Very soon I will go from Band to Sleeve!

[Alfie 58]

I lost about 80 lbs with my band but gained back 40. I got banded in 2008. I am going to my first evaluation on October 1st. Very excited. I think if I didn't have the band I'd be about 400 lbs, truly so I am grateful to have had it but it's been a difficult ride. Always fill and unfill, always getting stuck, throwing up. I can't seem to find a sweet spot.

The other thing I am wondering for anyone that has had the revision from lapband to sleeve: You know how you feel "full" kind of high up due to where the band is situated; well I'm wondering if with the sleeve, you would feel full lower in your stomach which I think would be more natural? Feeling full high up (I don't mean stuck) I believe IMO caused me to still feel like I had an empty stomach. Not sure if I'm explaining it right but any insight would be appreciatd.

[Alfie 58]

also I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield from Verizon. Not sure if I'll get approved but I sure hope so.

[aloudwhisper 176]

I hope everyone gets approved. It was a long road for me to have this surgery and it will be happening on Friday! I can't believe my time is coming fast. I also think about the different feeling of being full. I was told that we would feel it in our stomach longer and not in our esophagus. I have a friend that's 5 years out. She lost 100, but now gained back 30. She says she can eat whatever she wants, and can be hungry ever 2 hours. She also admits that she doesn't exercise or drink a lot of Water. I can't be that girl. So I know what I need to do to maintain. Even if I gain back (a pound or two, not 30), I want to be able to always drink water, keep the carbs low and exercise. We havr to always do the basics for the rest of our lives. We have to tool to help us loose the weight but the commitment to keeping it off is on us. Lord, please help us to stay committed to the process.

[JustineD06 5]

I went to a new surgeon today and hope to get de-banded 11/6/14, pending approval! Then I may revert to the sleeve.

[JakeLancaster 36]

I just had my revision from band to sleeve last week, I was self pay, insurance would not cover it. I am still on a liquid diet and can still drink very little, I am also wondering how the feeling will differ from the band. As long as I do not get stuck have to puke so often I am good.

[OCSlim 63]

I just had my revision from band to sleeve last week, I was self pay, insurance would not cover it. I am still on a liquid diet and can still drink very little, I am also wondering how the feeling will differ from the band. As long as I do not get stuck have to puke so often I am good.

Hi JakeLancaster,

I'm glad all went well with your surgery with Dr. Wilhelmy. It seems like everyone really likes him, and that he does great work. How are the incisions he made healing up and looking? Do you think the scars will be noticeable after everything is all healed? Thanks!

[aloudwhisper 176]

You were sleeved in 2008? Or banded?

I am sorry that I didn't see this message. I don't know why the app doesn't tell you that have a direct message. I was banded in 2008, and I have been sleeved one month tomorrow. I am so excited about this new journey.

[aloudwhisper 176]

Awesome, congratulations. ...I am wondering why 2 years?

I was band in 2005 and my paperwork for the revision was submitted to BCBSIL today and I am nervous about the outcome, really praying for an approval.

Its taken two years, because I wasn't working and I didn't have the insurance. But I have breaking through that issues, and now I am on the other side. God is good!!!

[aloudwhisper 176]

I'm now talking to my surgeon about going from band to sleeve but am worried about the insurance - Cigna. I've been banded since 2008 and pretty much gained most of my weight back

I gained all of mines back, but three pounds. You can still be sleeved.

[aloudwhisper 176]

I just had my revision from band to sleeve last week, I was self pay, insurance would not cover it. I am still on a liquid diet and can still drink very little, I am also wondering how the feeling will differ from the band. As long as I do not get stuck have to puke so often I am good.

Its wonderful to eat to a point of satisfied without feeling over stuffed or stuck. I hated that stuck feeling. I could never eat the foods that were good for me. I was often so frustrated that I would end up eating something that I knew was not good for me just to have something. I will be one month tomorrow. I am adjusting to my sleeve. I feel like I can really eat, and that is because I have healed at a rapid rate. But I will say that even though I can be satisfied from 5 to 7 bites, my sleeve won't allow me to do more than I even did with the band. I tend to always take my time. I never want to over do it. I love being content and seeing so much food still left on my plate. Last weekend was great. I didn't eat the bread or salad. I waited for my meal. Had a little under half of my food, and left the rest at the restaurant. Now the old me, would have been thinking about wasting my money. I just want to eat until content and let that be that.

Often I use to go visit my now husband in Spain. The one thing I learned that they don't do is take food away. They eat all that they can, and whatever is left stays. They don't over feed themselves just to take all of their food away. They enjoy what they have, and then keep it moving. That is my new perspective on eating out. Stay encouraged. I am always here if you have questions. Honestly, I struggle with seeing that someone sent me a quote. So you can also message me.

[JustineD06 5]

My ban removal is set for Nov. 6th and since I already bought my wedding dress, I'm thinking of doing the sleeve in July after school is out and I can recover and get used to the sleeve at home without rushing back to work. But, then again I can do the sleeve when my school is closed for Christmas break. I'm a teacher and we only get two personal days a year and I need them for the wedding. I'm just afraid if I loose too much, it will make my dress look weird if it's taken in too much. Any suggestions on what you would do?