I am going to have a conversion from lap band to RNY in 2 surgeries. My lap band removal is scheduled for Aug 26th.

For those of you who had the lap band removed in a stand alone surgery, how was the recovery? Trying to decide how much time to be off work and if i need to find someone who can stay with me or if just a ride home is good.

Also - how long after the band removal before you were ready for RNY? My doctor is thinking around 3 months.

Thanks in advance!

~Lori

I did fine converting from the band to the sleeve for 12 years. I've lost over 100 lbs and I've kept it off. However, now I'm going to have my sleeve converted to an RNY. I don't know why you are converting, but the reason I am is to sustain life due to reflux. My sleeve has formed a little pocket and I have spontaneous reflux. My surgeon at Mayo said I should have never converted to the sleeve because I had reflux with it also. He said that if you have reflux with the band the studies shows you will more than likely have reflux with the sleeve. My sleeve worked well for 12 years and I'm actually a little underweight right now because I'm not holding food down too well.

BTW, I had very little pain with the conversion. I had the procedure on a Thursday and was back at work on Monday morning. It was a desk job and I will admit I was tired, but I never had a great deal of pain. Just make sure you walk a lot to get the gas out of your tummy. I think that's what causes a lot of people pain. Also, follow your doctor's diet plan. The first few weeks are rough, but you will get through it and on top of that you will lose weight.

When I convert to the RNY I have to do the same diet as you will follow for the first few weeks. IMO, that was the hardest part about the sleeve surgery. I ate a lot of won ton soup without the won tons.

Good luck on your revision!