Finally Decided to Update

Jun 08, 2013

So, I finally decided to update. Here it goes. Back in mid March I developed reflux for a couple of days and then I was sick to my stomach. I thought maybe it was just the flu. I started researching band slips online and they mentioned reflux and vomiting. I remembered about the reflux and immediately called my surgeons office. They got me in and saw that my band had slipped. They removed all the fluid out of my band. I had an appointment already set for a fill in April so, I kept that appointment for a check up. When I went back in my band was still slipped. In fact, the part of my stomach that had come up was creating an odd pouch on the side above my band. My food was going down and to the side above my band and some of it would go through. My doctor told me that my band was not revisable due to how old it was. The newer ones are revisable mine was not. I was told it needed to come out. EEEK that freaked me out. I had not lost any weight in a few years but, the fear of putting more back on was horrifying to me.

A little history, I got my band Dec 2006. I lost 70lbs. In 2008 I had a beautiful daughter. Since then I have gained 20lbs. back and struggled. I am still extremely happy that I had kept 50lbs. off. When I was told my band had to be removed I immediately said I wanted another band. Then I decided to come on here and start doing some research. I did not realize how many people are having problems with the band. The more I thought about it, I was not so sure I wanted to deal with the possibility of another surgery after this next one. With the band there is so much uncertainty. I then looked into the sleeve. I had done tons of research on it including attending another seminar at my Surgeon's office. I came to the conclusion the sleeve was the best option for me. When my band did work correctly I was happy. I loved that I could eat a bit and feel satisfied. From everything I read the sleev does what the band should have. As scary as it is having 80% of my stomach removed, it is even scarier to think that I could gain all my weight back. I want to be able to keep up with my daughter and husband. They are both very active and I want to make sure my daughter continues that path rather than one of obesity.

Well, I did it. May 20th I was able to get my band removed and converted to a sleeve. It was a stressful couple of months. The first time they submitted to my insurance I was denied the revision due to "non-compliance". Yeah right... I lost 70lbs. had a baby and am still down 50lbs. After talking to the patient advocate she said I had to show more visits to the doc. Then I remembered that my PCP has been doing weight checks on me for a couple of years. So I mentioned this. She immediately contacted my PCP office and they faxed my records that just happened to state "patient compliant with diet and exercise". REALLY, I was thrilled. She re-submitted and I was approved. My other stress was that I had no idea if my surgeries could be done at the same time. My surgeon can not commit to doing both in one surgery until he goes in. It all depends on how much scar tissue there is. If there is a lot he waits 6 months between. So, I had no idea he did it in one until I wok up after surgery. All I can say was, wow, what a relief he did them together.

I am now almost 3 weeks out and doing pretty good. I have been able to get 80g of protein in each of the last 2 days. I am still struggling with the water (at about 40 to 50oz) but, I keep trying. I rode my bike today for the first time since surgery and feel pretty good. I am extremely happy to be eating pureed foods. I had been on liquids for a month (ugh that was hard). I still have thoughts of what did I do? Was this the right thing? However, then I think about my daughter and being able to do things with her and being here for her. This is so important to me. I so hope this works for me. of course I have my doubts especially since I think I am in one of those dreaded stalls. I have not lost anything for 4 days now. Hopefully things will change soon.

So, this has been my update. Amazing how life changes so quickly. I never thought I would be having another WLS this year. However, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. This is definitely the change I needed.

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