Lap Band conversion to Gastric Sleeve

[vonnegutk 9]

Hi all-My name is Tad. In July, 2007, I had my lap band surgery. I have lost over 160 pounds! However, I have had some complications and will be having conversion surgery to a gastric sleeve January 23, 2012. Has any one in the forum had this conversion procedure? Tad

[Annie B 89]

Hi Tad - if you don't get any responses before it falls off the recent topics list on the right, post again because I know there are several people who have had the conversion from band to sleeve.

[FXDF2008 14]

Hi Tad!

I haven't had it yet. I'm in the process of having it done and am hoping to have my sleeve surgery in January.

I received my band in February 2008, it was diagnosed as eroded November of 2011 and it was removed in March 2012. I had to wait six months before having numerous tests to determine if I would be able to have the sleeve. I am happy to say that I passed all those tests. I then had to go through the ordeal of getting approval from my insurance company which I received on the 20th of this month.

So it looks like we will be going though this together!

What kind of issues were you having with your band? (Congrats on the fantastic weight loss!!!!!!!!) Are you going to be able to convert in one surgery? I couldn't because of the erosion. Of course during the almost year wait I have put back on almost all the weight I lost with the band (95 lbs).

You may also want to post in the band to sleeve forum

[susanfaye 162]

There is a specific forum here for band to sleeve revisions. This may help you out with many of your questions! Good luck to you!

[neekoal 37]

I just did my conversion on the 13th of Dec. I feel great! Happy to chat with you more about it if you like.

[jessy1523 27]

I'm doing it too nov 2012 removed and feb 2013 getting sleeved and thrilled - all I have to say it happens keep ur head up and go forward

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I am a year out from my revision. Do check out the revision board here - there is a lot of great info there.

[vonnegutk 9]

Hi Tad - if you don't get any responses before it falls off the recent topics list on the right, post again because I know there are several people who have had the conversion from band to sleeve.

Hi Tad - if you don't get any responses before it falls off the recent topics list on the right, post again because I know there are several people who have had the conversion from band to sleeve.

Thank you!

[vonnegutk 9]

I'm doing it too nov 2012 removed and feb 2013 getting sleeved and thrilled - all I have to say it happens keep ur head up and go forward

Excellent - I have heard some wonderful things about the sleeve. I am looking forward to my surgery. Thanks.

[vonnegutk 9]

I am a year out from my revision. Do check out the revision board here - there is a lot of great info there.

Hi - after seeing your post, I did check out the revision board. Thanks!

[vonnegutk 9]

I am a year out from my revision. Do check out the revision board here - there is a lot of great info there.

Thanks - I will check out the revision board!

[vonnegutk 9]

I just did my conversion on the 13th of Dec. I feel great! Happy to chat with you more about it if you like.

Great news for you! So, what was the surgical procedure like? Any complications? How about diet after surgery? Does the sleeve feel different from the band? How about hunger and weight loss? Scarring? Thanks for your communication! Tad

[vonnegutk 9]

Hi Tad!

I haven't had it yet. I'm in the process of having it done and am hoping to have my sleeve surgery in January.

I received my band in February 2008, it was diagnosed as eroded November of 2011 and it was removed in March 2012. I had to wait six months before having numerous tests to determine if I would be able to have the sleeve. I am happy to say that I passed all those tests. I then had to go through the ordeal of getting approval from my insurance company which I received on the 20th of this month.

So it looks like we will be going though this together!

What kind of issues were you having with your band? (Congrats on the fantastic weight loss!!!!!!!!) Are you going to be able to convert in one surgery? I couldn't because of the erosion. Of course during the almost year wait I have put back on almost all the weight I lost with the band (95 lbs).

You may also want to post in the band to sleeve forum

Congratulations on your approval for conversion. I look forward to sharing our experiences. My band was placed in 2007 and I was very successful losing 160 pounds. Back in July, 2012, I encountered several issues. 1. On some days I couldn't eat and others I could eat a lot (evidence of band slippage); 2. vomiting after meals; 3. pain where the band was located. Doctor removed Fluid from band to provide some relief. An endoscopy revealed that I had an esophageal ulcer, lesions in my esophagus, and a hiatal hernia. A second endoscopy indicated that the ulcer had healed and no erosion or other issues with the band existed. Doctor then recommended revision surgery. I have maintained weight and have gained about 20 pounds since July (not too bad).

[neekoal 37]

Great news for you! So, what was the surgical procedure like? Any complications? How about diet after surgery? Does the sleeve feel different from the band? How about hunger and weight loss? Scarring? Thanks for your communication! Tad

Procedure was comparable to getting the band, but it took a bit longer as they had to undo the other docs work. I have had no complications and have been staying on track on my diet. Diet for my doc was week1 Clear liquids, week 2 full liquid, week 3 purée/mushy food, week 4 soft regular food. The sleeve is totally different, I'm not in constant pain, I don't throw up or slime when I eat and I don't get all the gurgling noises that used to come bubbling up (which was great at business meetings). I did not have any hungry until week 2, and it is minimal , I found that sometimes it could be cured with Water or iced tea rather than food. I am down 25 pounds since the 13th....could be a bit more as Ive been traveling this week and haven't been able to weigh. Lastly, my scars are the same, new doc just used lapband docs incision sites. They are healing nice, I adore my doctor!

[azrrel herrejon 10]

Hello I had mine on 12/26/12 and at the time I was 158 n now I'm 149 . But there years ago when I decided to get my band I was weighing 224 so not bad I guess lol . It's a different experience being sleeved and dieting n Vitamin intake is also different . Good luck n u can ask me question maybe I can help .