I had the sleeve one year ago today. I didn’t want the lap band because I didn’t want any foreign objects in my body, and as we all know, any man made thing can break or fail. I also knew a few people that had the lap band and they had complications with it.
Pre-surgery, I had to see the nutritionist 3 times, have a psych eval and see the cardiologist and pulmonologist. I also had to have blood work done. All was paid for by insurance. The medical group I used did all the contacting of my insurance company for me. I did not deal with the insurance company personally at all.
I was in the hospital for only one night, due to not using pain killers (my choice not to, because the pain was not that bad). The hard part was learning how much I could eat without getting sick.
If I knew then what I know now, and if I had to do it over, I would.
In the past year I lost about 110 lbs. I get fuller faster, way faster. I can still eat ice cream, or whatever, but I don’t crave that stuff like I used to. My protein levels are good, and I try to eat protein before anything else. I eat Greek yogurt for breakfast, with walnuts. I may also eat oatmeal, with added walnuts (for protein). Lunch and dinner are whatever, but protein first. I can and do eat things like bread. I don’t drink soda like I used to. I may have a few sips on a special occasion, but not usually. Alcohol I am not into much anyway, and I never smoked.
I highly recommend WLS for someone with a lot to lose.