I had a lapband in 2009 with a start weight 195. I am now 168 and considering a sleeve. I am going to go to Dr Filipe Garcia at www.bariatrichouse.com. I had some plastic surgery with Dr Cardenas who is sharing a facility with him. I hear a lot of ppl disappointed with lapband. I paid 16000 out of pocket for band and now will be paying about $5000 for this surgery. Anyone in my situation?

I paid out of pocket 2006, repair 2009 and converted sept 6 2012-- all out of my pocket as its an exclusion on my insurance. I have no regrets for either ! VS was not an option 6 yrs ago, as soon as it was-- I took it! I'm a week out, BMI 25 at surgery, BMI 23 now-- I would do it again!

I am confused, you had VS yesterday?

I has VS last thurs, I'm one week post op today- hopefully my JP drain comes out today.

so y did it as a prevention for gaining weight back?

Yes- my band was broken- tubing leakingi- statiscally 90percent will regain once band removed-- I'm not going back- the surgeon offerred conversion- I took the offer as I'm aware I would gain without restriction.

That's awesome. I should do it too.

I am considering Lapband to Sleeve in Mexico.

I was banded in Mexico. The band sux.

I just had my revision done on Monday in Tijuana Mexico with Dr Fernando Garcia. The surgery went smooth, the Dr amazingly skilled and still can't beleive that I no longer have that band. They gave it to me to take home too! My $16,000.00 band!! Do it you won't regret it!

For those who had lapband to VS with lower BMI what was your pre-op diet and for how long?

So I can have my band removed and vs done same time?

Anyone?

Yes I had my band removed and sleeve performed at the same time. This is definitely the best way. I have lost 62 pounds since September 10th the best thing I could have done for myself.

Anyone?

It depends on if you have any damage at the time. If there is no significant damage, they will go ahead and so it. Some drs may say "no" during pre-op and some drs will begin the removing of the band and see too much damage and have to wait for a period of time before they can. In some rate instances, there can be no "sleeve" due to the damage.

The longer it is in, the potential for more damage and complications.

If I'm not mistake, search Amazon13, I believe I remember her stating she had band-to-sleeve.

Hope this helps..

Thank tou

I'm having it done all in one procedure on January 17th. My surgeon prefers doing it as two separate surgeries but insurance won't cover it.