I am not a band basher and was banded for about 9 years. I lost 130 lbs. with the band. Then, it slipped...and kept slipping. What this meant for me was, horrible reflux to the point of waking up all through the night and throwing up, mostly stomach acid. At this point the only way I could even fall asleep was sitting straight up in bed with a giant reading pillow behind me Still, I got very little sleep due to the incredible reflux. It was horrifying. The doctor kept me unfilled until it would go back into place, and then put a little fill in so I would have some restriction and it would happen over and over again. It was horrible. Finally, the doctor told me it would have to be removed. When he went to remove it, somehow it had wrapped itself around my stomach. I have no idea what this looked like, but in the process, he also cut a small hole in my stomach. It was repaired, but the recovery was not fun. 

I gained a lot of the weight back even before it was removed.

I have since revised to the VSG and so far so good. 

This is only my experience. You have to do your own research. However, my doctor also does not recommend lap bands anymore, siting too many problems in his office.

There is maintenance with the band as well, for your fills and/or unfills as needed.

DO YOUR RESEARCH, then decide what works best for you.

No one can revise your surgery without your consent. That would be malpractice if you went in for band removal and came out with a sleeve or RnY or DS. Insist on band removal only. Make sure your wishes are perfectly known. Even if it feels like you're repeating yourself, make sure you tell your surgeon, "NO revision. Band removal only." Pin it to your hospital gown, write it on your abdomen, if necessary.

I hope you don't have too  much damage and your band removal goes well. I think the chances that you'll be able to have band removal laparoscopically are very good. It would have to be pretty extreme for a surgeon to have to do an open incision removal. Wishing you the best... I hope you feel better very soon.

I don't know if your insurance would cover Dr. Keshishian, but he's world renowned for his surgical skills and ethics. Might be someone to check with.

I remember you, also, nice to see you.

How are you doing?

I can tell you I just met with my dr last week. I was banded 3-years ago and have gained 60 of the 100lbs I had lost back. He informed me that the Lap Band should never have been used for Long Term weightloss for someone with 100lbs or more to lose. He actually stopped doing the band and is only now doing the Sleeve, RNY & DS. I am going in for a revision and leaning toward the RNY because of the longer history of that procedure being successful for long term weightloss. Just telling you what I was told by my doctor, I have no idea how much weight you have to lose but I do know of several people that I know personally that have had issues with bands and are going in for revisions. Best of Luck!!

Banded since 2007 with no problems.  Down over 100 pounds.  Want to lose 40 more.  Off all diabetic medication.  Love my band but hate the follow up.  If I were a patient considering surgery now, I would go with the sleeve.  Just because I am lazy and hate going to the office visits to get adjustments every few months.  Other than that no complaints.  The visits do help keep me accountable though.  I know they are coming up and I really stay on track.  Good luck with your decision.