Band Conversion - Thinking of Having A Sleeve/Bypass Instead

[Furybird4470]

Hi Im a newbie!
I had my Gastric band inserted by Dr Chris Debruyne in Belgium in June 2010 and my insert weight was 18st 10lb (pre-op weight 19st 11lb height 5ft 1" BMI 51), slight complication of a internal bleed and had to have a transfusion but all good on recovery, I lost 3st 7lb by the following November 2011.

I then went for a fill, as things had come to a standstill with my weight loss, and unfortunately it felt really tight and I couldn't keep anything down and went back and had a small de-fill. Since then I put off getting a refill (cost/emotional stuff) and have put back on 2st, my fault I know but as the band has never felt comfortable, pain in arm, port aching and now practically constant reflux was thinking of converting to a bypass/sleeve.
Does anyone have any experience of doing this and did they have to pay extra to remove the band first?
Thank you
:break_diet:

 

[ThinnerJemima]

Good move!

I paid about £1000 extra to have the band removed. Had done in same operation as safer. But I hadn't had complications with the band, just the port. Chose bypass due to diabetes, have never been able to get my head around the sleeve.

Much less restrictive with the bypass.

 

[Furybird4470]

Thanks ThinnerJemima, I feel a bit of a failure really, I chose the band as it was less invasive and at £4000 in Belgium instead of £9000 in Cardiff was the deciding factor. I was refused funding even though my BMI was over 50 and the 4 year waiting list in South Wales. In hindsight adding all the costs of band fills and the fact it took about 3 weeks recovering because of the complications, I should have gone the whole hog!
Think I will try one last fill and see my consultant when they come over to do the clinic and get their opinion as well. And start saving.

 

[Roccosmummy]

Hi Im a newbie! I had my Gastric band inserted by Dr Chris Debruyne in Belgium in June 2010 and my insert weight was 18st 10lb (pre-op weight 19st 11lb height 5ft 1" BMI 51), slight complication of a internal bleed and had to have a transfusion but all good on recovery, I lost 3st 7lb by the following November 2011. I then went for a fill, as things had come to a standstill with my weight loss, and unfortunately it felt really tight and I couldn't keep anything down and went back and had a small de-fill. Since then I put off getting a refill (cost/emotional stuff) and have put back on 2st, my fault I know but as the band has never felt comfortable, pain in arm, port aching and now practically constant reflux was thinking of converting to a bypass/sleeve. Does anyone have any experience of doing this and did they have to pay extra to remove the band first? Thank you :break_diet:

Sorry to hear you're having a bad time with your band. I'd like to spend some time replying to you but just now preparing myself for revision surgery tomorrow morning.
I've posted a few threads etc about my ongoing band issues so please find them via my profile and have a read. There's also a 'Revision Surgery' area on her. It's new so not very full yet. I hope to add to it soon once I've got used to the bypass!!!
There's a fair few band to bypass or sleeve revisioners on here and sure you will get some support and advice shortly.

Victoria x

 

[Roccosmummy]

http://www.wlsurgery.com/introduce-yourself-here/154729-back-after-9-years.html

 

[skinimum]

I had a band to bypass in September and have now lost 5 and a a half stone.

Best thing I ever did.

 

[clare-revised]

I'm having wrap to sleeve.... I chose wrap for similar reasons & costs...The elasticity in my skin is great, wrinkle wise...however it also means other parts r also stretchy Inc bloody stomach :/

 

[Furybird4470]

Thanks everyone for the responses - it seems that to get any help through the NHS in Wales is to have major complications and be near death - have exhausted my personal funds to the point of not being able to afford the refills either - back up to 17st and with reflux that gets so bad it makes me cough and burns my throat and mouth. I know 17st is not huge but its still 8st more than a safe weight and I have already had one knee operated on and have high blood pressure. I have been going through the menopause early and they have put me on HRT so that does not help. Its all feels a bit futile at the mo

 

[Banderbird]

I you have reflux, do you think you maybe need a further defill?

Surely a fill will make the reflux even worse?

 

[Furybird4470]

Hi Banderbird - I am biting the bullet and going to suffer the humiliation by seeing my consultant in the clinic in Cardiff (they fly in from Belgium once a month) and am prepared for the lecture for the 2st weight gain and not getting regular checks. It has been hard finding the extra money as its £90 a visit but hayho. If they insist I have some removed I will be gutted as I am feeling hungry more and more especially in the mornings. Gawd! Im such a whinger! Its possible the band has moved I suppose it would mean revision surgery then?