question??

I had lap band surgery back in 2009, I have struggled everyday since then. I have lost 30 pounds and gained it back. I vomit daily and have no fill in. I have stomach pain all the time. If the sleeve was available back then I would have chosen to go that route. Gastric bypass was scary to me. So anyway my question is, is it possible to have the lap band removed and have the sleeve procedure instead? If so where do I begin?

Hi bridgethujara,

We are sorry to hear all you are going through.  Try posting this on the LAP-BAND Forum and the Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forum to reach out to those that perhaps have experienced what you did and know about revisions.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Yes. A lot of people on here have done exactly that. Go to the VSG board and post this. 

Unfortunately there are lots of others that have revised from the Band to other procedures.  Consider joining the Failed Lap Band OH Group so you can get even more info and support.  

It's definitely possible, but think hard on this. If you only lost 30 lbs temporarily with the restriction of the band, why would you lose anymore with the restriction of the sleeve?  You may want to look more to the RNY or DS, which addresses obesity from a restrition with the added benefit of malabsorption to boost metabolism.

In most cases, it's possible to remove the Band and revise to any of the other forms of WLS---VSG/Sleeve, RNY/gastric bypass, and DS/duodenal switch. You need to research them ALL in order to make a fully-informed decision about which one would be the best choice for you.

In addition to what others said, don't get your heart set on a particular surgery just yet. Because of damage or scar tissue from the band, one surgery or the other may not be advisable. See which surgery a doctor recommends AFTER getting a good picture of what your innards looks like. If you are cleared for more than one, then you can safely make a choice.