. Having said that only you and your body and your doctor will be able to determine when enough is enough. I think you have to outweigh the benefits of the band if it is still truely working for you or not- If you are unfilled and doing most of the work then perhaps you can loose the remainder on your own. But if you need that extra push and have not been able to in the past then obviously the sleeve is the answer BUT if it were just 25-30 lbs- the sleeve to me seems quite drastic... As with the lapband- I would only reccomend it if someone had 40-75lbs to loose after that It would be the sleeve- I cannot wait to have my band out and get sleeved but then again I have a LOT more to loose. Good luck!

[bbandre0828 0]

wow your not the first person i hear has problems with the band! =( thank got i got sleeved. you really have to talk to your doct. see whats best for you. if the band is really buggin u get sleeved. im 4"11 as well now im 105 pounds =)