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Thanks Keith. I finally finished it off (and reposted the final version) today. It's now on it's way to the local BCBS. I actually expect that they will offer to remove the lap band but deny the revsion because I'm not >35BMI. Seriously, I think a lot of the insurance issues are related to weight discrimination. Pretty much any other diagnosis and and if the first treatment failed you'd have no problem getting a different treatment. Heck, if I had the symptoms I had without a lap band they would have been all over getting me in and covering whatever it takes to fix it. For the Fed BCBS stuff I posted on a few boards asking for others who were covered and got several public and private responses. I also did lots of googling on the variants of VSG and Fed Blue to find people who had been covered and the name of their doc. Then googled or looked up on Obesity Help a lot of the docs that were mentioned. Then called around to see what the various doctor and BCBS offices said. There were three states where the local BCBS administering for Fed Blue plan seems to have issues including Washington and California. In my state there are two BCBS offices that share administration of the plan and they disagree. The phone people are in the BCBS company that says it's covered but the pre-auth people are in the other company and say that it isn't. What's really frustrating is that there seems to be no Federal oversight of the plans that I could write or call to get this sorted out. I didn't include the doctor's names in the post because I didn't want to cause them any trouble in case they were using one of the old CPT codes for VSG (before it had an official code). And generally didn't want issues to come up in the states where VSG has no problem. If money wasn't a concern I'd probably already have gone to Dr. Aceves. But my hangup is what happens if I have a leak and need very costly emergency care. Who would pay for that. So if I can get some sort of coverage then I'll go with Dr. Cirangle in CA. There are a few local doctors here who do VSG but they just don't have the experience with revisions that Aceves, Cirangle and Hargroder have. I didn't really know as much about VSG and revisions when the pre-auth was submitted by the local doctor. It would be great if he could do it but they've only done about 100 VSGs and they want to do it in two surgeries six weeks apart. I just don't want that if it can all be done at once. And, heck, it's less than a used car if it comes down to self-pay for me. Well worth it. I loved my lap band while it worked. I think you should continue to fight on appeal. How good were your surgeon's notes? Will their office write a letter saying they had no choice? Much of the VSG info I used I got from Teresa who has a blog where she put her letter. I just added to it and wrote my own version. Also macmadame had posted a great list of studies and details that I referred to. Congratulations on your weight loss and improved health! It's amazing to feel like you're in control isn't it? I wish things could have stayed that way for me. I want to kick myself for not trying to get control before I regained so much weight. Britt

I just found out, 2 weeks before my scheduled revision from band to sleeve, that my insurance denied the whole thing. I have to go through the 6 month nutrition thing AGAIN. Also the psych AGAIN! Well,i hope i pass cause this is making me craaaazy! I got the band in 2005 and the most weight lost was in the month before and 2 months after. I had a hard time with the band w/o drinking something when I eat. it also made me gag, drool, sweat. I wish i had done more research. And i never felt satiety...just an overloaded gullet! So now I hope the insurance will at least cover getting the band out. And then hopefully cover the sleeve. But we are all at the mercy of the insurance companies.

I had a lapband revision - to sleeve - done two weeks ago. I can tell you EVERYTHING about sliming, and copious amounts of saliva . . . . I lived with it daily for 5 YEARS! The sliming is actually your bodies way of trying to "wash down" something (food) which is stuck, The longer it's stuck, the more saliva your body produces (it thinks you may choke on the food). The reason your getting is stuck is a bit trickier. For me, it was almost always due to me not chewing my food until it was liquified. Also, if/when you over eat, your food will begin backing up your esophagus, Just slow down. I know it seems hard, but you're not doing your sleeve any good with regurgitating. Don't force yourself to eat more. Like "Spatters3" said, take a bite, put down your fork/spoon, chew, chew, chew, swallow, look around, chat a bit, or read a page of a book or magazine, then take another bite. Most importantly - DON'T GET TOO DISCOURAGED -- you'll get there.

I had the band to sleeve revision so I did not have to wait 6 months but since yours has been off a while..you may have to start the process all over again. The best answer is to read your insurance coverage and then contact them.

As I have been reading the posts the past few months I saw how first time Sleevers had issues with certain foods. As someone who had revision surgery- I'm not having any issues. I waited a few months before trying things - I had my first cupcake for my sons birthday - no issues. ( I was only able to eat 1/2). Had my first popcorn at the movies - no issues ( split a small with my son- no butter) last night I had my first Subway sandwich- 6 inch flatbread. Had no problems ( took me 45 min to eat it and I was stuffed the rest of the night). I'm curious as to others- have any food issues since the revision? I have no plans to make this the norm for me, I knew that his birthday week I was going to be the 1 week I splurged ( still lost 2 pounds- before the subway sandwich)

Thinking about a revision from Band to Sleeve at OCC. I was very happy with OCC for my band and although it did well 8 years ago, 2 kids later it isn't working it may have slipped, I am not entirely sure). Anyhoo, does anyone have experience with this? Wondering what the costs might be and how long I will have to be out of work. I have a semi-physical job (massage therapist) so I need to factor that into my decision. Thanks!

I've actually been working on something like this with my own recipes.. but if you need help on actually making the book let me know (katie@griffonco.com) Maybe I can just convert my personal work in progress to the LBT book since its already started hehe im also including a lot of info related to eating and the band since i was plannign to give this to a couple girls in my support meetings. But basically will have stages, broken up to what stage your on from pre-surgery to years post op. I have made several cookbooks for family / friends that I've printed and bound with table of contents, pictures etc. I can even help with pricing. Laminating is VERY expensive, so i stopped doing that awhile ago... plus several of the books we did revisions about every year or so adding new recipes etc so they just got a new copy! My dad used to be a head chef and he had me make a book that was about 250 pages catagorized etc. anyways if you need help let me know.. i have all the software needed to make any type of professional looking designs (I'm a professional graphic designer btw) and if we set it up right we could very well make it a website out of it.. (professional web designer too) I actually also have a ton of ideas I've got a binding machine and can generally get the materials fairly cheap. Depending on the size of the book prices vary but the large book that i did for my dad came out about 20 bucks each (including ink, full of pictures, front back covers and the binding) but we didnt make very many of them (just for family) so obviously the more you do , the cheaper it will be. im also able to work out deals with print shops to get cheaper stuff like copies and cutting etc Anyways.. lemme know if you need help perhaps we could set something up to where we sell the books at cost, or perhaps slightly over and we give away prizes from the proceeds with contests nstuff (did i mention i know alot about marketing?) haha so yea email me if your looking for some help

I was diagnosed bipolar a little over 2 years ago. I am looking into revision but now with my diagnosis - I am wondering if it is possible?? My insurance does not cover it ( ugh) so I will be self paying. i know this is a necessary option /tool for me but worries how surgery may affect 1) if I am able to have surgery 2) how will surgery impact bipolar / depression I do take meds to help manage , can I still take them after? Any input would be wonderful! I go in for my consultation this week. Nervous!!

Looking hot!! And healthy! Great job! What did you revise from? You did amazing!

I've had two surgeries--a sleeve, and then a revision to RNY because I developed GERD after my sleeve. Nine years ago, I lost 100 lbs with the sleeve from a starting BMI of 36 and kept it off, so that was a big big plus. I don't recall much pain after the first two days or so, and my recovery was uneventful. The cons were that my sleeve was very picky about the foods it would tolerate. I could not eat scrambled or hard-boiled eggs. I could not eat dense protein like tuna, salmon, or chicken breast. I could not eat pasta, bread, or bready things because they balled up inside my stomach, absorbed stomach fluid, and then hurt. I lived on seafood, steak, dairy products, and vegetables. I did not dump. I developed GERD a couple of years after my surgery but I loved my sleeve so much I did not want to consider a bypass, but after a year on 3x the regular prescribed dosage of PPIs plus OTC antacids that still did not control my reflux and regurgitating everything I swallowed multiple times I decided on RNY. I had my RNY on June 29 of this year, and maybe because I'm ten years older than when I had my sleeve my recovery was a little bit harder and more painful. I definitely felt like my insides had been rearranged. RNY is way different from the sleeve to me. I don't have that tight feeling anymore that I have eaten enough so I have to measure my food, but I am used to eating a small amount so it's not a big deal. I can eat eggs and pasta again. I don't dump, but I became lactose-intolerant. I lost 10 additional pounds following the RNY surgery when I was on a liquid/puree diet, but I haven't lost anymore and my BMI has leveled off at 20.

Yes I couldn't agree more, and if you focus and get it done now, it will be out of your way. You will be on track to a new you. My surgery is booked Oct. 26 and I start my pre-op in a week. Also good news is I successfully defended my PhD and it is out of the way for now (revisions I will do after). I feel its time. You will get through this. Do you have a date set?

@@revision in TX - Your post makes A LOT of sense. Some people do have to follow a diet but still have a "last hurrah" of sorts. I saw that on another thread that I can't remember the topic of. In my case, I went cold turkey. I don't have cravings for anything in particular. Just solid food in general. I wish I could just eat a chicken salad, ya know? Haha. I'm interested to see what others have to say about it.

Hi there, i'd like to know this too. Might self pay but revising and complications will insurance cover it?

What led me to weight loss surgery isn't what led most people here. I didn't (don't) have food addictions, etc. I had medically induced obesity due to auto immune disease and long term corticosteroid use. So, I got a Lap Band in 2013, and lost about one hundred and forty pounds. I never got to a "normal" weight. It's like I reached a new set point and stopped losing. I pretty much maintained that for about five years or so and then I developed GERD. As @Tomo said, the GERD associated with Lap Bands/Sleeves doesn't respond to meds and there's always a gnawing, hungry sort of sensation that makes you feel like you always need something in your stomach to stop the torment going on in there, and that led me to eating slider foods, because they felt the best to my GERD tormented stomach. So I regained maybe ten pounds during my GERD period. Then in 2021 I had the band removed, then I lost the ten pounds that I had gained, because the GERD eased up a bit and I was able to eat healthier fruits and veggies that my Band wouldn't tolerate before and kicked the carbs to the curb. I'm currently almost 7 weeks post op RNY revision and I've lost twenty-nine pounds. So the scale is finally moving after years of being stuck. I feel like I didn't regain weight even after my band was removed due to a change in eating habits and behaviors that I adopted when I got my Lap Band. I maintained those, and yes it was easier after my Band was removed because I could eat healthier again. My Band wouldn't tolerate fibrous, healthy veggies most of the time. So I would say maintaining success in the long term relies on a change of behaviors and eating habits. One other thing that I think helps a lot of people maintain success is lifetime tracking of calories/macros.

I had a band revised to the sleeve in June 2009. I take Prilosec 20mg once daily to prevent any acid issues, and have taken it since about 6 weeks post-op. I have had zero issue with acid reflux. Take some time to research gastrectomies one for stomach cancer, or ulcerative conditions. I did a lot of research before I decided VSG was the way to go because I felt the same way about being fat and happy instead of skinny and miserable. BUT, let me tell ya, I am now skinny and elated. I have zero regrets with my decision. The band and sleeve are like night and day. For me, I wanted something permanent. I wanted the deck to be stacked in my favor. I figured I really didn't need that huge, stretchy part of my stomach that allowed me to eat huge portions of food. I can honestly tell you I don't miss that old habit one bit. My cliff note version of my band to sleeve goes like this kind of: Band in October 2008 Lost 23-25lbs the first couple of months Complications started from the flipped port Couldn't get a fill even under fluoro, Band doctor sucked, left his practice March 2009 Started researching revision options. Chose VSG instead of a port revision VSG revision June 3, 2009 Had a leak found on June 5th (now don't get scared, remember my port was not accessible under fluoro or ultrasound, so I could not have the Fluid (3-4cc in a 10cc band) removed. Plus, the port actually migrated around in my abdomen, and was causing the tubing to tug on my stomach tissue.) Longer recovery Stuck with the dietary guidelines for 4 months 600-800 calories per day some days I barely hit 600 never anymore than 30grams of carbs 60+grams of Protein Dropped 80lbs, surgeon and I discuss that my loss is extremely rapid so we revamp my eating. Increased carbs a little increased a little. Goal of 150lbs reached around 6.5 months post-op. I started at 263 the day of my revision. 270 was my pre-op band weight. I am currently trying to maintain at this point. I've fallen below goal, but I'm only 5'2" and am still in a healthy weight range at 127lbs. I feel fabulous, my energy level is through the roof. My overall mindset has changed drastically. I sometimes forget I had surgery because I literally just enjoy life. I eat whatever I want, just in smaller portions. I don't overindulge often, but I refuse to deprive myself. If you have any specifics questions, or need a shoulder to lean on, please feel free to contact me. I had a hellacious recovery, but like I've said many times, I would do it all again to live the life I am living right now. Stay positive, and have faith in yourself and your surgeon. Keep us updated with your progress. Also, there are other band to sleeve revision patients that you may like to contact. *susan* (she's a moderator here) 3636Millie OregonDaisy Shontel Annak4 There's actually a lot of band to sleeve revision patients here that can share their stories with you. You can find those members profiles and contact information by clicking on the "MEMBERS" tab at the top of the forum, then you can message them. Everyone here is really great, and we'll be your biggest cheerleaders from a distance.

I am in exactly the same boat except that I throw up a few times a day. I have had my band checked for slippage and tightness and it's in the right place and there's lots of room for the food to go down. I either have zero restriction or I'm puking my guts out. I never know what it's going to be on any given day. The idea of the nerve at the top of my stomach being hyper sensitive has been floated, but there has been no real answer to what the problem is. My doctor is stumped. Finally I had to take out a large chunk of fill just so I could eat somewhat normally, so I am now permanently at zero restriction. I'm trying to get rid of my band now and get a revision to something else. What I really want is an answer to what's going on and I won't be getting a revision before somebody can tell me why I'm having so much trouble with the band because a revision is a whole lot more permanent. I too have not lost any weight other than my pre-op diet weight. I can't even go back to my pre-op diet for a spell because I can't keep those foods down. shakes are a no-go with me as they sit like lead in my stomach and make me sick as a dog.

OH crap! I am going to have to revise my opinion. I am not in love with the reputation of 1-800-get-thin. They have issues.

Hi Stars, I too had a revision and can only tell you from my experience the sleeve is way better than the band. I think you will be glad for the change. I am still in the soft food stage but it feels more normal to me than when I was banded as everything seemed to make me either nauseous or get the stuck feeling. Best part of it all is I am down nearly 50# in 4 months - I never achieved that with the band. Good luck to you and if you have any questions feel free to ask

I was banded in 08, self pay, its slipped and I was denied for Sleeve. Should I do peer-to-peer with docs/insurance and appeal. I was denied for "non-compliance" - I wasn't having problems and didn't see a surgeon due to proximity and cost. I have coverage now that hasn't paid anything out - help on what to do - appeal?

I'm 18.5 weeks pregnant. I won't have any issues losing the pregnancy weight. I'll just low carb it again until I get the weight off. I gained a few pounds over the holidays and dropped those pounds in a little over a week just by cutting alcohol and carb consumption. As for the breakdown of weight gain with a pregnancy, this is what they've outlined for my weight gain: Maternal Fat- 7lbs Baby- 6-8lbs (average is 7.5lbs) Increases Fluid (blood volume)-2-4 ( a mother's blood volume typically doubles during pregnancy) Amniotic Fluid- 1-1.5lbs Placenta- 2lbs Breast tissue/mammary system weight increase - 1-2lbs Watch out for the ROSE procedure, it has an 85% failure rate. This is also discussed heavily on the obesityhelp.com Revision forum. ERNY (extended RNY, where they remove more intestine to start malabsorption again since intestinal adaptation has taken over at this point for you) is also an option. They will shorten your common channel by another 50-100cm. You definitely want to know before you agree to a revision if you have a pouch or stoma dilation because if you have actual mechanical failure with your RNY even a band over the pouch isn't going to do much because once the food passes through the band pouch into your RNY pouch, you will still be able to more food, and your malabsorption is gone. As for Jerusalem clinic, honestly, out of over 3 years on weight loss forums, I have never read of one patient having a RNY take down and revision to the VSG being performed there and honestly that is possibly why they are recommending the band over the bypass pouch to give you restriction again. Seriously, I can name 4 surgeons worldwide that are experienced with these surgeries, and with self-pay patients the cost just for the surgeon run upwards of 20-30k because it is such a complicated and exhausting surgery to take down an old RNY. I promise I researched revisions for months once I knew my band had to come out. The risks for complications especially leaks from scar tissue and adhesions literally quadruples with revisions vs. a virgin, unaltered stomach/intestinal tract. I had a leak with a band revision to VSG after only having the band for 8 months, and actually lost more stomach tissue because of the damage the band had done. My surgeon was experienced with revisions, and I happen to be a statistic of his that I'd like to take back. I was his first and only VSG leak so it can happen even with really experienced surgeons. I'm not slamming Jerusalem Clinic, but revisions are super tricky, complicated, and I would hate to see you fork out the money, get a surgery that is as high maintenance as the BOB procedure and then continue to struggle with your weight and be looking at or for another surgery. There have been RNY to VSG revisions performed due to reactive hypoglycemia symptoms and diagnosis after RNY, but again, it's a very complicated surgery with high risks. Just choose carefully, and continue to research your options.

Hello! First of all, I know nothing about the band, but there's a whole section about it here http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/13-band-to-sleeve-revisions/ , I read that many people did it, I am sure you can find answers there! Second... I am so NOT killing myself in the gym. I go to the gym a couple of times a week, sometimes more IF I feel like it. I hate sport, I know it's good for me and that's the only reason why I do it. I am not going to become an athlete! And I am still losing. I had my surgery done in Greece but I live in Italy, so I had no follow up. Luckily I had no problems. My GP made me have some blood tests after surgery and she's keeping an eye on me, so I guess it's good if you talk to yours as well. I had no psychiatric evaluation, obviously, before the sleeve, but since I got back I am seeing a psychologist on a regular base because I want help dealing with sleeve, the changes etc without breaking down, but this is my choice. This is my experience and I hope it can help a little...

I'm very happy with my sleeve. My sister in law had the GB (and two revision surgeries) and has regained all her weight, despite have horrible malabsorption and dumping issues. She's given me some great advice on how to avoid sliming and vomiting, unfortunately she's knowledgeable about it because she has such tough issues of her own! I'd do the sleeve again in a heartbeat, but I'd rather be fat than have GB or RNY. I know that because I waiting years for a new procedure that wasn't GB or RNY to appear on the horizon. After learning about the sleeve, I feel like angels are singing and the sun is shining! Yes, I'd do the sleeve again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have done TONS of research and been on these forums for months and I have't heard anything at all about VSG causing a build-up of scar tissue. I've heard a LOT of lap-band patients having trouble with scar tissue from their bands when revising to VSG. I don't think you'll have to be a "gym rat" to maintain your weight loss, but regular exercise is a requirement for maintained weight loss no matter how you lose the weight. I lost 90 pounds "on my own" a few years ago and stopping regular exercise contributed greatly to my regain. As for stretching the sleeve, it will relax and expand some by about a year out, but it can never be back to anything remotely resembling your old, full-sized stomach.

Hello I am a revision as well. Often as having a revision, we compare restriction with the band as I did. Having our type of surgery as I did in the same surgery (revision) having scar tissue plays a part in that. The Sleeve is a sterner master and I was worried when I could eat more after a month. Liquids do go down quicker and each food type has the ability to have different type of restriction. Liquids= no restriction/ Soft food= moderate restriction/ Solid foods depending on what kind= restriction. I am 2 months out and have been a slow loser with the 3 week stall and for my age and pre-menopause, taking BP pills ALL have played a part in my weight lost. Not to forget your "bougie" size, the measuring device used to measure your new stomach size. ALL of these factors play a part. Drink plenty of Water, Protein a must and watch slider foods that will not support your weight lost. The sleeve works you just have to work with it and not compare yourself with others. Remember this is no the band , thank God and we have a new stomach that we have to get use to. I have restriction and I weight out my food and STOP willfully when I feel the full signal, Over eating with the sleeve is out of bounds as it is nothing like the band, as stated this is sterner master and will not allow you to get away with eating around it. Work the Sleeve it is truly a great tool! I remember being angry as I was 2 months out and only 15lb loss. Well since then I have lost 4lbs and it just came off.

I'm assuming you treat a revision like the first time? I would think Prilosec would be a great way to start! My kiddo is on prevacid now and her tummy would randomly hurt on and off during the day before they started her on it.