Made The Decision To Go From Band To Sleeve!

[Beebaby813 24]

This whole thing started when I went to see my doctor hoping that he would prescribe me weight loss pills. I had been trying to lose weight hard core for almost a year and little to nothing happened. I gave up wheat, was eating 1400 calories or less, was lifting and running...and getting now where. He shocked me when my doctor suggested WLS, but I jumped on it. At first I was all about the band, my husband thought it was the best fit for me; Less invasive, faster recover,y not permanent,...ect...but then I did more research and the idea of having going through ANOTHER procedure, like so many banders, down the road was a deal breaker for me. If I'm gonna do this then I might as well jump in head first,right? After all with greater risk comes greater reward right?

SO, here I am. I have spent countless hours researching about the band and while the sleeve is similar it is not the same. I have to shift gears and get my information in for this surgery. I am almost complete with my pre-op stuff and my doctor says I should be approved and scheduled for September. Thanks for this outlet of support I will begin flooding this forum with questions soon!

[UTGal99 327]

You and are sisters! I have the SAME exact experience. I thought for sure the lap band was the way for me, but then after attending a seminar and reading people's complications I am just not willing to go there. I too have decided the sleeve is the only way for me. Also, I am not into re-routing the plumbing - no way!!

I understand that is permanent but I assure you "I permanently don't want to gain the weight back!" I need that permanent solution.

I too am looking at having surgery in September or early October.

Here's wishing you all the best! I look forward to following your progress.

[Beebaby813 24]

Thanks for sharing! I look forward to following your progress too! I am nervous now about the extent of the the post op issues but I know that it will be worth it!

[ann48 18]

I can tell you that you are making the right decision to get the sleeve as opposed to the band. I am an uphappy bandster and I am converting to the sleeve on October 1st. I went with the band originally because it was less invasive, lower risk, etc. But here I am two years later going through another surgery.

A brief history: I got my band in August 2010, having several fills and unfills, and never finding the "sweet spot". I could either eat all I wanted or I could eat nothing at all. I went in for a fill with the hopes of asking my dr for appetite suppressants because I was always hungry. He then told me because I hadn't lost any weight with the band in 2yrs, I was a good candidate for the sleeve. Oh how I wish I would have chosen the VSG in the first place!!

[Beebaby813 24]

Awe that is so tough! Thanks for your support and encouragement! Just remember that we can't change the past all we can do is move forward, there is a reason that this was your process! Good luck!