seventh, and final, bandiversary

March is my 7 year bandiversary milestone! It's been far from perfect, but has still made a huge difference to me and I shudder to think how big I would be by now if I had not done it!  I'm still over 50 lbs lighter than my highest pre-band weight, but my surgeon and I have decided that the time has come to move on since I already have esophageal dilation issues and my weight is slowly creeping up over time despite a pretty good fill. I've given it about a year that I've been thinking about it and trying various things, so I'm finally ready to revise to a sleeve. I don't have a date yet, but I had my psych and nutrition evals yesterday and just have to line up the last few tests. Might happen as soon as April! The sleeve board seems a bit drama-free, so I'm sure I'll still be visiting around here!

Congratulations. I only had my band 2.5 years but it did a lot for me. I had removal last Nov and was sleeved 2/27. It took my surgeon over 4 hours to do it. She encountered a lot more scar tissue in my stomach opening than expected and couldn't get the bougie down. She had to stretch it out first and use a scope I think instead of a normal bougie. I am so greatful for her perseverance and skill. Week 2 of full liquids today. I can hardly wait for purée

Dev,

I am so sorry that you have to revise --- it sounds like you have a supportive surgeon and a good plan.

Best of luck to you!

Dev,

I am sorry you are having trouble but you have done a fantastic job these past 7 years. It is always sad to see another band die an unnatural death by being ripped asunder   but it happens. The hard work you have put in with your band will serve you well for living with a sleeve. I will say, though, that the restriction with the band is much different than with a sleeve. With the band at proper restriction you can eat that limited amount and if you eat more you will be uncomfortable, with some, but no big deal. Liquids and things like ice cream slide right through. With the sleeve the restriction is more like running into a brick wall. That includes liquids and ice cream, etc. It relaxes some at some point but it will frustrate you at first. You finally get to eat something, are told to start with about a tablespoon full, take 2 bites and BAM! The wall has been hit! It is frustrating because the food tastes so good and you want at least the type of serving eaten with banded restriction and to be shut down after two tiny bites just pissed me off! I have adapted, finally, and can eat a bit more so I am happier. You will adapt too. I just hope you don't have to learn everything the hard way  like I do.

Good luck with the whole process, and yes, please do keep visiting us here. For some reason, while I like the sleeve board alright and have learned much, this place is home. It is where I am most comfortable.

Sue

Here's wishing you the best with your revision! I hope you love your sleeve as much as I love mine.

Keep us updated!

Lindsey

I know your band has served you well but I think you'll like the sleeve even better. At least everyone I know who has revised have loved theirs. Good luck to you, hope the surgery goes well and you can get those last few lbs. off.

You are going to love your Sleeve!  I absolutely love mine!  I wish I had done it years ago!

My quality of life is 100% better! 

 

So sorry you have to go through this, Dev. But as others say, you have done brilliantly and I am sure you will do as well with the sleeve. Please do still come to visit us!

All the very best, Kate

Happy 7th Dev!

Once it is all said and done, you Will be thrilled with your new real little stomach.

All best,

Layla

Congratulations on moving forward with your revision.  I am one who has been advised to do the same because I never found the sweet spot and have gained it all back.  I'll be glad when I, too, get to the point that I'm ready to take another leap.  So tired of this