Gastric Sleeve Surgery After Lapband?

[tropicalgal 14]

Hi! I had LapBand sugery in 2010 at the age of 51. I had prior health issues such as SIJ arthritis, & back surgery (2008). Before my LapBand surgery, I took myself off my presciption anti-inflammatory as directed. I lost around 30 lbs. in 4 months while going to the gym & walking on the treadmill at least 4 x per week. When my anti-inflammatory med finally left my system, my knees started KILLING me! I went to a Osteo surgeon who tried shots; found a torn miniscus and worn joints, but who didn't want to do sugery. Well, of course my weight loss journey not only stalled, I gained most of the weight back. I could barely go up & down my stairs at home, it was so bad. I got back on my presciption anti-inflammatory and am doing much better. I contacted my Bariatric surgeon and had a consult wih him yesterday. Heres the deal, I want the LapBand out so I can take stronger meds than acetametaphine for my pain. He and I are now talking LapSleeve. Has anyone else out there gone from a LapBand to a Sleeve? If so, are you happy you did? My doc did a flueroscopy and it looks like I have a hernia ; he said my band looks "flat". I'm praying my insurance will cover this re-do. I was self-pay for the band but no way I can pay for a removal & sleeve. Thanks to anyone who can respond to my question of LapBand to Sleeve.

[adavis 2]

I had lapband in 2003 lost about 80lbs but after tons of reflux and constant trouble eating everything. I had the band loosened and gained all the weight back. Fast forward, two years infertility, pregnancy, gestational diabetes (that didnt go away) a broken band and removal etc.. I had my band removed in 2010. I decided to have the sleeve done in 2011, after tons of trouble controlling my blood sugar.

It was THE BEST thing i have ever done. There in no comparison between the sleeve and the band. The band was misery, everything got stuck. I wasnt able to eat anything - ever. So i had to come up with ways to cheat. (sipping after every bite to make sure it was going down) The sleeve is amazing. I can eat anything, just smaller portions. Wish i would have been brave and had it done when my band broke in 2010 but i was so freaked by it then, i didnt want anything. :-/

If you have any other questions just ask!

[tropicalgal 14]

Thanks so much for your encouragement! I'm somewhat concerned about long-term effects, but it sounds as tho there really aren't any. You seem to be doing an AMAZING job losing weight! Good for you!!

[MeMeMEEE 206]

Scroll down a little further in the forums and there is a lapband revision forum - everyone there is former lapband!