Back and considering "the Sleeve"

[CarrieH 0]

I need somewhere that can help.

I was banded in mid-2005. Needless to say I had a crappy doctor and developed problems. My original doctor no longer does this procedure (Thank God!) and I along with the rest of his patients were handed out amongst the remainder of the physicians at the surgery center. After 2 years I finally got the courage up to have an Upper Endoscopy. I was scared about the possible damage my original doctor might have caused. My new doctor performed the endoscopy and said it was okay.

I originally weighed 297. My highest weight was over 300lbs. I got down to the 160's this time last year. In the past 6 months I have gained back up to 220. I am so depressed.

I know I am an emotional eater and I've let things get out of control. I developed headaches and was started on blood pressure medication. Today I go back to the doctor and he added another blood pressure medication. So now I'm on two different medications. He told me to lose the weight.

Sorry this is such a horrible first post. I've been away from the band world for a while. I do have a fill scheduled for December. I have a really hard time trusting people (doctors) associated with the band due to the way I feel I was screwed by my original doctor.

I am heavily considering "the sleeve" and would like to hear from someone who has gone through that surgery after being banded.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and a lot of research on the sleeve. Something dawned on me recently and it was so simple and obvious yet it never crossed my wee brain before.

One of the biggest reasons people like the band is that it can be reversed, yet if someone loses their band it's like losing a leg because they thought it would be forever. So do we want forever or not?

I've been thinking lately and I *think* if I had it to do all over again I'd get a sleeve. I'm not 100% sure but I think I would. I am not saying I regret my band, I don't. Not in the least. But knowing what I know today and what I am currently learning and researching I think I might opt for a sleeve.

There are two procedures or techniques for doing a sleeve. The old way (which is still done routinely, btw) does not have a great success rate. They kept a part of the stomach that was elastic. Today the more "up to date" surgeons are keeping a different part of the stomach, a more muscular portion. The old way it would stretch and the person would regain or at least stop losing, much like a bypass pouch. But the new technique does not really stretch all that much.

I haven't completed my research yet but thus far, if I was a newbie I think I might lean towards the sleeve.

Since you had a band and you had scar tissue from the band on the outside of your stomach you'd want to find the doc on your insurance that has done the most successful sleeves. It's a bit trickier than if you never had a band.

[waterlily1072 5]

I have to admit that I am emotional eater too and if I ever lost my band I would totally go for a "sleeve". And actually on bad days or weeks I've often thought I would switch if I had the money to do so. I do suggest that you also post this query on the "life after the lap band" sub forum because I know there are folks there who have had lots of different wls's after beging banded that may or may not visit this part of the site and I would consider their input very valuable Good luck on your decision and journey :Banane20: