Hello,

I'm considering having my band removed and converting to either the vertical sleeve or RNY surgery. I'm interested in hearing from people that have been in this position. Specifically, during recovery from band removal did you lose any weight? How long did you wait to have the second surgery (RNY or VS)?

I had my band placed by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey, MX in March of 2004. I had decent success with the band, losing 70lbs in my first 7 months post op, but then after getting pregnant I stopped losing weight. I ended up having two children post banding and overall am down 40lbs. I have not lost weight for the past 5 years and now realize that an expectation of further weight loss is not realistic. My insurance will be changing effective April 1, 2011 and will exclude bariatric surgery so I will be going very quickly through the revision, insurance approval and surgery process in the next 4 months.

Corrie

Although people who have revised post here, I would check out the both the sleeve and bypass boards because revisers tend to be more active on their new procedure boards. Also you may want to consider revision to the band with plication This is a relatively new procedure which combines the band with the sleeve except the sleeve is formed by suturing the stomach instead of removing it. Another advantage is that the band with plication tends to be covered by insurance whereas the plication alone isn't.

Good luck with your journey

Michelle