Monday, July 16

Update on my naughty band

I finally, FINALLY had my appointment with Stephanie and Jacquie's surgeon today. First, he is AWESOME. I could cry - he listened, understood, and helped. Which is more than I can say for my last surgeon.

He reassured me I would lose this weight I had gained, that I had not failed the band rather the band had failed me, and that he still considers me a success, even with the weight gain and bummer band. I can't even tell you how much I've been beating myself up over this weight gain. I HATE it. I was SO in control, and now? Well, let's just say I haven't been full in six months, I constantly think/dream about food, and I have about four pairs of pants that fit.


We talked about the options:
  • Fix/replace the band. As he said, and I would agree, I have been successful with the band. However, in light of my recent issues, the overall band complication rate, and my age (young-ish) combined with my original BMI (very high), I probably need something that is more permanent than the band. In addition, fixing/replacing the band is nearly as expensive as revising.
  • Bypass. Great long-term success rates. Still the gold standard in WLS.
  • Sleeve. He likes the sleeve because it has the same long-term success rates as bypass with less reliance on vitamins and supplements since it is not malabsorptive. 

Here's the plan of action:

  • Upper GI today to determine if I have another slip. I will know the results tomorrow.
  • If no slip (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE), then I will have the band removed and revise to sleeve in one surgery on August 31. This would be ideal, since I am self-pay and am not loaded.
  • If I do have another slip, then the band has to come out first (mid-August). It would be another SIX FREAKING MONTHS until I can revise, so my stomach can heal. Ugh. For both my waist line and my wallet, this would be a bad option. Therefore, I CANNOT have another slip. It is just not an option.
  • The surgeon who did the Upper GI said he did not see ANY restriction nor a slip, although the band is a little lower than he would expect. He was going to discuss with my surgeon, who is supposed to call me tomorrow. I am very hopeful that it is just a leaky band based on his findings and the band's behavior. Fingers, toes, everything is crossed!
The thing that has really sold me on the sleeve vs. bypass (since Amy W. asked) is that there are still revision options with the sleeve. You can still revise to bypass, which I obviously hope to not need, but I hoped that with the band as well. With bypass, you are pretty much at the end of the road, except for duodenal switch, which is a very involved, invasive surgery. I asked him, "If a perfect solution for obesity is discovered in 10 years, would you rather walk into it with a sleeve or bypass?" He answered sleeve, since your anatomy is less changed. And that was all I needed to know.

Please, if you are the crossing fingers, good thoughts, and/or praying type, can you do a little extra for me tonight? I really, really, really need to not have a slip! Thanks!

12 comments:

  1. Wow... Did I miss a few posts or what? I didn't know you were going through any of this... Why didn't you text me? We are support buddies, remember? Whatever you decide... I am sure it will be well researched, and I know you will be successful... just like you were with the band. I am revising to the bypass, and I get my surgery dates next week... but I will see you in October when we come down for George's work... XOXO *M*

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  2. I think I missed a few, too. Sounds like you and the new doc have a good plan. Fingers crossed for you!

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  3. I just had my revision from the band to sleeve June 11th (self pay as well). You are making the BEST decision and WILL NOT regret it!!!

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  4. I hope it isn't a slip so you can get the revision you want!

    I went through a similar dilemma and ultimately decided to keep my band. Mostly because I can't afford a revision and insurance actually paid to re-position my band while fixing a hiatal hernia. Hopefully that is the end of my surgeries.

    If I could afford a revision... I would do it in a heartbeat.

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  5. You are in my prayers, and I hope that you can just have it out and move on!

    Hugs so sorry you are going through this, from someone who has been there and regained and lost her band, I know the anguish you are feeling well!

    Stay positive you can do this!

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  6. I am so sad for all of us that seem to be in this very similar situation. I hope that you don't have a slip so you can do this all in one go. We will all get through this. I love that your doctor was so understanding. I can't wait to meet my new doc. Good luck and do keep blogging. I've missed seeing your posts!

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  7. I am so sad for all of us that seem to be in this very similar situation. I hope that you don't have a slip so you can do this all in one go. We will all get through this. I love that your doctor was so understanding. I can't wait to meet my new doc. Good luck and do keep blogging. I've missed seeing your posts!

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  8. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

    XO

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  9. Thank you for answering my question! I know it comes down to finding the right tool for the individual...my heart just starts to race when I read about bandsters switching over to sleeve...but it sounds like you have made an informed decision. I am also really happy that your surgeon is listening to you and you can talk and get support!

    miss you!

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