3rdtimecharm

My mom used Dr Lopez for her sleeve and was very happy with him. You shouldn't have any issues being by yourself, they will take very good care of you. I'm not sure about your other questions but I can tell you I converted from band to sleeve in October and I'm so thrilled with my results.
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Yeah, I thought about that too but I went ahead and had the revision done. I was very attached to my band. I thought exactly what you posted when I thought of a revision surgery. I know someone who had the bypass around the same time as my band, and now they are twice as heavy.
I initially went in for a fill since I've been traveling, working and moving, I hadn't seen a fill doctor for a couple of years since I was still doing well and losing with the level of Fluid I had. So when I finally made an appointment with my current bariatric center, just to check my Fluid level, and maybe get more added, they suggested the revision, and an unfill right then due to an enlarged esophagus (Too tight again, 2nd time for me). Gasp!
I wasn't a happy camper because I knew I was going to gain some weight back once they unfill me. No way, I just want a fill please. Um, no can do... Either rest my band for months again and get refilled & struggle to find that sweet spot again or rest my band and get a revision. That's why I opted for the revision so I wouldn't go through the weight gain-weight loss cycle again since I had a habit of being too tight. I was still working to get to goal again after my first enlarged esophagus episode.
I almost didn't go through with it. I'm happy with the results, the physical sensation that I get from the sleeve vs the band when I eat, as well as the weight loss results so far. I'm 24 days post-op and I'm down 22 lbs, and it's been relatively easy staying on program. Haven't thrown up or slimed yet. I guess from the band all these years, I know when to stop. That familiar pressure in the back of our throat... Stop or else. ^^
But, having said that, It is all very new to me though so check back in a few months lol.
Since you're at goal, does your doctor still want you to have a revision, do you have issues with your band? Either way, hope it works out for you.

1) I gained all my weight back plus 15. My band worked initially but I could never get a fill I could live with. Even the slightest fill caused food to get stuck. I gave up on fills within the first year. Even unfilled I struggled to eat right. Protein first meant I was throwing up. I learned to eat around the band rather than go back to surgeon and deal with it immediately.
2) I waited 10 yrs from band to revision
3) I started pre op for sleeve 3 months before surgery by choice. I was mentally ready even if I had to jump through all the hoops first. I lost 35 lbs.
4) I've lost 46 lbs. I am 2 weeks post op
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Good luck! I'm a band to sleeve revision but I had mine done here in the states. I'm also hypothyroid and it was the hardest to lose weight, even with the band. The sleeve is so much different. I wish you the best in your journey

Greeting, everyone!
Long story short, my first band was placed in 2008 when I was 260lbs. I lost 90lbs, was miserable physically, and had it removed because it slipped in April 2013 weighing about 180lbs. 2nd band was placed in August of 2013, and removed (again, slip) in March 2016, weighing 190lbs. After that band was removed I couldn't stop gaining weight and found out I was severely hypothyroid. Since then my TSH levels are normal (taking Synthroid) and I am 250lbs and not responding to diet/exercise. For example, on a one month strict no carb diet, I gained 10lbs.
So a year after my 2nd band removal I am traveling to Tijuana to have a revision surgery (even if there is no band/port it's still a revision) to try the sleeve! It's with ALOBariatrics, Dr. Alejandro Lopez.
What I'd like to know:
Has anyone used Dr. Lopez recently? How was your experience?
Does anyone know how being hypothyroid will hamper my weight loss chances this time around?
Has anyone gone to Mexico by themselves? Was it difficult?
Has anyone been successful in financing their flight with their medical loan?
Is there anything I might be missing/need to know?
Thanks, you guys!