Trying to better understand the risks and complications associated with band/sleeve conversions. I understand from one doctor I spoke to that there's a greater risk with revisions.

If you've had any complications, no matter how minor - or no complications, I'm looking to learn:

• how long did you have your band?
  
• did you have a lot of complications with your band previously - e.g. that's what would have led to lots of scaring, etc
  
• If you didn't have any excessive band complications, did your sleeve surgeon say you had a lot of scaring from the band?
  

I think I"m just trying to get to whether or not there's a great chance of scaring if you've had your band longer (I've had mine for just over 5 years.

Hi,

I got my band in 2006 and switched to sleeve December 16. I had it done all in one surgery. I was in the hospital one night and home late the day after.

I chose to have my band removed because of food intolerances. Some days I couldn't even drink. I never had a slip or any erosion. I did have some scar tissue around my port.

I had almost no pain after the revision (or the lap band) , but I did have one complication which I consider fairly minor. I ended up with a hematoma (capsule tube of blood about 3 cm long) where my port used to be and we tried to drain and pack it, but it hasn't healed. So I will have a minor surgery on Tuesday to clean and stitch the wound. The worst of this has been some itching from the tape pulling at bandage changes and some extra laundry from the leaking before I figured out what was going on.

Overall, I'm still pleased with my choice. By day 3 I was already swallowing more smoothly than I had for at least a year. I still have some anxiety around it though.

I've also had some relearning to do. I just moved to soft foods and the sensations of enough food aren't the same And I find time and measuring are time only things that work. The postop diet for me is easier this time around....probably because I already sip instead of chug drinks and actually chew my food now.

I know this is a small novel, but feel free to PM me if you want to hear more. I know revision was a frustrating call for me to make.

Best wishes as you figure out the right thing for you,

Kristin

My revision was 12/29/12. I was banded in march 2007, lost 70 lbs. had a baby in late 2010, and the band never worked after delivery. Imaging was "normal". I tried to get it working again but when it became obvious that it just wasn't, I pursued revision. After surgery, my surgeon told my the band had somehow become unclasped and was just loose. I believe this happened when I was in labor. I asked him about scarring, and he said all band revisions have scarring, some more than others. Mine wasn't terrible because the original surgeon didn't sew my stomach over my band. Anyway, my sleeve is working, and other than post op nausea I have had no troubles so far. Very minimal post op pain, never even filled my rx for oxycodone. I spent 1 night in the hospital. My revision was all in one surgery. Hope this helps, good luck!

I'll try to make this simple:

Nov 2009 - banded

Dec 2011 - slip

Jan 2012 - complete unfill

April 2012 - started refilling, discovered a leak a few weeks later, so band unfilled itself

June 2012 - another slip diagnosed

August 2012 - band out 9 months after first diagnosed slip with only about 3 weeks of any fill after the slip

Nov 2012 - revision to sleeve

I am battling some serious damage done by the band. Dilated esophagus causing lots of hunger post-sleeve. I had major scarring on my stomach that my surgeon scraped during both surgeries. I also had a very severe umbilical hernia fixed during my sleeve revision.

Ironically, I went for the band initially because it wasn't permanent. However, the damage it causes can be permanent, sadly enough.

Had the band for 10 years - I would call my complications "typical" not extraordinary.

-couldn't handle any fill or else constant reflux

-band slipped

-pouch dialated

-not great losses and eventual regain

-could eat any and all junk food, challenges with some healthy food, even with no Fluid

-too much vomiting, at least when I had any fill

-much scar tissue that was scraped away when the band was removed - I think everybody has that. The photos are scary looking.

I have had zero complications with the sleeve. I had my band removed Sept 2011 and was sleeved Dec 2011

I was warned that we revisions probably have about twice the rate of leaks and excess bleeding as a virgin sleever. I was told that after that initial risk period, no reason to suspect higher rate of problems then any other sleevers.

Thanks for sharing everyone. The increased leak complication does have me worried, but I also feel like my band is a time bomb! It does make me feel better that my dr keeps conversion patients for a few extra days to check for leaks.