Removal of Band and Possible Sleeve

[Misi 0]

I have a question - I got my band back in July 2002. Like a lot of people I lost weight the first 2 years, then stopped. I was able to maintain my weight for quite a while. But, 3 years ago, I had band slippage so bad that acid spilled into my lungs and solidified - it was as if I had double pneumonia but no infection. After 2 trips to the emergency room, I went in to see my 4th (?) doctor (the doctors move around a lot) and I was told that I had to have my band replaced. I was told that it would be like I had a brand new band and I would lose more weight and that the acid problem would be fixed. When they got in there, they found that I had a hernia, but they said it was fixed and they even secured it by putting the band over the hernia. That was 2 years ago, and no more weight loss - I have actually gained a little. Back in April 2011 I began getting the same acid symptoms again. I went in, and they removed some of the Fluid. I had another relapse, and they removed the rest of the fluid. I also found out that I had the start of a sliding hernia. At that time I said we needed to get the band out - drinking pepto bismal each night is not fun! When I was in the doctor's room, the doctor said that he would remove the band and that when he was in there he would probably remove a portion of the stomach - he guaranteed that would take care of my problems. But when I went in for the second consult, he just said he was doing the band removal as my BMI was not high enough (I am a 36). He left me in the room and I heard through the door "vertical sleeve". So my question is this - has anyone gone in for the band removal and due to complications from the band ended up having a vertical sleeve? Just as a side note - he wants me to have the surgery at a hospital instead of outpatient, "just in case" I have to stay the night. Thank You.

[KristeyK 3]

I'm getting a VSG due to complications from the band. I am done with this thing. If you go in to have the band removed and a sliding hernia repaired, I'd want to have it done in the hospital anyway. The sliding hernia repair is something that should require an overnight stay.

Good luck with everything. If you end up getting the VSG, it will probably be better in the long run anyway. I cannot say for sure yet as I still have 5 weeks before I get mine. However, my sister is 11 weeks post op and has lost more weight with this than I EVER did with the band. (And she had a lot less weight to lose.)

[Misi 0]

Thank you for the info - I think not knowing what is going on is the hardest thing for me! I am just waiting on my surgery date (insurance has approved the band removal) to see what happens.

I'm getting a VSG due to complications from the band. I am done with this thing. If you go in to have the band removed and a sliding hernia repaired, I'd want to have it done in the hospital anyway. The sliding hernia repair is something that should require an overnight stay.

Good luck with everything. If you end up getting the VSG, it will probably be better in the long run anyway. I cannot say for sure yet as I still have 5 weeks before I get mine. However, my sister is 11 weeks post op and has lost more weight with this than I EVER did with the band. (And she had a lot less weight to lose.)

[KristeyK 3]

You sound like me...I LOATHE not knowing something is 100% sure or not. Your situation would probably drive me over the edge!

[losing_the_band 133]

Your acid problems sound a lot like mine, but I haven't gotten confirmation of a slip requiring band removal. I chew a few 1000 strength tums every night. The aftertaste of them is horrendous in the morning, if I don't get my mouth rinsed after eating them. I haven't seen my surgeon in more than two years, though (I moved across the country from her). I've got an appointment on the 25th with a new surgeon, and we're going to see how my band is doing and I hope evaluate me for getting a sleeve.

[Misi 0]

Just to let you know - I also was doing tums the first time and I was told by my doctor that tums does no good at all for our situation. It has to do with the fact that the stomach acid isn't in the pouch? Not sure on all the whys. He said just to drink the pepto bismal/etc to coat the lining of the stomach. I also had stopped going to the surgeon for quite a few years - they were difficult to deal with! They kept telling me that the reason I wasn't losing weight was because I was eating too much and not working out. I showed them that I was working out over 2 hours a day 5-6 times a week, and that THEIR nutritionist kept telling me I wasn't eating enough. But, they didn't believe me and I got tired of being put down. So, I waited too long the first time, which is why I ended up in the emergency room twice. Now, as soon as I started getting the same symptoms with the new band I told them it was time to get the band out - getting esophogeal cancer just to keep my band didn't seem like a good trade off to me!

Your acid problems sound a lot like mine, but I haven't gotten confirmation of a slip requiring band removal. I chew a few 1000 strength tums every night. The aftertaste of them is horrendous in the morning, if I don't get my mouth rinsed after eating them. I haven't seen my surgeon in more than two years, though (I moved across the country from her). I've got an appointment on the 25th with a new surgeon, and we're going to see how my band is doing and I hope evaluate me for getting a sleeve.

[Misi 0]

Yes, it is making me a little crazy. That is why I think I have been gaining some weight - too much stress!

You sound like me...I LOATHE not knowing something is 100% sure or not. Your situation would probably drive me over the edge!