Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Lap Band removal/sleeve in 2 separate procedures



Recommended Posts

I went into the hospital to get my lap band out on Feb 26 and get sleeved. I woke up from surgery with my surgeon telling me he could not do the sleeve due to thick scar tissue from the band and 2 hernias. I now have to wait 3 months to have my sleeve surgery. Which is scheduled for the end of May. I am finding the healing from the lap band removal quite difficult. I have swelling above the incision where the port was and find that that's where I experience the most pain. I have heard that getting the band out is worst than getting the lap band in and getting the sleeve. How long did it take for you to fully heal from the lap band removal surgery? If you have to have the lap band removed and the sleeve done in 2 separate surgeries, how was the sleeve surgery recovery vs lap band removal recovery? I am so nervous to have another stomach surgery due to this current healing process. Please share your experiences ..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

To be absolutely honest, when my band was removed I took very little time to heal. Felt instantly better because I was relieved of the reflux and vomiting. Back to work 2 days later.

Everyone heals differently, rest up and let your body recover.

My scar tissue is so bad that I was refused a sleeve and am getting a bypass instead.

Take care of yourself, you will heal up and when your body is ready you will get your sleeve.

Sent from my SM-G920F using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh wow why did you choose the bypass? When is your surgery scheduled? Thanks so much for writing me back

My surgery is scheduled 2nd April, really looking forward to it now.

My surgeon said bypass better and after reading posts here from people who went from band to sleeve to bypass, think he's given me good advice.

Sent from my SM-G920F using the BariatricPal App

Is your swelling and pain reduced now? X

Sent from my SM-G920F using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went to see my surgeon yesterday and he explained that he put stitches in them muscle where the port was so that is why it is sore. He actually said that people are usually much more swollen then me where the port was. I am healing it's just a slower process. I was told that the sleeve surgery is not as difficult to heal from. I was concerned with malabsorption issues with the bypass.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's great news your surgeon is happy with your progress and that you are a step closer to getting your sleeve.

Sent from my SM-G920F using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my band removed over three months ago. My doctor said he likes to wait about 3 months to let the stomach heal and he has had better results doing this. I just had the Sleeve done Feb. 29th and I am doing great. I am on the pureed stage this is my 2nd week and getting alittle tired of the baby food. But I can do it. I also had problems with the port with my lapband and food getting stuck all the time.

Good things for us in the future!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my band removed over three months ago. My doctor said he likes to wait about 3 months to let the stomach heal and he has had better results doing this. I just had the Sleeve done Feb. 29th and I am doing great. I am on the pureed stage this is my 2nd week and getting alittle tired of the baby food. But I can do it. I also had problems with the port with my lapband and food getting stuck all the time.

Good things for us in the future!

Oh wow so can you compare your recovery? How was the lap band removal vs the sleeve procedure?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lap band 2011 and had it removed and got the sleeve on 3/30/16. So much scar tissue it took 90 minutes to remove it all and then she proceeded with sleeve and endoscopy. I'm ok just tired and sore. I'm glad she did it all in one day. She told me recovery would be from 2-4 weeks and I'm ok with that

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Congratulations to you all!! I have been searching through google "how long does it take for stomach to go back to normal after band removal" All i get is your stomach goes back to normal after removal .. i want to know exactly how long, days, weeks, months. i know it depends on everyone different situation. Mine is ... I went to get the band removed and sleeve done at the same time exactly 1 week ago today. and when i woke up my doc had to tell me that i wasn;t sleeved because the band had slipped and the lower part of my stomach was going through the band making another pouch with my stomach above the band. i had very little scar tissue as a matter of fact scar tissue wasn't the problem.. he wanted to let it get its normal shape back so that we can have an un complicated surgery ... Im ok with that i trust my doc 100% but i was just curious how long does it take. he wants to wait 6 to 8 weeks so im scheduled exactly 7 weeks from April 5th.

Just curious i read that some docs wants to wait 2 weeks 4 weeks 2 months 4month 6months ????

How long did you have to wait and why thanks..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Doctor told me before hand that he does the procedure in two steps. He said that he wanted to wait after you remove the band at least three months because the stomach is weak in the area where the band was he wants it to heal first. I had my band removed on November 13 and had to sleeve done on March 16 with the band removal I was back at work in about 3 days and with the sleeve I returned to work after a week. I had no difficulties with either of the surgeries everything went really smooth.

Sent from my iPod touch using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Doctor told me before hand that he does the procedure in two steps. He said that he wanted to wait after you remove the band at least three months because the stomach is weak in the area where the band was he wants it to heal first. I had my band removed on November 13 and had to sleeve done on March 16 with the band removal I was back at work in about 3 days and with the sleeve I returned to work after a week. I had no difficulties with either of the surgeries everything went really smooth.

Sent from my iPod touch using the BariatricPal

thanks its forever for responding, i have been on computer first day back to work just researching all kinds of things. im very comfortable with my doctors orders just wanted to know others experiences. i read that some people do better with waiting as far as more wieght loss ...do you think thats true. ? How much weight have you lost since March 2016.? Did you gain any weight while waiting for your sleeve surgery? well i have gained about 30lbs since January 11 my first day of consultation for revision. i feel absolutely great without the band. but eating is a problem so i decided today to lose at least 13lbs by May 24th (my surgery date).. At least that would give me a headstart to losing what i originally wanted to lose by Memorial Weekend, Fourth of July, and goal hopefully by my birthday in September. Im considered a lightweight and BMI. What i did read and have already found one is getting a therapist this time around., i found a psychologist who has experience with eating disorders, and WLS.. my first appointment is May 4 so im excited about that. Thanks again

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My Doctor told me before hand that he does the procedure in two steps. He said that he wanted to wait after you remove the band at least three months because the stomach is weak in the area where the band was he wants it to heal first. I had my band removed on November 13 and had to sleeve done on March 16 with the band removal I was back at work in about 3 days and with the sleeve I returned to work after a week. I had no difficulties with either of the surgeries everything went really smooth.

Sent from my iPod touch using the BariatricPal

thanks its forever for responding, i have been on computer first day back to work just researching all kinds of things. im very comfortable with my doctors orders just wanted to know others experiences. i read that some people do better with waiting as far as more wieght loss ...do you think thats true. ? How much weight have you lost since March 2016.? Did you gain any weight while waiting for your sleeve surgery? well i have gained about 30lbs since January 11 my first day of consultation for revision. i feel absolutely great without the band. but eating is a problem so i decided today to lose at least 13lbs by May 24th (my surgery date).. At least that would give me a headstart to losing what i originally wanted to lose by Memorial Weekend, Fourth of July, and goal hopefully by my birthday in September. Im considered a lightweight and BMI. What i did read and have already found one is getting a therapist this time around., i found a psychologist who has experience with eating disorders, and WLS.. my first appointment is May 4 so im excited about that. Thanks again
wow this is exactly my experience but I had scar tissue where the band was. I am reschedule for May 17th for the sleeve surgery. I am also trying to loose some weight before the procedure but it's so hard! I am also going to work with a WLS and eating disorder therapist once I get the procedure done. I think that's so important. I am currently at 210 however I did a diet 2 years ago and got down to 140 but I still felt fat mentally. I would give to be back at 140 but I know I will with the sleeve I just want to realize it mentally.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes that is great having a therapist. Is there anyway you can start seeing him/her before you have surgery. I think it may help a little more so thats why i start May 4th i will probably get 2 or sessions in before hand. Why do you say you cant lose a few Lbs. before the 17th.? I know i couldn't during the whole world wind of episodes i had going on (i gained 30lbs in 3 months) but now that everything is together (pre-ops , insurance approval, removal of band ect.) now i have a little control do focus on losing 13lbs. Well as of today 10 YEAHHH! I am a emotional eater obviously. How long is your wait time before sleeve..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×