After almost a week of researching and talking to my dr's nurse, I think I'm about 98% sure I'm going to revise to a sleeve (last week I was in the ER with a herniated band - totally unfilled). I'd prefer to wait until after my upcoming Alaskan cruise (3 weeks from today) so I don't have to be on a liquid diet and that fits perfectly with my nurses recommendations. She said if I want to have the revision all in 1 surgery (take out my band and replace with the sleeve at the same time), I have to wait for at least 6 weeks for the inflammation to go down, otherwise I will have to wait between the time they take it out and the time they replace it with the sleeve. But until then, I can actually feel everything that I eat. With an unfilled band, I can actually FEEL my band for the first time ever. No pain, I can just feel it. Even Soup.

I've done much research on this and found that most people who have had a slipped band and replaced it with another band, have problems with the placement in the future. I'm tired of driving the 6 hr round trip journey for tweaks of my band anyway (not to mention the $160 for every adjustment). I want something permanent.

Now, if I could just get a little more support. My husband is very supportive, however my mom, sister, and best friend think I should just leave it out and do it on my own. While I only have about 30 lbs to goal and I could probably (eventually do it on my own) I know I could never keep it off forever. I don't want to risk it to find out. Medicare will pay for a revision now (even tho my bmi is only 27) because of complications. I don't think they'd pay if I gained a few lbs back having it completely taken out. I know myself. In a few years, I'd be 250 again. Never again!

So wish me luck! I'll still be on this board till the actual revision (no actual date yet), and will probably check in from time to time to see how everyone doing!

Marci

I think you made the right decision Marci. I too have a 3 hour round trip to the doctor that did my band...I also have heard of just a couple of people getting a new band and being successful and they both had the old 4cc bands initially. I know of several dozen who have not and end up with removal or revision and pretty bad damage.

Keep us posted on your progress! Congrats

I wish you well, and thank you for letting us know your decision. I personally think that if I ever have to have my band removed and can't be rebanded, I would probably choose VSG as well.

You've done your homework so trust your instincts and do what it is best for you. It's unfortunate your family isn't more supportive but that doesn't matter. YOU are what matters and you have to do what is best for your long term health.

Best wishes to you and enjoy your cruise!!

I've since been reading too about those with slips having issues with replacement bands - that they're at a higher risk of slips in the future too. I think if my complication had been a slip I would have been less inclined to get a band replacement as well.

I so hear you though on the whole 'just remove it and do it yourself' thing. I gained weight when I sprung my leak but since managed to arrest the weight gain, and even take some off. So everyone I know can't understand why I would get another band.

But I know why. It's because I seriously have to be obsessive with food to maintain. And if I can't exercise (like in the last 3 months due to broken bones) I struggle not to gain, because I'm hungry but can't exercise to burn anything off.

So I say do whatever works for you. I have chosen band replacement for a variety of my own reasons but if I were to have complications in the future, I'd weigh up all my options again and decide which way to go at that point, depending on all the information I have in front of me.

Good luck with the surgery. I hope the 6 weeks will go quickly for you.

marci

whatever you decide, just do your best as that is all you can do.

Good luck . I would also want another surgery as I agree that keeping the weight off without assistance is too hard. Have a lovely holiday and keep us updated with how you go. You're part of our family.

Marci Im so excited for you, that you found a solution and your doctor is helping you. enjoy your cruise its so much fun. Also keep in mind that your family just wants whats best for you, and if you change your mind no one will hold it against you. good luck with all that you do.