I had my band removed in Aug 2015 and the doctor had to remove a lot of scar tissue. I had the band in for 8 years. Had to have it removed because it had slipped and was causing me to have extreme gerd and vomiting in my sleep. I am scheduled to have the Gastric Sleeve, Jan 21 and started my Pre-Op diet today.
A good surgeon will do the band to sleeve in 2 surgeries to prevent complications. The stomach has been compromised from the Band causing excessive scar tissue. A compromised stomach needs to heal in order to prevent the staples not holding once the sleeve is done. My surgeon told me I won't be as restricted with the sleeve as a patient who hasn't been banded. I also spoke to an employee in the office who went from Band to Sleeve and she said it's true, we aren't as restricted and it's harder to loose the weight for us than the non compromised patients.
Unfortunately, I've gained almost all of my weight back after my band removal. I lost 100 pounds and kept it off for 7 years. I have gained about 80 of it back from August until now. This raised my BMI high enough, so my insurance will cover the surgery.