failed band, failed sleeve...anyone else out there?

[txbandtosleeve]

Hi,
I've been trying to find someone else out there that has failed two surgeries like me. I started at 269 and had the band. I got down to 249 and stayed there for 3 years (no complications). I revised to the sleeve last May but have only gotten down to 229. No complications or weight gained back, just not enough loss. If I can get under 1000 calories a day, I lose but I usually stay around 1200 because of hunger (which I thought the sleeve would help). I walk 4 times a week for exercise. My goal weight is 160.

I would love to revise to the bypass but I was self pay for the sleeve and I can't afford it. Anyone else in the same boat or have any suggestions?
Thank you!

[crissymaev]

I have had the band replaced with another band, thinking the first one slipped. That was not the case, my body just does not tolerate any fluid in the band. When they put fluid in the band I vomit acid in the middle of the night and could go in to my lungs and it could be fatal. Weight loss was not good at all only 30 pounds and have gained most of it back because it's like I have not restriction. I am getting the second band taken out on Monday and converted to the sleeve. I hope because there is no device in my stomach to cause the reflux I will have much better success. What is your doctor saying? Something does not seem right. There is so many people with great success with the sleeve. Did you loose weight and gain some back?

[txbandtosleeve]

I have never gained any weight back....just stopped losing. I'm going to try the "pouch for dummies" rules to try to get some more weight off.
Your surgery to the sleeve will be great--I really do love my sleeve and am grateful for the weight I've lost.
EVERYone is successful with this surgery and you will be too--I don't know whats going on with me....just not feeling "full enough".

My GP has put me on phentermine and i've lost another 5 pounds but is still a struggle. I really wish I could find someone like me.
good luck with your surgery!

[LealScott]

It sounds like working with the nutritionist is in order. It also sounds like you need to ramp up the exercise. It doesn't sound like walking 4 times a week is enough. Doing weights will increase muscle and that will help you lose weight. I know before I injured my back I joined Curves and loved it because I didn't feel like a dummy and I really lost weight. Whether it's the YMCA (I do water aerobics there) or 24 Hour Fitness or Curves more exercise will help.

Also, check and see that your calories are mainly from protein versus carbs and fat. And how is your water intake? they say 64 ounces minimum but I think for those of us who lose slowly you need more. I try and hit 100 ounces daily.

Don't think of it as failing. You are still progressing.

Have you had your thyroid checked. Many of us, myself included, have that as a huge problem.

God luck with finding answers.

[txbandtosleeve]

Thanks for your reply. I've worked with a nutritionist since I had the lap band (4 years ago) and the problem seems to be that I'm eating the right foods, just too much because I get hungry. Like I said, the magic number for me seems to be under 1000 calories but I just can't seem to get there. I did the first 4 months after surgery which is when I lost the weight.

I saw the post about "pouch rules for dummies" so I'm going to try the water loading thing. I already drink at least a gallon of water a day but I haven't tried drinking so much right before I eat.

Thyroid has been checked and my GP is trying to help me out now since i've kind of given up on my sleeve doctor. I have an appointment next week.

I would really like to add more exercise. As a working mom, this has been difficult. I do have a gym membership where I do my walking. Once summer is here and I'm not working, I'll go back to doing Body Pump which I love. This should help me tone up and build muscle. The one thing that bothers me about exercise is that the more I do, the hungrier I get which is the problem I have to begin with. Ugh!

I'm guessing that I eventually need to revise to the bypass but I don't plan on that until or if I ever have co-morbidities. I can't pay for another surgery at this point and I don't want to risk another surgery while I have small children.

[Dee Leshuz]

This is information that you might find useful. I hope it works out.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) Revision Surgery

[Grace]

Have you had your blood sugar checked? If you are eating less than about 1400 cal a day and the right foods (primarily protein) and exercising, and if your TSH is under 2...then all I can think of is insulin resistance. There are meds that can help that. You'd want to see a good endo about your thyroid and they can help see if anything else is up. No offense to PCPs but most don't know much about endocrine issues and think a TSH of 4 is fine. It's not for most women. There are other numbers too, T4, T3. It's something for a specialist to deal with. If you have any kind of insulin resistance you may have a bit of reactive hypoglycemia. That will make you very hungry (says she with much experience). If you find you have it, then you can work with your dietician to set up how to eat if you do, which will be 7-8 tiny meals a day, all with mostly protein, fat and tiny amounts of carbs.
Just throwing some stuff out there.
Wishing you well.

[JennInOhio]

I've had the exact same problem. Little loss from the band, had it removed, then I was sleeved. That was in Aug. 2012. I lost very little weight, now I'm back to the same weight as the day I had the sleeve. Very frustrating.