Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums

Hello, My lapband is three years old and since I was banded in Mexico, I haven't had access to "proper" aftercare. I haven't had restriction in about two years. The fill doctor said I had a leak and so I just gave up. She knew this because once they filled me, it would all be gone in about a week. I started having strange pains in my stomach two weeks ago and after an ER trip, was told that I have a broken lap band tube. Thankfully I now have bariatric coverage (with a HIGH co-pay) but at least it is coverage. My new doctor prefers to do the sleeve but he will fix the band if that's what I want. Any one else have their band revised after a broken tube or have opin…

Had a revision surgery done on 10-16-10. Wasn't sure my band could be left in or not. But with great luck I was able to keep it. They did a endoscopy to make sure my stomach tissue was still ok. So now its starting all over again. No fluid in band now, will see maybe in 2 weeks they will put some in. Although can't eat a whole lot now anyway. Question for all banders out there, did any of you suddenly start your monthly cycle after surgery. I am mid cycle and am having a period now. Also anyone having trouble taking oxycodone pain meds? It makes me not able to focus my eyes.

I know the surgery is longer due to the scar tissue. I am wondering the average surgery time for your revision, just to get an idea of what to expect.

Hi all. I'm a 34-year-old mom of 2, dd is 10 and ds is 7. I was banded in August of 2006. Immediately after my port flipped and needed to be repaired. THat should have been my first clue I made the wrong choice! I managed to lose almost 100 pounds with the band in the first 2 years, but it was s-l-o-w. At the end of 2008, my band surgeon said I should get a consult with a plastic surgeon about my huge apron of skin. It was horrible, hung down past my girlie bits, made me look a lot heavier than I was, my skin was constantly tearing and it gave me rashes. So, in Feb of 09 I had a tummy tuck and breast lift. Holy crap what a difference! He took off 16 pounds of…

I had my successful revision on 9/7. My doctor did perform the surgery lap. I went in at 8am and was out at 1pm. I haven't talked in detail to my surgeon yet as he left town the day after but I spoke to one of his partners who said they did remove some adhesions and part of my liver was encapsulated which they corrected also. I've been in the hospital since (its now Friday) everything went well and I had an upper gi yesterday that showed no leaks. I have been running a low grade fever of between 99-100.8 so they don't want to release me until it resolves. PITA. My temp has been fine all day long 98.7 but I got so bored that I took a nap. The nurse just woke me from m…

Dear Dr. Jossart, I was wondering if you would be kind enough to give me some general info re: a JIB revision in to a sleeve gastrectomy in one procedure. If it is possible & advisable? I had a JIB done 30 years ago here in Canada & had lost a significant amount of weight, which I was able to keep off until a few years ago when I became very ill from the blind loop syndrome. Unfortunately this illness controls & impacts my life gravely I need to have a revision but do not know of a Surgeon who specializes in this kind of revision. I understand the surgical implications & limitations due to the previous WLS and I am not sure which procedure w…

so because i had my port revised yesterday my doc said he put in 5ccs, and my band size is 11cc, and im not hungry this morning like i usually am, i'm just sipping on my v8 fusion 1 cup only i drink it about 3 times a week for my servings of fruits and veggies, but im not hungry i guess i have to eat even when im not hungry now? I don't know how I'm going to remember to eat, I might have to use an alarm clock to remind me

I have had my band for almost 2.5 years now and I lost 60 lbs during the first 6 months and have now gained 50 lbs back. So, in doing the math, that's a total loss of 10 lbs and I currently have a BMI of 56!!! I am utterly defeated and my surgeon is utterly annoyed. I can eat a lot, but he swears I am "tight as a tick" and if I go any tighter I have heartburn issues. I can feel food as it passes through my band and it all seems to be passing very quickly, not slowly!! He says I am stretching my pouch and starting to stretch my esophagus and threatened to take it out if I don't start controlling my portions. Unfortunately, that has never been something I can control.…

I just read a distubing email from Nina with Dr. Aceves. She stated that the leak rate after a revision to VSG is 3x greater in those of us who are banded then switch. I can understand that if I was eroded or something but I'm not. Has anyone else ran across this information?

Hello everyone! I am so glad I have found this place. I have been having so many questions about my revision and how other people have dealt with their band to sleeve. Just to give you a little bit of background. I was originally banded back in 2004, I had a slip of my band in late 2005. Got my slip fixed and my band replaced and then another slip in 2007. I have been living with a slipped band for the last 3 years due to my insurance refusing to cover any surgeries related to WLS. I finally switched insurance and have been hot on the trail to get my band taken out and get my sleeve. I am now scheduled to get my band removed on Sept. 1st and get sleeved at the same tim…

So if i am approved for band removal, what are my options for revision to sleeve? My dr said bcbs will not approve sleeve because its investigational, but i gotta get this sleeve done....any advice?

I have been fighting the longest revision appeal in the history of appeals (about 14 months now). I figured all that work ought not go to waste. So I've posted the letters on a blog in case it helps anyone. I had a lap band that failed. I eventually won the fight to get it taken out and am still fighting for coverage for my revision to a VSG. My insurer is Federal BCBS and my appeal is now at the OPM in Washington, DC. My latest letter is a summary of all (and I do mean all) of the arguments for medical necessity and references to a dozen or so studies that prove my points. Here's the link: http://vsgappeal.blogspot.com/2010/07/summary-appeal-letter-studies-and.htm…

So my lapband slipped and I had to have it fixed. Just wondering if this happened to you what was your post op diet?

My port has flipped, and after a very difficult and painful first fill, my doc could not access it at all for the second fill - even with fluroscopy and a local anesthetic. Not much choice left but to go back in and reposition it. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I would love to hear from anyone who has had this done. Looking forward to having it fixed and getting a fill...I am HUNGRY! Thanks, Michelle

I was banded on 4/15 and had problems immediately related to my port. It sticks way out, rubs on a rib and causes a great deal of discomfort when I exercise or even bend over. It actually throbs when I exercise. Very weird. Anyway, I've been complaining since about 4 days post-op and just had what must have been my 5th or 6th follow-up appointment in the past 12 weeks. Up to now my surgeon kept asking me to be patient and wait it out suggesting that once I lost enough weight it would move/settle and the pain would dissipate. He said that all that was available was another surgery and he didn't want to go that route. Today I informed my surgeon that I wanted to do …

hi all, not sure where to post this but I was wondering if those who were a band to sleeve revisions that developed a leak could chime in? I know tiffykins had one, but not sure who else? or if you know someone else who has had a leak on here, i think there was a gal heftynetty or something like that? but i can't locate her? anyway any info on how many people have had this complication post banding would be appreciated, and for those who have gone through this, i am very sorry. I will travel down the band to sleeve sometime in the future, waiting now to heal....thanks for you help Mila

Was your band to sleeve revision done as a band removal first followed by a subsequent VSG to allow your stomach tissue to heal? Or were you able to have it done in one operation? If the latter, how long did your surgeon want your band empty so that the tissue could relax as much as possible before surgery? I guess that the risks of leaks are higher with the single operation method because the tissue is more fragile and there may be more scar tissue from the band. But the alternative involves being put under twice (each time is a risk, plus pain!), and you're highly likely to be gaining (potentially a lot of) weight during that interim period. My surgeon requires a 2 w…

I may have a flipped port and need to have surgery to have it fixed. I was a self pay for my surgery and have no insurance. Can any of you give me an idea how much this procedure cost you? Also, is it performed under full or local anesthesia? Thank you

I just wanted to share it has been 4 1/2 months since I had my band removed and I am at my goal. The band was a nightmare for me the multiple fills (which I had to pay for since I had my band done in Mx) food getting stuck, being afraid to eat, puking, sliming and knowing I had a foreign body in me with the port showing like a tumor! Strong advice: if you are getting a revision I would advise you choose a surgeon who has experience in revisions-it is not the same as a new sleeve, there is scar tissue involved making the surgery more challenging-this is not "routine surgery". I followed Dr Aceves post-surgery diet but modified it with the Cornell post-sleeve diet. …

I spoke to the doc's insurance person last Tuesday - so assuming she sent in my information by Wednesday - I was approved on Friday -- and she called me this morning! 3 days = surreal. 1st available surgery date is Aug 31st -- however I am scheduled to go to a conference (in Vegas) the week of 9/13-15 -- is that doable??? (not worried about not being able to eat, as I can back my Protein drinks and instant Soup.) OR should I ask for a date after the conference? WOW Donna Metro DC area Banded 7/07 and soon to be Sleeved !!

Sadly, after two years, my lapband slipped. I've had success with the band and lost over one pounds. I was suffering horrible acid reflux, had a EDG (scope thingy) done and learned that I had Barrett's Esphogus and that my band had slipped. My doctor (Dr Oh, Federal Way, WA - he is excellent) told me that I needed to have a revision, that it was my fault for the slippage as I wasn't chewing enough and eating too much (ok?) and that if I didn't have the sleeve, I would get FAT again! I am so content at my current weight - I'm right where I'm suppose to be. So anyway, long story short, he unfilled me, and I'm already back to old eating habits. In one week, I've put on…

After having my band for 3 years, I have finally decided after much research to visit with a physician about revising to the sleeve. My band was great the first year and a half, helping me lose 100 pounds. But, I have basically been at a standstill since. And, I wanted so much to be at a much lighter place at this point out. So, I give thanks to my band getting me to this point, but now time to move on! After reviewing physicians from San Antonio and the DFW area, I have chosen to meet with Dr. Kim. I know a few of you on here have used him. What can I expect? Are there specific questions that I need to ask that help you on your revision journey?? How long afte…

Dr. Jossart, Is there any data or written opinions or policies or anything available on the following: VSG as band revision procedure band complication statistices, particularly after band slips or pouch dilation I?ve been fighting my insurance company for coverage for over a year. They finally took the band out but refused to cover a revision. They?ve thrown everything at me from the investigational claim (which I used your studies to refute) to too low a BMI. Now they?re saying that there?s no proof that a VSG is an appropriate revision surgery and have asked me for more documentation to show that VSG is used and is appropriate for band revisions. The only peo…

Hi All, I had been at goal for quite some time, and went in last week for a port revision. I didn't have any big port-related problems, but had lost enough weight that the port was protruding from my stomach... It was just not nice looking. Anyway, the surgery went super well. I was up and dressed in a matter of hours, and on a plane home that same evening. I've had some discomfort and bruising, but have gone back to my normal life with relative ease. I'm posting because my swelling is INSANE. Surgery was 10 days ago, and with my overall swift recovery, I'm shocked that I am so swollen... Assuming its swelling.. None of my clothes fit (living in workout pants), and tod…

so I had an upper GI -- seems it's withing normal range with some dilation but doc said that dilation is expected 3 yrs out. he's going to schedule an endoscopy so see why it hurts to eat. which means an empty band when that happens and the joy of gaining more weight. I have my PCP letter and a letter from me and left if with the office - the Ins gal was out so I'll call her Monday. I want them to submit it now anyway to see if I get approved - will still need to get the endoscopy regardless, mbecasue doc wants to see what's happening before he revises. can't take the pain - don't want to wait until it's erroded, etc want this freaking band out. stay turn I will …

I'm curious as to how the hunger REALLY is after the band to sleeve revision? With my lap band, I'm constantly hungry and my stomach is always grumbling around. If you've had the revision, I would really love to hear how the hunger is once you are healed up. Is the hunger really gone like my doctor says it will be? Thanks!

I have had my band for 2 years which was self pay and am needing a revision to a sleeve and now I have Aetna. I had my sleep study last week with no sleep apnea and my endoscopy last week with Dr. Kim, he said I have a slipped band which has been empty for weeks. His office submitted everything to the insurance today and said we will have to wait to hear from them. Has anybody else gone throught these steps with insurance, how long does it usually take to get an approval or denial?

I am going to be getting a port revision in the next 2 weeks or so, because of a leak my Dr. found on May 27th. I am pretty discouraged as I have gained almost 20 lbs over the course of 2 months. I am hoping to use this poll to help me see what might happen after revision surgery. Any stories or advice is welcome!

I have had my band for 2 years which was self pay and am needing a revision to a sleeve and now I have Aetna. I had my sleep study last week with no sleep apnea and my endoscopy last week with Dr. Kim, he said I have a slipped band which has been empty for weeks. His office submitted everything to the insurance today and said we will have to wait to hear from them. Has anybody else gone throught these steps with insurance, how long does it usually take to get an approval or denial?

Hi all - I'm a 36 yo wife and mom of two older teens. I was banded in Sept 2005 and had a lot of success with my band. At 4+ years I'm down 90 lbs which still leaves me with a BMI in the obese range but its 90 less than I had 4 years ago. At my 4 year check up I had gained about 29 lbs over my year 3 numbers. I received a fill and I believe that may be when the trouble started. Shortly after my fill I developed reflux, not thinking much of it I started taking Prevacid. My doctor required a 6 month check up at which time I talked with him about the reflux so he ordered an upper GI. The results - moderate circumferential dilation - my doctor wanted to go in and take o…

Hi everyone, I was banded in 2005 and I really believe it slipped early on as I never really had a time where I could eat and feel secure that I wouldn't be sick afterwards, it was always a gamble. I eventually took it out and now two years later I weighed more than before I got the band (part of that was that I thought I would put another band on so wanted to enjoy the forbidden foods before I did). I then heard about the sleeve, then the sleeve plication. That seemed to be the answer for me as I work for an airline, some of the security sensors are sooo sensitive I know the metal staples would set off the alarms, then I'd have to show paperwork or explain it everytime I…

Hey everyone, first of I have to say I love this site! I have been reading the posts non-stop for about 4 days. About myself..I got my band back in 5/07 with Dr. Aceves, I actually loved it..until about 6 months ago. For the last year I have been getting fill unfill fill unfill, anytime I would get the slightest fill I couldn't eat and I'd end up having to get an even bigger unfill. My US doctor finally tested me and told me that I have a slip and I'm going to need to get my band removed (he does lap band surgeries here in Portland so I think that he wants to do it for me) but I don't trust myself without my band, it hasn't worked for me for the last six months to a year…

I want you sleevers to tell me--do you still have to take very small bites and chew, chew, chew like with the band? And what happens if you don't? And why would you have to eat any differently than normal if there is no restriction at either end of the stomach opening and digestion is normal except for the quanity of food the stomach can hold? The band was a disaster for me. I have vomited for 3 years. I can't deal with another similar experience.

I have completed the pre-testing for the Realize Band and have now changed my mind. I want to have the Gastric Sleeve. I am waiting for Cigna insurance to review their policy and pray that they include the sleeve as a coverage WLS. So now I wait for their review in May. IS anyone else in the same situation?

Anyone who has military affiliation know if tricare will cover this?

Hello all. This is my first time on here. Long story short I had the band done in Feb 2006 and lost a little over 100lbs and was at my goal for 3 yrs. Last October I had to let all the fluid out for 6 weeks because I was having heartburn and night coughs. Why so long I don't know. I wish so much that I would have just said no. In that 6 weeks I gained over 20 lbs. Now it won't come off. I have taken some drastic measures to no avail. I no it's not alot but we no where it goes from here. I get so paranoid just thinking about it. My band is as tight as it can go and I still can eat as much as I want. I keep it a little tighter so that there are at least some restrictio…

Hi Has anyone had to have a port revision? Can you tell me what it is like and what the recovery is like? Thanks

I was talking to the practice manager where I plan on having my revision done if/when Aetna decides to cover the VSG. I was approved for a revision back in Nov'09 to replace my band, they were not able to and could only remove the band, my port is still in place. She said that I may have to do a supervised diet to get approved for another revision. That really confuses me because it would seem as if I should already be covered by the Nov'09 approval. Anybody else have to jump through any special hoops? I think I'm going to make an appt for my PCP just to get my weight logged for the month.

I had revision surgery earlier this week and didn't at all mess with my port. I notice a lot more pain this time. Any else have this happen. On a side note my pouch is much smaller as the band was reposition higher up. I never imagined it smaller!

Anybody trying to get revised to a VSG? Aetna doesn't list the VSG as a covered revision, what is a girl to do :crying: I'm so upset about this....I cried in the doctors office.

I am having a really hard time with my band. In the last month I had my gallbladder out unneccesarily (my band was too tight), an $8000 ER visit, 2 unfills and an upper GI with a refill. I keep getting spasms of my stomach and esophagus that cause vomiting and abdominal, chest and back pain. The only way to keep it from happening is to get an unfill but then I don't have good restriction and I gain weight. I'm just really frustrated. Danielle

I`m in so much pain with the band I can`t stand it. I think it`s too tight right now so I may go in and get a slight unfill but then I`m afraid I`ll gain weight. I`ve got the slimies and the foamies and the constant pain when I eat but then sometimes I get through `the wall`and I can eat almost anything. It`s very inconsistant and it`s not even working for me right now. After initial success I haven`t lost any weight in the last couple of months despite the restriction. I`ve been reading about the sleeve and it sounds perfect. There are a couple of questions though. I read somewhere that not everyone gets to goal with the sleeve. Is that right?. (Sorry, my question mar…

I am, like many of you, desperate to have my band out and be revised to the sleeve. I have been saving and working on financing for a couple of months now... (I was originally planning to have Dr. Aceves do the revision...) But it now looks like I will need to have my gall bladder removed, and I am trying to quickly get information on the possibility of having the revision at the same time, and hoping that if I could do this, I could pay less out of pocket for the revision since my insurance would cover my gall bladder removal. Has anyone been in this situation, or have any tips? I would also love recommendations for US surgeons who are experienced with band to sleev…

Hello! I am looking for any advice to help with this dilema. I have had the lap band 2 1/2 years with great success. A few months ago I was violently ill with the flu and the band slipped. The company I work for changed insurance in Jan 2010 to Anthem BC BS California. The insurance co is denying my claim for revision surgery due to an exclusion placed by my company P&G. Ins is telling me that I have to request an exception from my company benefits manager. When I try to get that information I am giving a title & po box to mail all requests. This has been 2-3 months ago! I have no way to contact anyone directly and the insurance company keeps pushing it ba…

Research: Bariatric Surgery Revisions Carry Greater Risks Than Initial Procedure Revisional bariatric surgery appears to be associated with a higher risk of complications than the initial procedure, according to a study published in the February issue of Archives of Surgery. News - Bariatric Surgery Revisions Carry Greater Risks Than Initial Procedure <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

I posted this question over on the general discussion section, but thought I would pose it here since you guys have specific experience in this area--- Hello everyone. I have been lurking for a while but this is my first time posting. Sorry kinda lengthy!! I have a question and wanted to see if anyone could give my any insight. To give you a little bit of history-I was banded 2 years ago. I initially lost about 55 lbs. over the first 4-5 months. I then got an adjustment that resulted in me being too tight, learning to drink with my food just to get it to go down, then drinking all my food down. I maintained my weight loss for several months, but eventually over the las…

Just wondering if some of you were approved with BCBS Federal? I was denied and I'm appealing. BCBS FED would not tell me the reason why it was denied they only said, the claim did not meet the criteria. That is all they could tell me over the phone. They said I would have to request this in writing. I am appealing this and asking in writting what was the reason it was not approved. I'm also requesting for a Bariatric Surgeon to be one of the consultants in the Appeal and Grievance Board. The band did not work for me at all. I was always starving. I hated it. I lost 17 lbs and then gained it all back and then some. Has anyone been approved for your revision…

Hello everyone. I have been lurking for a while but this is my first time posting. Sorry kinda lengthy!! I have a question and wanted to see if anyone could give my any insight. To give you a little bit of history-I was banded 2 years ago. I initially lost about 55 lbs. over the first 4-5 months. I then got an adjustment that resulted in me being too tight, learning to drink with my food just to get it to go down, then drinking all my food down. I maintained my weight loss for several months, but eventually over the last year have gained back about 30 of the 55 lbs. After researching VSG, I am very impressed with both how happy people are with their sleeves and the am…

Hi! My Name is Irene and I am a Lap-Band patient. I've been here nearly since this website started up and have always kept an gleamful eye on this surgery. In fact I am a very frequent poster over at LBT and I'm even a Moderator over there. :-D I am a firm believer in the shared support of talk forums, for who else is going to give it to you straight other than someone who has BTDT? :biggrin2: I've struggled with my weight my whole life and I have dieted so many times it's not even funny. All through my teenage years I did some questionable things just to remain thin. I think I messed up my metabolism doing that too because once I started eating again I gained o…

Dr. Jossart,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Been getting conflicting information about revisions.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 1. The band should be removed first than after x amount of time a sleeve can be placed. Rational: The area around the band will be irritated after taking the band out due to adhesion having to be cut to get the band out.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> 2.Taking band out and sleeve in the same procedures. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I will have had my band ~1 year.<o:p></o:p> …