Band for 2 years, now want sleeve - Canberra

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Hi all

I had a band inserted 2 years ago by Charlie Mosse in Canberra. Over the last 2 years I have never managed to get my fill level right. I've had many review appointments with the surgeon and the Dr who does the fills, but each time I was told to perservere because we'll get it right eventually.

I have lost just over 20 kgs in the last two years, but I still have a long way to go. My starting BMI was around 46 and my current BMI is 38.

I'm at a point where i have 10.2ml in my band and I can eat almost anything. If i have anymore fill I start getting reflux and am restricted mostly to fluids or mushy foods to avoid bringing everything back up. It is SOOO frustrating!

I'm at the end of my tether and have made an appt to see the surgeon on 18 Feb to ask for a sleeve.

I've been researching "from band to sleeve" for almost a year now, and I think it's the right thing to do. This website has been such a valuable source of information and inspiration for me.

Has anyone gone from a band to a sleeve in Canberra?

Given the previous comments from the Drs to keep perservering, I hope that they will actually consider doing a sleeve for me.

Would appreciate any advice or support you can offer.

Thanks
Kirsty

I had the band in Dec 09 and had it removed Oct 10. I then had a sleeve performed Jan 2010. I've hit a 10kg plateau already - same as I did with the band.

I don't think the band or sleeve are great solutions to obesity - the individual's metabolism is the thing that governs weight loss, not calories alone. Some of us after weight loss surgery eat around 700 calories a day and still cannot lose weight.

It's disappointing for a good percentage of us as we feel like 'failures' when in fact it's our own bodies that sabotage us. Until a new 'metabolism boosting' pill is discovered, many of us will remain overweight despite surgeries.

Having said that however, I would be a lot fatter now if I hadn't had surgery - so I'm still glad I had it done!

Aquarius

Thanks guys. It's so nice to know that bands haven't worked for other people too! I was starting to think that it was just me, and that I must be doing something wrong, but it seems that a lot of people have struggled with the band...

I'm feeling really certain about my decision to get a sleeve, and I just hope that my Dr agrees to do it. I'm now at the point where I can't wait to get the damn thing out!

Bands are evil.

The best thing I ever did was to get that blasted thing out and get the sleeve. Truly brilliant. I love my sleeve.

Hi Kirsty,

I perserved with the band for a horrible 6 years and never "got it right", in fact it could change day to day, what would go down one day the next could be hell. Have the sleeve for nearly 11 months and love it, best decision ever. I just told the drs I had researched the sleeve and knew it was what I wanted, I think it is best to be firm about your decision, why waste your life living in hell for longer than necessary? Please don't feel your the only one it doesn't work for because your not!!! Pretty strong words from me but having the sleeve and a life back makes you strong. My loss has been slower than others but if I'm truthful my addiction to food changed to alcholol..which I am now working on, so beware of all factors of addiction. Good luck with your future decisions.

Hi all

I had a band inserted 2 years ago by Charlie Mosse in Canberra. Over the last 2 years I have never managed to get my fill level right. I've had many review appointments with the surgeon and the Dr who does the fills, but each time I was told to perservere because we'll get it right eventually.

I have lost just over 20 kgs in the last two years, but I still have a long way to go. My starting BMI was around 46 and my current BMI is 38.

I'm at a point where i have 10.2ml in my band and I can eat almost anything. If i have anymore fill I start getting reflux and am restricted mostly to fluids or mushy foods to avoid bringing everything back up. It is SOOO frustrating!

I'm at the end of my tether and have made an appt to see the surgeon on 18 Feb to ask for a sleeve.

I've been researching "from band to sleeve" for almost a year now, and I think it's the right thing to do. This website has been such a valuable source of information and inspiration for me.

Has anyone gone from a band to a sleeve in Canberra?

Given the previous comments from the Drs to keep perservering, I hope that they will actually consider doing a sleeve for me.

Would appreciate any advice or support you can offer.

Thanks
Kirsty