"Ban The Band" campaign - stop unecessary deaths & harm

[Jencovi 261]

Hi, I really agree with everything you said because it sounds just like my story. I too went through a lot with my band and I had it removed 5 years ago. when it was removed my dr did mention the only other option at this point would be to convert to a sleeve. he explained it to me and I was like No Way!. i was about 20 lbs from my goal weight and I just felt that was too drastic to do considering the weight I was at that time. I told him maybe one day if I cant keep the weight off. Well, here I am 5 years later and Im really considering doing the sleeve, if i can move past the fear I have. I know you were sleeved 2 months ago. Im curious what your dr said about any scar tissue you might have? were you more concerned with leaks?

You name the complication, I lost sleep over it. But ultimately I know that even with a strict workout regiment and many different diets (weight watchers, Jenny Craig, nutri system, gluten-free, dairy free...) I wasn't losing weight on my own and my type 1 diabetes was only getting worse. I am fortunate to be younger (29) and have a beautiful 18 month old daughter and loving supportive husband.

So after lots of struggle and too much lost sleep I decided to meet with the surgeon who removed my band. He sat down with me, my husband and my mom and explained all the complications and the difference between gastric sleeve and bypass. I knew the sleeve was right for me. Dr. Pham never mentioned a concern about scar tissue. But he had done my band removal and had extensive notes from that surgery on my anatomy. So he knew what he was dealing with. I am 10 weeks out tomorrow. My a1c is down, I've lost 37 pounds and feel amazing. I never felt this good ever in my life. So it was the right decision for me.