After having a lap band for 13 years with not so great success, roller coaster weight loss, and the inability to eat certain foods at all, I am having it removed in the future and wanted some I put as to getting the gastric sleeve while they take it out. Anyone else switch and have any insight or advice as to good move or not? I’m 68 and in relatively good health.

Hello! I had a band for 8 years and then it was removed when it slipped after my pregnancy 7 years ago. Even though I gained my weight back after the removal, it was such a relief after years of fighting stuck food. I only weighed about 160 lb then (5'8") so I was not eligible to convert to a sleeve. I would have definitely done that though if it was an option.

I did recently have sleeve surgery, and it was a smooth transition. The doctor said there wasn't very much scarring from the band when I had it. So far this is easier than the band. I don't get stuck on foods. However I had a pretty dysfunctional relationship with my band, and trying to avoid getting food stuck was part of the reason why I reached a low weight lol. I never really maintained healthy habits with the band, so I'm hoping I will have the discipline to do that with the sleeve since it works in a different way.

Would your BMI be high enough to convert right now when they remove the band? Would your insurance cover it?

Edited July 29, 20215 yr by Maribelle76

Hi there! I had my lap band removed in March of this year. I had it for a little over 10 years with so many of the same issues that you’ve had. I was so relieved after it was removed, you will be too!

I had to wait 3-4 months to heal from the removal surgery and I just had my sleeve surgery on 7/26. I also had a hiatal hernia that was repaired. My surgeon said most lap band patients end up having one. I know it has only been a couple of days but so far I am really happy with my decision.

9 hours ago, Maribelle76 said:

Hello! I had a band for 8 years and then it was removed when it slipped after my pregnancy 7 years ago. Even though I gained my weight back after the removal, it was such a relief after years of fighting stuck food. I only weighed about 160 lb then (5'8") so I was not eligible to convert to a sleeve. I would have definitely done that though if it was an option.

I did recently have sleeve surgery, and it was a smooth transition. The doctor said there wasn't very much scarring from the band when I had it. So far this is easier than the band. I don't get stuck on foods. However I had a pretty dysfunctional relationship with my band, and trying to avoid getting food stuck was part of the reason why I reached a low weight lol. I never really maintained healthy habits with the band, so I'm hoping I will have the discipline to do that with the sleeve since it works in a different way.

Would your BMI be high enough to convert right now when they remove the band? Would your insurance cover it?

Apparently so as far as insurance. My concerns are if there are many restrictions on what can and can’t be eaten and is it more of a soft food/liquid diet with the sleeve?

8 hours ago, Jerald180 said:

Apparently so as far as insurance. My concerns are if there are many restrictions on what can and can’t be eaten and is it more of a soft food/liquid diet with the sleeve?

No, there are only special restrictions for the first 6 weeks or so. After that it seems like most people eat a variety of regular foods, just smaller amounts. Just like it was with the band, they want you to focus on protein first and limit carbs.