Anyone have revision from lapband to sleeve by DR. Chu

I am considering revision from lapband to gastric sleeve by Dr. Chu from Lafayette. I would like to hear from anyone who has had revision surgery by her. Where can I look to find her percentage of complications?

I can't help you, but will say that I just had a lap band removal and will be revising to ??? in the future. I've read very good things about Dr. Chu and I'm pretty well versed with the surgeons in the state. I don't know of a reporting agency, book, service, etc., that keeps up with complications. She's COE - Center of Excellence, and that allows for some pretty detailed record-keeping for overall COE data. I will also add that if a patient has a complication (well, like me), it need not reflect on the doctor's record or reputation. A certain percentage of "stuff" will just happen. That being said, she's no rookie. Look and search some profiles of her patients here on OH. She takes some high BMI cases that other doctors shy from. I wish you well with your revision and might join you in the sleeve ranks ... or not  

Mind if I ask why you are looking into a revision?  Are you having problems with your band?

I had a band placed in April 07 by another surgeon. He lead me to believe that he was experienced which that turned out not to be so.Anyway, my band always leaked. After 9 months of disgust, I changed to DR. Chu. Although the leak could not be detected under fluro they decided to change my port since the other surgeon would stick me up to 20 times to try to do a fill. Well, I am about 1 mo. post-op & the same thing is happening. It has to be the band itself. I have had such a bad experience with the band that I am considering a revision to a sleeve.

I am sorry you have had such trouble with the band.  I am very new so I have no valuable words of wisdom or anything.  But I do hope you get what works for you.  So far I have been very happy with my band, but the proof shall be in the months to come I suppose.  Good Luck and let me know how things go, ok! Theresa

I'm sorry your having so many problems. I wish I could help but I don't have any info on Dr. Chu. I just wanted to let you know that I was think of you. Frances who posted above keeps up with LA surgeons and legistature. She's a regular guru for lapband surgery in LA and has been posting forever so she might be able to help you. Not to mention her own ordeal that she's had to endure. As far as % of complications...you should be able to call the office and they should tell you. Surgeons have to disclose that info if it is requested. Good Luck!!!!

Hi Dobbie, I'm no "Guru," but a constant student of the changing science and methods of bariatrics. I am elated to see you doing down your own mountain. Keep it up. I'm going to be writing an article soon about "when things don't go as expected" for the OH magazine. Yes, I do feel "targeted," but, fact of the matter, complications and disappointments are relative. Many folks revise because they don't lose weight, regain weight or just never realize their dreams of becoming a Size 6 (not picking on Size 6 folks -- I fondly recall third grade). There's one other factor, however -- improved status of life-threatening conditions. In those senses, I'm both a success and failure. I really like that the band has done for me and if I were not diabetic with severe hypertension, I would be happy staying right where I am now as a unbanded-Lab Band patient. It's a great tool and I find myself half way there and praying for the right direction to being able to live a long, long and healthy life. I guess I don't consider my Lap Band journey to be complication, but definitely incomplete. And while surgeons must disclose complications, I also hope we patients realize it's not all up to them and those stats reflect a slew of variables that happen inside and outside of the operating room. Pleasant journey, Frances

Thanks to Francis & everyone else for the help.

I don't know Frances......I think if I had complications you'd be the first person I'd PM. You and Alyssa both had rocky roads and still keep an open mind and poistive attitude that you'd both be the people I'd like to talk to keep things in perspective. Good luck in your search for a new surgery. Let us know how it goes.....there are people out here that wonder and worry about you.  I always read your posts. Your definitely a "guru" for me!!!!!

Not sure about the Dr...  but there are quite a few band to sleeve revision people on the VSG forum.  You might want to come and check us out!!   http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/VSG/a,messageboard/board_i d,5463/