Lap Band removal/sleeve in 2 separate procedures

[Sai 785]

I had my Lap-band in April 2008 and did very well with it. I lost between 75-100 lbs and had minimal issues with it. I did have heartburn daily, felt like I was choking at night (not to bad) and food would seldom get stuck. I was able to keep the weight off for almost 8 years. It wasn't until Aug 2016, I noticed that I would extreme abdominal pain after eating. My husband was able to get new insurance through his work, so we went to the ER. They must have ran 3 different test on me and it wasn't until the next day after my bariatric surgeon was notified, did they figure out that my band had slipped. I was so upset that they had to remove it, I literally cried. I was so scared to gain the weight back. I begged my surgeon to just adjust it, to no avail, it was removed. I went to see my PCP to ask for the sleeve and she told me she would request for an approval, but didn't think I would get approved due to not meeting the criteria. Well, GREAT news, I was APPROVED and will be having the sleeve done in about a month. I have to wait 3 months to heal. Another great thing is my husband has decided to have the surgery (sleeve) as well. My question, do you feel that we should have it done the same time or at different times? And, it the recovery different then the lap-band procedure?

I think it would be nice to have it done at the same time. The recovery is a little bit more difficult than the lap band. Some have it easy (I felt good from day 3) and others have a very difficult time. If you do it together, then your post-op diet will be the same which is really nice. Post-op diets for sleeve (depending on doctor) last a lot longer than the post-op diet for the band.

[Mimi52 103]

I had mine done on same day, but Dr did warn me that if there was too much scar tissue she may not be able to do both. So happy I was able to get it all done at once, then only one surgery. Each Dr is different and each insurance company is different. My insurance denied me the first time for the sleeve but approved the removal. I appealed. Showed all the fills, how much I did lose until I began having issues and all the slips. So they finally approved. If insurance denies appeal it. The NP at my Drs office gave me good advise on how to write the appeal. Good luck

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[aliplatt 2]

I had my band removed three days ago. My doctor insists on three months healing first. I have the week off work. I'm sore but fine. Looking forward to sleeve in three months. I was told to stay on soft food for two days but want to do it a bit longer. I thought with no band I would be starving but so far so good. The best is I cam take ibuprofen without reflux.

Edited October 17, 2016 by aliplatt

[IndioGirl55 32]

Banded 7/07 - lost 110 lbs in a year - kept if off for 8 yrs - then Hernia - 2 deaths (Son & Sister) - Grandson Major Surgery where I was primary care giver for the last year - Gained 50 lbs back since 15 to 16

10/17 Finnaly had conversation surgery band to sleeve - and in one surgery - I gotta say really no diff than my ban surgery - I was 52 then - 61 now - had surgery Tuesday feeling very good - by the end of the day I'm a bit poopped -- and may take a little pain med but for the last 3 days - only need a little at nite - Plan to go back to work on Monday -

[kristenmh 68]

I asked my surgeon about why he does the surgery in two steps -- his answer made a lot of sense. The average % of patients who experience a leak is 1% when the procedure is done in two steps. it doubles to 2% when the band is both removed and the patient is sleeved at the same time.

[Sai 785]

I think it has a lot to do with technique. My surgeon (as well as many others I'm sure) invert the staple line and then it's laparoscopically stitched. The leak rates of this technique is virtually zero. It uses the serosa which is the strongest layer of stomach for more support, and remove all the fundus to stop the future stretching.