Prospective band to sleeve

[Bornagainbabe 4]

Hi I'm new to the site. I am due to have revision surgery sometime this summer. I don't have a date yet. Like most people, I thought that I knew everything I needed to know about the VSG after conducting some research of my own, but, similarly to the band, am finding that there is a lot I wasn't aware of, i.e. revision surgery being more complex etc.

However, the more I read about complications, the more I am going to worry and despite needing to be fully informed and educated, had I knew half of how the band was going to affect me I may possibly not have gone ahead. Saying that, I don't regret having the band at all as I initially lost 105lbs in just under a year which as well as making me feel and look great, enabled my surgeon to operate on my huge stomach hernia.

Unfortunately my band has now slipped for the second time, I suffer constant indigestion (reflux was a huge problem when the band was filled), have gained about 28lbs (don't go the scales at the moment) and am now, with the advice of my surgeon going for the VSG surgery. I am not afraid and really think that this is the best option for me. Reading about the problems the lady on here had with leakage are quite frightening but I continue to be optimistic. The other option for me is regaining all my lost weight, which I know I could do very easily as I still like snacking and have absolutely no self-control whatsoever. I think that the pros outweigh the cons for me.

Your comments and encouragment would be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Helen :thumbup1:

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

Hi I'm new to the site. I am due to have revision surgery sometime this summer. I don't have a date yet. Like most people, I thought that I knew everything I needed to know about the VSG after conducting some research of my own, but, similarly to the band, am finding that there is a lot I wasn't aware of, i.e. revision surgery being more complex etc.

However, the more I read about complications, the more I am going to worry and despite needing to be fully informed and educated, had I knew half of how the band was going to affect me I may possibly not have gone ahead. Saying that, I don't regret having the band at all as I initially lost 105lbs in just under a year which as well as making me feel and look great, enabled my surgeon to operate on my huge stomach hernia.

Unfortunately my band has now slipped for the second time, I suffer constant indigestion (reflux was a huge problem when the band was filled), have gained about 28lbs (don't go the scales at the moment) and am now, with the advice of my surgeon going for the VSG surgery. I am not afraid and really think that this is the best option for me. Reading about the problems the lady on here had with leakage are quite frightening but I continue to be optimistic. The other option for me is regaining all my lost weight, which I know I could do very easily as I still like snacking and have absolutely no self-control whatsoever. I think that the pros outweigh the cons for me.

Your comments and encouragment would be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Helen :thumbup1:

Welcome, Helen!

I am a revision from band to sleeve and I can't tell you how much better the sleeve is. I was prepared for "hard" when everyone kept telling me how hard the band is. I thought they meant hard work and dealing with head issues. I had no idea the kind of hard it would be. I did not realizze the constant band problems was the hard part. Puking, getting stuck, restriction issues, reflux, foaming, sliming... I had no idea.

After banding I was a little gun shy about another WLS, I was scared to death what I was experiencing with the band was what WLS is all about. It became a way of life. I was afraid that the sleeve would make my problems permanent. That scared the heck out of me. I finally decided that I did not want to be fat more than I was afraid of complications and such.

Turns out, it's the best thing I have ever done. I just wish I would have done the sleeve the first time around, it would have saved me a ton of money. ;o)

Don't let a risk of a leak scare you away from sleeves. It's possible, but the risk of being fat is greater than the risk of a leak. They are rare. Since this will be a revision for you I would suggest you make sure you go to a true revision surgeon. Not just any surgeon but a revision surgeon. I will tell you that a risk for leaks, perforation, and bleeding are three fold for revisions vs. working on a virgin stomach. But if you go to someone who has done a ton of revisions you stand the best odds for a safe surgery.

Welcome to the forum!

[Tiffykins 672]

Even with all the complications, I am so glad that I went through with the revision. I was nervous at first which I think is expected and 100% acceptable. I knew that if I continued with my band, the damage being done to my stomach would continue, and I would continue to regain weight. The leak situation was scary, but truthfully, the leak surgery wasn't what caused problems for me, it was my lungs. I am still recovering, and am 100% happy with my choice to go with the revision. My surgeon is a military surgeon and had only done a couple of revisions, but going to true revision surgeon was/is not an option for me due to insurance restraints, and there is no way I could afford self-pay. He has done hundreds of sleeves and bands, and a few revisions from band to bypass, and band to sleeve. I knew that he didn't have loads of revision experience, but I was confident in my choice. After my first surgeon experience, who has done 1000's of bands and bypasses, and had an impeccable rep from people I had spoken with, I was no longer going off what other people said about a surgeon were because my first surgeon was horrific which led me to having a revision 8 months out of the band surgery in the first place. Don't let the fear of a leak keep you from researching the sleeve more and ultimately deciding what is very best for your future health. Best wishes. . .

[Bornagainbabe 4]

Thanks for your responses. They are very helpful. In the UK we don't differentiate between revision surgeons and otherwise as there are relatively few of them over here. My surgeon is the only bariatric surgeon in the Sheffield area who performs all ops. He has an excellent reputation in the UK though and people travel from all over the country to be operated on. He fitted my band two years ago, then operated on my hernia and repositioned my slipped band last year, and will be performing my VSG op this year. I am fully confident in his ability as he has plenty of experience. I'm not really all that worried to be honest as I know that the risks of being fat and getting fatter are worse than going for this op. I don't want my hernia to rupture again and I don't want to risk getting diabetes either. There are risks with all surgery and that is something we have to weigh up against being obese don't we?

Flab2Fab4Ever - I hope you continue to make a good recovery and wish you well.

Thanks :confused1:

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

sounds like you have a good surgeon. From what I have read, complications with the sleeve are rare.

I am really glad I had my band taken out. I was really afraid the band would damage my stomach and then I would not be able to have a sleeve. The sleeve is so much easier to live with.

[Bornagainbabe 4]

How long did you have your band for? I am really lucky as the NHS has agreed to fund my sleeve surgery which neither me or my surgeon was expecting. I originally paid for my band privately, lost enough weight to have the hernia surgery and now because of the slippage they have agreed to pay for the revision surgery! They must have considered lots of issues with me as patients now have to have a BMI of 50+ before they are even considered for surgery on the NHS in the UK. I am very lucky. I am not surprised that a lot of people are going for this revision surgery though as it seems to be a common story hearing peple complain of slippage, reflux, erosion etc. Will be glad to have my band out once and for all...

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

I had my band for 2 years and 4 months when I had it taken out. I am so glad it's gone. I had it taken out before I gained too much weight back after having to have my fill taken out due to acid refulx.

[NancySmiles 2]

Welcome, Helen!

I am a revision from band to sleeve and I can't tell you how much better the sleeve is. I was prepared for "hard" when everyone kept telling me how hard the band is. I thought they meant hard work and dealing with head issues. I had no idea the kind of hard it would be. I did not realizze the constant band problems was the hard part. Puking, getting stuck, restriction issues, reflux, foaming, sliming... I had no idea.

After banding I was a little gun shy about another WLS, I was scared to death what I was experiencing with the band was what WLS is all about. It became a way of life. I was afraid that the sleeve would make my problems permanent. That scared the heck out of me. I finally decided that I did not want to be fat more than I was afraid of complications and such.

Turns out, it's the best thing I have ever done. I just wish I would have done the sleeve the first time around, it would have saved me a ton of money. ;o)

Don't let a risk of a leak scare you away from sleeves. It's possible, but the risk of being fat is greater than the risk of a leak. They are rare. Since this will be a revision for you I would suggest you make sure you go to a true revision surgeon. Not just any surgeon but a revision surgeon. I will tell you that a risk for leaks, perforation, and bleeding are three fold for revisions vs. working on a virgin stomach. But if you go to someone who has done a ton of revisions you stand the best odds for a safe surgery.

Welcome to the forum!

How are all the revisions doing with weight loss now that you can eat things you couldn't with the band?

I am at a total standstill....I lost 15 imediately after the revision, but have gained it back and not losing anymore. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Nancy

[NancySmiles 2]

How are all the revisions doing with weight loss now that you can eat things you couldn't with the band?

I am at a total standstill....I lost 15 imediately after the revision, but have gained it back and not losing anymore. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Nancy

[Ruthi 60]

I am doing well, I had a 20 lb weight loss in 4 weeks since revision but have pretty much hit a stall. I havent gained anything back though. I hope the stall doesnt last long.

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

I am doing great. I love never being hungry.

My weight is dropping slowly, but I expected that. I have always been a slow loser. If I wanted to lose faster, I need to exercise more. I do exercise regularly, but not like a madwoman like I did when I first got the band. My life is just busier now.

[Alexa77 0]

Hey folks! How long after surgery did you start excercising?

[Malaika 50]

Hey folks! How long after surgery did you start excercising?

Immediately - was up walking the same day as the surgery - and try to walk everyday - sometimes I ride my bike. Am going to start working out at the gym in 2 more weeks which will be 6 weeks from my surgery - can't lift anything over 15 lbs. 1st 6 weeks. Amy sure I could do more strenuous exercise sooner; however, prefer to build up to it as I haven't exercised in a while. Not sure what others on here did.

[*susan* 1,709]

I was walking right after surgery as well. Dr. Aceves advised me to wait on returning to the gym and resuming my full workout schedule until I was six weeks out from surgery.

[carolnphx 16]

I was doing stationary bike, in the pool walking, leg raises, squats and lower body etc 3 weeks after surgery. Nothing upper body. At the month time frame then I started the upper body exercises in pool and the Gazelle. I don't like to exercise but I try to do routine on each daily. Wish I were like some on here that have gotten to really enjoy exercising. I have foot & knee issues and have to be careful with what I do. The pool makes that safer.