Is there anyone who has had the switch from the band to the sleeve? What has been your post op experience?

I had lapband in 2005. Had it removed in 2009. Sleeved 4/10/18.

My immediate post-op experience after being sleeved was rough. Surgeon said I had a lot of scar tissue from the lapband, which took him almost twice as long as a normal sleeve to take care of. That means I was under anesthesia longer than usual, so I was REALLY groggy for about 12 hours after surgery. I had no energy to get up and walk like the others on my hospital unit. I had no desire to sip-sip-sip and I think I looked a bit like I'd been hit by a truck. I certainly felt that way.

Once I got through the immediate post op part, I returned to normal pretty quickly. Other than some fatigue, I was feeling back to normal after about 6 days. I went through the normal progression from clear liquids to full liquids to mushies to soft, etc.

When comparing the two, I'd say that the sleeve has a lot more restriction. After a certain amount, I simply cannot eat. If I do, I suffer with discomfort and a lot of foam/saliva/slime. I was never able to tolerate fills in my band, so this was something relatively new to me.

If you have any sort of GERD, I caution. The sleeve tends to make GERD worse. I'd say it's a little hit or miss in that department, but it's certainly something to discuss with your surgeon. I started getting heartburn about 3 weeks out and I've had some times where I was really worried about nighttime reflux, but I seem to have it under control right now.

As a revision surgery, it is likely you will lose slower this time around. I read it on here and I read other information on the internet, but was still disappointed at the slow weight loss. I'm certainly happy it's coming off, but it is much slower than first timers.

Hi, I just switched from the band to the sleeve on August 28, 2018. Had the band in 2004, it broke in 2009 and I had lost 88pounds. Found a doctor is 2014 that fixed the band (all weight was re-gained), really did not lose much after the band was re-instated. August of 2018 the doctor removed the band and did the sleeve in the same surgery. Have been miserable ever since, however I have lost around 60 pounds. My body is not absorbing iron and I am having a lot of diarrhea and really weak like a dish rag. Don't want to eat much, just do not feel good. Hoping my body adjusts soon.

@Fergie Im so sorry your having that experience. I had the switch a few days ago. Today the found I had gastritis and put me on medication for it. I had my band for 9 years and just started acting up last year. I pray thing go better for you and I hope my experience will be a good one

Thanks Drearenee. I just want to start feeling better, I'm sure it will come with time. Take Care.

Thanks Drearenee. I just want to start feeling better, I'm sure it will come with time. Take Care.