Lap Band to Sleeve conversion
I got the lap-band in 2008 at Cedars Sinai in Los...
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 :-)
Diane Roma's provider
Replies (11)
Having the conversion surgery on Monday, April...
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.
Replies (8)
Hi Diane,
Just popping on to see how you are and how things are progressing. Would love an update, if you get the chance! Hope you're doing well!
Hi Diane,
Good luck for Monday, I hope everything goes well for you and you get the results you're looking for!
I know you're dissappointed at the moment, but have faith! The Sleeve surgery is a lot more invasive and is permenant, however, it has a higher success rate than the Lap Band, partly because of it's permenancy. I'll be keeping everything crossed for you!
Do keep us updated on your progress.
Just got DCD from the hospital today. Surgery was...
Surgery date 4/22/13 227lbs.
4/24/13 231lbs.
Feeling slightly weak but recouperating fairly well.
Hi Diane,
Welcome and thanks so much for sharing your journey with us.
I'm so sorry you've had such a bad experience. Did your original Lap Band doctor not do any tests when you advised that you weren't feeling any restriction?
You've done well to lose some weight, even without the restriction of the lap band. The sleeve would hopefully aid in this more. The sleeve is a completely different procedure, being that it permenantly restricts your food intake by removing all but 25% of your stomach. The sleeve is a procedure that is usually carried out on people who are deemed too obese for a gastric bypass to be safe.
Has your doctor talked to you about the sleeve and given an indication as to whether they think it's the right procedure for you?
Sounds like you've done a lot of research, which is excellent! It must be very difficult with your back problems, to get the exercise needed to lose weight, even with controlled eating. I can definitely see why you would want this surgery.
Let us know how the meeting goes this afternoon. I'll be following your journey!