Band has to come out

[zoe4533 0]

So I was banded in 2006 and was very young. Now almost 10 years later my band has created a lot of problems. I learned to live with all the discomforts. Severe acid reflux, throwing up, and the pain in my stomach. I went to the dr 6 weeks ago (I hadn't been in 6 years for my band) and was told I needed an EGD. During the EGD my acid in and on my esophagus was so bad it did some damage that might effect me long term and the scope showed my band was in bad shape (some erosion). I ended up aspirating acid during the procedure and got bacterial pneumonia. I was in the hospital for 7 days. My follow up apt was today my dr. He told me the band has to come out and that's not an option. So here is where I need help. My dr wants to put the sleeve in. I'm not sure. I don't know anyone with a sleeve and I want to know if it is worth it. I've been through hell and back with my band and I'm afraid this will happen with the sleeve but I don't want to gain my weight back either...I lost 60lbs with my band and kept it off but still need to lose 40. I'm afraid to live without some form of restriction. I'm afraid to live without my band.

Any help is appreciated...

Thanks

[AngelaWilliamsMD 290]

@@zoe4533

I'm so sorry to hear this! So, it sounds like you can elect for a revision surgery or just do things on your own. What do you want to do? Lots of people in your situation convert to a sleeve without any major complications...and tend to lose the weight quicker.

[calitexan 5]

I had the band for 5 years and pretty much gained my weight back (due to my own bad eating). I recently got the band off and got the sleeve and I don't regret it. I'm 30 pounds down.

[hockeyfan7 249]

I had my revision on June 1st. I do not miss that band at all and I am very happy with the sleeve. I don't miss throwing up every time I eat or drink. I don't miss having that port slide across a nerve and give me a sharp, stabbing pain. I don't miss the giant needles going into my stomach with no numbing first. I don't miss having to go every six weeks for fill adjustments.

I had no issues with my revision surgery. I've lost 36.6 lbs in not quite 3 months and my goal is 10 lbs a month.

And I can eat chicken again! After my band surgery I could not eat any part of the chicken no matter how you cooked it without it coming right back up.

[iamjamilyn 58]

I never had a band, but I did have the sleeve about 11 months ago. I have never regretted my surgery at all. If you have the option, I highly recommend it!

[katybelle7 65]

I, too, have a band that has to come out for many of your reasons plus a large abdominal hernia. I'm rejoicing that there is an alternative to the band that doesn't involve sticking a foreign object into my body. My sleeve is scheduled for 9/3, and I can hardly wait for the band to come out!