Advice please? Confused and need help

[Ange2992 5]

Hi All! So I haven't been on in a very long time. I had the lapband in November of 2010 and have lost exactly 100lbs. My highest was 320 I am now 220. I still have about 70lbs to make me very happy but weight loss has been terribly slow and it frustrates me many days. I agreed to get the sleeve done and my doctor wants to take the band out wait a month then do the sleeve. Im just so confused because I did loose a lot of weight I am very disciplined with my rules and exersise and 70 lbs in the grand scheme of things isnt a whole lot but I feel like maybe I need that extra boost. Im only 22 and I feel just overall scared and confused so any and all comments will help!! Thanks!

[Recycled 2,182]

You've already walked the walk and talked the talk......so you've got this covered. Relax, you'll do fine.

[MichelleInCA 22]

You've done far better on the band than I ever did -- I lost just 40 lbs and gained it back over 6 years. It just didn't work for me to curb hunger, at all, and I had horrible reflux. I'm only 1 week out from the conversion to sleeve, but I feel the sleeve has a more natural feeling when I drink (havent' eaten yet). I don't have to force it down my esophagus like I did with the band. But the big thing is I'm not hungry like I was with the band. Really barely hungry at all on 600 cals/day! Maybe you'll find it easier to lose the rest of your weight. Of course it's your decision, but I think you'll do great with the sleeve.

[Ange2992 5]

Thank you so much for your input! And good luck! Did you do the band removal and sleeve all at once?

You've done far better on the band than I ever did -- I lost just 40 lbs and gained it back over 6 years. It just didn't work for me to curb hunger, at all, and I had horrible reflux. I'm only 1 week out from the conversion to sleeve, but I feel the sleeve has a more natural feeling when I drink (havent' eaten yet). I don't have to force it down my esophagus like I did with the band. But the big thing is I'm not hungry like I was with the band. Really barely hungry at all on 600 cals/day! Maybe you'll find it easier to lose the rest of your weight. Of course it's your decision, but I think you'll do great with the sleeve.

[BigGirlPanties 957]

Many doctors have stopped doing the band because they are not finding it good for people long term...you are lucky your insurance is going to cover it...

The sleeve has been a god-send to me...I have RA and could barely walk...even tho I'm not where I want to be, I feel like a "normal" person again.

Are you afraid of another surgery or just the fact that they want to do the sleeve? You should do GREAT with it!

Best of luck!

[Ange2992 5]

Im more afraid of getting the band out and then my insurance not covering the sleeve. That and just going through 2 more surgeries. I wish he'd do it all in one shot but I understand his concern with the weakened stomach after the band.

Many doctors have stopped doing the band because they are not finding it good for people long term...you are lucky your insurance is going to cover it...

The sleeve has been a god-send to me...I have RA and could barely walk...even tho I'm not where I want to be, I feel like a "normal" person again.

Are you afraid of another surgery or just the fact that they want to do the sleeve? You should do GREAT with it!

Best of luck!

[MichelleInCA 22]

I did -- I had them both done last Wednesday. That's typical for my surgeon. I've VERY happy I didn't go through two surgeries, two hospital stays, two rounds of pain. Ironically the largest and most painful incision was the one to remove the port. I had a Realize band, which has a large port, and it had some (normal) scar tissue around it.

Thank you so much for your input! And good luck! Did you do the band removal and sleeve all at once?

[BigGirlPanties 957]

I am sure before he removes the band, he'd make sure you are covered for the sleeve... a LOT of members have had revisions

[DIVA519 27]

Rocangela..

Don't be worried.. I had my band since 2008 and had it removed on 4/14. My surgery was 7:30 am and I was on my way home by 10:30am. Never needed a pain pill ! I went back to work on Wednesday ( I could have easily gone back Tuesday..but I had already planned to be off- so I stayed home). My doctor will not do both at the same time either- he feels the stomach needs to reshape and heal. I am getting sleeved on 5/19 ! They did get approval for both surgeries at the same time. It was two separate approvals, but I rec'd them on the same day.

[cnix21 6]

I was banded 2009, lost 70lbs but gain all but 10lbs back. Congratulations on you success with your band. I had alot of trouble with my band it slipped and was consistently throwing up. I converted my band to a sleeve in one surgery 4/10, that's just the way my surgeon does it. I'm happy with my sleeve I'm down 31lbs. Good luck in what ever you decide to do.

[The Laughing Cat 54]

I'm a conversion from band to sleeve too. My procedures were done in one surgery. Comparing the band and sleeve, I would say it's the same but different.. if that makes any sense. I still must watch what I eat and exercise, but it is so much easier with the sleeve. My hunger is curbed unlike with the band. I'm OK on 600-800 cals per day. For an unknown reason I find myself scheduling exercise rather than dreading it. I have always said, success breeds success.

I think you can do it.

Best wishes.

[Ange2992 5]

Thank you all very much for the advice!!