Hi,

I would be very grateful for any advice. I was banned in 2006 at 18 stone (114kg) and have lost and maintained my current weight of between 11 - 12 stones (69.8kg) for over 10 years. I have had very little issues with my band, occasional stuck food, a little pain and a very unsightly port that sticks out.

I would really like to remove the band as I no longer like the idea of having it inside my body and am also worried about long term damage. I would really like to convert from a band to the Sleeve or Plication

However, my BMI is now approx. 23 and I have been told no one will operate as my BMI is too low. I am happy being restricted food-wise and don't want to lose this as I know I will re-gain weight. Is there any solution or any Dr that will do surgery for maintenance instead of weight loss?

Has anyone had this done?

Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions

Hello, I have a normal BMI (23.4) and just had the band taken out and a sleeve done four days ago. I was at my target weight and maintained that for over 9 years but started having trouble with my band ( lots of vomiting) so then the Dr. took out all the fluid in my band and I gained weight but stayed within a normal BMI. Since you haven't had any issues with the band, I am not sure if someone would do the surgery but I do think that you should have a consult with a bariatric surgeon and just explain everything. They can write it up in such a way that it would/could be approved by your health insurance. Hope you can get it all figured out.