Lap band to sleeve

[Red Robin 0]

I have had my band for 7 years and am considering a revision surgery to the sleeve. If you have done this, could you please share your experience?

[Biddy zz 🏳️🌈 1,003]

I had a lap band revised to bypass. Let me know if you want to know about that too (but it might well be that you know sleeve is the right one for you).

Cheers

[Matt Z 4,139]

@Red Robin I was a band to bypass revision as well. My surgeon refused to do the band to sleeve because of increased risk of staple line issues across the scar tissue caused by the band. I'm glad I decided to go bypass over sleeve, because when my surgeon went to remove my band, it was totally encapsulated in scar tissue, they wouldn't have been able to proceed with the sleeve if I was going that way anyway. Now, my surgeon did refuse, but she said there were others in her group that would do it and she offered to send me to them if I wanted to proceed with the band to sleeve revision. I trusted her judgement and it paid off.

Either way, congrats on deciding to continue your journey! Good luck and Stay Strong!

[KatesJourney 8]

I had the lap band in 2009; lost 120lbs in the first year, and loved it! Unfortunately, I had 3 "slips" over the next 2 years that resulted in complete deflation, then gradual inflation over a period of months. I was never able to regain the "sweet spot" again, and slowly started putting the pounds back on. Forward to 2018, I had gained half the weight back.

I had my lap band removed, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and hiatal hernia repair 05/31/18. Recovery was much more painful, slower, and more restricted food-wise than my band experience. That being said, I survived the first week, and feel great now! I have lost 20lbs in the first 2 weeks. I am happy with my decision to move forward with the sleeve.

Good luck in making the decision that is right for you!