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This is great advise! I totally agree. If I had a choice between the two DS for sure. Nobody does them in my insurance area. But If I ever have an issue with my sleeve (started with lap band), I can switch to a DS.
BAND REMOVED 9-4-12-fought insurance to get sleeve and won! Sleeved 1/22/13! Five years out and trying to get that last 15 pounds back off.
Please don't settle for less than what you really want. I know it's a major inconvenience to wait a bit longer but not as inconvenient as another failed WLS. If your doctor recommends the DS and you have your heart set on it than it would be best to wait than to settle for something you don't really want.
It is a big deal now but I promise you in a year you will be happy you waited for what you want. You have to live with this for the rest of your life. In the grand scheme of things a few weeks is not a big price to pay for having the surgery you want that works best for you.
WLS 10/28/2002 Revision 7/23/2010
High Weight (2002) 240 Revision Weight (2010) 220 Current Weight 115.
I had a revision in 2010. I started out at 240 lbs, lost to 120 lbs and then started back up to 220 lbs.
My revision was due to other issues besides the weight gain. I was so sick I wanted a reversal. I was told that I couldn't be reversed, only revised to correct an anatomical issue. I originally had a sleeve as part of my malabsorptive first surgery and my doctor made the sleeve, which was very large, into a RNY pouch.
I will never forget my surgeon telling me not to expect much weight loss. I don't know if he told me this because I had failed so miserably or what but I didn't care if I lost any weight, I just wanted to stop gaining.
I decided after my revision to try something novel and actually follow the directions that I blatantly ignored the first time around. Protein first, no refined carbs, weighed and measured every bite.
Not only did I lose weight but I lost even faster than the first time and actually got too low. I don't know who was more surprised, me or my doctor. It has been 8 years now and I have kept the weight off by continuing to follow directions.
I really didn't expect to lose that much weight because I have always heard that revisions don't do as well as first time surgeries and I am happy to report that it wasn't true in my case. What matters more is what I eat and as long as I follow the rules I have managed to have a successful revision. Don't allow yourself to be discouraged. Use what you have learned from your previous failures and you can also be successful. I always say my previous failures are my greatest assets. You already know what not to do, now put that experience to work and do what you know you can do to turn it around.
WLS 10/28/2002 Revision 7/23/2010
High Weight (2002) 240 Revision Weight (2010) 220 Current Weight 115.
Yeah I know about over 50 and I need to get back to therapy. I also know how fast the pounds add on after 50 too. Like I told a person today that just got a sleeve after band, I count how fast I was gaining pre-surgery and at the rate I was going I know I would be at least 150-200 pounds heavier than now.
Good Luck!
BAND REMOVED 9-4-12-fought insurance to get sleeve and won! Sleeved 1/22/13! Five years out and trying to get that last 15 pounds back off.
Thanks for posting.
I am so sorry to hear of your husband's Alzheimers. The stress has to be overwhelming.
Booze is evil stuff for me -- the pounds pile on and hangovers are even more horrible after you hit 50. I probably got into more serious trouble with it than you have. I finally gave it up (I hope) about ten years ago. I needed a therapist's help to do it, and it wasn't my first try. So far, so good.
I have scheduled a band removal on August 21. Like your doctor, mine says he needs at least three months between band removal and sleeve surgery. That will give me plenty of time to think about DS vs. sleeve and to experience life without the band.
I am glad to hear that your post-op surgery therapy helped. That's something I'll keep in mind.
I am five years out from band to sleeve. At four years out I was still normal. I am 15 pounds over this year and the problem is Alcohol. I am dealing with my husband and his Alzheimer.
My sister has had a DS for many years. It was the right choice for her and the sleeve is for me. Neither will help with my current issue. You have to know you and your personality to figure out what is right for you.
Just a fyi mine wouldn't do the 2nd surgery until 6mo-1yr after band removal as they believe you do better with a 2nd and final surgery (they won't do a 3rd). I had already researched and had come to the same conclusion. I also had to see a therapist before they would do the second and I continued to see her afterwards. It really made a difference.
BAND REMOVED 9-4-12-fought insurance to get sleeve and won! Sleeved 1/22/13! Five years out and trying to get that last 15 pounds back off.
Mayo and many surgeons are taking out more bands than placing them. You have done awesome with yours. I had mine removed a long time ago and was sleeved a few years ago. Our center and therapist told us to ride it to the bottom because regain to some degree is normal.
I wish you good luck with your appointment getting my revision was the best thing ever.
BAND REMOVED 9-4-12-fought insurance to get sleeve and won! Sleeved 1/22/13! Five years out and trying to get that last 15 pounds back off.
Thank you, Amy. That's a good point I had not considered - calling my provider and just asking! Funny how something simple slips the mind! The good thing is my employer is very large and values weight management very highly. I don't foresee them cutting the coverage, but I'm certainly not going to wit around. This band is killing me and MUST come out! Fingers crossed I don't have to pay for the entire surgery out of pocket
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! I am encouraged to know that you did lose some!! Yhat's all I want!
Thank you, and I wish you continued success!!
thanks,
Ginnie
p.s. Did the revision fix your GERD?
I just had my VSG to RNY revision in May and have lost over 40lbs. Since surgery and over 60lbs. From my highest in the program. My weight loss has been steady with multiple stalls if that makes sense.
Like you, I am a not worried about losing quickly. I just want it to stay off and I am more dedicated that ever. I too had full regain and GERD
