Hello,

I was banded in 2010 and only lost about 50 lbs. I began my journey 200 lbs overweight, which means that I still have over 100 lbs to lose. I wish my surgeon back then had told me that the band was not the right type of WLS for me, but I had my operation at NYU and the lapband is their gold cow (they make lots and lots of money just on band operations).

I'm now looking to have a revision at Columbia University Medical Center (where I work) and I initially asked for a sleeve revision. MY surgeon told me that she would not recommend the sleeve for me and explained that although my band is still positioned correctly, my esophagus is enlarged (or en-longed?) and there is likely scar tissue; she mentioned that my risks of leaking are about 20% with the sleeve, as opposed to 2% to 5% for people who go for the sleeve without revision. She then explained to me that the gastric bypass is the best option and that she can leave the band in and work around it. She says that they will take all the liquids out and it will be like I don't have a band, but I won't suffer the consequences and potential risks that people who remove the band and do revisions suffer. She also mentioned that if in a few years my pouch becomes enlarged and I'm gaining weight, I can start using my band again.

I'm really conflicted because I do want this damn (excuse my language) thing out!!! It has morphed the shape of my esophagus and the longer I keep it, the more scar tissues I'm creating (I'm assuming). Before coming to this forum, and based on my conversation with my surgeon, I figured it was the safest option, and standard practice, to have revision and leave the band in place. But now that I'm reading the topics here and can't find a single person here who had a revision without removing the band, I'm questioning what's going.

I know my surgeon is one of the best in the city... so she knows what she is talking about, but I'm scared that at some point this lap band will have to come out of my body and I'm losing my chance to get it out with the revision.

Anyone out here who kept the band and proceeded to do a revision to gastric bypass?

Thank you.

Edited October 25, 201411 yr by wicked

I have heard that some morbidly or failed bypass patients are getting banded ....vice versa.

Thanks for the latest replies to my thread.

Just to update you, I did end up getting gastric bypass and the band was removed at the same time on May 13. I stayed with the same surgeon who originally suggested keeping the band in place. I simply told her I wanted the band out and she agreed to remove it.

I'm glad I stayed with her because everything went well, and 3 months out of surgery I'm 60 lbs down. Not an easy journey, but very well worth it.

I'm glad the band is gone. Good riddance!

Edited September 6, 201510 yr by wicked

Wow congratulations...60 pounds off??? that must feel great.In all my years struggling with this band I never achieved anywhere near 60 pounds off....mind you I need 100 pounds...you are on your way!!!!

So glad you got that band removed! I am sure you feel better without it. Congrats on the 60 pound loss in 3 months!!!! That is incredible! Whoot !!!!