De-Banding and Gastric Sleeve

[kpekin 0]

Hi there:

I used to post on this board under a different user name, but it has been so long that I don't remember what that name was! Anyway, I wanted to come on here and post an update and my story. My doctor posted my story on his blog at http://arturorodriguezmd.com/my-surgery-story-de-banding-and-gastric-sleeve

I had the LAP-BAND® surgery in August of 2005 and had lots of troubles with it. Now, that I have my sleeve, I finally feel like I'm moving in the right direction! I'm down 24 pounds since my surgery date, which was 6 weeks ago. I finally have the restriction I had been looking for with the band, and it is amazing how much easier it is to lose weight when you have that restriction. Plus, with the gastric sleeve, I believe it really is true that your hunger hormones are altered and you don't feel hunger. I sometimes feel empty, but I never get that stomach-gnawing hunger I used to get.

I know it is early in my journey with the sleeve, but I'm pleased so far. If anyone has questions for me about my experience, I'd be happy to offer support.

Kim Pekin

Midwife

Gentle Homebirth Home Page - Virginia Midwife

[SamieTeacher 0]

I am going to have to get my band removed due to a leak. I am thinking about the gastric sleeve. I saw your post was in Sept. How are you doing now?

[kpekin 0]

Doing great! It is a little slower weight loss than I had hoped for, but I'm steadily continuing to go lower and lower. I am down almost 40 pounds now. Including my loss with the band, I am down almost 80 pounds total. I would still like to lose another 80 pounds, but I'll take whatever I can get! I am now able to shop in the department stores in the mall, which I haven't been able to do for a VERY long time.

The only side-effect I've had trouble with is hair loss. It is significant. But, I am hopeful that it is temporary like everyone says it is. It has gotten to the point of being noticeable, and I don't like that at all.

I am eating about a half cup of food at meals. I don't really get hungry much. Sometimes, I will feel empty, but not that gnawing hunger I used to get.

Hope that helps!

Kim

[msmithusa 0]

Congratulations Kim!

For someone interested, here is a good piece of information about lap gastric band revision surgery.

Doing great! It is a little slower weight loss than I had hoped for, but I'm steadily continuing to go lower and lower. I am down almost 40 pounds now. Including my loss with the band, I am down almost 80 pounds total. I would still like to lose another 80 pounds, but I'll take whatever I can get! I am now able to shop in the department stores in the mall, which I haven't been able to do for a VERY long time.

The only side-effect I've had trouble with is hair loss. It is significant. But, I am hopeful that it is temporary like everyone says it is. It has gotten to the point of being noticeable, and I don't like that at all.

I am eating about a half cup of food at meals. I don't really get hungry much. Sometimes, I will feel empty, but not that gnawing hunger I used to get.

Hope that helps!

Kim

Edited December 19, 2009 by msmithusa

[mrlddst 0]

I thought about doing this. My doctor offered it as a option now that I'm not banded anymore but my insurance doesn't cover it yet. I'm a little apprehensive about having my stomach cut. Do you fear that the passageway that they cut will gradually expand? This is one of my fears if I go through with it.

[Jachut 487]

I've never heard anyone who has been sleeved after having band problems say they're sorry to have done it. Its been a huge relief for them.

when the band works, it works well, but when it doesnt,it can be very traumatic.

[mrlddst 0]

I've never heard anyone who has been sleeved after having band problems say they're sorry to have done it. Its been a huge relief for them.

when the band works, it works well, but when it doesnt,it can be very traumatic.

And I think thats my issue. I didn't hear any problems with the band in the beginning, then gradually complaints started to arise. I don't want to jump on the VSG band wagon and then kick myself three years down the line, like I am right now.

[Jachut 487]

I think you have to be realistic that issues can and probably will occur. If you pay a visit to www.verticalsleevetalk.com, you can talk about those things with other sleevers.

the things that appear to be issues are heartburn and acid reflux and lactose intolerance for some people, and also what sounds like a dream but in reality wouldnt be - complete loss of appetite and enjoyment of foods. There also IS vomiting and regurgitation of food due to overeating or eating too fast.

Most band to VSGers are so thrilled to be rid of their bands and so impressed by a surgery that requires no fills, no aftercare that they wont say a negative thing. You have to kind of read between the lines.

No WLS is perfect. I'd say those problems are probably way less traumatic than the problems caused by a band gone wrong. The perfect thing would to never be cursed with obesity in the first place, but we all have been and have to manage it somehow, its just a matter of which method suits you and your issues the best.

[KarenE 0]

I have to agree with Jacqui ...Nothing is perfect. I was loving my band when I finally healed and before my first fill. It took me longer than usual to heal, but thought that would be it. I had to have mine removed because my body rejected the permanent stitches.

I too have been considering and actually wanting the sleeve. Waiting 4 the new year to see what can be done with my insurance.

These 6 weeks without the band have definitely proved to me that I need a tool to help with my weight and health goals.-

Thanks for the discussion this it helps-