What happens when a band patient gets down to goal weight or to a normal BMI, but then needs to have the band removed due to slippage, erosion, or reflux? Because they would then be at a "normal" weight, would they still be able to have a conversion to another surgery? I know if I lose all my weight and then lost my band I would gain it all back because without the band I am soooo hungry! I'm trying to look toward the future and am wondering if anyone knows the answer to this question?

I don't believe any insurance company would pay for WLS for a patient at goal. A slippage might be able to be replaced or repaired as it is a complication of a surgery that was already performed. Don't dwell on complications as they are not all that common. Focus on the positive aspects of weight loss.

Elizabeth is right. You might be able to find a doctor who would do a conversion even if you're of "normal" weight, but no U.S. insurer that I know of would pay for one.

My band eroded after 2 1/2 years and reaching my goal of 140. I'm up 11 pounds in just over a month. I chose the Verticle Gastric Sleeve after band removal because I just could not go through another possible erosion in the future. The doctor was at first reluctant to do the VGS due to my weight, but I provided my before and after photos and he had no problem after that.

Forget about insurance though. I'm completely self pay.

What's the Vertical Gastric Sleeve?

The Vertical Gastric Sleeve (VGS) is WLS that removes a large portion of the stomach, including the portion that produces the hunger hormones. The remaining stomach is 2 - 4 oz and shaped like a small banana or "sleeve". It is restrictive rather than malabsorptive. Since nothing is rerouted like in the bypass, the stomach functions normally - it's just smaller. Unlike the band, it is not reversible.

At goal, any gastric procedures would be seen as preventative, and as Alexandra said, I don't know of any US insurers who would cover WLS on a preventative basis.

Given enough $ you can always find someone to do it for you.

does the stomach re-stretch with this gastric sleeve? like over time?

Thanks for the replies. There is a person on here named Anthony who had alot of problems with his band and he got the gastric sleeve and is very happy. He posts over on the "Life after LAP Band Removal" forum and the complications forum. I would definitely go with the gastric sleeve if anything were to happen with my band. I just read a great article about it has almost the same safety profile as the band both during the surgery and after. Debrat262, are you happy with your decision to get the sleeve surgery? Any problems? Can you tell us more about your experience? What is the name of the doc who did your surgery? Thanks!