Lap band conversion to ?

[nurseforlapband 11]

I had lap band placed in 2009, lost about 40 lbs the first 3 months and ended up pregnant. Gained all the weight back and then some. Tried fills after having my daughter, but nothing really worked. So, I'm now trying to convert to another wls and just so unsure which way to go. I have been researching, youtubing, and reading forums. My dr removed my lap band in May 2015. No issues with reflux, slippage, erosions, etc. I initially decided on the sleeve, but I've read so many issues such as slow or no weight loss due to being a conversion, sleeve revising to bypass, and sleeves starting to have more issues with leaks. I guess I need to stay offline. Bypass is considered the "gold standard", but I'm scared about the rerouting, taking Vitamins for the rest of my life, and of course...leaks. So, I guess I need feedback on your experiences and why you chose to convert to bypass or sleeve. Also, anybody with slow weight loss or other issues with sleeve that had conversion done in 1 surgery versus 2 surgeries, I would like to hear your experiences as well.

[MaryE 27]

I had the band so man issues I wond bore you. Concerted to sleeve one year and twin intheswim ago. Lost over 76 pounds. Never happier. Not slow but not overnight. Still loosing. Absolutely no problems. Healthy. Love my new life. Still loosing. Best choice ever. Best of luck

[hockeyfan7 249]

I chose to revise to the sleeve instead of the bypass because the malabsorption issue was one I didn't want to deal with. My surgeon told me yesterday he took off about 70% of my stomach instead of the normal 80% - he left more so that where my band was and where my esophagus met the stomach I wouldn't be prone to getting a leak. The weight loss may be slower but for me, slow and steady wins the race and I just didn't feel right about the bypass for me personally.

[nurseforlapband 11]

Thanks for the responses guys! I may be focused too much on losing the weight faster, which is not always a good thing. I'm a little scared of the malabsorption piece as well.

[Megdelyn 85]

I also chose the sleeve over RNY because I don't do daily medication well. I forget, I'm not that routinized. I was afraid that if I didn't take Vitamins every day there could be worse health effects. And all the rerouting scared me. The sleeve seemed less invasive.

I had my band removed and the sleeve done in one surgery. I didn't want to expose myself to anesthesia that much. It was worth a slightly longer procedure than facing two of them.

[nurseforlapband 11]

When did you have your surgery @@Megdelyn?

[Megdelyn 85]

Four weeks ago, May 26. I had the band done in Sept of 2009.

[hockeyfan7 249]

I had my band removed and the sleeve done all in one surgery too. It took about 2-2/12 hours. I'm in this for life so I'm not expecting the weight to all fall off the first 2-3 months.