I an new to the forum and I have decided to have the gastric sleeve. My concern is that I originally had a lap band placed 14 years ago. I lost 80 pounds then I got pregnant with my third child. After his birth, the band never worked correctly again. I ended up having it surgically removed in 2011.
I used Dr Nirmal Jayaseelan to remove my band but he is pretty far away from Nacogdoches, Tx. I am looking for someone closer to home to perform the procedure and am wondering if my failed band surgery will be a problem in regards to having this procedure. Any thoughts?

Welcome! Here's a thread from the revision forum about people who have transitioned from the lap band after having complications. I'm sure one of the lap banders will come along with first hand information but here's a place to start.

lapband to sleeve is done a lot - unless you have a lot of damage from the band, you should be able to have VSG...

I had lap band in 2005. Lost 80-90lbs, but it was a struggle.

Shortly after I was banded, my gallbladder acted up and I was misdiagnosed with "esophageal spasms" for about 6 months before I demanded to have my gallbladder checked. Had it out, but I was never the same. TERRIBLE reflux. About 4 years later, I changed lap band doctors who found that my band was slipped (likely due to violent vomiting related to the gallbladder episodes). So, I had it taken out in 2009.

In 2014, I had some major life stresses and managed to gain all of my weight back over the course of 2 years. Long story short and after a lot of thought, I was sleeved in 2018. The surgeon said that my lap band caused a lot of scar tissue and it took him extra time to perform the sleeve because of it. I think his words were something like, "you really made me earn my money today."

Today, I am nearly 3 years post-sleeve and very happy. I had some tough episodes with GERD in my first year and was seriously considering a Stretta procedure when COVID hit. Forced to manage GERD on my own, I am now VERY well controlled with it and am glad I stuck it out.

@Heather RN Chambers I wish you the best. You didn't say where in Texas you are, but I'm sure you can find a reputable bariatric surgeon closer. However, I would advise you to stick with someone you trust, regardless of the distance.

Thank you so much. I struggle with GERD as well. I’ve been flip flopping between the sleeve and mini bypass. I am from Nacogdoches, Tx. I appreciate hearing your story.