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Surgery revision lapband to gastric bypass on July 16. I'm experiencing the same pain on left side. It also hurts when I urniate, try to sit up and even lift my legs. Anybody have any advice

I called, they said it's still being put into the system and they have 30 days, unless your office submits it as urgent, ughhhSent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App Oh crap. That really, really sucks. I feel for you. I'm a very anxious person by nature and a total worry wart. And our cases, being revisions, are a bit more complex and expensive which i am sure bcbs isn't quick to approve. It may be a longer wait for me too and not so fast like my husband's.Update, recalled bcbs today in the afternoon, got a much nicer operator, she apologized for it taking so long and said give them another few days and I should have a answer by next week, now that's more like it, even if that isn't true, its at least what I want to hear. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

A slipped band absolutely is a big deal! My band slipped after 15 months and I had surgery last month. When it slipped it occluded the opening and I couldn't keep anything down. I have never been so sick in my life. Because I could keep nothing down I had to go thourgh the ER and be admittied for surgery in the morning. The surgery took about 45 minutes and it went well. I was discharged after about 24 hours of first walking into the hospital. My insurance denied payment so that made me a self-pay and I got my hospital bill this week. It's $28,000! And that doesn't inlcude the surgeon's fees, the anesthesiologist's fees or the radiologist's fees. I also got a statement in the mail saying that if my insurance had paid, the hospital would have settled for $1998.00 but since they didn't pay, I am responsible for the entire $28,000. This is because my insurance company has a contract with the hospital and I don't. I was barely overweight enough to have the lapband with a BMI of 30. I have reached my goal weight and am very thankful for my band. But if you figure I have lost 54 pounds and after I get all the bills from the revision surgery that will put me at nearly $50,000 spent on the band and just under $1,000 a pound. So the band slipping IS a big deal, not only because it jeopardizes your health until it is fixed but because it can leave you financially devastated.

A slipped bad is a BIG deal! I have had to have fluid removed once and 1 1/2 years later have a revision. I am better since, but if the revision didn't work, it would have had to be replaced! Best wishes to you! Karen

Hello! Band revision to sleeve 4 days ago. My dr did at the same time but I know other drs require it to be done in 2 surgeries. No, didn't take fills out beforehand. My surgery was a piece of cake... Seemed easier than the band surgery years ago.

I voluntarily unfilled my band 4 weeks before my revision. When Dr Garcia got in there, he said everything looked great and there was NO irritation (which is what I did it for...NO irritation) I was then sleeved right after he removed it

Hello everyone, I went to visit my new surgeon (I'm Kaiser now) to discuss my lap band slipping. I was thinking we could just take out a little saline and see what happens. Never heard of the sleeve before today but when he discussed this option while taking out my band at the same time- I immediately knew it was the right decision. My band has been a total nightmare. The group who performed my band surgery pretty much deserted me after my operation. Kaiser has been a dream come true for me. There were things about the band I was never told- like most people get it out about 2-5 years later and almost nobody has it in after 10 years. I was led to believe this band stayed in forever. I also thought it was going to be a simple surgery. Wrong. I have been hospitalized so many times for problems. I faint after I eat sometimes because its pushing up again my Vagal nerve. And its been too tight for months- finally after months of vomiting/getting food stuck constantly/and slime issues- it slipped. Thank God, because it slipped I pay for nothing- my insurance will cover this as well as my revision to the sleeve. I am so excited to have my surgery June 28th. It is so helpful to read all your comments and stories. Today my surgeon removed almost all of the saline explaining it helps to reduce any swelling to make surgery and revision easier. And I am so happy to NEVER have to get a fill or have this port accessed again. Yippee!

My doctor will be taking out the fluid months before surgery. I have had chronic heartburn for three plus years and need the esophagus to heal prior to revision surgery.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm very excited to finally do something permanent. One of the selling points for me about getting the band in the first place was that it was reversible. What a fallacy that was. And not only that, who wants to reverse back to being fat? Was I going to wake up one day and say I'm tired of being thin, I miss being fat? Of course not. Now that I have this band I am miserable. Lost 2 jobs due to being out sick too long. All this for 35 pounds lost? Anyhow I am so grateful that I can have a revision to the sleeve when my band is taken out. Hopefully. I look forward to a permanent solution rather than the roller coaster ride called Lap Band.

I had no problems getting approval for the band removal and revision to sleeve or bypass. I have Blue Cross. Good luck, hopefully it will come through for you shortly!

Hi Everyone! How are you? Surgery went well, my doctor said there was a lil more scar tissue than anticipated. The first night was rough with the waves of nausea, but a little Zofran cleared that up. Got up on Saturday, washed up, went for a walk and I was pooped. Back to bed I went for a few hours until my family came to visit. Took another spin around the hospital floor and I was done for the day...sleep was calling my name. I was released on Sunday and all is going well. I have no appetite but I am making sure I get my fluids and Vitamins in. I'm walking twice a day, no driving yet. I've noticed that if I sit for more than an hour in one spot, I'm a lil stiff and sore when I get up. Yesterday, I braved costco with my dad. Again, I can home and took an hour nap. Each day it's getting better and better. The best decistion I've made was to have the revision surgery! First post-op is in August 1st. I'll keep you posted. Talk to you soon! MsE

Following! I too am having a revision from sleeve to bypass due to a stricture and constant vomiting. Not really sure what to expect.

I have a band, recently went to see my surgeon as it is no longer helping. He told me that a band to sleeve revision would not be recommended as there is a very high risk of reflux with a sleeve, apparently reflux is rare with RNY.

I am getting a revision from lap band to sleeve. I got my lap band in 2010. Everything worked fine until I had minor complications almost a year later and after I had my daughter. So it really isnt working for me anymore. I have almost gained all my weight back. I look forward to my journey with my sleeve. However, my doctor's office submitted my paperwork to Aetna on Oct 24 and still havent heard anything. Ive checked with the coordinator and Aetna and they just tell me its pending. Today is the 10th business day from when it was submitted. Aetna said additional information was submitted on 11/2 and told me to check on Monday. Anyone else playing the waiting game? Im ready to get this party started lol

When first making the decision to open up to the tool of bariatric surgery I simply assumed that the sleeve would be the procedure that I preferred. This was due to having the full run of my plumbing and perceived ability to eat the foods I wanted, but restrict the amounts. Seemed simple. My younger sister had bypass 15 years ago and I just didn't think that "aggressive" a procedure would be needed for me. After all.....I've lost large amounts of weight in the past through diet and exercise....I just needed a little help......or so I was believing. My physician who was discussing this with me eased me into the conversation and led me to find my way to the surgeon I've selected. I've been to his group presentation.....the first required step. Even after listening to my sister and seeing her progress.......for 15 years......and for secretly thinking in some small way that she took the easy way out.........I didn't "get" it. That presentation really altered my thinking about restrictive and absorptive restriction. I realized in that group session my "hero" status as the big brother doing it on his own......over and over again......was a stupid cycle. I needed to get all the help available.....every tool in the toolbox to get the lifelong results I strived for. Dr Carlson addressed the full room and fielded every question asked. An hour went by....then more.......he'd long since made his informative presentation.....yet stayed to discuss our concerns. A lot of "ah-ha" moments were had. I heard the lady seated behind me speak to her friend, "The sleeve is what will work best for me". My wife, seated beside me, was quiet. She reserved her comments until much later when we were driving home. She proceeded carefully fearing that she knew my mind had already been made up on the sleeve. It was a relief to her when I acknowledged that I felt I needed the bypass.......like my brave little sister did so many years ago.....doing her own research.....as a young woman on her own.......when most folks hadn't heard of such. One of my issues is reoccurring reflux. Some nights it can be really bad. It subsided greatly once I completely cut out alcohol from my intake on April 2, 2015. Back in early April of this year I'd begun resuming the fight to loose my weight. I'd taken evaluation of my current state of living. I loved to grill out.........really loved it. It is therapeutic. I loved to crack open a cold beer and fire up the coals. More beer throughout the cooking and serving everyone had me relaxed and happy. After dinner, I'd normally get drowsy due to several beers......then it'd be time to hit a couple tequila shooters and another beer......or a rum & diet coke or two. I'd get my relaxed and happy state back. It was clear which non-essential calories to drop first......cut out the beer and liquor along with seriously revising the menu on my plate. Guess what.....these were the nights the reflux was bad. Drinking + spicy food (the only kind off my grill ) = reflux. I discussed this "revelation" with my wife. She pointed out a few times since when I'd complained of reflux....since I'd cut out alcohol. I realized she was right......it was still occurring but less often. I have decided that I'd prefer the bypass.......but don't even know yet if I'm approved for it. The waiting and suspense of insurance is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong.....I'm glad the procedure isn't something as easy to get as a bad tattoo.......but I wish it was more straightforward from the insurance company standpoint. Down the road the results I get from the bariatric will certainly lessen the costs I'd otherwise pose to them, right ? Sorry for the rambling. I'm just eagerly impatient and ready to get this ball rolling in the direction that will lead to successful and long lasting health provided I continue to do my part. I'm checking stuff off the mandatory list at least.....and this website and the folks here are already helping me find answers to the tons of questions I have. My mandatory checklist: Attend the group session---done in early June. Meet with the bariatric program's & surgeon's nurse to review my case and 8 pages of medical Q&A i was to complete--done this past week. Meet with surgeon on official visit----scheduled for July 1. Meet with program's nutritional guru----first of the 6 visits is on July 7. This I understand will be the "start" date of the mandatory 6 month timeline to surgery. Meet with psyche guru----awaiting appointment scheduling now. Internal scope evaluation of stomach and other plumbing-------to be scheduled after visit with surgeon I still don't have any type of official indication that bypass is a covered procedure (United Healthcare). I don't know if I can hang on 6+ months before getting this latest umbilical hernia taken care of. I want to get on to eating the foods I'll be living by after the surgery......eat like I've had the surgery......begin accelerated weight loss now......not wait until the surgery. I just want to be sure that I can't lose "too much" on my own that the insurance balks and says, "No way buddy.....you got this.....do it yourself". I can do a lot off by myself.....but I fail to keep it off. I don't want to sabotage my chances for coverage. So many questions that I'm sure will be resolved and clear in the weeks ahead......it's just right now I want to get going with progress of some type......no matter if it's from bypass or from my jumping onboard with the new plan. The compelling reasons for the need to get going are probably no different than most other folks here: I'm having back spasms from reoccurring back injuries due to herniated T-12 vertebrae. Spine surgeon stated that bariatric surgeon can do more for my spine than he could with back surgery. Sounds legit. Umbilical hernia is driving me nuts. It's worsened when back goes out and my posture and such gets weird. Knees are shot....ortho doc says I need knee replacements sooner than later....he's saying 5 years tops.....plus hip, too. He also stated that 200 lbs off my frame would push those replacements back a long time. I already feel some benefit in my knees from the initial pounds coming off. Swelling in my ankles is greatly reduced. Sorry again for the rambling. I'm jittery after finishing up the last day of miracle steroids (4th round with them since April) on my back. The side effects are sleeplessness for me. I get jittery after the 6 day cycles. I'm hoping for a good long sleep later today....tonight. Aside from dropping the alcohol, fried food and reducing sugar & starch intake (doing these).........what can you advise me to do? What other dietary-related actions? Breakfast choices now are oatmeal (made with Water and small amount of salt) vs sausage biscuits and such. lunch & dinner has me eating lots of salads. Snacks are nuts, fruits like blueberries and apples and occasional whole grain toast with small amount of health choice butter substitute or Greek Yogurt. Drinking tons of water. 40oz of coffee every day during the first portion of the day......a lot, I know. I use nonfat creamer and Splenda or Equal (10 packs for 40oz coffee). I'm still having 2-3 20oz Diet Mt. Dew's every day. Sounds like a ton....but it's way down over the number I used to drink. I go to one a day on days off....but do poorly during workdays. No more drive thru's and only salads from fast food restaurants. What else should I be doing? Should I order the "Big Book on Bypass" and get started on it ??????? Stir crazy and tired of my 46 years of fat fighting. 5 years ago I burned off 120 and felt like a new man.......still have many of the 2X & 3X clothes. I saved most of them.....refusing to toss them due to that being symbolic of me throwing away my hope of wearing them again. I lost that weight.....but failed to keep it off. The brief period at that reduced weight was enough of a taste of healthier living that I have craved ever since. Virtually painfree and full of energy. Leaner.......able to wear my old high school letterman's jacket and button it up......too small still, but at least it would button up. Another 100 pounds off that and I feel like i'd be walking around feeling like a Gazillion dollar lottery winner. I may never get a winning lottery ticket.....but I'll be supremely happy to get 200 lbs off........and MAINTAIN that level. So ready to get this machine krunk up and in gear and burn some rubber down the track. This waiting is like sitting there with the engine revving up but the parking brake locked in place...........

It totally will depend on how your surgeon explains the need for the revision during the insurance submission and if your insurance requires the waiting period matter what. Call your insurance a d ask where you can find the information on Bariatric revision surgery. If possible ask for it in writing. Also find out if that particular revision procedure is covered. Good Luck ❤️

Hi- I had gastric bypass in 2016. Lost 100lbs. Since then, I’ve gained 60 of that weight. I have an appt in couple of weeks for a revision. From what I’ve looked, they do an endoscopic revision and it’s a 15 min procedure. My question is- do we have to wait the 6 months that we did for the original gastric (per insurance) or will this not be that long of a wait? How much have you lost since the revision? Thanks everyone!

Hello all! I'm researching getting the VSG surgery but I don't have my gallbladder. I had it removed about 4 years ago. While watching some YouTube videos I noticed a few people that were having complications simply because they no longer had their gallbladders. If I remember correctly, it was something about bile getting into their sleeves I think. It was giving them complications and some were told their only option was to have a revision to Gastric Bypass. Just wondering if those were just isolated events or rare events even. Has anyone who has had the VSG surgery after having their gallbladders removed either have/had complications as a result of that or haven't had any complications at all due to that? Thanks so much! mallymaven

Hi - I have to go for 7 monthly visits (1 consult & 6 visits) for a physician supervised nutrition and exercise program (or a dietician). it's stupid really. Like i haven't tried everything under the sun already. I have to "prove" to them that i have been unsuccessful with non-surgical attempts for obesity. Like my weight and health aren't proof enough. It's very discouraging. The part that really sucks is that Tricare doesn't pay for nutrition counseling. This will be out of pocket expense. They will cover everything else but this. You may not have the same criteria as i have though since yours is a revision. I hope not for your sake!

I had band to sleeve surgery July 11th. I know I'm only 6 days out but I still have to have help getting up and down due to great pain on my left side. Anyone else experience this?

Pretty sure Jacqui is meaning 'using the lap band in addition to behavior modification and a bit of honestly with yourself works really well.' I'm not a 'veteran' bander, but would agree with that sentiment 100%. Have had my share of problems too, a post-op port infection and port revision surgery four months post-op. As far as which forum this thread was posted in, might be a good idea to ask a site moderator to move it to a more appropriate forum where you will hopefully get more feedback. Good luck.

Many band patients later have to revise to sleeve due to complications or ineffective weight loss.

My WLS journey has been at a Bariatric Center of Excellence in a major Medical Center. The Weight Loss Center here has done thousands of surgeries in the last ten years. The program is discouraging patients from pursuing the lap band procedure because of the risk of complications. In my classes, I met two lap band revision patients that have had multiple issues. After talking with them, I am very comfortable with my decision to do the sleeve.

I had a revision from a gastric band, not sleeve - and it is EVERYTHING I hoped for. No more gerd, fast weight loss, no hunger - seriously, I wish I had done it 5 years ago...

Original thread http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/382417-4-YEARS-vsg-post-op.-revision-twisted-sleeve-to-bypass-comin-up! Sent from my Z981 using the BariatricPal App