Band to GB revision, WITHOUT removing the band?

[wicked 61]

Hello,

I was banded in 2010 and only lost about 50 lbs. I began my journey 200 lbs overweight, which means that I still have over 100 lbs to lose. I wish my surgeon back then had told me that the band was not the right type of WLS for me, but I had my operation at NYU and the lapband is their gold cow (they make lots and lots of money just on band operations).

I'm now looking to have a revision at Columbia University Medical Center (where I work) and I initially asked for a sleeve revision. MY surgeon told me that she would not recommend the sleeve for me and explained that although my band is still positioned correctly, my esophagus is enlarged (or en-longed?) and there is likely scar tissue; she mentioned that my risks of leaking are about 20% with the sleeve, as opposed to 2% to 5% for people who go for the sleeve without revision. She then explained to me that the gastric bypass is the best option and that she can leave the band in and work around it. She says that they will take all the liquids out and it will be like I don't have a band, but I won't suffer the consequences and potential risks that people who remove the band and do revisions suffer. She also mentioned that if in a few years my pouch becomes enlarged and I'm gaining weight, I can start using my band again.

I'm really conflicted because I do want this damn (excuse my language) thing out!!! It has morphed the shape of my esophagus and the longer I keep it, the more scar tissues I'm creating (I'm assuming). Before coming to this forum, and based on my conversation with my surgeon, I figured it was the safest option, and standard practice, to have revision and leave the band in place. But now that I'm reading the topics here and can't find a single person here who had a revision without removing the band, I'm questioning what's going.

I know my surgeon is one of the best in the city... so she knows what she is talking about, but I'm scared that at some point this lap band will have to come out of my body and I'm losing my chance to get it out with the revision.

Anyone out here who kept the band and proceeded to do a revision to gastric bypass?

Thank you.

Edited October 25, 2014 by wicked

[dawnybaby 0]

Wow that an interesting one! I had to have my band removed 1st then 6 weeks later my surgeon did the bypass. I'm in NYC also but I never heard of that process, but all the best and good luck, please keep us posted as to your decision.

Thanks

[TexasCurves 6]

I am having band removed and bypass done at the same time. For me personally, the band was a horrible experience and I cannot wait to have it gone. I have the same esophageal issues. My doc thought bypass alone would be enough.

[angb1982 29]

I had my band removed and my bypass done on the same day and I'm glad I did. My band was empty for a couple of years after I started having major problems with it and it STILL gave me grief. Having it out felt like a whole new person. There's no guarantee leaving it in and empty will not cause you issues later on. Personally I would want it out and I would hazard a guess that there are more revisions with the band removed then not so... Best of luck to you!

[Inizio 32]

My reason for the revision to bypass was due to the excruciating pain I suffered from the port and the inability to get solid food down a lot of the time. I was in so much pain and was always sick becase of it. I would never even cross my mind to have another procdeure and NOT get this band/port out. It was the root of my problems. If you have the chance to get it out, do it.

[Tlmarsh 15]

Hello,

I was banded in 2010 and only lost about 50 lbs. I began my journey 200 lbs overweight, which means that I still have over 100 lbs to lose. I wish my surgeon back then had told me that the band was not the right type of WLS for me, but I had my operation at NYU and the lapband is their gold cow (they make lots and lots of money just on band operations).

I'm now looking to have a revision at Columbia University Medical Center (where I work) and I initially asked for a sleeve revision. MY surgeon told me that she would not recommend the sleeve for me and explained that although my band is still positioned correctly, my esophagus is enlarged (or en-longed?) and there is likely scar tissue; she mentioned that my risks of leaking are about 20% with the sleeve, as opposed to 2% to 5% for people who go for the sleeve without revision. She then explained to me that the gastric bypass is the best option and that she can leave the band in and work around it. She says that they will take all the liquids out and it will be like I don't have a band, but I won't suffer the consequences and potential risks that people who remove the band and do revisions suffer. She also mentioned that if in a few years my pouch becomes enlarged and I'm gaining weight, I can start using my band again.

I'm really conflicted because I do want this damn (excuse my language) thing out!!! It has morphed the shape of my esophagus and the longer I keep it, the more scar tissues I'm creating (I'm assuming). Before coming to this forum, and based on my conversation with my surgeon, I figured it was the safest option, and standard practice, to have revision and leave the band in place. But now that I'm reading the topics here and can't find a single person here who had a revision without removing the band, I'm questioning what's going.

I know my surgeon is one of the best in the city... so she knows what she is talking about, but I'm scared that at some point this lap band will have to come out of my body and I'm losing my chance to get it out with the revision.

Anyone out here who kept the band and proceeded to do a revision to gastric bypass?

Thank you.

Hi. I just found this post and I am pretty new here. Just wanted to see what you decided and how it's going. I had my band removed when I had my bypass. I did have alot of scar tissue that had attached to my liver and my surgeon had to spend a long time slowly cutting it away. I was thankful to have him, as the surgery attendant said he was very patient and that it's hard to do that. I have done fine with my bypass I guess. I have had many issues such as dumping syndrome and reflux I never had before. I have severe low blood sugar issues, but I do manage it all and I am so thankful to be down to my normal weight. I started at 226 and I am now 145. I would like to lose another 10 lbs but I may look too thin if I did. I wear a size 12 jeans and my pants slide on comfortably and are never tight so I am very happy!!!!!

I am 61 and I just got remarried 1 year ago to my very first love from when I was 15. He is 63. I planned on having plastic surgery after I lost the weight but I don't really have much overhang, I have been doing Pilates on a reformer machine and it really works the core. So my husband said he really wouldn't care if I had the surgery or not so we decided not to. In clothes I look great now.

I am glad I got rid of that damn band. It caused trouble. But I would love to hear if you kept yours. Some people with gastric bypass do have bands put in when they regain weight.

[Notinks 91]

I would insist on having it out unless there is some reason it would prevent you from having the bypass done due to scar tissue, etc. I had my band empty for over a year before my revision and I still had issues with it. Eating is completely different without that nasty band.

[wicked 61]

Thank you all for your replies!

I did meet with my surgen again and asked her to remove the band, which she has agreed to do (all in one stage if I don't have too much damage). The insurance approved the band removal and bypass revision just today (yay!).

My surgery should be in about 4 weeks; I will know for sure after meeting with the surgeon one more time.

[tebowfan 70]

Best decision I ever made band to bypass!

Edited March 1, 2015 by tebowfan

[Veronda 30]

I find this topic so interesting because a few years ago I was wanting to revise but keep my band because I felt I needed it to keep on track, like I'd need it to maintain the weight loss. I couldn't find anything about it, and even the surgeon's PA couldn't even answer. Then I wound up having so many problems with my band that I can't wait to get it out. I've regained all but about five pounds and just this morning got my surgery date for revision. I'm very excited about what's to come, but also very nervous, not just about the surgery but about maintaining. I'm so scared that I'll fail....again!! My surgeon assures me the band failed and my body found a way around it....sure hoping this body can't outsmart the bypass.

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

Wicked....who is your surgeon?If it is Dr.Kurian she is quite fast....and knowledgeable.So maybe you go this route to get the bypass...if insurance is covering the surgery.If the band still is an issue its easy to take out....get that bypass done

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

Great...getting the band out is like heaven....

[Veronda 30]

As a follow-up since this came up in my email.....I'm now three months post-op having my band out and revision done and I AM SO HAPPY!!!!!!! I'm losing weight and feel great and I have NO troubles with bypass. I had trouble with the band for most of the time I had it in, and to be this comfortable this soon after surgery really makes me happy. I can eat more than most bypass patients. My theory (and the nutritionist agrees) that I have so little trouble because I'm already so well adapted to chewing and whatnot from the band. I'm also thinking that my upper stomach is pretty stretchy from the band and that's why I can eat more?? But anyway, I'm so happy I've done this. I spent so much time regretting the band, but I also would have regretted it if I had done no surgery, so it's all good now. Totally worth all the money I've laid out for it. Still worried about long-term success, but I really can't complain yet!!

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

Veronica...there is no failure....you are on your way.The band is gone!i definitely think the RNY is the best option for me as well.

[Dream4tc 192]

Well, your surgeon is right about 1 thing....Bypass is usually recommended surgery for banded patients. Banded pts tend to have bad reflux issues and if revised by sleeve, it would make that worse due to the high pressure it causes. But for her to leave the band in is ridiculous, plus puts you at risk for future surgery for removal. I would suggest you have it removed at the time of your surgery. I don't know about you, but if I can avoid multiple surgeries, I will. I am sure you will decide on what is right for you. Get a second opinion or 3rd until you feel you have the information that you need to proceed with whichever you choose. Best of luck to you