Hi, I had my band removed due to the same problems as you. I had a bypass Feb 2015. The bypass is so much easier to live with. It is a dream compared to the band. My surgeon repaired a hiatus hernia at the same time as my bypass. I won't comment on recovery time as I had a bleed and was quite poorly afterwards xx
I'm also considering having my band removed and the plication taken down. I'm at the 4.5 year mark and having horrible reflux and some other discomfort. The reflux is so bad, I'm hoarse all the time and wake up coughing.
I'm 62 and scared to revise to a RNY at my age. But I've gained about 30 of the 70 pounds I lost with the band, and I'm afraid I will gain all of it back; possibly more. I'm also scared that the band is doing damage."
Have no fear! I had gastric bypass at 62, last year, after having the band removed. the band caused a ton of scar tissue internally. the surgeon said he worked over an hour to get it all out before he could proceed to the bypass. so it was a long surgery but totally worth it. Much easier to live with.
I am retired but you could probably go back to work in two weeks' time. I have lost much more weight with bypass and have a feeling it will be easier to keep it off due to the mandatory restrictions. My friend was 65 when she had hers done. YMMV
Bari_AliUK got a reaction from mrsto in Trying to decide if I should just remove my band, or convert