I just read a distubing email from Nina with Dr. Aceves. She stated that the leak rate after a revision to VSG is 3x greater in those of us who are banded then switch. I can understand that if I was eroded or something but I'm not.

Has anyone else ran across this information?

Yes, my surgeon told me the same thing. Any type of revision the risks triple. If you aren't eroded, or had any other complications, obviously the risks aren't as high. I did have a leak with my revision, BUT my band had destroyed my stomach tissue because of scar tissue, and adhesions all over the place. I knew it going in, and was prepared.

You're in great hands. Dr. Aceves hasn't had any leaks, and have done hundreds of revisions. Even more complicated revisions than band to sleeve, so you have an amazing surgeon.

I'm not actually with Dr. Aceves at the moment. I've had problems with my insurance (who hasn't!) and been exploring my options. I couldn't get a final number from the office manager as my insurance did approve my band to be removed by declared the usual "investigational" crud on the sleeve portion. My US surgeon is Dr. Manuel Castro in Dallas, he is going to do the band removal under insurance and while he's in there he will convert me from band to sleeve for $4,500 and I'll have to pay another $3,500 to the hospital for a 2 night stay and extra anesthesia.

So out of pocket it looks like I'll end up paying 8k for both the removal and sleeve. I have half the money, looking to get the other half now.

Awww okay, I'll still keep you in my thoughts.

There are plenty of us band to sleeve revisions who have never had a problem. My friend had a terrible time with her band and never could eat solid food. She was on liquids for over a year, as every time she tried to eat solids or mushies, she puked. She had revision surgery with no problems at all.

I heard the same stats from my doc -- because of that he wants to do my revision in 2 surgeries -- band out then wait 9-12 weeks for the sleeve --- bummer

this really depends on many factors some are how long your were banded, what complications you have and the experience of the surgeon with revisions. it can include issues of scar tissue, adhesions, etc so yes band to sleeve revision increases complications and mortality rates, how high those are depends on your specific complications with the band, unfortunelty my complication rate is much higher as I have severe complications post banding

for example, if your band eroded into the tissues, that is a condition that cannot be band to sleeve in one operation but requires 2...

Edited August 29, 201015 yr by mila1013