Hello,

I have had my band for for almost 8 years and lost weight for a while, but I am back up to my pre-surgery weight. I want my band out for many reasons; I haven't been able to eat meat/fish for several years because of getting stuck, I can't eat salad or raw vegetables without getting stuck, and I have heartburn and nausea frequently. I eat chips and soft foods all the time because they go down with less sliming. I can't eat healthy because of the band.

I last saw my surgeon 2 years ago with these complaints and he said of course I am going to gain weight eating the things I eat. I understand what he is saying, but I don't feel that he got the point of what I was saying and why I was eating the things I am eating. If I eat the things the way he recommends I get stuck/slime/feel nausea/throw up. He unfilled me but I haven't gotten better, only worse over time. I feel like he dismissed me at that visit, I know I am not a model patient for the lap band, but I am a patient that needs help. 

I have an appointment to see him soon, and am scared he will say no to removing the band. Can he do that? Just say 'no I won't remove it'?

I did call some other bariatric surgeons in the area, but they all told me they don't do anything with the lap band anymore, even just remove it.

Any advice?  Thanks

I used to have reflux with the lap band when I first got it the first 5 years, but the last 4 years, I really didn't have much reflux, only when I overate. I am hoping to get the sleeve in Sept 2016. I hope it works, I am gaining, I'm know I have to gain some to even get the gastric sleeve. Life is full of ups and downs. Right now, it is a rough time, but I will continue to pray and hope things turn around.

Honestly, most of this depends on your insurance and which doctors they contract with.

I would like to get the sleeve. I understand my stomach might have to heal. I've heard conflicting things, one, I will have too much scar tissue for a traditional sleeve, and then also, sure a sleeve will be fine to do. I AM eating more, but for the first time in 9 long years it's like where is my stop signal?? I had it with the band.

The problem I had with the band, was after eating, vomiting up the food, then water, then any pill that I would take to help me, severe pain, bloating that wouldn't go away. I wanted an unfill, then they said it was slipped and had to come out. So, I just let them take it. I was in so much pain, so much pain, it was too much for me. I will put up with a lot and have with the band, but pain while eating 1/8 c of food. No, I wasn't happy and I knew something had to be wrong, it was 2 episodes that had me rushed to a hospital because of severe stomach pain. It came out. I enjoyed the freedom I had with the band, I liked the band, I know it had a lot of problems associated with it, but I never experienced severe problems until recently.

The gastric sleeve is an option for me, I would have to go to Mexico, because I am not 100 lbs over weight. I understand I have to find a GOOD, EXPERIENCED DR IN REVISION SURGERY, as well, as a dr who is good overall. That is what I'm looking at this point. Researching, trying to find the most experienced dr with revision for me. I can afford the cost. But, there is no way I can afford the price of the USA prices.

im thinking about removing mine and doing the sleeve. nervous but i hated the band