My internist is strongly pushing the sleeve and I presently have a lapband in since 2008. But I am going no where, weightwise. I need to lose 100lbs still. My surgeon is concerned about putting in the sleeve for me because I have had a history of reflux with my band, and he says it would be worse with the sleeve. My family does not want me to have the surgery because I am over 60 years old.

What should I do? Thanks!

--Jim K

HI Jim, I can tell you that the sleeve is by far superior to the band. There are plenty of sleeve patients that are over 60, and have found great success with the sleeve. I do understand your families concern, but at the same time, if they'd like you around for many more years, maybe they will consider what your surgeon is suggesting for you, and your long term health. Some revision patients find that VSG resolves their reflux once they get the band out, others continue on a PPI to prevent reflux. You need to do what is best for your health. I know it's a tough spot to be in when the family is not supportive, but explain to them what the extra 100lbs is doing to you, physically and mentally. Explain to them that many people over 60 have full or partial gastrectomies for other medical conditions such as cancer or ulcers, and those surgeries have been performed for decades upon decades. Give them facts, and maybe that will help ease their fears.

I wouldn't say you're in a fix, per se. You know what you need to do, your internist has told you as much. Trust your doctor's opinion in this case and do what you need to do to get healthy. After 3 years with the band you know that it doesn't work for you and this is the better option. Take your family on a trip to your doctor or the bariactric surgeon of your choice and let him/her do the educating. This is all up to you though.

Hi there!

THere are a lot of us band to sleeve revision folks here on the board, of al different ages. You might want to check out the Band To Sleeve Revision topic on the main page, scroll down about halfway. THere are specific band revision stories and experiences there.

Welcome to the board and feel free to ask any questions - this is a very supportive place.

Happily revised!

Lara

Thank you all for writing. I've asked my family to comment on all the replies and generally give me their honest opinions of what I should do. I should add that presently my surgeon is reviewing my file to see if I am a candidate for the sleeve. As I have said, he is most concerned about the great deal of reflux I have had in the history of my band over the years. I appreciate you all taking the time to reply.

--Jim K

Jim K-

I had GERD before I got the band, it was control with Rx. I did go from one Protonix to two a day with the band. I am now a little over 3 months post sleeve and I take one every day and once in a while I do take the second one. I have gone over a week with out take any and just started to get the acid, so I went back on one a day.

My first surgeon was not willing to do a sleeve on me because he thought I would have all the same problems as I did with the band. I found a new doctor who though all my problems were cause by the band intolerance. I am so glad I fought to get the sleeve. I am so much happier not being in chronic pain. I have people who do not see me every day say I look a 1000 percent better than I did with the band. I had thought that I had covered all the problems I was having, but I guess not.

The final decision is yours and your doctor. You can always say that you are following your doctor order to lose weight.