After living with the band for years, with endless discomfort and reflux issues, I discovered that I was suffering from a fairly acute case of esophageal dilation and the doctor scheduled me for band removal. I was told that my esophagus needed a rest and that I couldn't have a revision for at least a year. That was in January 2012. I have subsequently gained all the weight that I have lost and have also developed problems with my spine and knees --all weight related. In any case I have been taking care of all my exams in prep for the sleeve and when I had the endoscopy today, the doctor says that I still have a distended esophagus along with lesions from my days with the band. Has anyone out there had this kind of complication and gone on to have the sleeve? The doc didn't say that I couldn't have the sleeve done, but maybe esophageal lesions and dilation coupled with having on 15% of a stomach is a step too far. My joints would argue otherwise. Please advise.

Sheesh.. You almost wrote my post band story! At band removal I weighed 104 and because of the severe damage the band I'd they made me wait 18 months. I gained like pig prepping for slaughter!

Wait longer. It's tough, but worth not asking for additional problems as my surgeon warned could happen. Just from reading some of the people here that revised in same day .. They sometime have difficulties if they had previous band problems. Not all, but enough that I'm happy I waited.

Sheesh.. You almost wrote my post band story! At band removal I weighed 104 and because of the severe damage the band I'd they made me wait 18 months. I gained like pig prepping for slaughter!

Wait longer. It's tough' date=' but worth not asking for additional problems as my surgeon warned could happen. Just from reading some of the people here that revised in same day .. They sometime have difficulties if they had previous band problems. Not all, but enough that I'm happy I waited.[/quote']

It's been eighteen months since the band was removed and I can't believe that my esophagus hasn't completely healed! The weight gain has been unforgiving and the rheumatologist is talking knee replacement because it can't take the weight. I really don't want to wait, but I can't believe how much the band damaged my windpipe. What are the risks if I go ahead?