Revision from band to sleeve
I've never heard anything about restriction being an issue except in the sense of restriction isn't enough for weight loss and they would need a surgery with malabsorbtion like RNY to lose enough weight.
Personally I would say there is every reason to revise to sleeve from band because the band is a horrible device and doesn't help with weight loss for most people. I wish I had gotten a sleeve instead of the band, the band has caused me nothing but pain and misery and hardly any weight loss. There is NO reason not to revise to a sleeve from the band, the sleeve is a very good weight loss surgery and highly successful with weight loss! Most people are very happy with the sleeve, I don't know one unhappy person with the sleeve.
Back in August of 2014 I went to my surgeon and had a conversation with him about getting the sleeve and removing the band. In November of 2014 I had my band removed (down side gained a lot of weight) On Monday of this week I had surgery and had the sleeve done. I'm not in much pain defiantly worth it. I was told that the band needs to be out for at least 2 months so you don't have as much tightening. Where you band is will not ever go back to the same size from before surgery but will come back some. I am very happy I made the change.
It depends entirely on the surgeons skill level. A good revision surgeon can easily perform a removal, do a sleeve and remove most scar tissue all in one procedure. Those less accustomed to revisions will need to do it in stages, just a matter of comfort and skill level of the surgeon. Either way works just fine, the tool used for the sleeve leaves a line of 3 rows of tiny staples so if you follow the eating plan and don't stress the staples there is no reason for a leak. The restriction between the band and the sleeve will feel different but still does the same thing.
Excellent advise HisLady. My surgeon converted my band to a sleeve and cleaned up all of what was there. He is a skillful surgeon along with prayer, I know I will do just fine.
I just got my insurance approval and am having the band removed May 11 and the sleeve on August 3rd. That is going to be a long period in between but I know this will be the right thing to do. I had great success with the band but lots of vomiting, not good. I just want it done and over with so I can move on to the next part of my life and lose more weight. Funny how long it takes to lose and how quick it comes back on. I am ready!!