Band to Sleeve question

[gilit 2]

My husband had the band put in several years ago and unfortunately, he hasn't had long term success. His Surgeon recommended that he remove the band and have the sleeve surgery. Anyone here have it done at the same time? The Dr. recommended waiting 4 months between. Curious if that is common practice.

Thanks!

Gigi

[Halfagain 68]

Hi Gigi,

I made the revision from lap band to gastric sleeve recently. My doctor required a three month wait between band removal and sleeve surgery. He said a lot of the callous tissue that builds around the band will subside if given a waiting period. It made sense to me, and asking around in my area at seminars pre-decision to do this, all the doctors (under my medical coverage) in my local area were of the same opinion. They said simply, waiting was safer.

The band removal was quick. I was in surgery and out same morning. The port site, removal, was the most painful area for a few days. The sleeve pain levels were less than the band removal, however new eating rules and such of course have been a much bigger event after the sleeve.

Best wishes to your husband, and you. It's great to see your support already in this, as My husband has been terrific supporting me.

[sleevetm 2]

I had the lapband surgery August 2012 and removed August 2015. I had the sleeve done Dec 17th, 2015. My Dr wanted to wait and I agree. There are doctors that will do both procedures at the same time.

Hope this helps! Good luck to your husband.

[amyg80 45]

I had the band and sleeve done on the same day! My surgeon has been doing bariatric surgery for 25+yrs and I trust his opinion. I'm glad I didn't have to go under twice.

[Scottyd1264 73]

I had to wait 3 months, you need to let the body heal from the band

Edited December 25, 2015 by scottyd1264

[liannatx 897]

I wanted to have the revision from band to sleeve done at the same time. My surgeon said he wouldn't know if he could do it at the same time until he got inside and saw how much scar tissue and adhesions there were. He opted to remove the band and clean out some of the adhesions, and let my stomach heal before doing the sleeve. Some people are able to have the revision to sleeve all in one surgery... maybe it depends on the extent of damage the band has done. He should do what his doctor advises and considers common protocol for his practice.

My surgeon explain that the band leaves a thinned section where it has been around the stomach, much like when you take off a wedding ring and the finger is compressed smaller... and he prefers to let the stomach heal before doing the sleeve.. especially if there is extensive scar tissue and/or damage from slippage.