Revision from lap band to Gastric Sleeve

Hello all,
  

        I have had successful lap band surgery since 12/07, in the last few months I had a slippage and decided to go for the gastric sleeve.  My surgery date is Tuesday July 12, 2011.   I hope I can get some feedback from persons that have had a similar experience.  I am concerned about the complications such as stomach leaks etc.  

Thanks,

Santos in Bronx NY

Hi Santos!

Sorry can't give you feedback as I am in the same situation. Successful lapband 1/09 but just diagnosed with second slip. I am considering the sleeve as well and will make my decision in a week or so. Keep us posted on your progress and good luck!!!

I will.  I am scheduled for surgery for this coming Tuesday.  I already started my liquids diet today.

Santos

I'm in pretty much the same situation, too.  I don't have a diagnosed slip, but I'm pretty sure I have one (I haven't been able to see my original surgeon in 2 years due to moving across the country).  I'm wanting to get a revision surgery to the VSG because I have acid reflux because of the band and can't tolerate any more fill than what I currently have and I don't have enough restriction. 

Were you able to get insurance to pay for the revision to sleeve?  That's what I'm concerned about, since I'll have to wait for a while if I can't get insurance to pay for it. 

My insurance gave me no problems.  What I would recommend is for you to see a specialist immediately and begin to document your symtoms etc.  That way it can be easier for you to have your surgery approved.  It could very well be that your pouch may have grown or that there is a slip.  In that case you need revision surgery sooner than you think.  It was important for you to follow up on your health the least once a year and get an upper GI with the dye to ensure everything was ok.  See a doctor as soon as possible.  I do not know if the proper procedure entails going to the same surgeon.  If you moved away you should contact your insurance and ask them if they could recommed a doctor near you.

Santos

If you are already having acid reflux from the band you might want to talk to surgeon about whether the sleeve is the best course of action.

I had the band, severe, severe acid reflux.  Because the sleeve causes acid reflux in a high percentage of people my surgeon did not recommend the sleeve and instead recomended the bypass.  I was totally against the bypass in the beginning and now I am glad that is what I revised to.

Do your research.  Find out if your insurance even pays for the sleeve.  Make sure you follow up with surgeon about the acid reflux because it can cause damage to the esophagus.



Tamara

Santos

I didn't have revision to sleeve but wanted to wish you luck.  I think you will be better satisfied with the sleeve than the band. 

When they remove the band, the stomach will go back to normal position and then they do the sleeve.  Unless you have scar tissue the surgery will be like a normal sleeve surgery so hopefully everything will be smooth sailing.



Tamara