Hi all! New here, past Band to new Sleeve

[Writer'sBlock 6]

Hi,

I was banded about ten years ago and had a terrible time. I lost about 60 pounds but it was mostly due to throwing up and poor nutrition-- I ate what would go down and little more. Last July I reconnected with my surgeon who suggested the sleeve. I just met the qualifications with a BMI of 35 and sleep Apnea. Diabetes and High Blood Pressure run in the family and when I hit my mid-40's I knew I had to do something. I lost 30 pounds on WW's but I just couldn't keep it off-- once I lost the weight and my points were lowered I would just get soo hungry... The reason I haven't had my surgery yet despite seeing my doctor in July of 2017 is because of a huge fight with my insurance. I just got my approval a few weeks ago and I am scheduled for surgery Jan 2. Everything I was hoping for and working toward is now in a few weeks and I am feeling a little panicky! I remember my regret after the band (my stomach swelled shut at each fill) and I had almost convinced myself to accept I was never going to get approved this time. Any advise? I basically have all of the nutrition information, my post-op diet, all those things memorized. And yet here I am second guessing my decision. I know I need this and if I back out will probably never have the chance again. I am having a hiatal hernia fixed at the same time so need surgery in any case. Help!

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

You need to focus on where you will be in 10 years, with and without the surgery. Make it a simple "yes, no" choice. Which will lead to my better life? Think long term, it puts everything into perspective. Good luck!

[Jazzy1125 1,010]

Good Luck! I have never had the band so i cannot answer about that. I had the sleeve a little over a month ago. A decision in the making for 13 years. I wanted the bypass back in 2004, did all i needed to do for insurance approval and then somebody at work was in an accident and my boss asked me to postpone until the new year as it was Oct/Nov when i was close to finishing up the 6 month supervised diet and all that. Well i said ok.. and low and behold the insurance didnt cover it anymore effective Jan 2005. We fought the battle and lost with the insurance company.. Anyways.. Today i still dont have insurance that covers it.. LOL i was at that same job until last october and this new job didnt have insurance at all due to it being a small business. ( but that changes in jan). So i am not in a financial position to where i could do it self pay... It is the one investment i have made in my life on ME and nobody or nothing else. I do not regret my decision one bit.

[Writer'sBlock 6]

I had my sleeve done on January 2. I am down 25 pounds! I actually feel so much better than after I had the band even though I had the hernia repair and a lot of scar tissue. So far so good!