Band to Sleeve?

[Edward 26]

Band in 8/2008,386lbs, removed 2012(blown out)looked like an hourglass he said. Re-banded 2014, 6'1 366lbs. In 2008 with original band lost 100lbs first 18 months, blow out band in 2012 and removed. Reinstalled 2014 and lost 0 lbs, gaining weight.

14cc band and the doctor will not fill past 6.5. This band is not working, why did it work the first time for 18 months and then stop? Is it really all mental like I've been told?

I had a major life event(my son's illness) that triggered overeating in 2012.

Why can't I control this, get my mind right?

Is Sleeve that much better at appetite control? I am scared of failure again!

Tell me the pros and cons of the Sleeve, I hear they no longer even do the band.

Right now I'm 58 6'1 male 380lbs.

Have an appointment with the doctor next month.

[NickelChip 1,212]

If you haven't already watched this, I highly recommend this video from Dr. John Pilcher, (and pretty much all his other informative videos). He's a bariatric surgeon in San Antonio and does an amazing job of explaining medical information in a really understandable way:

[NickelChip 1,212]

So, I'm not an expert, but I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos from reliable medical professionals (like the one I shared above, and the videos from Dr. Matthew Weiner in Tucson). I've also had friends and family members with both bands and sleeve surgery, and seen all of the ones with bands eventually fail, while the sleeves have had at least moderate success. Full disclosure: I'm scheduled for a bypass in December.

The most important thing about all of this is it's not your fault. It's not about getting your head right, it's about getting the right tools. And the band is just not a good longterm tool for almost everyone.

The biggest difference between the band and the sleeve or bypass is that while the band relies on restricting your eating, the sleeve and bypass both change your metabolism. It's not just about capacity, it's about a fundamental shift in how your hormones communicate with your body. Do you still have to have good nutrition, and be mindful, and work on your life issues that influence how you eat, and all that good stuff? Definitely. But choosing a metabolic surgery (sleeve or bypass) totally shifts the playing field in a way the band didn't. I think it was one of the videos from Dr. Weiner where he said it was like getting a second chance to draw a new card from the genetic lottery.

Good luck with your meeting with your doctor, and just remember, this isn't your fault. It's not because you're not strong enough, or good enough, or any of that nonsense people like to say. It's because you got dealt a crap hand in the gene department that makes it really hard for you to manage your weight, way harder than for a lot of people, and it's okay to use every tool available to make it easier.

[Arabesque 7,240]

While I agree that selecting the right tool is important (right for your needs, health & medical considerations, lifestyle etc.) getting your head right is equally as if not a more important part.

Not everyone loses their appetite after surgery & if you do it’s temporary. We all say, the surgery changes your body but it doesn’t change your thinking. It doesn’t stop your cravings, emotions, habits. They’ll still be there when your appetite returns. You have to do the head work as well. It is possible to eat around your tool, to make poor food choices & then not lose or regain your weight. Changing your relationship with food, understanding why you eat (habit, emotional support, craving, boredom, etc.) are essential. It’s like getting a gym membership or buying a treadmill, how successful you are depends upon you changing your behaviours & actually using the treadmill or going to the gym. Many people find working with a therapist extremely helpful in understanding & developing strategies to manage what motivates or drives our eating & the food choices we make. Unfortunately, life does tend to throw crap at us at times, & knowing how to manage the emotional turmoils that usually come with it & not fall back on old eating behaviours will help you continue your weight loss & maintain in the future.

As @NickelChip said, Dr Weiner & Dr Pitcher have amazing resources but I do encourage you to consider seeking counselling. Your doctor, surgeon & team should be able to recommend someone with experience in disordered eating & bariatric patients. (Many insurances require at least one visit as part of your approval anyway.)

All the best.

[Edward 26]

Thank you, gives me a lot to think about, things that I have forgotten the first time around. I think I see where my head was in 2008 and using the right tool for success. It's never just one thing, that would and is too easy, life it's like that. I never knew about the metabolism part. Thanks