Sleeve after Lap-band?

Hi all. Has anyone had the sleeve after the lap-band surgery. I've been unsuccessful with the lap-band for a few reasons (and I do take responsibility for part of it). I've had it for 5.5 years now and on the 28th, my doc will remove my lap-band and do the sleeve. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this done and what your experience afterward has been like?
I know as a second surgery, statistics say we will not be as successful as someone who had the sleeve as their first surgery. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. :)

If you do a search on the forums, you'll find lots of threads about this topic. There are many people here who have converted. Good luck!

I have just converted from a Lapband to a sleeve. I had the band in for 2 years & had many problems, so had the Lapband out 3 months ago. I had to wait 3 months, so have had the the sleeve done 2 weeks ago. I was told that having previously had the band can increase chances of having a leak by 33%. I was very lucky with my doctor, he stapled, sewed & glued my stomach, so 14 days since the operation (which is the highest danger period) has gone by without a hitch. :D

You're very lucky to be able to do the sleeve. A lot of people who've had the lap band end up having to revise to gastric bypass because their stomach has been damaged too badly by the band.

Wish you the best of luck!

I am currently looking into the gastric sleeve also. I too have been banded for 5.5 years. With my last visit to the doc on tues she just looked at me and stated that I would be the perfect candidate for the sleeve. She does my fills and un-fills under videoflouroscopy so she sees the shaped of my stomach and placement of my band. I will be honest....I hate my band. I have lost a total of 16 lbs. 16!!!!!!!!!!!!! Between all my fills, and unfills I've had it. I never feel full..I don't remember what thats like. Good luck to you. I am thinking this ste will help us wondes;)

There are quite a few ladies here who have went from band to sleeve. I origionally wanted the band, and so glad I have done research and found out about the sleeve!

Thanks all. If all goes well, my surgeon will actually remove my lapband and do gastric bypass. There is a chance I may have to return home to let my stomach heal and then he'll go back in a couple months later to do another surgery. He said the sleeve is an option too. And it will just determine where my scar tissue is as to which one is possible... I initially wanted the band, but opted more for GBP because stats show that you are not as successful with a second weight loss surgery as a patient who would be having that same surgery for the first time... plus, with GBP you're *statistically* able to lose more weight than with the sleeve and I have a lot to lose, unfortunately-- about 250lbs. But to be honest, I'd be happy if I lost 150 even...

I was hoping to hear some stories on those who had done either bypass or sleeve after band. Maybe I'll search and see what I can fine. Thanks for the help and support. Good luck to the rest of you as well!

PS- I started a blog with just my very long backstory posted to it now, but if anyone would like to read, visit: journeytothecenterofthestomach.blogspot.com You may have a similar story, yourself!

I went from band to sleeve and I am so happy I did. My surgeon did it all in one surgery. I only had the band for 1.5 years. I never heard the statistics, but I can tell you that having the band first helped me to learn better eating habits and the protein and all that, I was just so hungry on the band and never found that sweet spot. I didn't have any complications or anything, it was just most of the time it was like it was never there. The mechanics of how the two surgeries work are totally different and this one is working for me much better. The not being able to drink freely is bothersome sometimes (I could guzzle water with my band) but other than that, not having to carry a scale with me to weigh out 4 oz of food is wonderful. Now I can carry some cupcake holders and measure that way. So much better.

Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear a success story. :)

How are you dong after converting from the lap band to the sleeve. I had to remove my lap band as it had slipped and I couldn't tolerate even drinking. Contemplating the sleeve now. Not sure any comments or recommendations