Wow, I tossed a nickel on my way to the O.R. and

this is true.  My nickel landed on tails and well I did not get my revision.  There is so much more to my decision - it took months of back and forth, prayer etc.

I woke up crying about "blowing it".  Here was my chance to revise, everything was all set, I was on the surgical table getting my I.V. started and my doc called in as I had requested.  I said I can't do it, I only want my Lap Band removed.  He said no problem, it is okay.  I said I'm sorry, really sorry.  Of course he said it's okay, don't worry.  My surgeon, what can I say, he is like one of the 5 people you meet in heaven.  I love this man!

On the removal:  very easy for me.  I thought I loved my port and never wanted to live without it, but it feels so nice not to have it there.  I have 4 incisions - a couple of hours out, they felt like little fire pots though mild.  I think a topical anesthetic was wearing off.  I feel amazing, free and able to move forth. No pain, burning, nor (surprise) gas.  I had absolutely no bloating gas!  Oh, in the past I've had a bad reaction to anesthesia - can't urinate, get itchy like bugs are crawling all over me, nauseous, etc,  Doc told me the medicine would be different and wow, it was. No adverse reactions.  I'm just a little tired and loopy BUT a good nap has got that under control :).

The nurses in recovery were freaked out by my recovery.  The hospital staff was amazing, the surgical team was ridiculous - I thought this type of care was long gone.  With my Band I've been somewhat of a regular visitor to this hospital and every time they have been real good to me.

Ladies, I got my period so they gave me those disposable panties with the giant obstetrical pad.  I woke of bare a$$ed anyway .  I was like WTH!  I too went in with what I felt was a bad cold that was getting worse.  I told doc that I got everything I could get - he promised my cold would be gone as soon as I removed my band.  I didn't believe it but when I woke, honest it was gone.

What will I do now?  Position myself to lead at WW, finish my degree as holistic health practitioner (this includes a holistic nutrition counseling certificate) .  Get back on the stage . . . and teach acting.  I have to saturate myself in the eat right and exercise arena in order to keep myself on track.  I also need to do what is in my soul to be happy and these are the things.  I am no longer waiting for something to happen.  Now I move forth.

Thank you all for the well wishes and support.

Much Love and Blessings.

xoxo,
Leila

P.S.  for the person who inquired about insurance approval for the Plication - Insurance will not pay for this procedure.  My insurance approved Ambulatory Lap Band removal and NOT a revision of any type.

The Vertical Sleeve Plication is "experimental".  It is offered in clinical trials with Dr. Cottam in Utah, Dr. Watkins in Ohio, and some other doc in Florida.  There are many docs in Mexico offering this procedure.  It is refered to as the Vertical Sleeve Plication/Imbrication, Super sleeve and several other names which I can't think of right now.  WasaBubbleButt  calls it a "fake sleeve" - which I kinda like.

It sounds like you are at peace with your decision and in the end, that is what matters!  I am glad that getting rid of the band has had positive effects on your health (and your mind).  As a holistic healthcare provider, you will be more at peace knowing that you practice what you preach (so to speak!) 

Go forth into the world now, free of any encumbrances and ready to do the work necessary to reach your goals!

Best Wishes to you!

Leila, you've done so well with your band I am sure you will be able to follow WW to keep yourself on track,  sometimes weight loss surgery is not the answer,  I am wishing you well in your weight loss efforts.

Leila, my very best wishes. You have done what felt right for you - and that is such a sensible way to go.

You are a strong and positive person and I am sure you can be one of those who keep weight off without the help of the wls.

Onwards and upwards!  Kate

Zee, I'm so glad that you're feeling better, more comfortable, and yourself again.  Good luck with your certification, with WW, and post pics of you on stage to the main board!

Lelia,

I am glad everything is okay with you and surgery went fine.  You did really good on weightloss with the lapband and it seems with your attitude you will do just fine without any WLS.  sounds like you know what you need to do , and how to do it.

Good luck to you and  that was a very big step you took today not doing any kind of WLS when it could have been done .  Not to many people would have done that and to be honest I am very proud of you for doing that , that took alot of guts to make that kind of decision .


I wish you nothing but the best in your new adventure and good luck with your continued weight loss !!!

Having positive thoughts is a blessing in itself.. I wish you the best in whatever comes your way...Take Care...Hugs..'Lucky"

Wow! I never expected to hear this development, but congratulations on being able to make a quick decision that gives you such peace. I am positive that with your great attitude that you will be great at all that you do. I am also very relieved that you are feeling so much better. That is fantastic.
Good luck, Sue

 You sound relieved.

You don't have to make more choices right now.

Relax for a while.  :)

as long as you are happy with your decision thats all that matters, just take time to heal and adjust...