Changing my mind

USAF Wife
on 4/17/11 10:24 pm
I've had both. Think twice, cut once. I had every band issue out there, and it only lasted 8 months before I revised to the sleeve. Food getting stuck, not being able to eat decent food, and puking in public restrooms were trivial issues compared to the damage the band did to my stomach tissue. I lost more tissue during my revision, had a leak, and severe complications after my revision that resulted in a 3 month long, exhaustive and draining recovery. I obviously survived, and conquered every struggle, but let me just say that it was hell. I'm elated with my sleeve, and am almost 23 months out from my revision. I made it to goal in 6.5 months, lost a little more into maintenance, and maintained my loss for a year until I got pregnant and have gained about 3-4lbs in the last 11.5 weeks with the pregnancy. I'm able to eat enough to support my body and the baby. My labs are stellar, and always have been since being sleeved with zero deficiencies, and once I recovered, it's been smooth sailing.

Here is a study by the makers that might give you an idea on some of the complications that can happen. In this study, 1 in 4 (25%) of the 299 patients needed a second surgery to either repair, reposition, replace, or remove and revise the band.

http://www.lapband.com/en/learn_about_lapband/safety_information/

Patients can experience complications after surgery. Most complications are not serious but some may require hospitalization and/or re-operation. In the United States clinical study, with 3-year follow-up reported, 88% of the 299 patients had one or more adverse events, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. Nausea and vomiting (51%), gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation) (34%), band slippage/pouch dilatation (24%) and stoma obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage) (14%) were the most common post-operative complications. In the study, 25% of the patients had their band systems removed, two-thirds of which were following adverse events. Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function****urred in 11% of patients, the long-term effects of which are currently unknown. Constipation, diarrhea and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing****urred in 9% of the patients. In 9% of the patients, a second surgery was needed to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery. In 9% of the patients, there was an additional procedure to fix a leaking or twisted access port. The access port design has been improved. Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) had their bands erode into their stomachs. These bands needed to be removed in a second operation. Surgical techniques have evolved to reduce slippage. Surgeons with more laparoscopic experience and more experience with these procedures report fewer complications.
Adverse events that were considered to be non-serious, and which occurred in less than 1% of the patients, included: esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), hiatal hernia (some stomach above the diaphragm), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), abdominal pain, hernia, incisional hernia, infection, redundant skin, dehydration, diarrhea (frequent semi-solid bowel movements), abnormal stools, constipation, flatulence (gas), dyspepsia (upset stomach), eructation (belching), cardiospasm (an obstruction of passage of food through the bottom of the esophagus), hematemsis (vomiting of blood), asthenia (fatigue), fever, chest pain, incision pain, contact dermatitis (rash), abnormal healing, edema (swelling), paresthesia (abnormal sensation of burning, *****ly, or tingling), dysmenorrhea (difficult periods), hypochromic anemia (low oxygen carrying part of blood), band system leak, cholecystitis (gall stones), esophageal ulcer (sore), port displacement, port site pain, spleen injury, and wound infection. Be sure to ask your surgeon about these possible complications and any of these medical terms that you dont understand.
Back to Top What are the specific risks and possible complications?

Talk to your doctor about all of the following risks and complications:

  • Ulceration
  • Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation)
  • Heartburn
  • Gas bloat
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Dehydration
  • Constipation
  • Weight regain
  • Death

Laparoscopic surgery has its own set of possible problems. They include:

  • Spleen or liver damage (sometimes requiring spleen removal)
  • Damage to major blood vessels
  • Lung problems
  • Thrombosis (blood clots)
  • Rupture of the wound
  • Perforation of the stomach or esophagus during surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is not always possible. The surgeon may need to switch to an "open" method due to some of the reasons mentioned here. This happened in about 5% of the cases in the U.S. Clinical Study.
There are also problems that can occur that are directly related to the LAP-BAND� System:

  • The band can spontaneously deflate because of leakage. That leakage can come from the band, the reservoir, or the tubing that connects them.
  • The band can slip
  • There can be stomach slippage
  • The stomach pouch can enlarge
  • The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked
  • The band can erode into the stomach

Obstruction of the stomach can be caused by:

  • Food
  • Swelling
  • Improper placement of the band
  • The band being over-inflated
  • Band or stomach slippage
  • Stomach pouch twisting
  • Stomach pouch enlargement

There have been some reports that the esophagus has stretched or dilated in some patients. This could be caused by:

  • Improper placement of the band
  • The band being tightened too much
  • Stoma obstruction
  • Binge eating
  • Excessive vomiting

Patients with a weaker esophagus may be more likely to have this problem. A weaker esophagus is one that is not good at pushing food through to your stomach. Tell your surgeon if you have difficulty swallowing. Then your surgeon can evaluate this.
Weight loss with the LAP-BAND� System is typically slower and more gradual than with some other weight loss surgeries. Tightening the band too fast or too much to try to speed up weight loss should be avoided. The stomach pouch and/or esophagus can become enlarged as a result. You need to learn how to use your band as a tool that can help you reduce the amount you eat.
Infection is possible. Also, the band can erode into the stomach. This can happen right after surgery or years later, although this rarely happens.
Complications can cause reduced weight loss. They can also cause weight gain. Other complications can result that require more surgery to remove, reposition, or replace the band.
Some patients have more nausea and vomiting than others. You should see your physician at once if vomiting persists.
Rapid weight loss may lead to symptoms of:

  • Malnutrition
  • Anemia
  • Related complications

It is possible you may not lose much weight or any weight at all. You could also have complications related to obesity.
If any complications occur, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also need to return to the hospital later. A number of less serious complications can also occur. These may have little effect on how long it takes you to recover from surgery.
If you have existing problems, such as diabetes, a large hiatal hernia (part of the stomach in the chest cavity), Barretts esophagus (severe, chronic inflammation of the lower esophagus), or emotional or psychological problems, you may have more complications. Your surgeon will consider how bad your symptoms are, and if you are a good candidate for the LAP-BAND� System surgery. You also have more risk of complications if you've had a surgery before in the same area. If the procedure is not done laparoscopically by an experienced surgeon, you may have more risk of complications.
Anti-inflammatory drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, should be used with caution.
Some people need folate and vitamin B12 supplements to maintain normal homocycteine levels. Elevated homocycteine levels can increase risks to your heart and the risk of spinal birth defects.
You can develop gallstones after a rapid weight loss. This can make it necessary to remove your gallbladder.
There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND� System. Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, though, have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the LAP-BAND� System may not be right for you.
Back to Top Removing the LAP-BAND� System

If the LAP-BAND� System has been placed laparoscopically, it may be possible to remove it the same way. This is an advantage of the LAP-BAND� System. However, an "open" procedure may be necessary to remove a band. In the U.S. Clinical Study, 60% of the bands that were removed were done laparoscopically. Surgeons report that after the band is removed, the stomach returns to essentially a normal state.
At this time, there are no known reasons to suggest that the band should be replaced or removed at some point unless a complication occurs or you do not lose weight. It is difficult, though, to say whether the band will stay in place for the rest of your life. It may need to be removed or replaced at some point. Removing the device requires a surgical procedure. That procedure will have all the related risks and possible complications that come with surgery. The risk of some complications, such as erosions and infection, increase with any added procedure.


Band to VSG revision: June 3, 2009
SW 270lbs GW 150lbs CW Losing Pregancy Weight Maintenance goal W 125-130lbs


Sharon R.
on 4/17/11 10:51 pm - VA
VSG on 05/03/11 with
I had my mind set on the lap band did the 6 month supervised classes and the day they were going to submit my paperwork I had them change it to the sleeve.  I did a ton of research and just decided I wanted something permanent with less maintenance.  I am scheduled for surgery on May 3rd and I can not wait.
That which does not kill me makes me stronger
Height:  5.9   HW: 274  SW: 263
Sharon           
         
(deactivated member)
on 4/17/11 11:17 pm
I was one that wanted the Lab Band and started the 6-mo. diet for it. My thinking was that it was the least invasive one and if it didn't work it was reversible and I could always go to sleeve or bypass later. THEN I started reading stories like USAF wife's and so many others (check out the revision forums). I decided it wasn't worth the risk. I want to have surgery once so for me the sleeve is the way I'm going. I feel much better about this decision. Yes, you can ask your dr. to do the sleeve. If he doesn't do it (my 1st doctor didn't) you can find a dr. who does. You are not locked into anything at this point. It is always your decision. Good luck!
KrisJ77
on 4/18/11 12:34 am - TX
I went to the seminar for lap band, but they discussed the sleeve and gastric as well....I jumped ship quick!! During the seminar!! Lol!!  Get the sleeve - you will love it!!! 
    
Hislady
on 4/18/11 8:51 am - Vancouver, WA
My surgery group now does all they can to get people to do the sleeve rather than the band because it is just a better all round surgery. I have a band and it's useless please just go straight to the sleeve, it will serve you well!
Prettygia
on 4/18/11 2:46 pm - MD
Thanks again everyone, July is when I am done my 6 month supervised diet so I will let the surgeon know that I have decided to get the sleeve.
Most Active
Recent Topics
×