Former Bandsters Make Me Feel Better!

[Bndtoslv 292]

I am relatively new here. Sorry that this is so long. I am starting the process of revision. I met with my surgeon who is great and told him that I wanted the band removed and probably convert to sleeve. I was extremely successful with the band and lost 100% of my excess body weight about 8 years ago and maintained for 3 years. I had two babies and due to severe morning sickness had to take 1/2 the Fluid out my band for each. For the first pregnancy I gained a ton of weight (70lbs) but lost all of it but 20lbs within a year before I got pregnant again. After the second baby (3 years ago) I have not been able to lose weight at all. I am now almost up to my pre-surgery weight. I have been struggling with the past 2 years with fills - my upper GI showed mild enlarged esophagus which returned to normal when fill was removed. Bottom line I realize now that the only way that the band worked for me so well was when it was extremely tight and it controlled my hunger. I don't think that this was o healthily and I don't think I can do this anymore without irritating and enlarging my esophagus. I prefer the sleeve over the bypass because I think restriction works well for me. I asked my surgeon about the esophagus problem and he said that it was being caused by the band and should not be a problem with the sleeve since my enlargement is very mild. I had an endoscopy and the GI doctor said the same thing - that I am in good shape and there is no reason for me not to have the surgery. Can someone explain to me why you do not get an enlarged esophagus with the sleeve? I do not understand the mechanics and I don't have another appointment with the surgeon for a month. Also can someone explain what it feels like to be full with the sleeve? With the band I got a painful feeling. When my esophagus was enlarging I was able to eat a lot and it sort of felt like it was in my throat. Does this happen with the sleeve? I am worried that I am "used" to the feeling of food in my throat and the sleeve will not work for me. I am probably being neurotic here! I want to state also that I completely trust my surgeon and he is world renowned at a top teaching hospital in NY. I just want to understand how this works! The surgeon said the sleeve is the way to go for me over the bypass.

Thanks!

[LSF 264]

If I eat too fast I get a feeling similar to the stuck feeling but it's different. I can't describe it. It happened twice, I ran to the bathroom and slightly dry heaved and I was fine. With the band, I would be pacing for 10 minutes and then would dry heave. When I'm FULL, I feel slightly nauseous instead of the feeling of the food stuck in your throat like it is with the band. I still get anxiety eating with people because I'm still afraid from all those stuck episodes I had with the band. I'm only 2 months out , I know there are others who have been very successful with the sleeve and will give you some great feedback

[LSF 264]

As far as the esophagus, there is no band at the bottom tightening it

[Bndtoslv 292]

Thank you LSF! This makes me feel better. Your esophagus explanation makes sense and I think this is what the surgeon said.

[liannatx 897]

@LSF I have leftover band issues too, LOL! I have a Protein drink every morning, because I am so afraid to try to eat something solid in the mornings... 9 years of hit and miss breakfasts that often/usually ended up in sliming and vomiting. I am almost a month post op and have decided that I will try a scrambled egg in the morning.

Edited April 4, 2015 by liannatx