denisestevedr

Jake, I hope that you can do it in one surgery, I wanted so much to do it in one. I was very disappointed and still am that I went thru all that with the band and now I have to wait with no restriction for 6 months. With that said, what I appreciate about my surgeon is that he has done thousands of sleeves and bands and now he is taking out all of the bands that he put in and that other doctors have put in. He gave me a 50/50 chance after having it in for over 7 years to do all in one. I could have maybe found a doctor that would have done both with no thought, but if I developed a leak because of scar tissue, what would I have done as a self-pay? As far as having so much damage that a sleeve can't be done, the band can do a lot of damage. The band can adhere itself to other organs, disappear inside the stomach, etc. I am so thankful to have it out and although it is difficult I will be patient until my surgeon give the go ahead. Please keep posting on your progress.

I just had my band removed last week with Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. He said that I will be able to come back in 6 months for the VSG revision but said that some have so much damage from the band that a sleeve is impossible without leaking or other complications. So, it is possible to have so much damage of the stomach from the band to not be able to ever have the sleeve without complications. Good to find a doctor that knows what he is doing and only does the VSG when he feels comfortable there will be minimal issues. There is always a risk but good to have a very experienced surgeon to tell you the truth.

I also just came back from Piedras Negras with Dr. Alvarez and he removed my band but said I would have to wait 6 months. I was really disappointed but I know it is for the best and you are right, no other better doctor, who really cares for his patients. Looks like we will be there around the same time. I hope all goes well.