hi, i was banded in 2006, did well and lost around 70 lbs . in oct 2007, my band prolapsed(slip) and i needed revision surgery. the dr replaced the band. about a year later that band too slipped. i had m band removed in 2009. i since gained my weight back and I'm thinking of the sleeve. i did meet with 1 dr so far and he flat out told me he wouldn't do it. i was surprised because I've read of so many people having it done. he told me the risks would be too high because of the scar tissue from the band surgeries. he recommended the bypass, which is something i do not want to have. I'm wondering if anyone else had a dr tell them they wouldn't do this? I'm confused now. I'm am meeting with another dr in a few weeks to get another opinion. can anyone compare banded life to sleeve life? pros and cons? thanks

Interesting...I'm currently talking to a surgeon about a sleeve after my band (2008 - removed 2010). And he said bypass is NOT an option and he recommended the Sleeve! Odd how doctors have totally opposite opinions!

I agree, surgeons are very different. But my surgeon told me he cannot think of any reason to do a bypass rather than the sleeve. The sleeve is simpler & a much less risky procedure. I had asked about this because I really didn't want the bypass, but didn't want to be cut and have nothing done. Meaning...surgeon goes in to do the sleeve, but can't for some medical reason & bypass is the only option. I loved my surgeon because he keeps it simple. He didn't put pressure on me to lose weight prior, although I did lose about 5lb., give or take. Get referrals from more people until you find a surgeon you are comfortable with & will meet your needs. Now if 3 surgeons tell you the same thing...take it under advisement.

DR Almanza will do it

Just wondering if any of your drs claimed the risk was higher for leaks?

Yes, mine said after the band the risk of leaks is higher. However with the risk being so low to begin with, it's still a very small chance. At least that's what mine said. I'm hoping since I haven't had my band since 12/10 my stomach has had a chance to completely heal and I won't have any problem.

I have a slipped band and my new doctor didn't seem to think there would be a problem with removing the band and revising to a sleeve.

Really your dr didnt seem concerned? I cant wait to discuss thins with a different dr to hear his input.

I was banded in 05 and it slipped. I had it removed one year ago June, and my surgeon would not do the VSG for one year. I am now scheduled for surgery on 6/27/12. I was really down when they told me I had to wait a year. I started gaining after the fluid was taken out initially and have gained. My highest weight was 213 pre band. My lowest weight with lots of vomiting was 134. I was 155 when they removed the band. I am now 173. I am sick about this but looking forward to June. I am even excited to do the pre op diet because I know it is the path to surgery. As for complications, I am told to follow all the post eating rules exactly to reduce risk of leaks.

I got the band in 2007 and just hated it. I only lost about 50 lbs then gained back 15 over the course of a couple of years. The same surgeon did the revision to the sleeve and I couldn't be happier. If you are in So. Cal see Dr. Paya in West Hills and best of luck to you.

I had a band in 08 it slipped and gave me a bowel obstruction in 2010 so had emergency removal i regained all my lost weight and had a vsg 5 days ago, my surgeon said there was no scar tissue and everything was straight forward, he did warn me pre surgery that if there was lots of scar tissue he may have to convert to open, I don't suppose they can tell until they are inside x x

Really? You had no scar tissue? Thats good to hear. The dr i saw didnt see insde me of course, he just said he KNOWS id be a mess insde! Hmm?.... I also heard they cant tell until they operate too.

He must feel more confident in his ability to do the by-pass. Run don't walk to another doctor!