Lap band removal or revision

[bonjovigirl 1]

So, I recently learned my band slipped and needs to be removed. I've been banded about 3 years and while i initially lost about 40 lbs, I've been pretty much the same for the last year or so. My current surgeon only does removals, no revisions. I'm pretty worried about having it removed bc I've read so many articles saying you will gain the weight back once it's out. I do know of another surgeon in the area who will revise to a gastric bypass. My question is, before I consider changing doctors, do you think they'd be willing to do a bypass on me if I'm not morbidly obese right now? My bmi is 32 with an underlying condition of sleep apnea. Has anyone had a simar experience?

[Carlotta1 401]

Have u considered the sleeve. It is less invasive. I am having very good success. To me the biggest advantage the sleeve has over the bypass is malabsorption ..having the bypass will make u have malabsorption of nutrients...for the rest of your life

Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of both surgeries..talk to a board certified dr as to what is best for u..then u can make an informative decision.

Btw..I did have a revision from band to sleeve.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I think you stand a high chance of regain once your band is removed based on people I know. (I had the lapband for 10 years and used to be part of a bandster community).

I personally think you should find a surgeon well experienced with revisions and have a detailed consult. One question I would ask is what the results are for a low BMI person. With the sleeve or bypass, what do you think chances are of getting to a goal weight? What are the risks of losing too much (foreign concept to me, but I have heard it can happen with low BMI people especially)

Surgeons really are practicing medicine and don't have all the answers but it is still good to get their views - first one I went to wouldn't even talk to me about revising to sleeve because my BMI was over 50 and I had already "failed' with the lapband. I found another who had very good success with patients with my profile and I went for the sleeve revision. It was the BEST DECISION EVER. I am maintaining a 160 pound loss - truly changed my life.

[stacielynntate 88]

I've been banded since 2008 and on 6/18 I'm getting revision to the sleeve. I'm lucky my Dr and insurance do this but I did have to go through a few months of trying to work out issues with my band. After trying things and doing test I was able to get it covered no problems. Maybe reach out to the Dr.'s in your area that you know do revision and see what they say and what can be done. You never know till you try.