Every insurance is different with preop requirements. I had about 6 months. I would assume you would have less. I had nutritionist visits, psych eval, and I had to lose 15lbs before they would schedule surgery. I had vsg on 1/21/2014. I lost 14or so pounds the first week and a half. Now my body has been in a stall since. But I am down 24 from when I started my preop diet two weeks before surgery. I have had no issues. NONE. Well only slight constipation but that is apparently pretty standard. Food progression has been slow, just started soft foods. If you have any specific questions, you can message me if you would like. YouTube has been a great resource for me.

I researched this type of surgery for over 5 years until I made the decision last October to have the 'sleeve'. The rationale behind my picking the sleeve was I thought it was less invasive than the band and I didn't like the idea of something foreign in my body that would require several Dr. appointments for adjustments and I had heard so many bad things about it.

Two days prior to my surgery I asked myself what I was doing. The answer was because it is less invasive, no large incision, very short recovery period with very little pain (true), a specific timeline of follow-up with my surgeon, Dr., nutritionist at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, then 3,6,9,12 months . . .I can also contact any member of my team at any time with questions, problems or attend a support group or I can open a discussion on this site with others who have gone through it.

Not everyone's experience is the same, but a lot of my questions and concerns have been answered to my satisfaction and my fears relieved. All of this support has been a tremendous help to me and I have found that I have been able to reciprocate. I hope this helps you. I know you will be fine and feel better for going through this. If you follow all the instructions, YOU WILL SUCCEED.

hayz148,

You and I are dealing with the same issues. I am also banded and looking at getting it removed due to the issues from the band. So I am glad to have found this discussion for it has given me some more insight of the different comments from others.

Have you decided on the procedure you are going to have. If so which one and why?

I was sleeved on 2/25/2013. It was the BEST decision of my life! I've lose 116 lbs NO complications, and I am at goal weight. I have good restriction, NO deficiency that why I picked the Sleeve. I had 2 friends who have had bypass and Lap band and they regret getting it done. I am able to eat good, steak you get filled very quickly. Milk is fine, I eat yogurt which is good. For my pre-op I just had to do liquids the day before my surgery. Post op I was fine! I went back to work after 3 weeks off. I was very weak week 2 but that's because I wasn't getting in enough protein. If I had to do it again I would!

I had my Surgery on 2/18/2014! Yep ONE week tomorrow! I am back at work today with no problems what so ever! I am a very private person when it comes to this I dont want alot of people knowing at work what I did... and now that I am back I am walking fine standing talking fine... no one has a clue I just had surgery 6 days ago!

So far, I am super excited and cant wait for the new me!

hayz148, I wish you the best but I have given up on this lapband altogether. It is making me so upset very day as long I still have it in me. When are you seeing the doctor, I go this Thursday morning to see what my doctor is going to for me. I am hoping to get this out and get the sleeve. My poor husband is taken a lot from me with my emotions. . Keep me updated about your band and what you are going to do. Love to hear. I will keep you posted as well.

hayz148,

I went to the doctor and he agree that this band is not working for me any more. He said that with all the follow ups and things I am trying to do to get the band to work and lose this weight the insurance company I have will be no problem. Just got to show proof that the band is not working for my anymore. I have to get x-rays also and wait for that appointment. Hope to have that done soon.

I looking forward to get all the check list done so we can submit to insurance for approval. keep me updated as I will you too.

harm0706, Please don't be nervous for you will be fine. just remember why we are doing this and we can do this. At least that is what I am trying to do. going through the process until the approval.

I have had several friends with the band. Some have had decent results, but many have had problems, (prolapse, allergy, etc. that have required a revision to sleeve or R&Y) My banded friends have issues eating many foods... bread, fruit skins, meat, (even ground meat). I've had my sleeve for 7 months now. It went in "easy". I was only hospitalized overnight, never needed pain meds and went back to work the next week. Many people take a bit longer to recover, but this was my experience. I've lost almost 80 pounds. I wear a size 4-6 today. All my pre-op medical issues are gone! I can eat what I like now, in small quantities; bread, fruit with the skin, salad, steak, it's all good, though I focus on high protein foods. I know it seems more invasive to have part of your stomach removed, but looking at the issues others have had with the band and the lack of problems I've had, I wouldn't trade my experience for the world! Good luck with your procedure.