Thinking about VSG, had a LapBand taken out a few years ago (SEVERE complications...)

I was banded in 2007. Lost 90 pounds, was happy. Three years later, started with mysterious symptoms - horribly painful flaming joints, depression, mental dullness, bruising, complete exhaustion. 10 specialist appts later and no one had a clue. I "knew" it was from the band, because women with breast implants had similar issues from their implants. "Lucky" for me, my band broke and instead of fixing it, I had it removed. Three days later, ALL my symptoms were GONE!!! YAY!!

Fast forward 5 years... I'm up 50 pounds (still down 40 from my all time high) and getting older. Having trouble getting up from the floor (I'm a veterinarian so I get on the floor a lot with my patients). A good friend was sleeved two months ago and is down 50 pounds. I'm considering it but I'm so scared! My LapBand went SO WRONG... but I know I'll never be able to lose weight again on my own, and the restriction of the LapBand was all I needed to get the pounds off.

I just wanted to say HI and give you my story so you know why I'm lurking around here and maybe asking questions. I haven't even scheduled an orientation yet but I did check and my insurance covers the surgery 100%.

Thanks for listening :)

I have met so many people who have had their bands removed and then had great success with the sleeve.  I am no expert but I understand the restriction with the band is very different than the sleeve.  You may find that you have to work harder when "sleeved" to stay on plan and eat the right kind of protein etc.  It is also permanent.

However, there is certainly less risk of complications with the sleeve. I am very happy with mine.

I was banded in Nov 2007 - lost 75 lbs.   After a few years started having trouble - i.e., choking on my own saliva at night, reflux.  Tried to make the band work with 3 doctors - no luck. Loosened band/regain.  Had band removed last Feb.. Got sleeved April 28, 2014.  The sleeve, to me, is nothing short of miraculous.  I never got anywhere near goal with the band and was miserable alot of the time, even though at certain points i had great restriction.  With VSG you get the restriction withtout the stuck episodes.  As mentioned, there is no turning back.  Once your stomach is gone, it's gone.  I have no regrets and feel wonderful.

Given your good results with the band before problems, I would expect the same great results with the VSG, and there are no foreign parts to screw you up.  It's just a smaller, fully functioning stomach.

Unfortunately, lap band removal is eventually required in up to 50% of all lap band patients - most commonly because of inadequate weight loss. Fortunately, many of the complications are minor and are easily repaired, and the typical worst case is the removal of the band.

http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/lap-band-problems-lap-band-complications.html

I was also successful with the band (banded in 05),  I lost from 230 to 145 and was doing great... until my band went SO WRONG too!  I unfortunately have gradually gained back all of it.  I finally had it removed last year and am having the sleeve done next week. 

I think you are doing the right thing, just keep researching and you will decide if it feels right for you!