Revision

Hello my name is Kris, and I had my lap band 5 years ago. I lost almost 80 lbs over the span of 2 years, and gained 60 back. I am now on the quest to get the band off, and get the "sleeve" sadly this is becomming more and more common. Just something to think about, for those of you getting the band

 Kris:

YOu need to ask yourself why you had the regain. Is it because the band is not working correctly, or is it caused by behaviors?

If it is because of behaviors, revising won't help.

If it is the band, there are lots of people here and on the revision and sleeve boards who wil gladly tell you about their experience.

Whatever happens, best of luck to you, and let us know how it goes.

 I had my band removed and was sleeved 3 weeks ago.  My band just wasn't working with me, and after 4 years I had to admit that and do what was best for me.  Bette is right, if you graze, or turn to slider foods often, the sleeve won't be of any more help than the band is.  Good luck!  I love my sleeve, so far, but to be successful, it's still all about making good choices.  

 
Kris thanks for putting that warning out there! I wish all of those with failed bands would do the same and therefore give those researching the band a more accurate depiction of what band stats are REALLY like!

Feel free to join us on the failed band group on FB. The link is below.

It really is becoming a VERY common story. Mine had to be removed less than 4 months after it was inserted. Never had more than a tiny fill. It worked fine for 10 weeks and then I just couldn't eat or drink even water, even after all fill removed. Had contrast scans, all fine, had endoscopy, all fine, got second opinion from top surgeon in area - no explanation, but all agree removal the only option. Still no explanation even after removal surgery (by different surgeon to insertion). At time of insertion 3 years ago my surgeon was doing 15-odd bands a week and maybe 1 other kind of WLS now, those numbers reversed to 15-odd sleeves/bypass and maybe 1 band. He said the data over this time has revealed such a high fail rate of band he doesn't think there's much future in them. Please consider that when your band has complications or needs removing (which stats now show it probably will) it increases your risks if you choose a sleeve, which is what I'm now considering. I chose it because it was reversible, but this has meant having more surgery, and knowing what I know now I would have just got the sleeve. I just think everyone considering a band needs to hear experiences like this to help in the decision-making process.