Revision Surgery Wait Time Between Band To Sleeve

[Midijola 19]

I just hand my band removed after 6 years in. My doctor originally told me he could do the revision sleeve surgery in two months. Post op from the band removal he said there was too much scarring and now have to wait at least 6 months. Even then he said it may not be doable. Most, from what I have read have had the revision surgery done at the same time. Anyone told they had to wait, if so how long?

I almost felt like he was talking me out of the revision due to the potential risk of leakage. I am unsure of taking the risk but am certain I want a sleeve. Any thoughts?

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

I had to wait 18 months before any surgeon would even think about doing my sleeve after band removal. The band does a lot of damage and it's difficult to heal.

[sanks51 214]

I had to wait 13 months between my two surgeries. I was devastated when I was told what the waiting list was. It all worked out well in the end.

[madamsoul 34]

My surgeon said many doctors do band removal and sleeve in same procedure but she will not. She likes to wait 6-8 weeks after band removal. Band was removed on 11/26 and sleeve is scheduled for 1/15. She did say the band and port took longer than expected to remove. I am so glad it is gone and looking forward to the next chapter - relieved not to have constant pressure in my chest and vomiting often. Good luck!

[girliegirl 49]

whats the point in waiting to do the sleeve? does the scar tissue repair itself by waiting? i mean won't there always be scar tissue there? i want a sleeve too and i have my band removed about 4 yrs ago , but I'm still nervous about scar tissue. I'm guessing i waited enough time in between huh?

[Idlewood4 93]

I got my band in October 2007, and had 2 port replacements and a slip before it was removed in April 2013. My doctor wouldn't do the sleeve right away because of inflammation from the slip. In July he said it was okay to start the program, but my insurance made me do a 90 day program as well as some additional requirements because it was a second bariatric surgery. I finished the 90 days in mid November, then started the insurance approval process. Now I scheduled to get the sleeve on Dec 9. So it was April to December from band removal to sleeve.

[girliegirl 49]

how do you get past the fear? I'm so nervous to have it done because I suffered with a slip 2x and I'm so afraid something bad will happened with the sleeve.

[livelyterry 55]

From what I understand, it's not just the scar tissue they are dealing with, but also giving the stomach time to return to it regular shape. The band kind of distorts it.

My doc said it was a 50/50 chance we could do the revision in 1 procedure. Once he got in there, there was a lot of damage, he had to literally dig the band out. So he was not able to take it out in 1 surgery.

He recommends waiting 4 to 6 months between the surgeries. I am scheduled for Jan 13th.

As far as your fear about having it done, can't help you there. I am SO excited to have this done after having that stupid band for 10 years. Good luck with your decision.

[Midijola 19]

Thanks for all your input. After seeing how so many on these boards get their sleeve and band removed in one procedure, and hearing your stories of still having the sleeve after being told to wait. I want to go ahead and have the sleeve done.

I guess the concern for me is the Dr saying that if I had a leak (higher risk due to scarring making stomach tissue weaker because of the band) he said I could be in hospital for months in ICU, possibly death. Its pretty scary thoughts when I have my family to think about. But weighing up the risks, which of course are very low. It's better to take the risk and be around much longer to watch my children grow up and take a more active role in their lives. Thanks everyone.

I hope to book in for April, allowing for the 6 month wait as he suggested.

[girliegirl 49]

OMG thats scary. that would make me not even want it. did he say thats the risk if you do the procedure at once? what if you wait? how much safer does he say it is?

[livelyterry 55]

Perhaps you should get a second opinion. Maybe your physician is not comfortable with revisions, or has not done many of them. You want to go to someone who has experience with revisions, as they are more complicated and have a slightly greater risk than a regular sleeve.

My stomach was pretty torn up from the band. When I asked my surgeon if there was any possibility that during the second surgery, he would get in there and then not be able to do it, he said absolutely not.

I've heard people say that it is "the standard of care" to do them in 1 surgery, etc., and that there is no reason why a physician should not be able to do it in one surgery. However it would seem to me that a physician would not really know until they got in on the first surgery how bad (or good) things were, and then make that call. We are not "cookie cutter" surgeries. Everyone is different. I really respect my doc for making the decision to do it in 2 surgeries.

[Midijola 19]

I live in Australia, and I made some enquiries prior to my band removed with other surgeons if they did the procedure at the same time. From the other two I contacted they both said it is standard practise to do it in two separate surgeries to allow healing of the band scar and to at least wait two months (In Australia that is). Prior to my band removal he told me that it was possible that I wouldn't be able to have the sleeve due to what I have already mentioned. He also noted the risks involved before my surgery (possible leaks with long hospital stays, even death)

The stats here are that only 1% of patients get a leak from a sleeve procedure. I have seen in other countries the stats are as high as 4-5%. My surgeon has never had a leak and he believes it is because he will not operate if he feels the risk is too high. So I am trusting in his judgement - he said he hardly puts bands in anymore, either removes them and or puts in sleeves. He said he has 'opened' people up and 'closed' up without doing anything due to scarring, inflammation etc.

LivelyTerry, have you had your sleeve done? How long did you wait between surgeries?

Edited December 5, 2013 by Midijola

[Idlewood4 93]

This is such a useful thread. Thank you all for sharing! Midijola, that would scare me too. We all know the risks, but decide it's worth taking for better health. I do agree checking to see your surgeon's experience with revisions is a great idea. I'm petrified that mine won't be able to do the sleeve when he opens me up, but also realize that if he makes that decision it's for my own safety. I've been since April without my band.

[Midijola 19]

Good luck Idlewood with your surgery in a few days!! The more I read here the more I know a sleeve is for me. I have read in other threads how some surgeries took longer than expected due to band 'dramas' being removed, when done at the same time. The fact after surgery he believes I am still a candidate just with a bit more wait time for safety measures, is good enough for me.

I think still I may call around and find out about which surgeons have done more revision surgeries. Thanks all for your input!

[livelyterry 55]

I live in Australia, and I made some enquiries prior to my band removed with other surgeons if they did the procedure at the same time. From the other two I contacted they both said it is standard practise to do it in two separate surgeries to allow healing of the band scar and to at least wait two months (In Australia that is). Prior to my band removal he told me that it was possible that I wouldn't be able to have the sleeve due to what I have already mentioned. He also noted the risks involved before my surgery (possible leaks with long hospital stays, even death)

The stats here are that only 1% of patients get a leak from a sleeve procedure. I have seen in other countries the stats are as high as 4-5%. My surgeon has never had a leak and he believes it is because he will not operate if he feels the risk is too high. So I am trusting in his judgement - he said he hardly puts bands in anymore, either removes them and or puts in sleeves. He said he has 'opened' people up and 'closed' up without doing anything due to scarring, inflammation etc.

LivelyTerry, have you had your sleeve done? How long did you wait between surgeries?

I haven't had the sleeve done. I had the band out Oct 1, and will have my sleeve done Jan 13th. My surgeon usually recommends 4 to 6 months of healing between the surgeries, however he agreed to do mine at 3 and 1/2 months.