Band to sleeve one surgery or two?

[My3angels031703 2]

Hi! I've had my band for 12 years and it's time to say goodbye. I'm waiting for a date for surgery, but was just informed today that this revision sometimes can not be done in one surgery. I did not know this. I was slightly disappointed.. my surgeon said he discussed this, but I don't recall. I thought I was almost there. The thought of me possibly waking up with no band and no sleeve is freaking me out. Then to wait months before being able to have the sleeve done!! What's the norm? What's the chances it can be done in one surgery? Anyone? And how did it go?

[hmm33502 187]

I had mine done in 1 surgery only because I was self pay and it would have cost me an extra $4500 on top of the price of the sleeve. My doctor explained it as a benefit to do it in 2 surgeries, especially if you have a drastic slip, erosion, or prolapse. Giving the stomach time to heal and return to normal allows for a better sleeve. I just couldn't afford the extra $ or time off of work. They explained that once they remove the band, they evaluate the condition of the stomach and go from there.


Banded 2010 weight:327
Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
Currently 222.9lbs
104 lbs down!!
Heather in Texas

[My3angels031703 2]

Thank you Heather. I HAVE A DATE (3/16)!! I was told the same...I just wish they had explained that sooner... before I got excited! I rather be safe than sorry...so.we shall see. How.are you feeling? What can I expect going from band to sleeve?

Edited February 23, 2017 by My3angels031703

[hmm33502 187]

My experience has been great. Significantly better than when I had my band. The gas wasn't anywhere near as painful, I was off of pain meds on day 3 and back to work in a week. Getting used to the sleeve is really different because I'm used to the full feeling that I would get with the band. The feeling is nowhere near the same. It is really crazy how I have to make myself eat because food is just not appealing to me. It is easy to eat healthy because I don't have the crazy cravings and food is fuel instead of enjoyment. I know that not everyone has this kind of experience, but my sisters and I have had the same experience. It is just a phenomenally better experience, in my opinion. Congrats on your date! Just don't compare yourself to first time VSGrs. We typically lose more slowly as revisions. I am finding that my speed of loss is about the same as with my band. I can't wait to hear about your journey! March is your removal or are you having both at the same time? I asked to keep my band. It is my little trophy!


Banded 2010 weight:327
Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
Currently 222.9lbs
104 lbs down!!
Heather in Texas

[My3angels031703 2]

That's awesome! I'm freaking out... the thought of my band being gone after our 12 year love/ hate relationship. I go in to remove band...and if my stomach is in good condition, possibly get sleeve same time. After 12 years of abusing my band I feel like there has to be a lot of scar tissue, but who knows. My doctor just informed me that it matters be 2 separate surgeries. ?

[ebonymc 52]

Hi, I had my band for 5 years and it has been removed for 2.5 years now. My surgeon said that it's like having two procedures b/c he'd have to remove the band and then proceed and do the sleeve. which to me meant more time under, a longer time in surgery, and a sorer belly. Although it's less expensive to do it all in one but after 2.5 years I have to do classes again. I'm hoping that my stomach is in better condition since waiting so long. Good luck, it may be worth the wait.

[AnneElliot 79]

Ladies as you consider removing your band and going into the sleeve. I strongly recommend taking your time to research the sleeve.

It does not compare to the band.

1) You will have significant restriction. I am two months out and I cant eat bread, Pasta, red meat, or rice. Some ppl can and others cant. There's no guarantees which one you will fall into. I will lose weight. But I won't be able to eat like a normal person ever again even in moderation.

2) Acid reflux is a serious issue with the sleeve. I never ever had an issue with the band. I am dealing with rather bad GERD even though I am taking prescription meds. I have chatted with folks that it got so bad over the yrs that they had to revise to gastric bypass.

3) Vitamins! You can't live without them. Daily intake or I will develop issues.

4) NSAIDS! Even if your surgeon tells you that you can take them. There's significant debate on whether sleeved folks should take them or not. These meds are very hard on a normal stomach let alone a thin sleeve! Continous use will most likely lead ulcers which are very dangerous with little or no stomach left.Think about aging and the lack of NSAIDS.

5) You can still get stuck! I just had to vomit food yesterday. You still experience that nasty slime....eww! I cried the first time it happened cause I lived with that for 8 yrs.

Please feel free to message me. Think about life beyond weight loss cause there's no turning back with the sleeve.

[hmm33502 187]

Ladies as you consider removing your band and going into the sleeve. I strongly recommend taking your time to research the sleeve.
It does not compare to the band.
1) You will have significant restriction. I am two months out and I cant eat bread, Pasta, red meat, or rice. Some ppl can and others cant. There's no guarantees which one you will fall into. I will lose weight. But I won't be able to eat like a normal person ever again even in moderation.
2) Acid reflux is a serious issue with the sleeve. I never ever had an issue with the band. I am dealing with rather bad GERD even though I am taking prescription meds. I have chatted with folks that it got so bad over the yrs that they had to revise to gastric bypass.
3) Vitamins! You can't live without them. Daily intake or I will develop issues.
4) NSAIDS! Even if your surgeon tells you that you can take them. There's significant debate on whether sleeved folks should take them or not. These meds are very hard on a normal stomach let alone a thin sleeve! Continous use will most likely lead ulcers which are very dangerous with little or no stomach left.Think about aging and the lack of NSAIDS.
5) You can still get stuck! I just had to vomit food yesterday. You still experience that nasty slime....eww! I cried the first time it happened cause I lived with that for 8 yrs.
Please feel free to message me. Think about life beyond weight loss cause there's no turning back with the sleeve.

Yes, it doesn't compare to the band...it is far better!
1.you WILL have significant restriction...THAT IS THE POINT! You can't eat bread or rice. You shouldn't eat bread or rice anyway. There is no needed nutrition from bread or rice. (I CAN eat bread, but rice is still difficult.)
2. Acid reflux. Nope, not everyone. I had esophageal erosion and tooth erosion from reflux with the band. I have NO acid issues at all with the sleeve. I don't even need any acid medication any longer!
3.vitamins. You CAN live without them, but should you? Even with a perfectly normal digestive system, you should take Vitamins. My hair, skin and nails are better than ever because of vitamins!
4.NSAIDS. Not every doctor eliminates them. Some do. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) even if your dr says NO NSAIDS. I don't take pain meds too often because I just don't have the pain like before.
5.you may have slime and you may vomit, but get a stomach bug and you vomit too. I did vomit a couple of days ago because I ate rice and it kept growing and overfilling me!

Your stomach and eating may not ever be normal, but look at where normal got you before. Some people have horrible experiences and some have life altering experiences. You work your plan every day and spend the rest of your life making more good food choices than bad food choices! If I had it to do over, I would not ever get the band and just get the sleeve!!


Banded 2010 weight:327
Sleeved 12/28/16 weight:253
Currently 220.7 lbs
106 lbs down!!
Heather in Texas

[dlkumes 42]

I was banded in 2013 and it slipped. Most like due to the fact that I continued bad habits like bread, rice and other junk. I had the band removed and revised to a sleeve on jan 23rd. I feel great. 1st week was the worst. Pain from where the port was. My surgeon was excellent. He said there was a lot of scar tissue but he was able to it. Weight loss is slower due to this being my second surgery but loss is a loss and I will take it. Not screwing up this time. Good luck!!


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[Bandy2sleeve 40]

That's awesome! I'm freaking out... the thought of my band being gone after our 12 year love/ hate relationship. I go in to remove band...and if my stomach is in good condition, possibly get sleeve same time. After 12 years of abusing my band I feel like there has to be a lot of scar tissue, but who knows. My doctor just informed me that it matters be 2 separate surgeries.

Hi my3angels,
My surgeon only ever performs it as 2 surgeries. He showed me a picture of an actual stomach after band removal and it basically looked like a sausage - still all pulled together in the middle from where the band had once been.

[Bandy2sleeve 40]

Ladies as you consider removing your band and going into the sleeve. I strongly recommend taking your time to research the sleeve.
It does not compare to the band.
1) You will have significant restriction. I am two months out and I cant eat bread, Pasta, red meat, or rice. Some ppl can and others cant. There's no guarantees which one you will fall into. I will lose weight. But I won't be able to eat like a normal person ever again even in moderation.
2) Acid reflux is a serious issue with the sleeve. I never ever had an issue with the band. I am dealing with rather bad GERD even though I am taking prescription meds. I have chatted with folks that it got so bad over the yrs that they had to revise to gastric bypass.
3) Vitamins! You can't live without them. Daily intake or I will develop issues.
4) NSAIDS! Even if your surgeon tells you that you can take them. There's significant debate on whether sleeved folks should take them or not. These meds are very hard on a normal stomach let alone a thin sleeve! Continous use will most likely lead ulcers which are very dangerous with little or no stomach left.Think about aging and the lack of NSAIDS.
5) You can still get stuck! I just had to vomit food yesterday. You still experience that nasty slime....eww! I cried the first time it happened cause I lived with that for 8 yrs.
Please feel free to message me. Think about life beyond weight loss cause there's no turning back with the sleeve.

Anne, I was told that I never should be taking NSAIDs with the band either because of what it does to the upper stomach with the concentration being to much for the smaller stomach to handle and leading to complications. I will personally never take NSAIDs again after seeing what they did to my mother. She developed stomach ulcers from over use and it led to ulcerations of her stomach and she died from it.

Sounds like you are just going through the adjustment phase with your GS? Can you not go back to your surgeon or dietician and perhaps get some tips to help you through this part of your journey - especially with your acid reflux. Hope things improve for you soon, as it sounds like you are struggling a bit at the moment?

[Purseynursey 4]

Please if you are considering doing this in 1 surgery know that serious complications can happen. I did mine in one surgery and have had horrible issues because the state my stomach was in after the band. I'm 3 weeks out and still can not tolerate anything beyond Clear Liquids. I also had to have an NG tube to rest my stomach because of swelling. While it is possible to have this done successfully in 1 surgery it's not worth the risk.

[Christina.Rose 287]

My revision to the sleeve and a hiatal hernia repair were all done the same day. No issues yet.

[ebonymc 52]

My Dr. told me that It would be a little higher risk to do both at the same time, but it would also cost less to do it at the same time. I had my band removed 2.5 years ago and my comorbidities are now worse especially my B/S. I'm going through the process over again and will now meet with my surgeon again in 4 weeks for sleeve surgery. I don't weigh a whole lot at this time, but need to do this for health reasons. I hope you get to the right place with your revision and things get better for you very quickly....

[evesta 67]

I had both done on Monday. The nurse said it would be rare to do the two at different surgeries unless there was a complication.