Hi Everyone,

I've followed VST for several years and finally joined. For years I've found this board so informative and helpful. Many thanks to all of you who have shared your stories, situations, ups and downs, victories and accomplishments! I'm positive there are many of us who are lurking in the background, learning, reading, watching, waiting and wishing. Fortunately, for me, I've jumped through all the hoops and completed all the pre this and that and I'm having my revision on Monday May 6. Heres my story.....

In 2002, I "bought" a lap band... I'm 4'11", my starting weight was 202 lbs and my lowest weight was 135 lbs. I've had a love hate (mostly hate) relationship with my band for over 11 years, now I'm thrilled to have it removed. With my lapband, I reached 135 lbs by way of "overfills", puking and chewing and spitting my food. I never successfully found my "sweet spot". I maintained my weight for over a year around 2006 and had 26k in plastic surgery...lower body lift, breast lift, liposuction to arms, thighs, axilla etc.. HUGE MISTAKE. Shortly after my plastic surgery I began having serious complications with my persnickety lapband - vomiting blood, shortness of breath, chest pain etc.. Went to the Dr. after "band slip this and dilated that" (I was told about 5-6 different reasons) and various other band issues the unfilled my lapband and left it to heal. Once I had it unfilled, my Dr. went into teaching and was no longer doing any WLS. When I was ready, not one Dr wanted to refill or touch my lapband after my previous complications...they all recommeded removing and revising to RNY. I was reluctant to have RNY and decided to just deal with it. Over time I noticed, I couldn't wear tight pants, tight bra, or anything that was restricting, most anything that put pressure in any area of my abdomen left me miserable. This year I began to have some serious breathing issues...went through a multitude of tests, eventually was diagnosed with adult onset asthma...started on steroid injections then steroid dose packs, steroid nasal and steroid oral inhalers etc...the list is long and I could go on but to make it short...finally after more testing etc.. the GI doctor discovered that all of my issues have been caused by my lapband. I addition, I've regained all the weight, ballooned up to 214 lbs, and Im now hypertensive and prediabetic. It's been a turbulent ride!!

My question is... has anyone else out there had their lapband for over 10 years when they were revised to sleeve? I've had long conversations with my Dr about the possible complications and risk etc...he has reassured me too many times to count. I have great confidence in him and I know I'm in good hands but I'm curious if anyone else out there has been down this road as well. Thank you!!!!

_{I had mine for exactly 6 years before revision. My story is of band failure also. One year after placement and many attempts at the sweet spot I never found it. I was under and overfilled for a year and then no one could penetrate the port for adjustment. I lived with an un serviced band for 5 years and had revision about a year ago with no -complications or scar tissue. It was 1 day outpatient surgery.}

I had my band for nearly 10 years and in the beginning it worked but about the 4th year things began to change. Not only did I have to have some of the saline removed but I still continuing to throw up. So in between the throwing up and weight gain I was miserable. But I still kept trying to lose the weight. It has been a struggle but the best decision I could have ever made for myself was having the revision to the sleeve. I too had a lot of scar tissue from the band but my surgery was a success. The progress is slowly moving towards the positive and I am so happy. For those considering a revision to the sleeve don't be scared. This is the best option and I wish you nothing but success.

Thanks Curvy Girl. I'm 10 days post op now and losing but not really feeling much restriction. Did you feel your sleeve working right away? Or am I confused about how "full feels" after having the lap band for so long. I have had no nausea, no vomiting, no aversion to any food...I'm hungry. I've been able to lose because I'm basically dieting. Just curious did you have any of these issues?

Thanks MissMo...you look like youre doing really well. I'm thrilled for you!!! Hope I am as successful as you have been so far!!!

Hi I had my band for 7 years. Last Wednesday I had my band removed and the sleeve performed. I was only in hospital overnight. Little sore but not too bad. Am looking forward to a speedy recovery!

Congratulations...wishing you a fast and easy recovery. Keep us posted on your progress!!

I had mine for 8 years before having revision surgery in June 2012...

Can you have gastric bypass and then do the sleeve years later? Just curious as my mom had gastric bypass over 10 years ago.

Had my lap band removed last august due to slippage and vomiting .I now have the sleeve and much happier.