Congrats on your revision!  I got my band almost 6 years ago.  lost a total of 74 pounds (a little more than half of my ultimate goal), and have regained a total of 73 pounds.  My dr.'s reply was that it "doesn't work long-term for everybody" and suggested I revise to gastric bypass.  I really would like to revise to sleeve, but he won't perform the revision, saying it's too risky to go from band to sleeve.  I went to another bariatric group for a second opinion and got the same answer.  My insurance won't cover the revision, but I was completely ready to do self-pay.  Now I have a band that doesn't work for me, sometimes with complications ****asional chest pain), and I'm back at square one.  I'm completely miserable and feel like a total failure.  My step-daughter and neighbor both got sleeve from the beginning, with ZERO complications, and have lost weight like crazy.  I'm so happy for their success, though it makes me feel even worse about myself.  I see so many people saying they got revision surgery - did your dr. say anything at all about the added risk factor since your anatomy has changed from having the band?  I just don't understand how it's done so frequently (or so it appears) but 2 local drs. are so completely against it.   Thanks, and Thundergrrrl.... again, congrats!!

Hi Iam with the Band....

I don't know if you remember me, we had our bands on the same date.  Just curious why you revised?  I changed my name, so I couldn't view your profile....I live in Thornton, CO.

Jackie

Hi everyone! Thanks for the well-wishes!! 

I was released from the hospital yesterday and have been doing fine. It's a real chore to get in the liquids (and don't even get me started on the protein, lol!) but luckily I'm off work for a bit and can just focus on healing. 

So far, the sleeve recovery is easier than the band was. Of course, no hernia repair this time so I think that helps. 

I am certain I am going to love having a sleeve! 

Nice to hear a success story.  I can't wait until I can say I am a lifetime member!  I have 45 pounds to go.  In the first 3 weeks I have los6.4 pounds.  I didn't think I would follow the program, but I have followed it ;just a little loosely.  I track my 49 weekly points for just about everything not on the superfood list.  I think it has really helped eat with some moderation.  You can use the 49 points for whatever you want, of course some things just don't work with the band.  I continue to go to 2 meetings a week.  The leader is just terrific.

Thank you!  I probably shouldn't have said anything, but she was scolding me about losing 10 lbs in the first week and insisted that I didn't follow the program and I would not be allowed to come back if I continued "starving myself" to lose weight.