From Band To Sleeve

[down50lbs 2]

I'm getting a revision surgery done on April 30th. Who else has had this done & what tips can you give me.

[thebionicbroad 127]

Hey Down:

I had my revision done 4 months ago, and I'm still ecstatic. I don't know what your history with the Crap-band is, but mine was miserable. Now, with the sleeve, I can eat things like peeled apple, cooked broccoli, and white-meat chicken. Having a Band first helps one adapt easier to the eating style required by the sleeve. And I've lost more with the sleeve than I did with the Band. The feeling of fullness is different, as is hunger. With the Band, my stomach used to rumble. Now, I get a cold, tight feeling, and that's my hunger signal.

Tip #1: Use the blasted baby spoon that the doctor will tell you to use. I still use it. I carry one in my purse to use in restaurants. Bite size matters.

Tip #2: Don't buy too many new-sized clothes at one time. I buzzed through 18s and currently wear a 16.

Tip #3: Follow your doctor's orders to the letter. We revisions are 30% more prone to leaks. Do what he or she says. Without. Fail. Some people on this board brag about eating popcorn and pizza within a week after surgery. They are morons.

Tip #4: Get used to looking at yourself in the mirror. You won't believe the changes.

[down50lbs 2]

Thanks soooo much for the tips. I had success with the band in the beginning, but I herniated twice and at some point the band just stopped working, so my Dr. recommended getting the band removed & getting the 'sleeve'. Sounds like you're happy with your decision and I'm sure I will too. Thanks again for the tips :-)

[hirnsandy 5]

I'm a little over 3 weeks out from my revision from band to sleeve. I lost about 50# the first year with the band and then it stopped working and eventually I got to the point where I couldn't eat anything healthy without puking even though I had no Fluid in my band. I gained back 25# and decided to go for the sleeve. Between the pre-op diet and over these 3 weeks I am down to what I was at my lowest with the band (might be lower now, but I only weigh once a week).

I have been much more tired with this surgery, so plan for time to recover. Other than that, it's been great! It's what I thought I was getting with the band. After a couple of bites, I'm done. You won't regret it... good luck!

[down50lbs 2]

Thanks Hirnsandy. Your story sounds pretty much like mine. The band worked in the beginning, then it 'stopped' working and I gained back half of the weight I lost. Thanks for the encouragement. :-)

[carbgrl 119]

I'm about 9 wks out from revision. I lost about 80 lbs with band but gained about 50 back. I was vomiting almost daily and couldnt eat healthy foods. chicken, turkey, salad, veggies, fruits. I'm so happy to have the band out and able to eat healthy foods instead of just junk. I'm a slow loser but atleast I'm still a loser. Good luck with your revision. Let us know how you're doing.