Roy R. Shen, MD

Hi everyone! So I was banded in 2012 and was so-so successful with it. My heaviest was 235 and I got down to about 198 for my lowest. Over the years the weight crept back up and two years ago I was pregnant. Lost some baby weight by breastfeeding but unfortunately I am back up to 220 :( I’m really hoping the sleeve will be a better tool for my weight loss. My motivation has changed, I am not motivated by my son and wanting to live a better life for him and with him. Next week I have my G.i. Testing when they check out the band and then I am being sent my sleep apnea test package to do my sleep test at home. Since my BMI is 35 insurance will only cover if I have high cholesterol, diabetes and/or sleep apnea. Im pretty sure I have sleep apnea but depending on the sleep test determines if I’m covered. My insurance says if all goes well I could be sleeved in as little as three months! Fingers crossed and I’ll keep everyone posted. I appreciate following peoples journeys to getting sleeved so i will do my best to document the process as well.

Updated on 21 Jun 2018:
Since my BMI alone doesn’t qualify for VSG with my insurance I had to do an at home sleep test to prove I have sleep apnea. Well two weeks later I received the results that I have mild sleep apnea! Normally I wouldn’t be happy that i stop breathing while sleeping but this means I have a greater chance of being approved by my insurance :)

Last week I had my upper GI and they said everything with my band looked fine. Which i knew, i mean I’ve heard horror stories of band slippage or erosion but my biggest problem hasn’t been pain it’s just been discomfort so i consider myself very lucky that it looks good. But honestly I just want this damn thing outta me!! Ughhh! 6 years of this thing I’m over it.
Anyways I have another appointment next week with a dietician and the nurse. So far it hasn’t been stressful at all.. all the appointments are pretty spaced out so it’s not too overwhelming. My insurance requires atleast 3 months so I’m trying to stay busy and keep my mind off it. I will update after my next appt!

Updated on 27 Jun 2018:
Today I met with my nutritionist and went over my food journal I’ve been keeping for the past couple weeks. She made copies of it to keep in my file and said it will look great to my insurance company that i am dedicated to making these changes.

I also met with a nurse practitioner afterward and discussed my lap band and she wanted to take out some fluid to see if my weight changed. She said it would show my insurance that no matter how much fluid is in my band it doesn’t help my weight loss. Well.. she couldn’t even access the port of my lap band since it was flipped! She was trying to access it for about ten minutes then finally we decided it wasn’t happening. Sooo another “good” note for my chart. This will show my insurance that I cant even adjust the band so it really needs to go!

Next week I have my psych evaluation, then the week after that I finally meet my surgeon. Then I have just one more meeting with the nutritionist in 4-6 weeks and hopefully then I can submit everything and fingers crossed get this surgery!

Updated on 5 Jul 2018:
Met with the psychologist today for my evaluation and I must say it was much different from my first go with the lap band. The doctor asked a ton of personal questions about my childhood and relationships which I vaguely answered because I dont think they are relevant. He also made me feel like since i failed the first time I will again. He wants me to do some workshop for 6 weeks and I’ll be pretty pissed if it delays my surgery date. Of course they were all out of packets with the workshop info and can’t even tell me when I can start. Ugh! Im annoyed... will update in a few

Updated on 6 Jul 2018:
Some before pics. These are from 2015-now. Constant up and down with weight but always over 200lbs. I will post some shirtless pics as well

Updated on 6 Jul 2018:
Really depressing to look at these pics! ???? really hoping to not be trapped in this body much longer

Updated on 11 Jul 2018:
So today I met with Dr.Shen of Lowell General. Wicked nice and answered alll my questions. I didn’t feel rushed at all. I was surprised when he told me he wants to do the band removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries. Since I’ve had the band for six years he’s afraid it could cause a lot of scar tissue, which if done in one operation could cause a leak. So i would need to do band removal then wait 2-3 months and do the sleeve. I appreciate his honesty and glad he’s doing the safest option but I felt a little sad. I really thought I’d be sleeved by sept but it’s not looking that way :( he also recommended the gastric bypass since it’s shown more success long term but that surgery terrifies me. I’m more comfortable with the sleeve. I have a couple weeks to think about it before I meet back with anyone but I think I’ll end up doing the two surgeries to be safe. Honestly I just want this damn thing out of me!! Will update soon xox

Updated on 27 Jul 2018:
Just an update for anyone in the same boat that may read this down the line.. slow but steady progress. I met with the nurse and team las week regarding next steps, and my information has been submitted to insurance to first get the lap band OUT then 2/3 months after be sleeved. They are hoping I can get a surgery date for aug 21st (3 weeks)considering everything goes well with insurance approval. Then afterwards my sleeve paperwork will be submitted. Seems ridiculous and unfair since I’ve read many situations where both surgeries are submitted at the same time but I guess this is how my insurance does it. Hoping to hear back about the date soon.. they said it’s day surgery and I go home that same day back to work in a couple days. Will update when I hear.

Updated on 14 Aug 2018:
Hi guys just an update for anyone going through a similar process with BMC insurance. I got approved for lap band removal! They gave me 3 dates to choose from (all in sept) I just have to figure out which works best with work so I’m gunna call her tomorrow and tell her the date I choose. Yay!
Side note I’m pretty ANNOYED by the fact that I called my insurance to see if they received my info and they said they approved it on August 2nd.. Today’s the 14th! I called the surgeons office to tell the lady I’ve been approved and she was all flustered talking about oh I was just about to call you can you do it next week. I was like no I cannot have surgery next week I have a job that requires notice and a 3 year old I need to arrange care for.. like wtf get it together. Just let’s me know for my sleeve approval i need to call my insurance like a week after they submit it to them. Screw waiting around for the surgeon office...
All that said I’m wicked excited to get this fn thing outta me and hoping for a smooth recovery and hoping I can be sleeve 2-3 months afterwards :)

Updated on 26 Sep 2018:
Idk why it wouldn’t let me write an update for my removal here but lapband is OUT thank god. It’s been 8 days and recovery has been good. I meet with my surgeon 10/1 and will have a better understanding of when I can be sleeved and how long this will take to fully heal

Updated on 8 Oct 2018:
It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve had my lapband removed and I am still getting food stuck. I met with the surgeon last week and he said that’s normal because fluid build up where the band was. So my stomach still hasn’t returned back to it’s normal shape. Can you believe that after 6 years of getting food stuck and discomfort, I finally get it removed only to still have food stuck lol wtf!!! He said after a month it should be back to normal. Anyways he said 2 months is when i can be sleeved! I need to lose 11 lbs for my insurance but no more than 15 because of my BMI. I meet with nutritionist 10/22 so I’ll give another update then.

Updated on 23 Nov 2018:
Hey everyone! Another update...
So as of 11/21 all my paperwork was submitted to my insurance. My dietician wanted me to lose 15 pounds (since i gained almost TEN since getting my band out!!) I lost only 11. She was still very happy with that but did say insurance might have an issue with that Only time will tell!

I also met with my surgeon and went over the consent paperwork and we set a date for surgery assuming everything goes well with insurance! December 18th is what we planned. I’m nervous to take time off work and then get declined by insurance... I’m calling my insurance company next week to see if they can give any answers. Will keep you posted!

Updated on 3 Dec 2018:
Your girl has been approved and I have a surgery date of December 18th! Which is in like two weeks!! Feels like this journey has been taking forever so I’m relieved it’s finally around the corner.
My surgeon doesn’t require any liquid diet beforehand which I’m happy about because I’ve done that before and it’s hard af. Just cat have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before.
Tomorrow I have pre admission testing and Friday I have a mandatory gastric sleeve group meeting at the hospital with some other patients that are having this done around the same time as me.
So it looks like I’ll be starting the new year as a new me! I’ll keep everyone posted of my surgery progress xoxox

Updated on 17 Dec 2018:
Ahhhh! Getting sleeved tommrrow morning holy crap I’m so anxious. I did a clear liquid diet today and nothing after midnight. I was originally scheduled for surgery for 11am but they called today to tell me to be there by 6am! Luckily my hubby took the day off from work and we are just going to bring our son to the hospital with us since we won’t have time to drop him off. There’s a cafe and lounge area I’m hoping will keep him busy until I’m out.

Wow this is really happening. I packed my GasX chewables because last time the gas was unbearable. I’m most likely staying two nights which is fine by me I want to make sure I’m in great condition before leaving. Ok I will update as soon as I can and you can also follow me on my weight loss Instagram page @ byebye_band

Updated on 19 Dec 2018:
Yesterday morning actually but today’s the first day I feel semi normal enough to it’s about it the gas was/is unbearable. As soon as woke up I asked if I could walk theyre were ummm no you hav to wait until you’re room. Walking did help. I’m not getting enough fluids in they want 4oz every hour. I’m doing bout 2 I’m sooo loopy I hpe this all makes sense I’ll write more tommrow

Updated on 23 Dec 2018:
Now that the pain medicine fog has cleared I feel I can give a better review lol

I was sleeved at Lowell General Hospital on Tuesday after having my lap band removed three months prior. It was a long process with paperwork and appointments but I’m glad I stuck through it because I was able to have the gastric sleeve AND my insurance covered it. Very thankful for that.

The first day was hazy. I woke up in a lot of pain mostly gas since the pain meds were handling the stomach pain. I got back to my room and asked if i could walk around immediately. I know from my lap band procedure this is what gets allll that gas down so I was determined to try. The nurse was a little shocked I wanted to get up so fast but i was convinced if I walked all the pain would go away. Not so much... lol still major discomfort and pain so I went back to sleep and that was good cus when you sleep you don’t feel much pain. Well I woke up couple hours later feeling nauseous af so I start dry heaving! Let me tell you that [RS bleep] killed. And I couldnt stop. I buzz the nurse she hands me a puke bag thing and I throw up into it a little and it’s blood! Jesus I thoight it was all over I was like that’s it I’m dead and she was like well you did just have your stomach cut open and a piece removed so I’m not worried and she’s looking in the bag inspecting my blood (nurses aren’t human they are angels from above) the way she handles it made me feel much better and it did make sense. So she gave me pain meds and nausea meds and off to sleep I went!

Next day still a lot of discomfort but not as bad as before. I could get up and walk the halls alone and I was sipping my water. That night my mom came by and hung out even got to take a shower which was amazing and they had a nice comfy bench inside the shower that I want for my house! I wasnt getting enough of my fluids in they brought me jello, broth, popsicle, ice chips and water but all of it hurt too much. Room temp water was all I could do so I tried my best.

I stayed another night in the hospital while trying to keep up with my 64oz water intake(yea right) I was getting maybe 30-40 the most. It’s so hard because you can only take a tiny sip and it’s not that it hurts going down it’s just soooo uncomfortable and your belly starts gurgling but I did get enough that I was ok to discharge. Boyfriend picked me up and brought me home around 5pm and I took a shower and got right in bed.

So the past couple days home I’ve been just resting walking around the neighborhood with our son and sipping sipping sipping! I got the ok to start protein shakes yesterday which are tricky cus theyre so thick but I’m getting em down. I started my vitamins today and also stopped the pain meds. I also got a reading pillow from target and it’s been a life saver. I will look up what it’s actually called and post it but it’s those big pillows with the arms on them so u can prop up and watch tv I even use it to sleep on. Every day is getting better I feel better and I’m already down 14 lbs! Thanks for reading this looong review the next ones will be shorter k byeeee

Updated on 13 Jan 2019:
Surgery weight: 240lbs
Current weight: 212lbs

Feeling great can finally sleep comfortably. Went back to work and sitting I feel fine. Usually pack for lunch 3-4oz cottage cheese for breakfast then for lunch either refried beans w cheese or puréed meatball with sauce. I have to make myself eat because I am not hungry until night time. Mostly focusing on getting my damn fluids in which is so hard but my doc is happy with the 28lb lost and in two weeks I can start stage 3 foods which is basically normal solid food. I been walking everyday and I feel the differences everywhere. Excited to see my progress down the line !
I’ll post some before after pics


Updated on 13 Jan 2019:
I’m going to try and remember to post my progress pics here

Updated on 1 Feb 2019:
Down 34 lbs so far feeling good can eat all regular food except for bread have to wait 3 months post op for that. I’m having trouble getting all my water I’m trying!! I also had my first glass of wine last night shhh don’t tell my surgeon and i def felt tipsy off a couple sips i was like hell yea haha. Here are some pics

Updated on 6 Apr 2019:
Just updating my progress here. I am Officially down 50 lbs since vsg on December 18,2018. I now Weigh 190 and and the weight is coming off slower but still coming off so no complaints. I eat regular food I am Allowed bread but it makes me feel wicked full so I usually don’t even bother. In the morning I’ll drink a shake snack (if needed) is a Greek yogurt with fruit in it. Lunch will be turkey slices with a cheese stick with a couple slices of cucumber and dip them in hummus. On the ride home from work I’ll have an orange or some carrot sticks and dinner is something like chicken with broccoli or 1/4 cup ground turkey with some veggies. It’s so much easier to stay on track when I can only eat a tiny amount. I tell Myself, eat the protein and veggies first and if I’m still hungry have the bread or cheese. I’m always too full so i got to bed satisfied and bread free. So far I’m really happy with my decision and working on that summer body baby!!!

Updated on 9 Aug 2019:
Current weight : 168lbs

Just wanted to give a quick update for anyone considering having the sleeve. DO IT. I feel incredible only 18lbs until my goal, I’m in a size 12 pant and medium shirt. I’ve been exercising a couple times a week and I make my lunch every single night for work so I dont Fall into temptations. I do Slip up here and there but I’m still losing. Had a follow up with my surgeon he said I’m right on track and he was very proud of me. I’ve tried pretty much every food with no complications and even have wine here and there (I do Get drunk quickly but i ain’t mad at that) so far so good can’t wait to see where I’m at one year post op!

Updated on 7 Oct 2019:
Hi guys! Wanted to give another update here at 10 months post op. Been at a stall for the past month but I am Losing inches. Today I weighed in at 162 which is the lowest I’ve been since idk middle school?! I’m going to try and up my water and protein intake and see if that helps my stall that usually helps. We went on a hike today and I felt So energized the entire time! Even afterwards i wasn’t even tired i wanted more. Last year you couldn’t have paid me to take a hike never mind enjoy it! I’ve attached some pics. Size medium shirts and size 10/12 jeans. The Lapband NEVER got me this far so grateful for this revision!

Updated on 24 Feb 2020:
Wow can’t believe it’s been 14 months! I hit My goal weight of 150 but I still want to lose a bit more so my new goal is 135/40. I’m in size medium shirts and size 10 jeans. TEN?! like wtf I cant Even believe it some days when I look In the mirror and see my smaller self BUT some days I still Feel like the 220 lb girl. Crazy how your mind plays tricks on you.
I still Feel lots of restriction when I eat I usually Hit my protein for the day (hard boiled eggs are my favorite I make a dozen every Sunday for the week) and I try To keep it low carb. I do have wine a couple times a week a glass or two and I tolerate It well as long as I wait about ten mins after eating.
I do Yoga 3-4 times a week and I love It! Much easier to do certain positions at this size and it helps clear my head. I take my vitamins 90% of the time and usually hit my eater intake goal. There have been days where I Barely Drink Any water and it’s awful! I get Super dizzy and lethargic it’s so bad idk why I let It happen. Anyways if you’re on the fence about this surgery I suggest You do it. Sleep apnea is gone blood work is perfect it really changed my life. Please feel free to ask any questions I’ll do my best :)

Updated on 20 Aug 2020:
Just checking in to say almost two years later still the best decision I ever made! Even during quarantine I’ve somehow been able to stay at 150lbs. My eating habits have slipped up here and there but for the main courses I’m on track (is just the damn wine and cheese I have at night) but how that the country is slowly opening back up my mental state is getting better and I’ve been walking the beach a lot. Still doing my yoga and low impact exercises! Now I have my eyes set on a BBL cus my booty is gone and have lots of extra skin but at the end of the day I look and feel way more amazing than I ever did couple years ago so if that means I need to have a flat a$$ so be it!!! Here’s some pics

Updated on 25 Oct 2020:
Almost two years post op. Can’t believe it! Sitting at 144 pounds been this weight for a month or so. So happy with my decision to have this surgery still no regrets. I do unfortunately have to have my gallbladder removed next week which sucks. I had a gallstone attack which I guess is common after WLS so they’ll be removing that Thursday. But other that that weight loss is steady and I’m till eating good and exercising. I’m on this site hoping to eventually get a Brazilian butt lift lol but wanted to stop by and give an update e some pics.