Mir B. Ali, MD

Great doctor. Felt very comfortable and safe. I blinked and the procedure was over. I did have pain for about two weeks afterwards. Very happy with the results I had. Unfortunately I got pregnant six months after surgery. So currently battling back some regained pregnancy weight.

I got the lap-band in 2008 at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. From day one, I never had a serious restriction enough to slow down my eating. Over the last 4 years, I have lost 40 lbs and put it back on twice simply by exercising. The only problem is that I have a severely damaged back and working out on regular basis is at times impossible. This is when I begin to pile on the fat. I found out 2 weeks ago that my band is either defective or was damaged during the initial surgery. This is why I never had any restrictions. Even when I felt slight restriction, it only lasted a day or two at the most.

Since I have to already have a surgery to remove this damaged lap-band, I am considering having them to the sleeve. I told the doctor that I will only do it if it can be done in one shot. I can't go through 2 operations.

So far, I am going through the same protocol that I went through 5 years ago prior to surgery. Psych Eval, Nutritionist, tests, etc. I really wanted to rush the surgery but now I am increasingly nervous.

I am so dissapointed from the lap-band experience that I'm not certain that the sleeve would be of much help.

2008 prior to surgery - 260lbs
2010 (September) - 198lbs
2012 (January) 235lbs
2012 (December) 203lbs
2013 (March 1) 217lbs.

As you can see, it's a roller coaster with working out and then stopping due to back pains. I need help with decreased eating.

If I could drop at least 50 lbs., I would hopefully have less back pain, lower my blood sugar and blood pressure. Tired of taking meds.
At this point, it's not about looking good. It's about being healthy.
I'm 44. 5'3" and today I am 217lbs.

Will keep a diary/update here and let you know how I progress.

Any comments and suggestions are appreciated :-)



Updated on 18 Apr 2013:
Having the conversion surgery on Monday, April 22nd. Dr. Ali said that he will be able to do both removal of lap-band and sleeve conversion in one shot. This will be a longer and slightly more difficult surgery.

At this point, I've gone through too many dissapointments because of the failed Lap-Band. Not super hopeful but I am giving myself one last shot to be healthy again.

Updated on 24 Apr 2013:
Just got DCD from the hospital today. Surgery was Monday morning. It took about 90 minutes or the lap-band removal and sleeve conversion. My doctor was able to do it all at once. I only had nausea once. It was first time I got up to pee. I was slightly dizzy and unable to pee when I felt the nausea. After waiting for couple of hours, nausea did go away. Nothing by mouth day of surgery. First drink was on day two. It was a challenge do drink but I took it slow and am able to take little sips now. Home on day 3. Still a little swollen and no change change on the scale.

Surgery date 4/22/13 227lbs.
4/24/13 231lbs.

Feeling slightly weak but recouperating fairly well.

Updated on 24 Apr 2013:
Just got DCD from the hospital today. Surgery was Monday morning. It took about 90 minutes or the lap-band removal and sleeve conversion. My doctor was able to do it all at once. I only had nausea once. It was first time I got up to pee. I was slightly dizzy and unable to pee when I felt the nausea. After waiting for couple of hours, nausea did go away. Nothing by mouth day of surgery. First drink was on day two. It was a challenge do drink but I took it slow and am able to take little sips now. Home on day 3. Still a little swollen and no change change on the scale.

Surgery date 4/22/13 227lbs.
4/24/13 231lbs.

Feeling slightly weak but recouperating fairly well.

Updated on 5 May 2013:
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since I had the surgery. So far I am down 13 lbs. and my blood sugar is at a normal rate. Diabetic meds not needed. Not sure if that's permanent or not. Feeling well but miss eating real food. Didn't have any complications but am also following directions from the doctors office. Walk several times a day and am constantly sipping on something. Will be seeing Dr. Ali for post op follow up on Wednesday. A week away from pureed food and 3-4 weeks from solid food.

I was given the gift of Bariatric Surgery on December 10, 2007. Initially tipping the scales at 316 pounds (that I would admit), I am now twice the woman in half the body. I am successfully maintaining a 160-pound weight loss, but perhaps more importantly, went from frumpy to fabulous in about 14 months flat. I feel fantastic, have a "normal" BMI (whatever that is), and my annual lab results say I'm perfectly healthy.

I like to say that I feel 25 years younger than I felt when I was 25 years younger -- because it's true! I am no longer limited by my appearance, physical abilities, or emotional shortcomings, and thanks to a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude, I am living an incredibly fulfilling Bariatric After Life.

Bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment and willingness to change absolutely everything about yourself. That might sound unachievable, but through support (online, offline, etc.) and therapy, it's doable, manageable and even enjoyable.

It's hard to remember exactly what life was like wearing size 30 jeans and 4X tops. I do know that it involved a lot of pain and sadness -- two things I don't ever wish to marinate in again.

For anyone considering surgery as a treatment for obesity, there are really only two things to know:

1) There is no cure for obesity, and there is no magic.
2) You can do it, if you believe it.



Updated on 12 Nov 2010:
Added pictures :-)

The surgery went off without a hitch. I never took pain medicine once it was stopped 1 1/2 days before I left the hospital.

The 18 months since surgery have been an interesting journey! I have felt all sorts of odd things like missing shopping the larger size racks and hating how hard toilet seats and most chairs are now!

My sense of taste seemed off until about 6 months ago. I thought I would never enjoy food again! But I do. I just try and enjoy it ALL in little bits. I am into only grass fed and naturally raised meat and eggs as well as raw milk. Amazing how much more flavor the real deal has and also more nutrients and health benefits! I do not waste time and calories on tasteless junk.

Most feel I am too thin now. I was 254 and I am 5'7 and now I am 124 (for 6 months) and hopefully still 5'7! I thought 140 would be best for me at this age even though I always liked 132 before I gained the weight I did.

I am not a life long heavy person. I had my thyroid ablated when I was 38 (135 pounds) and I started gaining weight almost immediately. It was very weird as I had never had to worry about weight prior to that. I had a baby after that and gained the exact same amount of weight with her as my son 15 years before - 33 pounds. And that weight came off without a problem.

I did not have any risk factors to get the surgery but I pressed my breast cancer as a reason and the insurance company okayed it!

I am so glad I did this! The ease of movement and getting up and down is dramatic and a surprise to me. I take too long to order in restaurants and work too hard to get calorie and fat and nutrient rich food so I can stay to small portions and be sated mentally as well as physically. I still throw up once in a while and have to be most wary of dry food. I like sweets now more than I ever did. I find I have to be most careful about drinking coffee too close to eating.

I really believe if you have the right attitude and approach - that this is for life and you WANT to keep eating small as you recognize all the beneefits of that, this is the MOST sensible way to deal with weight once and for all. People like Oprah that yoyo their way through life are living far more dangerously. It is a fabulous tool that still requires committment and thinking. However I feel joy in feeling full again which was missing prior to surgery.

Does anyone else feel the urge to share their story with a stranger you see would beneft from the surgery? There are so many huge young people out there that I sometimes want to talk to them about how much better their life could be!