Hi! I had lap band surgery 6 yesrs ago and am thinking of switching. I'd love to hear from some vets who've switched if you're willing! Thanks! Btw. Lost 100lbs, need to lose another 80.

Hello there, I was revised from band to sleeve on 9/15/2010. Well my experience was initially great, I got to goal in 10 months and went 11 Lbs below. I am going on 4 years post op and many issues and complications have gotten me a weight gain, as well as extremely bad GERD so my new surgeon has me working toward a revision to the Bypass. If you have any specific questions, I'm always open for interpretation. All the best in your upcoming journey!

LMD, I knew you were having GERD issues, but can you detail what you mean when you say you have had many issues and complications post?

Do you feel they are related to revision? Compliance? VSG?

Thanks

I don't want to take the thread in a whole other direction so I'll try to answer short. =) All of the above. Here is what went wrong: I had a knee injury early last year which caused me to stop working out the way I loved to, so I became depressed (literally). I started eating terrible which both of which lead to the weight gain. Then I had knee surgery and was told I will never run again which caused more depression.

I always had GERD since my lap band but in the past year it has gotten progressively worse. It's so bad right now I sound like a crying frog and cough like a 2 pack a day smoker and choke in my sleep. This does not help with the weight. I found out the Sleeve can make GERD worse so I went to see my surgeon via my insurance and he ordered tests to see if I did have it and if so how bad. Turns out my stomach looks like an hourglass and I do have GERD so bad I can't keep anything down, no matter what it is I'm eating. He has suggested the best offer he can give me to help me with my physical problems is to give me a bypass. I don't feel I have a choice because even though the tests did not show any issues yet but in time the GERD will lead to Barrett's or cancer, not a chance I'm willing to take.

In the past few months I've gotten my attitude in order and working to get back into shape the best way I can and get off the bad foods. I'm doing good and doing everything I can to prepare myself for my revision. I kept all my weight off for nearly 3 years so I know I can do it. I just can't let depression get to me in the future like I did last time, and to stay diligent with any signs I'm having problems.

LMD, I knew you were having GERD issues, but can you detail what you mean when you say you have had many issues and complications post?

Do you feel they are related to revision? Compliance? VSG?

Thanks

Great question, but I moved it to a forum where you are more likely to get replies. The veterans forum is for people a year out from sleeve surgery.

I had the lapband, did not do well, but lost over 160 since revising to sleeve. I am currently in maintenance. Revision was the best thing I did.

^{Hi everyone!}

^{I'm new here. I was banded October 2010 and next week 4/30 I will have it removed for sleeve revision in possibly sometime in July(I'll give the rest of my story later). It's great reading all of this information. However, what is GERD?}

^Angela