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Me! I only lost about 30 lbs with sleeve and gained half of it back due to maladaptive eating to avoid the symptoms of severe GERD. I just had revision to bypass on the 18th and am down 20 lbs from the start of my liquid diet 10 days prior to surgery. My doc said he expects me to lose about 60-65% of my excess weight, so a little less than I’d bypass was my first surgery.

OK...I got the results from the endoscopy...band is OK in normal position and no problem. I wish there would have been. It might have helped expedite the switch to Vertical Sleeve. So the doctor told me I don't qualify for the sleeve as I don't weigh enough. I would have to gain weight to get my BMI to 40. At least 20 pounds! Who wants to do that. And then I would have to lose weight before the VS procedure. It's like I am back to square one. I also would have to have the psych eval again and other pre surgery exams and tests. AND to see if I qualify to even proceed I need to get an upper GI (had one 1 year post op) and a sleep apnea test. This would be to see if I have any issues that would qualify me w/o the 40 BMI. I think my insurance company will cover me if I meet the qualifications. I thought having a revision would be a lot easier. Anyone else go thru this? The doctor seems pretty positive that I will qualify one way or another. I am SO bummed. I almost feel like having the band removed and call it quits and go back to regular weight loss means.

Sorry to hear that! Let your stomach heal and I bet you will be able to get the bypass. I have heard this a lot for getting a revision from the band to either sleeve or bypass. There is sometimes stomach damage from the band and you just have to let yourself heal. Maybe do weight watchers or something while you are waiting for the bypass. I know you're disappointed but at least you are on the mend now. Big hugs going your way

I just started the process of looking to get DS Surgery in Mexico. I know there are a lot of different organizations that can coordinate this process for you, the one I filled out the Health form for is Tijuana Bariatrics, using Dr. Fernando Garcia at Hospital CER. I got a response that I have been cleared for surgery. I am an RNY Gastric Bypass member (10 years out) and want to do a revision to the DS (I gained all the weight back in the last 3-4 years). When I first submitted my form, their response was they wanted to "revise" my gastric bypass because they don't recommend the DS because of gas issues? Has anyone else heard of this? I want the surgery, but only if I can get the DS. Also, my coordinator Karen seems very quick and anxious to get my deposit (this is self pay because the insurance I have through my work doesnt cover bariatric surgery at all). I am worried about getting scammed?! This all seems too easy. Hoping that someone here can lend some advice? Also, wondering if anyone has used any of the financing options listed on their website? Citerra Finance, Medicard, Medical Financing Solutions.. I guess I got a lot of questions..ha ha Sara

There was entirely too much damage from the band and the Dr couldn't dothe revision. My bad was 80% eroded and there was a hole that had to be repaired. So now I am left wondering what is next. I'm so disappointed.

Hi there, I had a port that was too big for my body I guess is the best way to describe it, it was bonking against my rib area and causing considerable pain, then of course it was getting bonked back causing the port to be pulled around in side (although stitched in it was yanking a bit) So, my Surgeon did a port revision on November 19th, he ordered a low profile port (smaller and thinner is how he described it) and replaced the old one with the new one. I feel really good now, no pain whatsoever from my port :regular_smile: Other people have port revisions for different reasons, so I guess the term could be used for many different situations.:cool:

Check the Band to Sleeve revision board here on VST. Lots of us can tell you our stories about the band. Some never had success with it, some had some weight loss but lots of problems getting food down or keeping it down. I had success for 3 years, but my band broke after my pregnancy in 2010. Currently the statistics are showing that the band won't be in you forever even though they market it that way: 55% of patients have had it removed by 5 years, usually for erosions, slips, or failure to lose weight. I'm surprised surgeons are still offering the band at all. Of course, everyone here will pretty much be biased toward the sleeve. Have you checked out Lap Band Talk? You'll find more people who like their bands there...but also, a lot of people looking to revise it.

I am 35 and have been struggling with my weight for over 10 years now. I was scheduled for sleeve today actually. My father was against the surgery in general, but accepted my decision and has been trying to be supportive. He wanted to meet the surgeon and have a lot of questions answered. We went in to see surgeon on Thursday and I came out more confused than ever. They basically all (mom, dad, and dr.) ganged up and made me feel that band is soooo much safer and a much better option. Truthfully, I never even read up on the band because I didn't like the idea of having something inside me forever and was not comfortable with the idea of it slipping and having to come in for adjustments (fills), etc., so I dismissed it completely initially. After that appointment on Thursday, I came away feeling like the band was so obviously the way to go, but every time I thought of having that thing inside me it brought me to tears. Obviously I had to make a decision fast bc they had to make sure to get the approval for the switch from my insurance and my surgery was scheduled in four days. I was so confused and felt so much pressure to decide that I thought it was not the right way to make the decision, so I have postponed the surgery and I have two new dates tentatively set in February depending on which surgery I choose to go with. I have to decide by the end of the week. Can you all please tell me your stories? Successes, failures, revisions, etc. I want to hear it all so I can make the most informed decision. I am still hung up on having the band in me forever, but I believe I will get over it if I really feel it is the best option. One thing that is for certain, is that the band is many times more safe (in terms of the surgery and chance of death) than the sleeve. But if the chances of success overall are lower and I will end up having the sleeve in a few years anyway, then I don't want to do that. I welcome any comments. Thanks in advance.

Perhaps its a way the doctor could work out the medical necessity of the surgery with your insurance. Im no expert when comes to insurance but they tend to need reasons and that *could* be one maybe, because people have to have revisions from lapbands to other surgeries too, maybe the balloon has some failure statistics they are privileged to that we are not. VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

Revision 10/25/18 Revision 10/25/18 Kattrax421B.Com Don't meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with catchup!

I find that I can't have the protein bars or shakes that I relied on before and after VSG. Now, they are too sweet and (sorry, TMI) I almost immediately get the shakes (dumping) and will probably have to run to the bathroom. And really, that's what's changed the most after my revision to RNY - I haven't had more than maybe 5 normal BMs in 19 months.

You sound very strong. My year has been much like yours. I have learned to put my faith in God or whatever higher power you believe in. I have given up control and my life has become so uncomplicated. I had surgery on September 11, 2016 to repair a ventral hernia. It was supposed to be 2 1/2 hours long. 8 1/2 hrs later after I passed on the table and was brought back. I was told by the surgeon, she also had to revise my gastric bypass. One month after surgery my husband and I became homeless. We have been staying with friends since. I have learned to be grateful for all that I have. Every morning I am so grateful to be alive. You too will get through this. If you need someone to talk to you can message me. Sent from my LGLS675 using the BariatricPal App

LOL, not sure if you are talking to me? But you did quote me, so I'm going to assume "yes". Sorry if you weren't! I definitely have excess skin in my upper arms and my side boob area, which I am actually getting addressed next week with an arm lift and boob lift revision! (so excited). They aren't so very bad and I can hide them pretty well, but I hate them so they have to go! My butt is also very deflated and I've got a bit of wrinkly skin above my belly button, but i can live with them .

Hi Heidi - yes, I was banded on April 10th. My starting weight was 259 pounds and I'm 5'6. I had to have a port revision done this past Friday (June 13th); my port flipped after surgery. So I just got my first fill - I'm about a month overdue for fills. I go back tomorrow to my doctor. I lost about 15 pounds on my pre-surgery diet (low carbs) and the rest after banding. I'm really happy with the results so far. It is coming off slowly, but that's what it needs to do. I've been exercising 4-5 days a week and I think that has really helped boost the inches lost. I'm just setting mini goals right now. Have you gone for your first consult yet?

Welcome! My revision surgery is scheduled for 5/23 (my surgeon is doing both the removal and the sleeve the same day). So we will both be May Sleevers!! I can absolutely relate to what you said. I lost a total of 40 pounds with my lap band (but that is TOTAL, including the 17 I lost during the 2-week pre-op diet). For so long I was too embarrassed to tell anyone I had a lap-band, and I also avoided going back to my surgeon for an adjustment because I was ashamed that "I had failed". It wasn't until recently that I learned how many people experienced the very same results and then I began to realize that it was the band that failed - not me. You will do great! Keep us posted on how you're doing after your band is removed Monday. Wishing you a speedy recovery and look forward to moving onto the losers bench with you.

My lap-band will be removed on 4/14 and my sleeve will be done on 5/19. The past couple of months have been quite the whirlwind for me!! My story: I had my band placed in Oct 2008 and lost 45 pounds during the first year . I have been able to maintain the weight loss mainly because the band made me bulimic - unless I ate slider foods. I did not go for a follow-up for almost 2 years because I knew I was not on track or following the program. I also had multiple ankle surgeries over 2011 & 2012 which put my band on the back burner) So in Jan 2014 I decided to go for a follow up just to make sure the band was not slipped etc.I had no issues other than the ability to eat anything of substance. That was on 1/30 and two months later here I am scheduled for band /sleeve revision. I had no intention of doing the sleeve when I went to see my dr ..I really did not even know what it was. But after a lot of research I have decided this is the path for me. I have been lurking on this forum for months, but decided to come forward because I wanted to thank everyone for posting their stories and taking the time to answer everyone's questions. This forum was an incredible resource for me !!

I had a slipped lap band that I had to have removed and a revision done. I also thought I wanted a sleeve but my surgeon strongly recommended a bypass because I already had terrible GERD before my lap band. I took his advice and have been very happy with the decision. It's your choice, but be well informed before you decide. Good luck!

If you do the Sleeve you are going to run the risk of having to have a revision. I was approved for my surgery despite having acid issues because I DON'T have GERD, but rather something called EOS. I was going to have issues with acid whether I had Bypass or DS (which involves a sleeved stomach). My disorder is an allergy disorder and the acid is worse 1. when I either eat or am around what I'm allergic to, 2. at night, or 3. if I eat something acidic. I only take my acid reducers at night. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Sleeve to someone who has GERD. Trust me, weight loss surgery is no joke and it's a bumpy recovery in the beginning. The gas, the liquid diet, the puree stage, etc. Having to go through the 2 week pre-diet all over again if it doesn't stick the first time... You have to look at everything and then ask yourself if you are willing to take the risk of having to do it all over again if your GERD gets WORSE. In the end, the choice is yours, whatever that choice may be because it's your life and YOU are the one living it, not someone else... I wish you the best of luck on whatever choice you make!

I didn’t notice but then again, I shaved my head at month 3 post op VSG. I did however notice lots of new prickly hairs the month after I had my revision (9months post VSG). It didn’t bother me too much just felt weird growing back in. I do take hair skin and nail gummies most days and my hair 8 months from shaving is now between ear and shoulder length and my hair had always grown slow before surgery.

I was set up to have the DS on AUG 13th, but I may go for the RNY do to my doctor just had spinal surgery and he is saying that he will not be physically capable of performing the DS by my surgery date. I can push the date out and have the DS done, but all of my support from family flying in and papers have been set for my current date and they are very hard to change. My Surgery is Aug 13th. And I was excited til today. My Surgeon is basically putting it in my hands to choose. He says that the DS would be better for me. But because there may be complications do to the band not easy to remove that he may not be able to put the sleeve part of the DS and he would probably have to do the RNY anyway. I was mentally prepared for the DS, but now I’m conflicted. I really don’t want to push out my date again.

Gosh we’re so much alike. I read your other post about the fear. I’m going in this morning for my revision VSG to bypass. I was fearless for my sleeve but wide awake worrying right now. I too am worried that I’ll only lose 10-20 pounds.

I had gastric bypass 12 yrs ago and I'm looking for more restriction as I have gained some weight back. Not many surgeons do revisions like this, but Dr. Acevedos in Mexicali, MX can perform the band over bypass surgery. Has anyone has this done and if so, are you happy with the results? Good luck to all new bandsters... hope to get on the bandwagon with y'all soon! Michele

Hi...after a lot of research ,thought and pain I have changed my mind.I am not seeking a revision to the sleeve but in fact a RNY.My lapband has caused my stomach and esophagus so much pain...the reflux is severe.I can't cut away 85% of a very abused stomach.The Gold standard for me... My first time sleeve friend is doing very well with her sleeve.

I'm starting to consider a band to sleeve revision and have heard only wonderful things about Dr. Aceves. Can anyone else provide me with personal experience regarding other surgeons? I'll be self-pay, and will probably head to Mexico/ San Diego Boarder area due to location and cost but am open to learning about other options. My band surgeon was Dr. Otiz, however I'm not really clear on how many revisions, or sleeves for that matter, that he has done. Has anyone had any experience with him with a sleeve? (All the threads about him seem to go unanswered, but I thought I'd try again). Thanks in advance for all of your input!

Hi Everyone! I’m a newbie and this is my first post. I’m 63y/o and probably one of the oldest living that still has a Molina Band in place. The surgery was in 1985 and that sucker has been useless since about 1988. It did work for the first couple of years or so….I lost about 75lbs. I went back to Molina in 1988 to see if anything could be done and he just humiliated me. He made it all out to be my fault and insisted I had abused the band and not followed the instructions. He said I needed to have a revision and a new band put in place. I declined, left his office in tears, felt I had failed and it was all my fault. From that day forward, I worked like crazy from one diet to another and managed to keep most of the weigh off until I hit menopause………. slowly all the weight came back and more. I never had the serious medical issues with the Molina Band like many others had. For me, it just stopped working and in some ways, I was relieved. I was so tired of all the “stuck” episodes, the pain, staying up all night, pacing the floor and trying to throw up….I never ever want anything like that, again. Back in 2002 I was considering the “stomach stapling” weight loss procedure. My primary doc sent me for a upper GI…no restrictions, at all and it appeared the Molina Band was probably held on by adhesions. The radiologist said I was one of the lucky ones because so many Molina Bands were removed by emergency surgery. The surgeon “freaked out” about the Molina Band and would only consider it by doing two separate “open” surgical procedures. I was not willing to be “cut open” twice so I gave up on having any type of revision surgery, until now. Back in 1985 I had the Molina Band surgery because I wanted to be skinny, now…….. things are very different. My reasons for surgery, now are all health related. I have very high blood pressure that has been difficult to control, chronic sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint aches and pre-diabetic. I’m on so much blood pressure medicine I can barely function. I retired early, last year because I just didn’t have the energy to keep working. I’ve changed blood pressure meds several times during the past year and the awful side effects have just about turned me into an invalid. I want off all the meds and I just want my life back. Do I have a chance for a revision to a gastric sleeve? I’m told maybe……. because my band was done in 1985 when Molina was using a material that is much easier to remove than the mesh band he used in the 90’s and I haven’t had the complications that many others had....I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m very grateful for this website. I appreciate all the info and I love the success stories and before & after pics. I really need that now because I’m very scared, nervous and anxious. I get so happy and feel so hopeful after reading all the success the posters are having and then I end up in tears because I’m so afraid it will not happen for me. My emotions are just all over the place. Thanks for being here…… Texy