Hi,

I have had the band since 2008. It was filled quite a bit and then unfilled slightly due to the vomting issues, etc. It never slipped or eroded. So I am having revision surgery on Tuesday and I'm wondering whether the doctor should have unfilled the band so the stomach could heal (after reading the other posts). I am very concerned. He never mentioned a higher risk with a revision or anything like that. I can't have a gastric bypasss due to a giant piece of mesh over my intestines due to a herna repair. I'm scared. what if he can't do the sleeve, partially cuts my stomach and then can't do the bypass--all this under anestheia. I am very afraid. Has anyone had a successful revision with the band filled? I have not vomited since I started the pre-op diet.

Hi Linda,

I am having my lap band removed and my hernia repaired. They want me to wait at least 4 months before a revision. But my band slipped several times and I am completely unfilled and am having problems. I wonder if they aren't asking you to wait because you haven't slipped?

I think those are good questions for the surgeon as your case is not the same as many others. There are plenty of people who have it done in one surgery though and have been fine. I am not even sure that studies actually prove that two separate surgeries reduce risk - I think at this point surgeons are using "judgement" on that one.

I had a seriously slipped band and pouch dialation. Mine was unfilled for years before it slipped and then when it was diagnosed as slipped, he tried to unfill more "just in case" but found it was empty - it was just tight on me I guess. That band had to go - and then I did the sleeve later.

As far as risk of complications - I was thoroughly educated in those possibilities even though there weren't clear large studies to point to. I would be disappointed if a surgeon did not educate me so I could make a good informed decision. I am guessing that you will be signing something saying that you are informed of the risks before they operate.