2.5 months out with Sleeve (x-post)

An update, as promised for all of my LapBand friends!


I revised from the LapBand to the Sleeve back in April.  I am truly thankful to have my new tool, and am vowing to really use it to it's full potential.  I have lost 19 pounds so far.  Not great, but not bad.  The first pics I am going to put up are before I got my LapBand.  Yikes!



Before weight loss surgery, I was over 260 lbs and I am only 5' 2".  

I actually got down to 153 with my band.  I only lost quickly when my band was slipped and I couldn't even swallow my own spit.  I got my slip fixed through surgery, but had already gained back 20 pounds at that point.  

I then ended up gaining back about 30 more, as my band just wasn't working as it should.  

I did end up losing some of that, but knew that I would never see goal with my LapBand  I couldn't eat solid protein or many veggies without sliming and throwing it back up.  So, I turned to slider foods and basically gave up.  

Then, I got the best opportunity ever, when my surgeon agreed to pursue a revision to the Sleeve.  I was elated when my insurance company agreed.  

Here is a picture of the night before my revision.  I was weighing in at about 194.

Now, here is today.  I weighed in at 175.  I can't see a huge difference, but I am getting there.  Thanks for all of the support!!

You look beautiful Melly!   I see a big difference, you look so radiant. I am wishing you much success with your Sleeve and many blessings to you!!

Thank you, Nana!  I see that you are working hard to get the bit of regain you got....I know you can do it!!

I see a difference! Keep up the good work!
I know it's easy to lose perspective, but losing 19 pounds in 2.5 months is awesome!

Thanks, Dev.  Heck, I was pretty much stalled for 2 years, so yeah, I will take 19 pounds!  ha ha Thanks for the support!

Good job, Melly!

You look great! You should wear red all the time.

It's funny.... you look so much like a childhood friend of mine. It just hit me right now, looking at your bottom photo!

Thanks, Nicci!!  You have always looked a bit familiar to me too.......ever live in Texas or New Mexico?  LOL

I appreciate the support!!

Hmmm. Twilight Zone!  

I lived in Oklahoma for a couple of years! Maybe we passed one another on the highway! 

You look awesome!

And let me get another point of view. I always hear former bandsters say VSG works the way the band was SUPPOSE to work. True?

Maria, that is exactly what I say all of the time.  The way I understood the band is supposed to work, is exactly how my Sleeve works. 

I can eat meat, veggies and beans.  With the sleeve, it doesn't matter how dry the meat is, how small of a bite that I take or how well I chew...it all goes down fine.  (although, I am pretty well trained in taking smaller bites from the band).  I never worry if food will go down, it's quite liberating. 

I get satisfied/full on about 1/4-1/2 cup of yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.  With solid protein, I can do about 2 ounces. 

I can say that the Sleeve hasn't tamed my hunger AS MUCH as my band did.  However, I am nowhere near as hungry as I was pre-WLS or at any time when my band was unfilled. 

So, all in all, these surgeries have been very much the same experience for me, except that my sleeve has the same restriction every single day, and hasn't ever slammed shut on me for no reason. 

Thanks for the support, Maria!