Thank you.  I think there are options to help with the ulcer/gastritis issues (acupuncture, herbs, etc).  For me getting the band out was the first step.  I resisted it for years.  Even after the ulcer I resisted.  Finally came around.  :)

I'm in the exact same boat and waiting on approval to remove and replace with sleeve ... Are you considering revision or just removal ? 

If you've developed ulcers and gastritis, you're doing the right thing in having the band removed. I'm sorry you're going through it, though. 

I also developed ulcers and gastritis while banded in 2003. Had the band removed in 2005. Still have gastritis and ulcers, even after taking medications and revamping my diet completely. The band's presence will make these complications worse. Hopefully you'll have it removed early enough to not have permanent damage. 

After band removal, I think it took about 2 weeks before I really felt decent. The anesthesia causes a lot of people to experience constipation, so make sure you've got some stool softeners in case you need them. 

Good luck to you. I hope all goes well. 

Is this the same doctor that gave you the band to begin with?  

What IS his suggestion?

I have seen numerous band to sleeve success.  The sleeve works for LIFE how the band is "said" to work but without having fills/unfills etc.  Not sure how good it works after the band destroys esophagus and stomachs BUT I do know GREAT success from the transfer.

Thanks for answering her I was just gonna let her look it up herself if she was so curious. Like you I live with the damaged esophagus so I'm not gonna bother with someone that ill educated about the band. There's nothing worse than a know it all, so far successful bandster. Their day will come tho!