Hi, I'm Lori ,
I had the band taken out sept 16, 2015 because of dilated esophagus . The surgeon wouldn't do the sleeve because I was 128. Without the band i Gained 10 pounds now he will do the sleeve . I'm at 140. I hope im approved by insurance because im always hungry. I exercise but not enough to lose weight and I'm so tired of worrying that I'm going to be 200 pounds again. I want the sleeve so I can have my freedom again. I feel like a hostage to food. To the person thinking about removing the band all I can say is I'd put another band in if the sleeve wasn't an option. I used the band to cut off almost all my food supply when I ate less I exercised more ,food just slowed me down. However, that's not the proper way to use the band and my abuse really hurt my esophagus. I'm all better now and I'm ready for my sleeve. If you can gleam anything from this rambling its find a surgeon who will do the removal and the sleeve in one surgery not two separate surgeries.
When I took the band out my doctor must have been bored he tried to fix a scar I have on my stomach. I was swollen and black and blue near my gallbladder my two week follow up I asked him if he took my gallbladder out he said " no I tried to fix your scar" . So before surgery for the sleeve in going to tell him no fancy stuff just the sleeve please. My scar has been there since 1973 it ain't going no were . Lol good luck and never stop trying to be your best inside and out .