Okay so Iv been on the complications forum but I find that to be predominantly Virgin sleevers, I'm wanting to hear about complications following band to sleeve especially since I will be praying I am able to do both in one surgery as I'm self pay. I just really need to know if the positives outweigh the risks ... Thanks !!

I opted (was given a choice) to have mine done in two stages to theoretically reduce risk of leaks. They knew I would have massive scar tissue so surgery one was band removal and scrape away scar tissue. Surgery #2 was the sleeve about 2.5 months later. I do not believe there is hard evidence that this is a better approach but it is what I did. Part of the reason is I wasn't ready to committ to the sleeve but that evil band HAD to come out. The 2.5 months of dying of hunger while gaining weight made me realize that I really really really did need to revise to the sleeve. That alone was a good reason for me to do it in 2 steps - I was SO ready by the time I was sleeved since I felt I was eating myself to death.

There IS evidence that having the surgery in two stages when going from band to sleeve causes less risk of complications.. That is why the ASMBS recommends doing in two surgeries with a wait of 2-6 months in between. I have been doing a spread sheet for myself and found every person that did have a complication did it in one surgery. That isn't saying everyone doing it in on will have a problem it just increases the chance.

Mel do you by chance have a link to any studies or published research?

There IS evidence that having the surgery in two stages when going from band to sleeve causes less risk of complications.. That is why the ASMBS recommends doing in two surgeries with a wait of 2-6 months in between. I have been doing a spread sheet for myself and found every person that did have a complication did it in one surgery. That isn't saying everyone doing it in on will have a problem it just increases the chance.

I have done it at 1 time. here in India we have to pay for it. and for two surgeries the cost would have been huge. My doctor said I will try to do it if every thing is ok. so far no complications. Only healing time is more.

Sorry, no. Just my surgeons word that there were told this. They have to keep up on this stuff and it could have been even a report read at a ASMBS convention or class. It may be a paper on the site only the members can access. I wish I could get a link to the info. The surgeon that told me has moved on and the only way. If the current surgeon that did mine heads up a support group I will try to get it for you. Our center hasn't had a leak since following this procedure.

Mel do you by chance have a link to any studies or published research?

There IS evidence that having the surgery in two stages when going from band to sleeve causes less risk of complications.. That is why the ASMBS recommends doing in two surgeries with a wait of 2-6 months in between. I have been doing a spread sheet for myself and found every person that did have a complication did it in one surgery. That isn't saying everyone doing it in on will have a problem it just increases the chance.

Like I said, I was given a choice. I asked the surgeon which way was lowest risk and the answer was not definate... more like "we think (or maybe he said some evidence) it reduces chance of leak by allowing the healing between the band removal and the sleeve". i chose to do it in two procedures and of course had no complications but I have never seen a published paper on the topic.

It is more for curiousity sake to know if there is concrete evidence, so update if you do find something specific. Thanks!

Most of the side effects are normal regardless of whether it was band to sleeve or just sleeve.

Just be prepared that there's a possibility your surgery will have to be done in 2 separate surgeries. If that does happen be thankful that your dr is making the right decision. He knows best

How can band removal cause a leak? the band was much higher ,if there was scar tissue healing might be slow.

How can band removal cause a leak? the band was much higher ,if there was scar tissue healing might be slow.

Unless there was erosion the, leak rates we were talking about are for the sleeve not, for band removal alone.

Edited February 25, 201412 yr by Mel1975

Right. Scar tissue is thick and doesn't heal as well. Revisions are higher risk than virgin sleeves due to the thickened scar tissue.

Unless there was erosion the, leak rates we were talking about if for the sleeve not, for band removal alone.