(taken from my post on the VSG board) I am toward the end of pursuing a lap-band to VSG conversion and could not be more excited! I have had the band since Jan. of '01. It slipped so bad my stomach prolapsed up through it in Feb. of '02 and I had to have emergency replacement surgery. For the last few years I have been in a lot of pain and throwing up left and right (yet still gained weight, go figer). I am 7 pounds under my start weight in '01 and have MORE co-morbidity's than I did before the initial surgery. I of course went to see my surgeon, had an upper GI and he said it was fine though it looked like it was not at the usual angle and that all the pain I was feeling was "impossible". He also told me MANY other symptoms I had were impossible (yet later proven to be true). Jerk. Anyway, I changed surgeons, had an upper GI and guess what - it has slipped and been that way for years! Gee, I couldn't have guessed that 
! I also have a very large distal pouch. So, to make a long story short, my insurance would not cover the removal through the new Dr. as he does not work through a center for excellence so my PCP suggested another. Gotta tell you, I am in love with my new surgeon, Dr. Elhorr. He said everything that was already in my head - a perfect match. I am having my blood work done today, scope tomorrow then have a consult with him on the 25th where hopefully we will set a date for the conversion!
** I had the scope 2/15/10, It showed the band has also severly eroded into my stomach, I also have a hiatal hernia and gastritis. **
I am under 40 and have about 100# to lose. Well, 100-125 if you go by the charts but 125 would be too much on my frame. 100-110 will make me extremely happy. My BMI is right in the middle of the preferred range for the vsg. At my age, I hope to be around for a long time. I don't want to spend that time worrying about vitamin deficiencies, anemia, osteoporosis, etc. that go along with RNY & DS. Oh and the thought of possibly not having wine again is terrifying!! 
I have had people try to convince me to have the RNY or DS. I am staying true to what my gut is telling me (pun fully intended) - that the VSG is the right choice. Anyone who has had or is close with someone who has had any kind of succesful WLS will be an advocate for their procedure. I strongly feel in the end, after all the research has been done, the choice is what feels right for you as an individual. To me, this is as much an emotional decision as it is a analytical one.
