First Step: Get this band out!

[qdh 10]

This is my first post EVER on this site, but everyone seems so nice and for the most part non-judgemental. I was banded in 2008. My husband is the only person that knows that I was banded, and I'm glad, as it was an epic fail. I met with my surgeon today (not my original one, I've moved a lot) and ended up having a melt down in the exam room. I told him I just want this band removed. It has been hell. He removed all of my Fluid and tasked me with considering a revision because considering what I've regained, I've only lost 20 lbs. He also said he can/will do revision in one shot. I want a revision but at this point just want this band GONE! We'll see what happens with my insurance. I never thought to ask for a revision (even though I want one) because I've never had a slip or erosion, so I didn't think a surgeon would ever even consider it. I'm just tired of one day being able to eat and the next day not being able to eat the same exact thing. Let the process begin. Wish me luck!

[Decembersleever 154]

This is my first post EVER on this site, but everyone seems so nice and for the most part non-judgemental. I was banded in 2008. My husband is the only person that knows that I was banded, and I'm glad, as it was an epic fail. I met with my surgeon today (not my original one, I've moved a lot) and ended up having a melt down in the exam room. I told him I just want this band removed. It has been hell. He removed all of my Fluid and tasked me with considering a revision because considering what I've regained, I've only lost 20 lbs. He also said he can/will do revision in one shot. I want a revision but at this point just want this band GONE! We'll see what happens with my insurance. I never thought to ask for a revision (even though I want one) because I've never had a slip or erosion, so I didn't think a surgeon would ever even consider it. I'm just tired of one day being able to eat and the next day not being able to eat the same exact thing. Let the process begin. Wish me luck!

Good luck to you! During my first appointment with my surgeon I really had my mind set on a band. He talked me out of it and I'm SO GLAD. I'm getting sleeved 12/26.

[enigmachik 403]

Welcome to the board!!

I'm sorry to hear you had such troubles with the band. There are many people here who have gotten revisions from the band to the sleeve and they all seem to be MUCH happier. I'm sure you will love the sleeve! It's great to have you here and good luck!

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

Good Luck to you. I had my revision in September and couldn't be happier!

[brandibandtosleeve2012 12]

I understand where you are coming from. I've had the band since 2009 and it's been nothing but problems. It's a long saga but over a year ago I decided to pursue revision surgery. I went to a new surgeon and was shocked to learn that my band was only half full. My previous surgeon told me I had it filled to its maximum and that I had failed it. My new surgeon said I needed to try to work with it for a while and he filled it bit by bit. When we first submitted paperwork for revision surgery, the insurance denied it. But now a year later, we submitted the request again and I got a response within 24 hours!!! I have waited so long for that call. I just did all of my pre-op tests and it looks like I'm going to schedule surgery in January. Don't give up hope.

[sleeve_sister 110]

You will be thrilled with the revision. I was unable to do the revision in 1 shot because my band was ulcerated, but I am soooo pleased with my sleeve. It's a lot more emotional than the band was but once you get through the 1st 6 wks its awesome. Good luck to you!

[brandibandtosleeve2012 12]

Jhumphries, what made it more emotional? The more extensive surgery? I'm just so curious to see how different this experience will be from the band. I'm so excited but I know the first part is going to be a challenge.

[sleeve_sister 110]

Jhumphries' date=' what made it more emotional? The more extensive surgery? I'm just so curious to see how different this experience will be from the band. I'm so excited but I know the first part is going to be a challenge.[/quote']

I'm not sure, but ill be honest, I was a wreck. I think it had a lot to do with it being more invasive. I had trouble getting in my fluids nevermind the Protein. I was nauseas until week 4. I'm the type if person who bounces back quickly and I didn't do that so that had me emotional too. I had to deal with the addiction to food and I never had to do that with the band. The surgery itself and losing weight have been the easy part but I wasn't prepared for the emotional so I like to tell people so they can be more prepared.

[brandibandtosleeve2012 12]

Thank you for sharing that. I'm nervous because I know this will be a shock to my system and will change my life. I've been in counseling and I also see a dietician to help prepare me for this. I have to do it though. I want to live a long, healthy life. Thank you again.

[sleeve_sister 110]

Thank you for sharing that. I'm nervous because I know this will be a shock to my system and will change my life. I've been in counseling and I also see a dietician to help prepare me for this. I have to do it though. I want to live a long' date=' healthy life. Thank you again.[/quote']

That's great that your in counseling. I was not, nor was I warned. Had I been I think I would have been better prepared. You will be thrilled with the decision. Even through the hard times, I would do it over 100 times. Good luck to you!

[Willow216 91]

My first appt I was going for the Lap Band and the nurse there warned me not to, she said there are alot issues with the band, slippage, infections etc. and 9 out of 10 patients come back wanting the sleeve. So I changed my mind and I am glad I did. I have had absolutely no issues with the sleeve.

Good Luck with your revision QDH!

[Cheri665 2]

I had revision surgery done October 24. I'm fortunate to have had it done in one shot!! But it was the worst pain of my life, lots of scar tissue around the band. However if I had to do it again, I most definitely would!! Best decision I ever made!! 42 lbs. gone so far!!

[brandibandtosleeve2012 12]

Thank you so much for all of your feedback. I am so excited. Congratulations to all of you on your successes.

[qdh 10]

Thank you all for your input. I'm glad the sleeve is working well. Also, thanks for being honest about your experiences. I'm ready, but realize it will be a process. :-)

[The.new.g 48]

I understand your thinking about having to have a major complication to have a revision. I was banded in 2007. After my pregnancy in 2010 my band never worked for me again. The upper GI didn't show any problems, I had a little bit of reflux but not much. The only indication for revision for me was that I had a large regain. I met Aetna's criteria for revision but they still denied it; they only reversed their decision when my BMI ended up back over 40. I had my revision on Saturday 12/29 and my surgeon found that the buckle on my lapband was unclasped and the band was loose on my stomach, hence the weight regain despite completely filling the band. So I guess my point is that this would be a major complication of the band since it was a mechanical failure, but no one was able to find it until they did the surgery. Obviously, I'm glad I had the revision now! Good luck to you.