Slip = Revision to Vertical Sleeve?

HeatherA · July 11, 2011

Hi everyone, I'm going to share with you a post I just posted on the Vertical Sleeve forum in case it helps anyone else.

I'm a lapbander that is considering revision to VGS. I've been banded since 12/07 and have a possible (probable) slip. I had a CT scan July 1 and go for the results on the 14th. My doctor and I have discussed (briefly) revision to the VGS as opposed to repositioning my band. This was all done prior to my CT scan so I don't know how bad my slip is. He is 100% sure I've slipped and since I spent the entire month of June barely eating anything solid, and most days not even being able to tolerate liquids, I'd tend to agree with him. Since he removed 5cc on the 29th I've been able to eat normally for the first time in nearly 2 years and have gained 10 pounds!

I am down about 72 pounds since being banded. I've been less, but have been re-gaining over the last year even as I fight to keep my weight in check. I'm happiest under 200 but have not been there in the last 12 months. I'm hoping if I revise to the sleeve I will be able to finally get to my goal weight (160ish) and not have to keep fighting myself all the time. The band was the only reason I have not re-gained to my highest weight, it's been just enough to slow my gain but I'm tired of not eating until 3pm, not being able to drink much earlier in the day, throwing up, having complications like a month of not knowing if I can eat from day to day etc... BUT I'm scared of the revision. It's such a major surgery. The fear is the main reason I shied away from RNY before getting my band. Now I have those same fears with the added concerns of what happens to my body after the band and port are removed.

I'd love to hear from anyone else that has made the jump from Lapband to VGS or even a re-placement of your band.

Buffie · August 5, 2011

Hi everyone, I'm going to share with you a post I just posted on the Vertical Sleeve forum in case it helps anyone else.

I'm a lapbander that is considering revision to VGS. I've been banded since 12/07 and have a possible (probable) slip. I had a CT scan July 1 and go for the results on the 14th. My doctor and I have discussed (briefly) revision to the VGS as opposed to repositioning my band. This was all done prior to my CT scan so I don't know how bad my slip is. He is 100% sure I've slipped and since I spent the entire month of June barely eating anything solid, and most days not even being able to tolerate liquids, I'd tend to agree with him. Since he removed 5cc on the 29th I've been able to eat normally for the first time in nearly 2 years and have gained 10 pounds!

I am down about 72 pounds since being banded. I've been less, but have been re-gaining over the last year even as I fight to keep my weight in check. I'm happiest under 200 but have not been there in the last 12 months. I'm hoping if I revise to the sleeve I will be able to finally get to my goal weight (160ish) and not have to keep fighting myself all the time. The band was the only reason I have not re-gained to my highest weight, it's been just enough to slow my gain but I'm tired of not eating until 3pm, not being able to drink much earlier in the day, throwing up, having complications like a month of not knowing if I can eat from day to day etc... BUT I'm scared of the revision. It's such a major surgery. The fear is the main reason I shied away from RNY before getting my band. Now I have those same fears with the added concerns of what happens to my body after the band and port are removed.

I'd love to hear from anyone else that has made the jump from Lapband to VGS or even a re-placement of your band.

Buffie · August 5, 2011

Hi Heather,

I've been off this site for a few years now. I struggle with obstruction and pain, one day I'll be fine, the next I can't eat solid food at all without obstructing. I was banded in 06, had adhesion removal (although it may have been a slip, I can't seem to get this information from my surgeon) after having constant, increasing, sharp pain under my ribs on the left side. After surgery the pain disappeared instantly. So I'm 3 years later and the pain is returning fast and frequently. I have decided that I want my band removed, frankly I'm tired of the side effects and the pain of obstruction. I've had countless fills and defills over the past 5 years, I'm just done. I have decided to revise to VSG. I loved the band for the first 2 years, I've regained 25 pounds since my initial 100 lb weight loss. I have 60 pounds to lose and can't seem to do it. I'm VERY frustrated with myself, I know that I have to revert to another WLS or I'll put the weight back on quickly. I feel like I've failed and I feel guilty for putting my family once again through the financial stress of yet another WLS, but my only other option is having the band removed and gaining back all the weight, I can't go there again. So I'm having a gastroscopy to check for erosion in a couple of weeks and if I have none, I'm off to Mexico as soon as I can for the sleeve.

It's been a hard decision to make but I hope I'm making the right one. Have you been looking into any surgeons?

Buffie