Revision Question

I was banded 01/10/2008.  I had surgery 03/02/2010 to fix a slip. 

I lost almost down to goal (partly with not being able to eat or drink anything when my band was slipping).  After my surgery to fix my slip, I have just not had any luck losing weight.  I had regained 40 lbs, and not matter what I try now, I can't get those pounds off.

Part of the problem is my band will suddenly tighten for no reason.  It tightens when I am stressed, upset and is also tight in the morning......but when it strikes for no reason, I get frustrated.  I can't plan good  healthy lunches or dinners.....well, I DO plan them, but half the time I can't eat them.  So, yeah.......I will turn to slider foods when the tightness strikes. 

I don't PB (regurgitate food) that often and I never have reflux.  Those are good things, but I am so tired of trying to make this band work properly.  My fill isn't even that tight.  So.........to my question...

For those of you that have revised from the Band, how many of you experience sudden tightness with the sleeve that doesn't allow you to eat what you planned, or cause you to throw up? 

My surgeon is going to send in a request for me to get a revision to the sleeve.  My BFF had her revision to the sleeve this spring and has had some issues.  I am wondering if we all suffer from damaged esophogus's and will suffer with things that normal Sleeve patients wouldn't.  No guarantee I will get approved for the sleeve, but I am curious.  Thanks for any replies and stories you have for me!!

I had that issue Melly. Some days, I would literally puke on water, just randomly, water would just go down and come right back up. Other days, I was wide open. It was the weirdest thing. I never had a slip, but I had major damage from the band and scar tissue. I can honestly tell you that I have had zero issues related to eating once I recovered. I have zero food intolerances, and I honestly eat more dense protein than any other foods. I do not varied restriction with my sleeve. Of course, there are slider foods that have changed for me. Bread used to be a no go for me with the sleeve except in small quantities, but now, it's a slider to an extent. I am "tighter" in the morning, but it's nothing coffee doesn't resolve. Plus, I'm not a morning person, so eating before 9am rarely happens. I never had a tight fill in my band either, a mere 3cc in a 10cc band.

I can even (do a couple times a week) eat sandwiches and salads which was a total no-go with the band.

The only issue that I am having currently isn't related to the sleeve, but due to nerve damage that occurred from the band, and all the damage it did. It's strictly related to my pregnancy, the weight redistribution to my abdomen and the baby stretching into my body after I eat. I'm getting some referred left shoulder pain again. The only thing that my surgeon, and ob's can find is that it's occurring when I eat, and the activity level of the baby. She likes to stretch her legs up into my abdominal cavity, and I'm carrying her really high. She's measuring large, and her legs are measuring about a week ahead of the rest of her little body. Anyways, I mainly find it happening at night when she is most active. I can shove her over, or manipulate myself into a weird position and get her to flip so the pain is resolved.

Best wishes chickee ! ! ! The sleeve is the bestest.

Thanks so much for your reply!!!  That sounds so promising!!  *fingers crossed*

Congratulations on the little one...........how exciting!!

Melly, I have had (knock on wood) no issues at all.  Not sure if it was the 1st or 2nd day post-op I had 2 episodes of  the "normal" dry heaving while in the hospital (I think this happens right after surgery then resolves).  It felt like I was going to puke and I just didn't.  I believe the hospital gave me an anti nausea drip and Nexium.  I had no problems getting my fluids in. No pain or nausea. 
I do however post it seems like a lot with poo concerns .  Everyone gets the liquids in, liquids out the first approx 2 weeks post-op, then there is the constipation.  It is all because our intake is mostly protein and our bodies are trying to work things out.  Eventually we will be able to eat a more balanced diet and well our release will normalize.

I was so worried that I would have issues like your BFF because I too had an esophageal dilation.  I didn't get to having any symptoms with it except I was hungry and could eat more.  After the UGI, my doc immediately unfilled me.  I stayed unfilled for 6mos and unbanded for 6 mos before I got sleeved.  I think that break from the fill and from the band allowed me to heal.  Now I am so glad that I didn't have my revision the same time that I removed. 

My sleeve feels very "normal" I don't feel like I have a "sleeve" or that my stomach has been cut.  I am so normal it scares me.  The few times I have felt restriction, it is very different than with the band.  I just feel full and can't eat another bite more - no big scary symptoms to stop.  And for me, no hunger at all!

It is different for everyone.  I didn't like where I was no, I hated it.  I wish I didn't mind being a big girl but I did so much that I had to take a chance for a better tomorrow.  I needed to move on with my life.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Best,
Leila

Thanks, Leila!!  That is very encouraging information.   I know how you struggled and really didn't want to have a surgery that would alter the inside of you for any reason.  There is no guarantee that I can get the sleeve, but I think it would be so good, and so much better than the band!!  (((HUGS)))

Of course I'm further out then you but doesn't it just feel like THIS is the size your stomach should have always been (even though you are eating so little).  It just feels right!!

That's awesome!!

Hi Melly.. Big hugs darling.. Jus****ed to say.. If you go through with a revision, I am sure you will do awesome!

I didn't realize Michelle was having issues.. Is she okay?

Hi gorgeous!!! 

She has a few issues, and it's because her esophogus was damaged from the band.  They are getting better, so hopefully, it will be fine for her. 

Just want to wish you the best of luck and that you can get a revision with no problems. I too kept getting tight and sisnce I have no WLS coverage I just had mine emptied and am crossing my fingers that will do the trick. Good luck to you!