[Guest_Maxim_*]

Long term? There is an increased risk of complications. Slips, leaks, erosion.
Once you start having issues with it, faffing around with fills and unfills, it's on the way out.

The beauty of the sleeve is it's a set and leave procedure. I never have to worry about getting gatro or food poisoning, vomitting no longer fills me with dread in case it causes my band to move and my stomach to swell.

My band was fab for the first 18 months. Then the troubles started. Some days I couldn't swallow my own saliva. I developed reflux and started dysfunctional eating.

My surgeon spends most of his time removing lap bands now. Just not worth it.


Out of all the girls I know who were banded the same time as me? So, that's 5 of us, only one still has her band.

good to know

[joshuasmum]

I am being sleeved on 20 Sept - can't wait! I did a lot of research and spoke to people who have had it done and as a previous posted said their only regret was not having it done sooner.
The big thing that I had to get my head around was that I wouldn't be able to go out to dinner and have an entree, main course, etc but then I thought that that is what got me to where I am not - morbidly obese. I am comfortable with my decision now. I have done absolutely everything to loose weight and failed to keep it off. If I don't do something about it now then in 5-10 years I will be at serious risks of developing life threatening conditions. I saw something that someone wrote and decided it is so true - I don't want a knife and fork to dig my grave......

[Guest_Cathode_*]

Long term? There is an increased risk of complications. Slips, leaks, erosion.
Once you start having issues with it, faffing around with fills and unfills, it's on the way out.

The beauty of the sleeve is it's a set and leave procedure. I never have to worry about getting gatro or food poisoning, vomitting no longer fills me with dread in case it causes my band to move and my stomach to swell.

My band was fab for the first 18 months. Then the troubles started. Some days I couldn't swallow my own saliva. I developed reflux and started dysfunctional eating.

My surgeon spends most of his time removing lap bands now. Just not worth it.


Out of all the girls I know who were banded the same time as me? So, that's 5 of us, only one still has her band.

If you don't mind me asking ... how long have you been sleeved for? does it have the same potential for maladaptive eating patterns? (what I am going through atm with band).
Also, did your surgeon remove band and sleeve in the one operation? or were you made to remove, wait 3 months and then sleeve in a separate operation?

[PurpleWitch]

Yvonne, I go out to dinner a lot.

I just order whatever I want and eat what I can. I feel as full as I did pre sleeve just at a fraction of the amount. It's brilliant.

how long have you been sleeved for?

Almost 9 months now.

does it have the same potential for maladaptive eating patterns? (what I am going through atm with band).

Nope. Because of the restriction of the band, that causes maladaptive eating. Yet with the sleeve, you actually can eat everything, just in smaller amounts.



Also, did your surgeon remove band and sleeve in the one operation? or were you made to remove, wait 3 months and then sleeve in a separate operation?

I had my band removed in early July and I was sleeved 5 months later. He wanted to wait until I'd healed so as to have the best chance at having a sleeve. Sometimes the scaring is too bad and a sleeve is not possible. Mine was his worst case, I was so lucky that he sleeved me.

My diet is by far the best it's ever been with the sleeve. I follow my dieticians guidelines to the letter. And I'm 42 kilos down. I'm fit and strong. I really would recommend the sleeve to anyone.

[LK1]

Can I ask about cost? If you have PHI, what's the average out of pocket costs?

[joshuasmum]

the cost does depend where you live and what surgeon you see. My surgeon is charging $4800 of which I should get back about $800.00 from PHI, then there is your aneastists (sp?) fees which are all different.

[LK1]

Thanks.
Another question, has anyone been turned away because their BMI is not high enough. Mine puts me in obese, but isn't quite 35.

[kissy10]

Thanks for the responses. Off to an info session Monday week.

I have a sh8tload to loose, better get off my but & do something about it!

[Ruby Gloom]

Thanks.
Another question, has anyone been turned away because their BMI is not high enough. Mine puts me in obese, but isn't quite 35.

I have heard of people being turned away but I'm not sure for what reasons exactly. BMI is one of them, I *think*. The surgeon I'm seing has a BMI calculator on his website and it gives you a rough guidline of what procedures he'd do based on your BMI. It's only a guide, though, because there's a lot more to a person's situation than just their BMI.

As for cost, every surgeon is different. Mine is charging $4950 out of pocket. I have PHI. You can also apply to access your super early with the help of your GP and surgeon. I'm having to do that because we can't afford it otherwise.

[LK1]

I am going to look into it.
Even though my BMI isn't right in their range they state, my joints like my knees and hips are suffering.