Looking into revision surgery

I had lap band surgery in April 2009. I lost 70 lbs in 17 months with no issues or complications. I got pregnant in September 2010 and only gained 16 lbs during the pregnancy. I was never able to get back to optimal restriction after my son was born and I'm currently 50 lbs down from pre surgery weight. Lately I've been having lots of issues with my band. Some days I can barely eat at all and others I could eat and eat and eat. My level of restriction seems to be all over the place and I can't figure out why. I've started looking into having a revision to a sleeve. Has anyone had experience with this? I appreciate any input or advice.

I'm going to be honest with you. The sleeve as a virgin surgery is great, but I have seen time and time again that if one has the band and goes with the sleeve most times, not all the time the person ends up with GERD/heartburn issues and then has to revise to the bypass.

I myself am a band to bypass revision. I originally wanted the sleeve, but because my band caused horrible heartburn towards the end I was not a candidate for the sleeve. It didn't matter what I ate or when I ate I had 24/7 heartburn and I was popping tums like tic tacs to get any form of relief.

Now my band was completely empty for a few years before my revision and I had the same issues with levels of restriction. One day I felt like I could eat anything and the next day I was lucky to have water stay down. After my revision I never had heartburn issues again. My surgeon said that my band was encased in scar tissue which was also inflamed and that was why I was having the issues with eating and the heartburn. He also mentioned that a 1 inch part of my stomach near the band was damaged so badly that he had to cut it out before performing the bypass.

So that's my story and I know there are others out there whom will chime in.

Best of luck to you with what ever you do.

There are a LOT of people who've revised from the band, since they don't seem to work well in the long term. I would suggest checking the OH revision forum for more stories:

https://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/

I revised from Band to VSG 4 weeks ago.

I was very successful with my band (10 years ago .. lost 130 pounds and maintained for 6 years).

I had pretty bad reflux and a 60 pound regain in the past 3-4 years. Finally went in and found I had a slip.

Since the revision, I have no reflux (but I am still mostly on liquids and softer foods) and feel good.