I love my band group...but...

I just heard that Medicare is finally approving the sleeve.  The band helped me lose my first 100, but I have another 100 pounds to lose and the band just doesn't work like it did before.  I'm either totally tight or no restriction at all (which I prefer at this point).  My surgeon was recommending the sleeve for me from the get go, but my vasculitis doctors wouldn't allow it at the time due to complications in my bowel and stomach from vasc.  I've been vasc clear in those areas for almost 3 years now.  

I think, if it's possible, I would like to go to the sleeve.  For me, it would just make sense for the second half of my journey.  I won't be angry or bitter because I am so thankful I was able to have the band at all (it was that or NO surgery) and it did give me back more freedom when I lost a total of 100 pounds (gained and lost some in there along the way).  

So, if I do revise I hope to give advice to those still on their band journey.  I'm just really relieved Medicare is going to start approving the sleeve as a viable option for those struggling with real obesity (kinda tired of people with 30 pounds to lose running to WLS and giving it a bad name for those with true obesity demons, but that's another story).

 

 It's exciting news...I too am having issues with my band and while I appreciate that it helped me to lose and maintain for a year, I'm only half way there.  I'm still having stuck episodes with no fill! I'm definitely going to discuss revision at my 7-17 appointment.
Steph

 Good luck, steph.  I'll let you know how it goes Tues. with my surgeon.

It's good that more options are opening up! Guernica I'm glad you're not bitter either, I think a lot of people get caught up in the idea that that they did not reach their "goal" with one surgery and end up feeling like they failed or the surgery failed. They forget to consider where they would be if they hadn't had it at all and where they fall in the statistical range. Having lost 50% of your excess weight may not sound like success to some folks, but you've done outstanding, especially considering your complicated medical issues! I don't doubt you have what it takes to have even more success with the next stage of your journey!

 Dev, I'm so fortunate I was able to have ANY surgery and although the band didn't work the way it was advertised it did help quite a bit the first year.  I became ill and on high prednisone again and that's no fault of the band.  After I tapered pred I never had my band working like I did prior to it.  No ones fault really.  So I'm praying my doc says the sleeve is allowed and that medicare will help.

" the band didn't work the way it was advertised"

That is such an important statement! That is why I think it's cirtical that they start advertising the band ACCURATELY! Some are content to have it work as it actually does, and for them that is great. For the rest of us..........NO!   But I feel like each and every one of us deserved to be told the TRUTH about how the band performs..........or dosn't perform prior to getting it. It should not be get the band and then.............SURPRISE! You know they way we told you it would work? Well that was just FICTION! Lol.

But back to you. There are so many that were waiting on VSG being approved with Medicare. So glad that you might be able to take advantage of that! Good luck!!!

 See, my band worked great the first year...then I had a vasculitis flare and went on major steroids.  After than, even when tapered down to 5mg of pred, my band isn't working well.  My restriction is crazy, but attribute this to my illness to be honest.  

I hope to get a revision at some point, but until then I'm plugging along.  I'm a little upset to see some  people that had the band put in when I did or a year earlier having some major issues that require the band come out  :( ...

I honestly thought restriction would be consistent.  I think that point needs to be addressed prior to surgery BY THE SURGEON.

Isn't that awesome?! I've got a few years to wait but at least it is there now!

 I'm really happy it happened.  My doc's wife (also his nurse) promised it would happen this year :)  she didn't lie!

You go for it, girl! You deserve it.
Sue