Hello,

I am seeking advice from anyone who converted from lapband to sleeve and especially if with a lower BMI. I scoured the forum but didn’t see any similar stories):

Here is my history, briefly(:

I had lapband 12 years ago (self pay in Mexico) and was successful. I had reached my goal weight and 24 BMI! (with some ups and downs along the way).

That was until three months ago when I had a severe food poisoning and the associated vomiting. I was very sick and violently vomited at least 20 times. This left my band very irritated and I was barely able to drink two weeks later. I thought the band was slipped. When I had a fluoroscopy/esophagram there was no slip, but it did reveal esophageal dysmotility. Apparently this is a common complication with long term use of lapband. Although I have no symptoms (typically reflux and/or difficulty swallowing) my doctor suggests removing the band. He also will not refill the band which I do agree with considering the risks.

So, three months ago I had a total unfill. Yesterday I had another esophagram and I still have the esophageal dysmotility. Sadly, I have already gained from 137 to 165.

I feel like a total failure and really wished I could maintain on my own. But now I am considering the sleeve. Twelve years ago I would have never considered a surgery to remove part of my stomach. But the descriptions of the way the sleeve works sounds like the way the band worked (when perfectly filled:)

I have not checked into it but likely insurance will only pay for removal of band and I will have to self pay for sleeve. This seems extreme considering my current weight but I don’t want to wait until I weigh 232lbs again. But I did restart weight watchers today.

So my questions are as follows:

1) has anyone converted from LB to Sleeve with lower BMI. What were you experiences?

2) Anyone with esophageal dysmotility? Did it improve after band removal?

Thank you and apologies for the super long post!

Stella

Edited January 13, 20197 yr by Stella84
Spellcheck

good luck whatever path you choose.

I will have to self pay for my revision, but I know I need the tool to help me maintain weight loss. Good luck and keep us posted!

This is pretty much my story!!! I went ahead and had the sleeve this past December. My insurance covered all of it. I gained 60 pounds back before I got my band out. Since my sleeve surgery I have lost 28 pounds. So far I have been very happy with my decision, but I am getting a little bored with the food choices. That's partly my fault because I should try to be more creative with the food, but I just really try to focus eating for survival and not necessarily eating for pleasure. Best of luck to you!!

I will be following your progress :) I think my revision will be in March tbd exact date. To be honest, I know I need to just relax, but I am terrified of gaining weight in between the removal and the revision.