Help please....Band to sleeve questions....

**applejacks** · 04-11-2013 01:44 PM

I was banded in 2007 and I had lost around 120 lbs total by about 2 1/2 yrs. out. Since then I go up/down about 15-20 lbs but other than that pretty much no more loss.
I had a few small complications over the years of being way too tight and becoming dehydrated because I wouldn't go see my surgeon for 2-3 days since I had to travel 3 hours to see him.

I also had 2 times that I thought my band slipped or eroded (most recently happened to me 2weeks ago) because of the intense pain I was having and I would feel it under my chest bone in the front and clear through to my back but all the tests the surgeon did looked fine (is what they said)so they would just remove a large amount of fluid from my band, let it "rest" for 8-10 weeks and then slowly fill it back up again over the following 5-6 months. But I never felt like I got back to a "sweet spot" of good restriction. I was either too loose or too tight.

I still have about 145 more lbs to lose to get to goal and after 5 1/2 yrs. of the band it doesn't look like its gong to happen
My insurance told me they do NOT do "revision" surgeries so I feel like I am stuck, they did offer to remove the band because of the complications I have been having on/off for the last 5+ years but then I would be left with nothing...no thank you!
I just don't know what to do at this point. Any gone from band to sleeve and really happy with their decision? How should I go abut trying to get the sleeve if I do decide to switch?
Suggestions welcomed

**Eileen123** · 04-11-2013 02:21 PM

Well I haven't had the band, or the sleeve yet, but I have read on here of alot of folks going from band to sleeve and being happy with their decision. I've heard that their was alot of slippage and other things that might have went on with some people. For me, the band was not even in my consideration. It was going to be either the gastric bypass or the gastric sleeve for me. After I spoke with my surgen, I chose the sleeve. That way I dont have to worry about rearranging anything in my body, or having a forigen object in my body that has to be readjusted here and there.

I think it will be a good decision for you to perhaps get the sleeve done. Just my opinion. But I've been doing alot of reading on this forum and had a few friends with the sleeve, and I wouldn't think that you would regret it.

Good luck on making your decision!

**cassandra** · 04-11-2013 02:27 PM

I have been sleeves for 1month and I love mine it's great.I went to Mexico if that's. what u want go for it.

**Socaldixiegal** · 04-11-2013 02:49 PM

I did a revision about 9 months ago. I started by meeting with my lap band surgeon to learn about the surgery. Then after seeing so much about Mexico on the forums, I started researching that. I did decide to go south of the border and saved over $10k, which as a cash patient was a pretty big deal.

If I were to have stayed with my lab band surgeon it too was cash. As a cash patient, the path to surgery is often shorter. However, some of the tests I had done to make sure I'd be able to revise included an upper GI. They have to make sure your stomach is healthy enough to tolerate a revision. If there's damage they may opt to do the surgery in two steps instead of one. A two-step process often has 4 - 6 month in between to allow the stomach time to heal. And, there's always a possibility that once they get in there to do the revision it could end up as a 2-step. Ultimately, the surgeon will make the best choice for you health wise. Mine was one-step and a piece of cake. I too was often too-tight with the sleeve and never got to a sweet spot.

Overall it's a night/day difference for me between band and sleeve.

Regarding going to Mexico, many of us have gone that route for one reason or the other. It's nothing like the stereotype and the majority have had a great experience. I don't say all, because heck, even getting surgery locally isn't great for everyone!

**applejacks** · 04-11-2013 03:13 PM

Socaldixiegal - As far as the self pay through Mexico went I have a couple of questions if you don't mind me asking.
Which doctor/facility did you use? Do they have financing available or did you have to come up with the cash? Last but not least...I know you had a 1 surgery revision but did the surgeon explain to you how much extra it would be if you had to come back 4 months later for the 2nd part?

Originally Posted by Socaldixiegal

I did a revision about 9 months ago. I started by meeting with my lap band surgeon to learn about the surgery. Then after seeing so much about Mexico on the forums, I started researching that. I did decide to go south of the border and saved over $10k, which as a cash patient was a pretty big deal.

If I were to have stayed with my lab band surgeon it too was cash. As a cash patient, the path to surgery is often shorter. However, some of the tests I had done to make sure I'd be able to revise included an upper GI. They have to make sure your stomach is healthy enough to tolerate a revision. If there's damage they may opt to do the surgery in two steps instead of one. A two-step process often has 4 - 6 month in between to allow the stomach time to heal. And, there's always a possibility that once they get in there to do the revision it could end up as a 2-step. Ultimately, the surgeon will make the best choice for you health wise. Mine was one-step and a piece of cake. I too was often too-tight with the sleeve and never got to a sweet spot.

Overall it's a night/day difference for me between band and sleeve.

Regarding going to Mexico, many of us have gone that route for one reason or the other. It's nothing like the stereotype and the majority have had a great experience. I don't say all, because heck, even getting surgery locally isn't great for everyone!

**Lashauntey** · 04-11-2013 03:20 PM

I actually have the band. I got banded in 6/25/2008. This band has done absolutely NOTHING for me. I am shocked that you lost 120 pounds with it. I am doing a revision and changing to the sleeve this month in two weeks. I think you should go for it. If you can not get the revision paid for by your insurance, apply for medicaid and see if they will have it done for you. Its worth a try. I am very excited. Hope to see you on the other side.

**Socaldixiegal** · 04-11-2013 03:39 PM

I went with Dr. Ariel Ortiz from the Obesity Control Center. He's accredited in the US and is a Center for Excellence. I came up with the funds myself, not sure about financing. I'm sure you can find their website and do some research. They do take credit cards, but since they use PayPal, the service fee is pushed to the customer so it's a few % higher.

Not sure on what would happen as a 2-step. There was a woman there who was revising from plication and was on her return for the sleeve. They do email pretty quickly back though so you could inquire via email.