Band revision surgery

Ok I need some advice, I had the lap ban in Oct 2009, lost a total of 70lbs and slowly gained the weight back.  I had other issues and had the band removed in March 2015 with no intention of getting any other procedure.  I figured I could do it on my own.  Well I gained back all 70lbs and then some, have developed sleep apnea and other health issues.  I have decided to go ahead and have the sleeve done and would have to go through the whole process all over again.  I met with the nutritionist and when she found out that I was going from band to sleeve she asked if I was sure if that is what I wanted to do because she has met MANY people who have done it and have not had much success.  I got really really concerned, she had recommended that I go with the gastric bypass.  I immediately I started to do some research and the results were inconclusive. I found many people who have gone from band to sleeve but not many who have gone from band to bypass.  I know a few people who have had bypass surgery and they swear by it, but that is all they have had, they had it right from the start, no revision.  My nutritionist feels there is not much of a shock to the body from band to sleeve, however most people who have had the revision have the band, wait two months then have the sleeve.  I am a year out, since my  band has been removed, so my stomach has had plenty of time to heal.

I guess what I am asking is there anyone out there who can shed some light on this situation?  I need to make a decision as to which surgery I want to have and I have even talked to my surgeon about it and he swears I should have the sleeve, but I am conflicted.  I only want to do this one time, I don't want to have to be in this same predicament later on down the road.  I know a lot of it is what you put into it, and that you have put in the effort, but I want to know what everyone's experience with a revision, especially from band to bypass.  

Congratulations i see you have a tentative date already?  Well i cant say much of either because i have the band and getting a revision to sleeve.  My only advice is to research weigh the pros and cons and what makes you more comfortable.  I think just reading and asking the questions will definately help you make that decision.  as you already know and experience  wls is a tool no matter which one you do.  

good luck with your decision.

i forgot to mention if your are inpatient to get ansers to your questions (like i am ) just go to the top of the page in the search box and type in any question you want and review from there.  It's really consuming i have spent hours on it without even knowing just by posting 1 question then you open another one and another one and so on and so on until your eyes are tired or your husband comes home and yells out your name from downstairs and you all of sudden wake up  lololol    Have fun..

 Hi, I had my band removed five months ago, I am having RNY next month.  I suffered terribly with reflux, because of that my surgeon said that the sleeve is not an option for me. Not sure if you have or had relux with the band, but something to consider if you do. Good luck and let us know what you decide.  Cheers Flaxie 

Hi Flaxie- Congratulations  on getting your revision in 2 weeks! Was there a reason you did not get the band out and surgery at same time?  I too am experiencing horrible reflux with band...10 years out, and trying to get approval for ryn.  Would love to chat about your experiences. 

Actually, I had terrible reflux before I got the band, but none at all after. I was even able to stop the prescription I was taking for reflux. Probably because it changed the way I ate. 

I got the band in April of 2009.  Lost sixty pounds, but had lots of trouble getting fills because my port was always flipped.  Got another port but had the same result.  Started having terrible reflux in 2014 and food getting stuck and throwing up almost daily.  Found a great surgeon who was good at revisions.  He did an upper GI and told me my band had to come out and he would only consider revising to bypass due to my reflux.  Had the band removed in July 2015 and the revision to bypass at that time.  So glad I had it done.  My reflux is gone and I feel so much better overall.  Got my first set of labs back since surgery last week and everything was perfect.  I have lost 50 pounds since surgery which I am ok with since I am 70 years old.  I was told from the beginning I would not lose as fast because of the revision and also my age.  If you are having any trouble with reflux, I would definitely suggest you get the bypass.  Good luck!

Hi valapp. I too plan on revision from band to RNY same day.  Any issues for you?  Scar tissue problems?   Thank you!  Mary

No problems with scar tissue.  The only issue I had was one incision got infected.  I called my surgeon's office and they told me what to do and put me on an antibiotic for 10 days and it cleared right up.  I am so glad I had it done.  Wish I had done either RNY or Sleeve when I had the original surgery.  Since I was already accustomed to eating smaller meals, the weight has come off slower with the revision.  My original goal was just to get below 200 since I hadn't weighed that in years.  I was so happy the day I made that goal.  Then I decided my next goal would be 175.  I am 9 pounds away from that so now I have lowered my goal to 165. I went shopping last week and bought size 10 pants and a medium top.  I wish you well in your revision.  Keep me posted on how it goes.

How was the recovery compared to the band? I found that to be pretty easy.    How long was your surgery? Have you ever had the dumping syndrome?  Can you eat salads if you chew completely? Congratulations on a size 10 pants! that's fantastic!  You are very inspiring. Thanks so much.