Preparing for revision surgery

I made a huge mistake in thinking I didn't need to depend on this site.  I forgot that I'm not invincible.  Duh.  But I've also had some major issues with my band that I got in March 2009.  I'd lost about 40 pounds but leveled out for almost a year.  About seven months ago, I developed a really bad case of bronchitis which took me out of work for a week.  Had to go on Symbacort, plus I had constant acid reflux.  I neglected to go to my surgeon until September and he explained that both of these were related to my band being too tight.  I have a 10cc band and only 3cc in it.  For diagnostic purposes, he emptied my band and I went back in November symptom free.  Except that I'd gained about 20 pounds back by that time and another 10 to date.  I'm in the process of getting pre-authorized so I can do this again.  I don't know whether I'll do bypass or the sleeve.  Once I do it, I never want to do this again.  I'm scared and frustrated but determined that I'll make it work this time.   

Oh, I am so sorry about your complications and the need for revision.  I think you will SO prefer the sleeve or bypass (either one).  The first few weeks will be hard, as you know, but in the end it will be worth it.  Eventually, eating feels pretty normal but with the restriction and occasional reminder (mini-dumping) that grazing on Christmas cookies has consequences (immediate effect that I use to remind myself that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels").

I find lurking around OH helpful.  I am on much less but surfing reminds me of where I've been, answers new questions (plastic surgery) and helps me to understand that my experience is fairly typical. 

I hope insurance covers your revision?  Do you have a tentative surgery date yet?   Let us know if you need anything!

Thinking of you, Meg

Sorry had you to go through this, but you should be commended that you are doing what is best for you and taking the next step to regain control in your life. This site is one of the best things out there where you can ask for help or ask a question without fear of someone being rude. As for which one you should do, research, research, research which one will be the best one for you. Good luck on taking your journey again, and don't hesitate to ask any questions. Have a great day and a blessed new year.

 Thanks so much for your responses!  Your compassion and understanding is so reassuring.  I'm still in the initial stages of this process, still getting letters from doctors together.  I have 2 insurance coverages, one which states it doesn't cover WLS (I was stunned by this!) and the other does.  I'm going to work on the first one indicating the necessity of it so I can hopefully have double coverage.  I live in Hawaii and have to go to Oahu to have the surgery done so anything that can help with the extra costs (airfare for my partner and daughter, hotel, meals for them, etc) is so helpful.  In the meantime, I'll continue to research which surgery I want to have.  Thanks again for writing to me.  I feel better already!