I had my band placed on in April, 2006. The first year was a breeze and I lost a ton of weight. In month 13 of my journey, I was overfilled and slipped my band. Since then, I seemed to have developed an intolerance for my band. I have slipped it twice, constantly choke on my food, and have been miserable.

On April 2nd, I will be revising from the lapband to the gastric sleeve. Dr. Aceves will be doing the revision in Mexico. I have decided to chronicle my experience here, so others that have band issues and decide to convert can have an idea of what to expect.

I spoke with Nina, the patient coordinator yesterday and we now have everything scheduled. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I will leave here on April 1st, have my surgery on the 2nd and return home on the 5th. My mother will be accompanying me on the trip.

Nina advised me that Dr. Aceves is concerned about swelling due to the problems I have had with my band. Therefore, I am going this week for a complete unfill. Then, seven days before my surgery, I have to go on a complete liquid diet. This should alleviate any swelling issues and the chances of having to have the band removed and then go back at a later date for the sleeve. It is very important to me that I get this all done at the same time.

I am looking forward to this, and feel like I have been given a new opportunity at life. To those who have helped me to be able to get the sleeve, thank you. Because of you, I now am looking forward to enjoying life again, instead of living in misery.

I will update as I go through this journey.

I am hoping it's up and running in a week or so... less would be better. Alex said he would announce it here.

That is OUTSTANDING!!! This is great news

I am sure there will be a link from here over to there. I would think Alex would do that at least in the beginning.

I am sure there will be a link from here over to there. I would think Alex would do that at least in the beginning.

I emailed Alex and he said he'll announce it very soon... a day or so.

did anyone have to be cut open to have the band removed after having it put in laprospoply?

mine slipped, a lot of pain now and stomach seems bigger. GI indicated removing needs to be done. Pre-op Monday. Had it doen 5 years ago in Venesuala now local Doc taking care of me.

did anyone have to be cut open to have the band removed after having it put in laprospoply?

I don't know of any but it's always a possibility. Whenever there is an emergency, a surgeon will convert to an open procedure.

mine slipped, a lot of pain now and stomach seems bigger. GI indicated removing needs to be done. Pre-op Monday. Had it doen 5 years ago in Venesuala now local Doc taking care of me.

I would not advise another band but if you want to get another one (or another weight loss surgery) they can do it all in one procedure so talk to your surgeon. I'm sorry you are having problems and hope your pain subsides.

You asked and we listened!

We're happy to announce the launch of http://VerticalSleeveTalk.com !

VerticalSleeveTalk.com is very similar to LBT, except that it's specifically dedicated to the Sleeve Surgery. Please visit http://VerticalSleeveTalk.com and sign up for your free membership.