Long term for the sleeve

Hello.

 

As some might have read on here, I had Lap Band 2005. Great results, lost 116 lbs.

then about 4 yrs ago I developed a dilation in the small stomach. Been un-filled for over 4 yrs. Have gained back almost 40 lbs :(

Then started have reflux about a year ago, taking OTC medicine for that. Well, its been waking me up at night so back to the band Dr. I go.

On Nexium in the am, but have been waking up gaging some nights, so taking the OTC medication before bed.

I have several appointments with new Dr.s as mine only does bands.

Since I feel like I was lied to about the band being the safest, less invasive, and reverseable, I just don't know what the long term sleeve will be. I know they were not offering it when I had the band.

Are there any of you out there that were sleeved over 5 years, if so, have you had any issues with reflux or anything else?

Thanks,

I was banded as well and revised to a sleeve over 5 years ago.

You are right, the band is a big fat lie, we were not given all the info they had even way back when.

Bands are a horror, sleeves rock!

And they were offering it when you had the band but you did go to a band mill.  THEY didn't offer it, but other doctors have been offering it for 15 years now.  It has been done since the 70s for weight loss on very high BMI people to get them down to a safer weight to then revise to RNY or DS.  But it has been a stand alone surgery type for 15 years now.

I am a band to sleeve revision and while I haven't had my sleeve long, I can tell you that life is already completely different.  There ARE people on here who have been sleeve at least 5 years, I'm sure they will chime in.

The band is a big fat disappointment and it made me miserable for four long years before I finally decided I had enough.  My surgeon was a band pusher and a jerk so I decided to find a new one.  After some trial and error,  I went to a top notch hospital and found my sleeve surgeon.  Do your research and find a new surgeon that you are comfortable with and who is skilled at revision and/or sleeve procedures.  Sadly, a lot of surgeons are doing more and more  revisions.

I, too, was worried about my success with the sleeve.  I'm almost 10 months out and almost 80lbs down from my surgery weight.  Life has been so completely different.  I have a normal stomach now so it is a lot easier to live with than when the band was making me miserable.  With the band, I couldn't eat anything healthy for me because it would get stuck so then I would get frustrated and just eat slider foods **** cream, junk food, etc).  With the sleeve, I'm able to eat 100% like a normal person with a healthy diet does.  I eat whole grains, all kinds of meat and veggies with 0 problems.  Yes, I do sometimes cheat but it is beyond easy to get back on track with the sleeve.

I have not had major issues with reflux and I had developed GERD right before getting my band taken out.  I do still take an OTC reflux medication but I'm not always religious with it.  If I eat something super spicy or acidic, I will sometimes get indigestion but it's really not a big deal to me at all.  I'm happy to take my reflux medicine when I need it and not have to worry about puking or sliming or any other of those awful effects of the band.

I wish you luck and if you want to talk more, feel free to PM me.

I have had my sleeve for 6 years. Reflux can definitely be a side effect of the sleeve. Not everyone gets it, but many do, at least for a while. Some doctors will suggest RnY for patients with bad pre-surgery reflux, especially if there is no "mechanical" reason for the reflux. In your case, the band may be the source of the problem. Have you had an upper GI to check for a hiatal hernia?

I had reflux before I was sleeved and it definitely got worse post sleeve, until I was on double doses of prescription PPIs and still had acid. I did develop a hiatal hernia post sleeve, which had to be surgically corrected. This is not uncommon. According to Dr. Cirangle, who fixed the hernia, we can develop hernias as we lose weight...the fat in our abdomens actually supports the esophagus and when that goes away, the hernia can form.

My reflux has improved significantly since the hiatal hernia was repaired. Hope that helps!

Lizanne

I'm  DSer, so I have a Sleeved stomach. It completely cured my reflux. BUT---I had my DS nearly ten years ago, and my surgeon left a fairly generous-sized Sleeve. Tiny little Sleeves tend to have reflux problems.

I have been sleeved for over 5 years.  I have never had any reflux issues.  I did take OTC Prevacid for Prilosec (don't even remember which one) or maybe the first year.  But haven't even needed that for the last 4 years. 

Laurie

I'm just over three years out, but I wanted to chime in. No problems with reflux at all. Took a OTC PPI for the first six weeks, and he requires this for all his patients, or he did back then. I don't anticipate things changing. I hope not!

Hey, I am not going to answer this particular question but what I have been wanting to say to you is that it is probably best to get your band removed first, have your stomach rest for a couple of months, then get sleeved.  I understand that you are self-paying but this would I believe be your best gamble long term.

 

Knock on wood, I have not gotten to goal weight because I still want to eat - not physical hunger yet I still love food.   My stomach also seems a little larger.  BUT  the trade off of having been blessed with NO reflux at all and NO hunger at all.  I'd rather not have reflux and have some extra pounds than have reflux.  That was my biggest fear pre-op  . . . oh and a leak.  Now it's developing reflux and a hiatal hernia (surprise one fixed when sleeved - many have been surprised with this extra step :)).  Always something to worry about but worry is a waste of good time and energy.  I've decided to let go and live my best life - even give up my food a little bit and lose the rest of my excess weight.

I love having my stomach sleeved but I truly believe having my stomach rest after the band did me well. 

Good luck with everything!

Best,

Layla