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Can somebody help me please if they have advise to give. My current weight is 338lbs with a BMI of 45. I have decided on the Lap Band because I am mortified of having my stomach permanently cut. However, most people have advised a sleeve operation instead of a band. As it is now, True Results has advised me of a $2100 cost with BCBS insurance. I don't know what to do but I know I need to lose weight. Can anyone advise? What is the protocol to follow for a lap band to sleeve revision if I feel the band is not working? Will BCBS pay for a revision? What are the conditions? Should I just go for the sleeve? I have a friend who has had the band and after losing an initial 23 lbs has gained 6 of it back in 4 months and this is not encouraging at all. I need to make the best decision. Please help!!!!

I came to the conclusion that I am a food addict after reading several books These books also tell one how to deal with the addiction. Boiled down to the basics: one must avoid trigger foods just as an alcoholic must abstain from alcohol. The usual trigger foods are are sugar, flour. white potatoes, rice, and processed food. "Processed food" is anything in a bag or box in the center aisles of the supermarket. Shop the exterior aisles where one finds fresh produce, meats, poultry, dairy, and frozen vegetables. There is a withdrawal period that is uncomfortable, but after a couple of weeks the cravings for the trigger foods diminish. Unless one of the trigger foods is sitting right In front of me, I no longer have difficulty avoiding them. I have lost 93 lbs by cutting out these things, 70 lbs prior to RNy revision surgery and another 23 lbs to date post surgery, I recommend these books Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction by Vera Tarman Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Treat Food Addiction by Connie Stapleton Why Diets Fail (Because you're Addicted to Sugar) by Nicole Avena & John Talbott

I had the band placed in the U.S. but to get the band out, the insurance company wanted 9-12 months of documented problems. I could not live the way I had been for an addition 9-12 months and went to Mexico for a revision... no regrets!

You're not dumb...I asked myself and my surgeon that after mine flipped. When he got in there to correct it he said one of the stitches had come undone, the other was still attached (he puts two stitches in?!)...anyway, he told me he put 4-5 in on my revision. I don't know if he just didn't stitch it right or what went wrong - he couldn't tell me. I'm just glad it is fixed!

I am really glad I went to Dr. Aceves. I loved being there, and would love to go back just for fun. There is no way my band surgeon who is now doing sleeves would have been able to do the surgery for the price I paid in Mexico by a dr. who is extremely experienced with doing revision surgery.

So since I started this thread, I was diagnosed with a slip, had revision surgery, was unfilled for several months, an bounced back to 200 lbs. Right now I'm at 182 lbs, so time to restart the clock. I'm not sure I even can get to my original goal weight due to the muscle weight, but we will see. All I really know is that I have a pool party with my fellow gym rats on August 16 -- Time to PUSH 17

I'm a band to sleeve revision patient, and during the post-op diet, you do have to chew food very well especially when you first get to solids. Now that I am 7 months out, I can eat anything and do not have to chew things to a mush consistency. I eat steak (medium well), ribs, brisket, chicken breast (cooked anyway except I'm not a fan of fried chicken), venison. Really, the only meat that doesn't work for me is pork. We (my family) cut 95% of pork out of our diet months ago. I did try some pork chops once, and they just didn't work. We don't eat sausage or bacon. We did have a ham for Christmas and I was able to eat it. I still have the habit of eating really moist, or wet meat. I picked that up with my band. I used to have to drown all meats in some sort of condiment. I swear I should of bought stock in Heinz Ketchup and A1 steak sauce because I never ate meat without one of them for 7 months. Now, I don't have to use much, but I still like to have something on the meat I eat. It's a habit now, and I think I like the way it all tastes. I haven't had anything get "stuck" in months. Just to let you know, the "stuck" feeling with the band is completely different than the "stuck" feeling I got with the band. When something did get stuck, it hurt for a second then it would just kind of creep back up the esophagus and come out. I did get a bit of overproduction of saliva, but nothing like the band. The bite would come up, and then it was over. No gagging, no wretching at least that has been my experience. I still take small bites, and eat slow. But, it's what works best for me. The slower I eat the more satisfied I feel. Plus, I can get in a bit more food.

Penni, I can not put into words how much my heart aches for you and DeLarla. For you two and the other struggling Bandsters and DeBanded Bandsters (because no matter the status of your band, you're Bandsters for life) you have been confronted with issues and responsibilities that no patient deserves. I go out of my way to move forward and not move backward in my life but it ain't always easy. Complication sucks and the attitude of some of the people here who are basically saying "suck it up" just devastated me. I only hope and pray they never walk a mile in the shoes of someone who has been let down or worse, injured by their band journey. But I hope that we can find some sense of brotherhood and sisterhood with Penni and the others who had fought the Band fight? Does the current status of the Band (whether it's currently implanted, currently removed, currently about to be revised or currently sitting still in a box in a hospital warehouse) make a difference on how we receive each others' comments? All those who sit smugly saying "oh if this happens, I'll do this" are just speculating on how they HOPE they will react. The reality may be and probably would be different. Like any technology or procedure, the LapBand will continue to improve as will the techniques used with the LapBand. But realize that those who come along later critising those who are struggling will hopefully be spared an unfortunate lesson in karma. A bit of tolerance and understanding goes a long way. Hopefully all of us will realize we may have more in common with our DeBanded Bandsters than some think. As is said, "There by the grace of God, go I." Happy Band Journeys and DeBanded Bandster Journeys to all, New Sho

Well, the first time around when I got the band, one week wasn't quite enough... felt extremely dizzy and light-headed and the seventh day post-op, which was my first day back at work, I thought I was going to die. I've just had revision of my slipped band with plication, and took two weeks off to play it safe... only this time I feel great! Other than just very minimal pain the first couple of days I've been fine!! In fact, I feel so good, that I rearranged all my living room furniture yesterday and got the house completely decorated for Christmas, which was my post-op day 8... that might have been a bit stupid, but I still feel fine. How you will feel after surgery is an entirely individual process. Is it possible to "play it by ear" with your time off? Take as much time as you're able, but go back sooner if you feel like it?

I haven't been able to get on this website for about 3 weeks due to computer issues, and then family illness. Thankfully, that's all taken care of now! It's hard to believe that 2 months ago I had a life-changing, mind-blowing experience with the realization of getting my sleeve. After years of major struggles with the lap-band, and 2 years spent searching for a Doctor who would even consider seeing me, God opened the door for me at Dr. Kaler's office. Dr. Kaler had no hesitation in telling me, "Yes, I can do your revision". I remember sitting in his exam room with tears in my eyes, thinking "Finally, someone who can help me". The sense of relief that this ordeal was finally over was surreal. After years of struggling with the band, the sliming, the sticking, the not being able to eat out in front of anyone other than my DH, my mother's comments of "Oh honey, I just wish there was something that could be done for you", my revision was done in one surgery. The changes that have occurred in my life since have been amazing. No more sticking, no more sliming, eating out with friends, feeling like I'm 15 years younger, the energy, the ability to get out and move, the improved numbers from my bloodwork, actually enjoy life has been such a blessing. As of this morning, I am down 42lbs, and 3 dress sizes. I still struggle with my eyes being WAAAAYY bigger than my sleeve. I suspect this will be a challenge for quite a long time. But it's always surprising to me how much is left on my plate. My DH has enjoyed my leftovers many times and isn't complaining. To have the ability to eat without the expectation that it's going to be a painful experience, has made me realize that I have taken eating for granted. I no longer do that. I know truly enjoy my food, more as a true pleasure, and I'm focusing on making sure that those meals are well worth the effort. I'm learning new recipes, experiencing new foods, and focus on eating whole, healthy, fresh foods. And it's such a great time of the year to do this. With the Farmer's Markets that are open now, my vegetable garden, learning to can and freeze fresh fruits and vegetables, purchasing grass fed beef, free-range chicken, and the most recent addition to our little farm - a Devon pig, who will be filling our freezer this fall, our food quality has increased by leaps and bounds. No more pre-processed food, no more white carbs, a significant reduction in gluten in our lives has made a tremendous difference in not just my, but my DH's life. I never would have made these changes in our life had it not been for the sleeve. I'm eating pretty much anything I want, just in drastically smaller quantities, and the only thing I haven't tried yet is a salad. For some reason, that's the one thing that looms in my mind as the "The Big One". I'm sure it's just in my head that way, but I still see a Salad and think, "One day I'll be able to eat that and really enjoy it", but I haven't tried one yet. I'm not big on restaurant salads, but prefer to buy my own ingredients and make them at home. That way I can control what goes in to it. I will always encourage those who are thinking about getting the lapband toward the sleeve, and I will support those who want a revision by sharing my experience. Just as so many of the folks on this wonderful website have done for me.

Yes, this will be a revision. The lap band didn’t work well for me but it’s still in there.

2goldengirl Have you heard of insurance covering a revision from lap band to sleeve due to too many issues even with bmi being 32 not 35

My personal experience has been that bingeing pre-op is an extremely bad idea. People will make up the excuse that "I'll never be able to have that again, so I better have it now!". THIS IS NOT TRUE. You absolutely can have anything you want to eat post op. The only differences will be that you can't eat as much AND you are just tacking on more pounds you will eventually have to fight for after surgery. You're only hurting yourself by doing this. I have had two WLS's. I did have the food binge before my lap band. Then a few months later I realized that it was all for naught because I can and did still eat those foods. In fact, I could eat more of that stuff than the good healthy food. They're called "sliders" for a reason. You won't get full on them. Then with my revision to the VSG I absolutely did NOT indulge pre-op. I already knew I had to go in with the right ideas about food. For anyone reading this, change that attitude. This surgery will save your life, but only if you get your mind right.

That is great! It shows dedication to a healthier lifestyle. It'll be good to have a tool (the sleeve) to help keep that off. Your appetite may or may not decrease after sleeve surgery. Mine is still there, but I've read of other who aren't hungry at all for up to a year. I've read that you can expect to lose about 60% of your excess weight with the sleeve, but some have lost more and actually achieved a normal BMI. I've been having some trouble with the diet; I didn't expect it to be this difficult to tolerate. I'm so sick of liquids, of protein shakes, and now of pureed textures. I want something crunchy, a cucumber with greek yogurt ranch dip perhaps. I'll get to regular foods eventually, but the wait is a lot longer in my mind than I was expecting. My weight loss has also been slow so far. I was sleeved on 12/7/17 and have lost about 12 pounds since then, which seems low. I suspect it's due to my medications, because there's no way it's due to excessive caloric intake. And it turns out that the timing is harder than I anticipated. Having the surgery before the holidays has been really hard. I was having a little bit of regret at first, when I was more bummed out about these issues, but I don't regret the surgery at all. I think it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I totally feel a difference from the band. I had a more difficult recovery with the sleeve than the band (a week of mild nausea, stomach cramps), and as I wrote about above, the inital diet is typically long and in my opinion sucks, but it'll be worth it. So far, instead of my food getting stuck at the top of my stomach, it slowly makes its way to the bottom until I feel satisfied. You still have to eat slowly, and take small bites and chew chew chew, but I've not had any regurgitation, "stuck" foods, or "slime-ing", even now that I've started puree. Also, NOT HAVING A PORT. That's glorious. I hated the thing. It flipped on me shortly after placement, so I had to have another surgery to fix it, the fills were painful, and it was plain uncomfortable under my skin. The sleeve is like night and day from the band. It's becoming very common to revise from the band to sleeve. Best wishes as you make your decision.

I think the sleeve is the best thing because i to have the band in now and is due to be revised march 19th i had a lot of problems with my band and no one evertold me that the band needed so much maintence always tighten loosen vomitting throwing up and i did have good success far as weight lost but complication and now i have recently put on some weight because my band is deflated i am nervous but yet excited but my date seem so far away but i wish u the best

Sorry to trouble you all but I finally have the date for my revision (12/18/09-Dr Aceves-I have insurance that would have paid for an American surgeon to do the revision but Dr. Aceves is my guy even though I will be self pay as insurance doesn't pay for out of country surgeons) and now have some questions. I know I should probably ask the surgeon but considering that some of you have undergone the revision maybe you can be of assistance so I don't have to bother him: 1) Will he go through the previous incisions from where they went for the lap band? 2) I am going for an emergency unfill as I haven't been able to eat anything and barely able to get my Protein shakes down (no, I didn't start out being too tight, my last fill was done under fluroscopy and was not even close to being "too tight". 3 weeks later BAM! Too tight. This has happened over and over again) Should I get a complete unfill or just a partial? For those who had the revision, what did you do? Get a complete unfill a couple of weeks/a month before surgery or did you go into the revision surgery with Fluid in your band? 3) I am scared shitless. I am just worried that revising to the sleeve will just be trading one set of problems for another. I have had such a horrible experience with the band. For those of you that were having horrible band issues, how did you "wrap your head around" going through another weight loss surgery without knowing the outcome? Thanks to all who post on this site. I read each posting every day and believe me, you have kept me going through this horrible band experience. Just knowing that there are other people out there that have been through the same thing makes it more bearable. .

Speaking as a currently banded person, looking to revision/hiatal hernia repair soon. Not sure if sleeve will be result, but trying to learn what I can in case. Anyway my experience more than 2 years post band is that my social life didn't get less enjoyable it is WAAAAAY better. Now that I'm no longer morbidly obese I enjoy going out a whole lot more. I don't have people judging what's on my plate. If I choose not to tell people about my surgery, for my smaller portions I can simply say I had a larger meal earlier, or not very hungery right now. (People I'm in contact with regularly know, but I don't find it necessary to inform the server or others I have a passing relationship with.) I have few food intolerances. I don't have anything on a list that I don't eat all unless I don't like it. I eat a small portion of what I really want along with some healthier food. Sometimes one bite is enough, if I save the best for last. Properly adjusted my band did nearly all of the work. Unfortunately due to the hiatal hernia mine hasn't been filled at all for several months and the lbs. are coming back. My portions are still as small... the problem is the food doesn't stay in the pouch very long, so I eat these small portions quite often. ARRR. If fear of missing your dear friend "food" is your only fear... fear not! You'll be thinner and you won't miss your "friend." I spend as much time eating my smaller portions as others do eating their larger ones. Hey and I don't talk quite as much because I'm spending more time chewing. My human friends probably like that better. LOL

I'm a revision. The sleeve is much, much better than the band. With the band there were so many foods I couldn't eat, chicken, turkey, salad, veggies.... I was always slimming & vomiting. No problems at all with the sleeve. I'm almost to goal and pray I can keep it off but am so happy to have the band out. What a waste of time & money. There's a section on this site for revisions. Check the posts out there. Good luck & congrats.

I never measured my liquids either. I'd eat 1 small can of Cambells tomato Soup (with 1% milk) a day, broken up into 4 meals. I drank a 1oz medicine cup of Protein shake every hour (or actually whenever I remembered was more like it) and all the Water, crystal lite, Jello, and sf popsicles I wanted. To this day, I can't eat tomato soup. Thank God I found Progresso Tomato Basil Soup, cuz I'm gunna be back on the liquids for 3-4 weeks after my sleeve revision surgery in June. Luv me some Tomato Basil Soup! I would probably break 1 can (2 cups) into 4 meals also (1/2 cup each meal). Nothing like tomato soup for breakfast! Good luck! You'll be happy when you can add mashed potatoes (at least I was. Could've bought stock in KFC!) Marci

Currently that procedure is still very new , within past 2 yrs and there isn't enough data for long term sucess rates yet. I actually posted a similar thread over the weekend about this. My surgeon recently started performing this procedure and currently he has a patient that is 3 months out. This procedure only provides better restriction from stretching of pouch, however as always... diet and exercise will make it successful. Here is an a great link for a neat animation video. If accessing via mobile, animation will be on bottom of page. If by desktop or laptop top right. I also asked if this was covered under insurance and my surgeon said yes but depends on insurance. In addition, he also said this is a cheaper and less invasive versus revision surgery http://apolloendo.com/procedures/outlet-pouch-reduction/

Count me in! I also had issues post op too. I felt miserable, nauseous, vomitting, severe fatigue... all that! Here I am two months post now though, and I couldn't be happier. I'm down nearly 30 Lbs since surgery and 40 since my Pre-Op diet. I'm also a revision from the Lap Band... so... for ME, this was clearly the better choice. The trade offs of the first few weeks post op to today? WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!

I haven't had mine done yet, but I am going from band to bypass on October 24, so I'll be right behind you. My office said it typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours for a revision surgery, this wasn't directly from the surgeon's mouth though, just office staff, so I'll be sure to ask him at my next pre-op appointment. All I know, is I think this will be so much better for us than the band! If your experience from the band has been anything like mine, almost anything would be better

I had band for 11 1/2 years and lost over 100 pounds but had to have it out. I'm getting sleeve next month 5 months after band removal. My surgeon has experienced lots of weight loss with band to sleeve revisions. My surgeon has mandatory 4 month weight once lose band so stomach can heal. I have never read anything similar to what your surgeon is stating. I would be concerned your surgeon might have another motive? Good luck with your decision.

Rainydayz - just another wrinkle to throw at you - Gastric Plication surgery is very similar to the sleeve, only from what I understand it involves "folding" the excess stomach within and stitching it up into a "tube" so the end result is similar to the sleeve. There is no cutting away of the excess stomach and is potentially reversible. It is becoming more and more common as I know my surgeon is now doing this procedure. It is also done laproscopically and there are no "adjustments" like the band. Just a thought. I am a bandster and I love it - but if I have problems, I'm not really sure I would have another put in (and potentially have the same problems - not work like it did before, etc) or revise to GPS.

Other than the really bad acid reflux which I am going to see the doctor about in my appointment in a few days, I feel pretty good. My resting heart rate is now 70. It used to be around 80-85. I used to have the band and had a revision to gastric sleeve. Whenever I used to take deep breaths, I could feel the band and it felt like a stricture. Not having it in my body feels great just because I was always aware that it was there and it was always bothering me. I huff and puff less when climbing the stairs.