Discussion of gastric banding (Lap Band)

[AAA]

Have you or are you going to have another surgery?

[galpizza]

I did, about 6 weeks ago, pretty much a year from when I had the first one and about 9 months after the band was removed. sleeve & so far, as is well :-)

[nurse89]

It was an instant relief. I had the option to stay overnight but I didn't feel I needed to, so I went home about 12hrs postop. (Surgery at 7a, left at 7p) Recovery was literally two days, went back to school/work the same week (though they'll tell you not to!). Eating wasn't a problem. Drinking wasn't a problem. It is very similar to having the band placed, except now you know what to expect

[Sashie1977]

I'm just hoping I will be able to lose the weight again. I've heard you won't lose as much the second time around with the sleeve.

Not true in my case. I have lost 6 stone since September with the sleeve. I lost 4 stone over 4 years with the band. The sleeve is, in my opinion, a better surgery and I wish I hadn't bothered at all with the band. I had very bad scar tissue, swelling, badly torn and swollen esophagus and the band had caused all sorts of probs for my insides. It's lovely not to have those bits of plastic inside you too.

Good luck with it and I hope it's successful for you. Wishing you a speedy recovery xx

[cowgirljane]

The first surgeon I saw told me this and I now call "BS" - I lost 150+ in 14 months on the sleeve and this was after a 10 year failed band experiment.

I think that statistically revision patients lose slower/lose less because the band has trained them to "cheat" and eat sliders because heaven knows the band punishes you when you eat dense protein and veggies!!!

My opinion is that every revision patient should self reflect on what they learned... good and bad... being banded and take that knowledge into the sleeve experience and "ROCK THAT SLEEVE" - it really works!!!

I'm just hoping I will be able to lose the weight again. I've heard you won't lose as much the second time around with the sleeve.

[cowgirljane]

The sleeve wasn't available in 2001 when I was banded in Europe. I don't think everyone is doing this... it is just that band really doesn't work so people revise to other surgeries.

Looks like everyone is doing the lap band and then going for the sleeve.

[_Bonnie_]

I was banded in 2003 and am considering the Sleeve..I have painful esophogus spasms, acid reflux and I have gained all my (116 lbs) back. Im fat and miserable! Im now doing my research and reading all the forums, luckily I have 4 coworkers who have recently has the surgery done and they have encouraged me to do this.

[flongo]

I had the lap band done in 2002 I am in the process of having it removed.I have a surgery date for the removal then I was told 3 to 6 months before gastric sleeve can be done. The nice thing about the the sleeve is no adjustments. I know my body and adjustments did not get along. I am so ready to be unbanded and start a new journey. Good luck!!!

[_Bonnie_]

Hi Flongo,
Nice to see another "Bander" as long as me, Im gonna follow your progress if you don't mind. My chance to see the Sleeve doctor wont be until July to schedule mine for removal.

[flongo]

No problem I was just informed that I will have to do an endoscope to make sure there is no erosion. What's another test. A piece of cake. I am ready willing and able. Are you from San Fran... I am in Brooklyn, NY. Feel free to comment, question me as I am sure we are not alone in the mix of going beyond the band. Enjoy your weekend!!!! You can call me Fran

[_Bonnie_]

Originally from the SF / Oakland area, Im a huge 49er fan...I live in Texas

[Jennband08]

I was banded in 2008. Loved my band the first 4 years. Lost 50 pounds. Was wearing size 12, and Medium shirts. Loved being thin. Gradually started gaining weight.. tried to adjust the band to get weight loss moving again, and have just had problems finding a good restriction. Terrified to eat in public.. rarely eat breakfast.. way too tight in the morning. With the weight gain came the tired sluggish feeling.. so hard to get to the gym. Now I'm starting to have reflux.. and chest tightness and its just horrible. I may have the band removed and possibly convert to a sleeve. I'm just terrified of such a drastic surgery.. and the complications that are possible...

[Cristie]

Band in 2004 lost 135lbs got pregnant gained 60lbs back, looking into a band to sleeve conversion now. Insurance in process!

[The_Redhead]

I had a band placed in 2008. I LOVED it for 2 years. I respected it and it in return helped me to lose close to 50 lbs. Unfortunately I had a reaction to Tylenol 3 (vomitting non stop my band slipped and now I am arranging to have a sleeve done.

Adjusting the sweet spot on your fill can be a pain in the butt. The cost for fills can get expensive over time.

[abequa2000]

Band in 2000 sleeved april 2013 so glad i got ride of the band doing so much better with the sleeve