If u had a conversion from lapband to sleeve. Any difficulties with leaking. ?Also did u do procedures of removal of band to sleeve at same time. My dr suggests both at same time. He also indicated I have greater risk of leakage since I had the lap band. Please let me hear about your experiences. Thanks

In addition my insurance does not require me to have a 3 or 6 month dieting before surgery. However, I would like to at least be on a diet similar to what is expected after the sleeve for one month. I think would help me with my lifestyle change that I need to make to be successful. Any of u did not have the 3-6. Month requirement and if so what did u do to prepare for life after the sleeve.

I did not have a pre-op diet but I cut out bad carbs, caffeine, and soda for a couple of months before surgery. My band was deflated for several months prior to sleeve and doc put me on Carafate to heal my stomach and esophagus from band irritation. Band removal and sleeve were done same day. I did get my doctor to keep me in the hospital an extra day or two. I was there for three days and went home with a drain. No leaks but it was really comforting to have the extra hospital time and drain since I knew I was higher risk. I absolutely love my sleeve. I eat real healthy food again and I am smaller than I ever was after getting the band. Good luck to you!

Hi! I, too, am new to this forum. I am also revising my lapband to vsg. My surgery date is Nov. 27, 2013. My surgeon will also remove the band and perform the vsg in the same operation. I have so many problems with the band, that I cannot wait to get it removed. I will be doing the 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery, just like with the lapband. I am really scared about scar tissue and leaks.

My surgeon refused to do both at the same time saying there is dramatic increase in leakage. And insisted in waiting at least four months before the conversion. Because of my age general health and of the rate I was gaining weight again and the rate of which I heal ( evening of surgery for both putting in the band and removal everyone including the surgeon was amazed that I had no pain what so ever and the incisions barely looked like anything) he has agreed to do it earlier praise god. I start pr op diet in 10 days - optifast and surgery two weeks after that I am do excited and happy that I will be sleeved now before we go away for my 21st in November