Band erosion, now what?!?

[taarific 5]

I got my band on August 1, 2008. It was the BEST thing I could've done for myself! I lost over 100 pounds and had ZERO regrets.

In the last year and a half, I've gained up to 40 pounds (lost 10) but have felt no restriction, and my Dr. and I were stumped.

It wasn't until my THIRD upper GI (this week) that revealed my band has eroded and shifted. I'm so terribly disappointed. My Dr. Suggests band removal (of course!) and then switching to the gastric sleeve.

When I asked about rebanding, he said his experience with everyone he's rebanded is the erosion again.

So now, I have a difficult decision to make. I chose the band b/c it is completely reversible. I did amazing with it. My Dr. told me his patients that do well with the band, do well with the sleeve after band erosion and is convinced I will do great as well. I'm apprehensive. Most of what I read ob GS is positive, but it's the irreversible part that bothers me.

Advice?

[lellow 1,713]

I know that generally speaking, once erosion has occurred, it is believed that the prognosis for another band is poor. I personally would not ask for a new band if I've experienced erosion, and I actually think your doctor is being responsible by not wanting to place another band.

So the choice now for you really is: sleeve or try to maintain without further wls. I know what I'd choose, I might maintain without the band, but it was always be a struggle, and the chances that I will slip up and regain is too high for me to take. So I'd get the sleeve, because without being able to get another band, that's probably the only other choice I'd be comfortable with (as opposed to bypass). But that's me. If you're truly worried about committing to a sleeve, you do have to option of not making your mind up now. It's likely you will have a period of recovery after your removal and in that time perhaps you can see how you go with managing without your band before you make the decision on moving onto a sleeve.

[SashaWLS 412]

For what it's worth, my best friend has the sleeve and it seems to be almost the same as the band, for all intents and purposes...

[Toddy 758]

When I faced the possibility of losing my band last year, I was really hoping I would be able to revise to sleeve. I don't want to ever have to try to keep my weight off with a helper of some kind!

[line-dancer 810]

well, after finally being in control of my eating and weight I couldnt go without some help I would care of course being reversiable was not a consideration for me in the first place. I never want to go back to where I was under any curcomstances and you have already gain weight so you know you need some help and this is your only choice right now..good luck to you.

[Cocoabean 430]

Sorry to hear about the errosion.

As you have discovered though, the band isn't truly reversible. It is removeable, yes, reversible? maybe.

The errosion has caused permanent damage, and the band causes scarring around the stomach. Upon removal the stomach does not go back to its virginal state.

Like Lellow, if I had to lose my band, I know I would need another procedure to maintain my loss. I don't believe for a moment that I have permanently changed my eating habits. Without the aid of surgical intervention, my weight would go right back up.

I'd listen to my surgeon, whom I trust, and figure out my next step.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Trust your surgeon. You will have to decide for yourself if you want to keep your weight at a healthy level or risk going back to pre-surgery. Best wishes for you whatever you decide.