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these are quick surgeries. Sleeves are probably about an hour. Bypass not much longer. Of course, if they run into issues, it'll take longer.

I really wish I'd seen this article before having the crapband surgery! Just found this posted on OH... sleep apnea). Data Sources and Study Selection - Electronic literature search of MEDLINE, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Library databases plus manual reference checks of all articles on bariatric surgery published in the English language between 1990 and 2003. Two levels of screening were used on 2738 citations. Data Extraction - A total of 136 fully extracted studies, which inluded 91 overlapping patient populations (kin studies), were included for a total of 22,094 patients. Nineteen percent of the patients were men and 72.6% were women, with a mean age of 39 years (range, 16-64 years). Sex was not reported for 1537 patients (8%). The baseline mean body mass index for 16 944 patients was 46.9 (range, 32.3-68.8). Data Synthesis - A random effects model was used in the meta-analysis. The mean (95% confidence interval) percentage of excess weight loss was: 47.5% (40.7%-54.2%) for patients who underwent gastric banding; 61.6% (56.7%-66.5%), gastric bypass; 68.2% (61.5%-74.8%), gastroplasty (VSG); and 70.1% (66.3%-73.9%), biliopancreatic diversion or duodenal switch. Operative mortality (</=30 days) in the extracted studies was 0.1% for the purely restrictive procedures, 0.5% for gastric bypass, and 1.1% for biliopancreatic diversion or duodenal switch. Conclusions - Effective weight loss was achieved in morbidly obese patients after undergoing bariatric surgery. A substantial majority of patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea experienced complete resolution or improvement.

WOW! what a ride. Much more than I expected. I am home. Trying to find something to drink that A. does not make my ankles swell. B. tastes tolerable.. I am still on the anitbiotics so I wonder if that is what makes every thing taste bad. Except S/F pudding. Sweet things taste OK. I am wanting something hot so I have been drinking herbal teas. Now, does any one have this swelling problem? Even with low sodium soups? Should I just make my own? seems such a waste as I can eat/drink only 1 or 2 oz at a sitting. The Experience was quite different. I really liked the care I recieved. If you choose Dr. Almanza. I would suggest the option of the hotel. I did not care for the recovery house. Here is why. rooms are small/tiny. no air conditioning. barking dogs outside. one shared bathroom upstairs. food is prepared down stairs for all. When you cannot eat that is hard to deal with. My hubby stayed there the two nights I was in the clinic/hospital. When I was to come out, he got us into the Hotel. I was concerned as I would not have a nurse, but, the fine staff brought me my meds and juices and teas and all was perfect. Hubby got American TV (baseball and football) He could go down stairs and get any food and drink he wanted. American newspapers, with sunday funnies. The Hotel provided free popsicles, soups, yogurts for me. Our room had two queen sized beds all soft and comfy. I had a table to sit and drink my meals, LOL. The hallway was safe/great to walk around for exercize. Walked at 12 and 2 AM one time, and, I got up to three times around before I left. The last night there I felt good enough to get dressed and go down for dinner. The Chef made me special soup, chicken broth blended with mashed potatoes. It tasted yummy. I am sure that is where the sodium overload started, but I loved that soup, all 1/4 cup of the huge bowlful they gave me..God I am still food obsessed, LOL I am sure the staff at the house does all this also. The nurse from the Clinic that did my IV came to the hotel and removed my drain tube. He was so good. (thanks again Edgar) I also had Sevier (on staff at house) come and give me a massage. He is excellent. My back was hurting and my right leg was numb from laying on my back for so long, so, he was a pleasant relief. Could not talk Hubby into massage, heehee. Overall my rating for the experience is an 8. (1 to 10) Here are my reasons for 2 points off. I would have liked to see the hand cleaning stations on the wall inside the rooms. I would have liked the appratias used to come in sealed bags that the nurses opened in front of me. I would have liked the nurses to put on gloves and dispose of them in my room. I wish the cleaning crew would come in after each shower and disinfect. I was lucky to be first both days. I hated (one full point off here) the drive clear across T.J to get the Xray Leak test done. yes, I understand the necessity, I still hated that dam trip.There was a parade outside the lab, so surreal. I know some go shopping and do stuff on their 3rd day, just not for me. I was finally ready on the 5th day. Felt good and upbeat. Finally felt good about what I had done. Met a lady that was escorting two friends having sleeves. (Canadian) She was 7 months out and looks soo cute. She is 5'7 and 165ish, So I have revised my goal to that. It has been so long since I was a "normal" weight I did not have a realistic goal in my head. I was 240 at weigh in, but 245 when I left. All the liquid retension I guess. Dr. Almanza got snippy with me under surgery,....I am a Moley person lots of raised moles. He asked my hubby for permission and they removed 4 from my lower mid section. Love that. Extra stiches, but who cares? Thinking of that,,,, did any of you remove your own stiches? Did that go OK? Gotta do that on the 25th or so.:crying: So, that is my experience. Great, positive and LOVED the staff/people I delt with.. My hubby even liked it. He got to talk with several couples and Dr's about this whole deal and got a MUCH better attitude towards my weight. He is much more supportive in a positive way, for that I am truly grateful. If I need any futher surgery, IE: tummy tuck, etc. I would go back there. But, I would drive straight to the Hotel and be picked up from there. Marriot, TJ. Hope that does not turn anyone off to this deal, it is the best. The nurses I had were so darn caring and good at their jobs. Ricardo was my assigned personal support staff. He spoke very good english and tried very hard to accomdate all my wishes. It all went well for me, hope it does for you where ever you choose to go. Just do not be afraid to get-r-done. Onward and Downward---weightwise:thumbdown::001_tongue:

So here is my story and already I know your being able to help me is a long shot. I had my stomach stapled in 1999. I lost 100 pounds but the metal ring that was placed at the bottom of my stomach eroded through. Later I learned this is why they do not do this procedure anymore. I then had a conversion surgery to a gastric bypass in 2012. This was following the death of my daughter. I lost 30 pounds but that was from no appetite due to depression. I never had restriction from the surgery. I had a revision in 2020 (October)) again I have no restriction and am not losing weight. I have done everything I was told and it did not work again. Have you ever heard of this? My pouch is an appropriate size, but I can still eat? Why doesn’t it work for me? Why can I still eat? Do I need a ring or device to truly have restriction? I need some help and answers.

We are going to disagree on a few points here. No antibiotics for port infections? Yeah, we disagree. Many people get port infections and many are on antibiotics and they don't typically don't experience erosion so it most certainly is up for debate. An infected port is only one way to erode, not the only way. I agree with you that erosion is not typically the patient's fault, but since it can't be proven we don't really know one way or another. Some of the theories on erosion: A band that is placed that is too small for the stomach. A fill that is way too tight for an extended period of time. A scratch on the back of the stomach during surgery. Chemicals used to sterile instruments for surgery. A port infection. Many theories have been shown to be false such as smoking causes erosion, it does not. Spicy food, etc. Those have been proven to be false. At this point it is known what does not cause erosion, it is theory as to what does cause erosion and NOBODY should let an infected port go. Many can be treated very successfully with antibiotics. One point you make that I agree with you SOOOO much! And it is this: I'm beginning to kick myself for getting banded vs. a sleeve. I've had band problems and while I am certainly a minority in the type of problems I've had, I still can't believe I wanted something I could reverse. I have no reason to ever weigh 112 pounds more than I do again. I want permanent, I'm not really sure why having something I could reverse was so important to me. Perhaps it was because I don't think I really thought it would work anyway so at least I could have the latest fad removed. :rose: I'm not sure. The idea of no erosion, no port issues such as pain, infection, flipped, a port sticking out as it is now, none of that. No slips, heartburn, reflux, fills, unfills, restriction... I'd do a sleeve today if I had it to do over again. If I knew without a doubt I could not eat bread I'd have revision surgery today, this minute. But just as with a band, some sleeve people can eat bread and some can't. I already know I can't eat bread without a special trick today (and no, I won't tell the newbies what that trick is). Since I can't eat bread I'm going to stick with the band for now. If I ever lose it, it's a sleeve for me.

I'm glad you two are having good results with him. My dear friend Sally and her friend both got banded by Dr. Hamn in 2005 and they said it was done wrong and both had major issues and had to get the bypass. Maybe he's gotten more experience over the last few years, so it's good to hear you both had good experiences.

Too often, I am a revision from a lap band that has been in 10 years and causing me problems. I have a beautiful 3 year old boy and I am 45. I am the income earner in my house and I am so scared that something will happen.

Hello Everybody. I am new also to this posting. I am almost 54 years old. I had a gastric bypass in 1984. I loss about 90 pounds within two years. I have gain about 50 pounds since then. I wonder If I can get the lap band surgery after having the bypass?

Oh GOSH, I wish I were you Toni!! haha!! I am going for my first fill today...however, I'll be surprised if he does it because I can't feel my port, and he told me it may need to be done under fluro, which means another appt at the hospital! I NEED a fill SO bad!!! Right now I kinda wish I just went with gastric bypass.

I took my thyroid meds the day after surgery, that pill is tiny. I could also take my PPI capsule five days after surgery. Ask your doc, some things you may need to cut in half or sprinkle in applesauce, but others may be just fine to take as they are. Extended release meds are problematic for bypassers.

Do your liquids include protein shakes? I had my revision the same as yours on the 13th - having 2 shakes per day plus soft foods. Oatmeal for breakfast, creamed potato soup for lunch, and fat free refried beans - all 2 ounces. I am keeping full with this little bit of food.

Hi there. I had gastric bypass about 3 months ago, have had no complications and have lost about 54 pounds so far. All has been going swimmingly! EXCEPT, I had some whipped cream Sunday which led to diarrhea and then all day extreme gas pains after eating small snacks. I switched to liquids on Monday, still experienced severe gas all day and today, Tuesday, had low carb, low fat, high protein snacks and tolerated them well. UNTIL I just had sugar free pudding and a small bit of chicken ravioli (3-5 bites) and the gas pain started up again. Ugh! Does anyone know what I should be doing?! Is this normal to have gas pains like this several days after dumping?

I had gastric bypass on 2/22. Pre-op I lost 37 pounds, first week post op another 18. 2nd week the scale didn't move at all and now as of today is UP 5 POUNDS. I want to scream. How is this even possible I haven't even gotten to 1000 calories yet. I'm so discouraged I want to just cry. My RD tells me not to worry but how can I not? Has anyone delt with this? Thanks for any advice or insight.

I am glad the surgery is over for you. I had port revision surgery also. My port had a leak from the start. My doctor was very nice and said I didn't do anything it was just a defective port. (Although he didn't believe me until 7 months later that there was a problem.) I lost that first 50 myself. He did put a 5cc fill in a surgery and said he would do a fill every two weeks. That is the program we are on. I think your doctor is just being a little ornery. But, just my opinion. I just had the regular port put back in. I didn't have any other options for a low profile port.

Thank you Mimi. I made it through port revision surgery yesterday and other than the discomfort from the incision I'm in pretty good shape. Very gassy, major diarrhea and retaining lots of fluids that I attribute to the procedure. I did find out from the hospital's bariatric coordinator that low profile ports aren't available yet for the 14cc bands that are the hospital's standard for use. I'm anxious for the swelling to go down to see if this makes the difference that I hope.

My port revision surgery has been approved by insurance and is scheduled for next week. I have to have an EKG and blood work done as well as get a 'readiness for surgery' pronouncement from my PCP. Also have to do a 3-day liquid diet prior to surgery. I have an appointment with the surgeon for the day prior to surgery to find out what my options are for port placement. I'm told that I should be back to work within a few days and that it's a pretty minor outpatient surgery. What I really need is a fill though as I've been stuck at the same weight for weeks now. Not sure when I'll be able to get my first after the revision. Would appreciate comments/advice from anybody who's gone through this previously.

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)

I'm 27 and having gastric bypass on April 6th. I know exactly how you feel; I've never been completely comfortable with my body. I don't like to be intimate with the lights on, I don't like to be seen undressed. Those are all issues that you'll have to battle mentally even once you've lost weight. I've lost weight in the past, and in the mirror I still saw a fat girl. Your head has to catch up with your body as far as your self image. I've also been told by my surgeon and other WLS patients that being younger gives an advantage as far as skin elasticity. Make sure once you're able to really exercise that you incorporate plenty of strength training. Cardio is great for burning fat, but with your new tool you've already got that going for you. Cardio bodies tend to be thin but lack definition and curves (not all, and this isn't meant to insult anyone who just does cardio, every body is different). For women, building lean muscle mass gives us curves and shape, not bulk. And having more muscle keeps your body naturally burning off more fat. Good luck and congrats on your journey.

About 2 mths ago, my lapband herniated. They totally unfilled me and told me it needed to come out. I saw my band dr who agreed. however, since I cancelled my Part B Medicare 2 yrs ago (cuz never once in 12 yrs did I ever use it and it was costing $110 mth), I'd have to pay $5400 for the drs charges. My reflux is out of control and I have stomach pain often. Wondered how I was gunna come up with the money to do it. We've been in Ca for 2 weeks now, on vacation from Or. We're staying with my in laws right now. They offered to give it to me! They are the greatest! Now I can get my sleeve revision before my stomach is too damaged to do anything but take out my band. Thats my problem. I could wait for a year for my Medicare Part B to take effect again, but the damage to my stomach in that amount of time may be a hinderance in doing a sleeve. I'm so relieved. We'd have a hard time saving over $5,000 any time soon. A prayer has been answered! When we get home on July 2, I will schedule the surgery. Sleeve, here I come!

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 really have not posted on VST for a while and have been meaning to start again; particularly in the Band Revision forum. You can read many more stories of people's experiences there, but I just wanted to throw in a few more points for consideration based on my own experience having a LapBand for six years: Fills - They never hurt but I am so glad that I have never had to have them again. There was so much trial and error and second guessing involved. My Lapband surgeon was very conservative with fills so it took something like 6 or 8 of them to even begin feeling restriction and that in itself took a few months. It's a great money-maker for doctors and most insurances cover only some or none of them. Once my insurance stopped paying I ended up negotiating with the Dr. for him to accept $75 per fill vs. the $150 I would have had to pay. Still - that adds up. I also could not tell for days whether it was effective; with the exception of when it was too tight which would take a day or so. So I walked out of the office feeling fine and happy that I thought I had finally found my 'sweet spot' only to wake up the next day to find I couldn't even keep Water down and to make an emergency appointment to get some of the fill taken out. Not fun. Insurance - Most will only cover one WLS procedure so you want to make sure it's the right one for you. I had to appeal 3 times to have get my Sleeve approved. That in itself took 6 months. On the 2nd appeal the insurance Dr.'s expert opinion stated something to the effect of - 'she failed with the Lapband so she will fail with VSG"; Gee, thanks for that vote of confidence Dr., by the way have you ever met me, have you ever examined me? On what basis are you expressing your 'expert' opinion of me?" The only positive in that was that it was so absurd I used it as an argument in my 3rd appeal letter and finally won. As I already mentioned when I had the Lapband in 2006 (I think I wrote 2007 before which was incorrect, the only two options were Lapband and RNY. Be glad you have the Sleeve choice now - it has come a long way in the last few years and they predict it will be the #1 recommended surgery over RNY soon. In fact my own surgeon had RNY some 12 years ago and he states that if he were to do it again he would do the Sleeve (of course, not sure if he tells his RNY or Lapband patients that so I'll take it with a grain of salt Of course, many people don't even have insurance and had to self-pay for the Lapband and now a revision and VSG. No small chunk of change; I was fortunate that insurance paid for all of my surgeries. Pre-Op Diet - I did not have to do any pre-op diet to get the Lapband so it was scheduled pretty quickly. Of course, at the time, I thought that was just great. As I mentioned since I had to do all these appeals I also started visiting my PCP monthly so that the insurance couldn't hang the 6 month requirement over my head if they denied me again. My VSG surgeon required a 2 week pre-op diet which was very regimented but relatively easy and I lost 10 lbs in that time. It really did help me get ready for the surgery mentally and I'm grateful that my surgeon required it. This is a personal decision that only you can make and you should weigh your options carefully of course. I just thought it may be helpful to hear some more 'real world' experience from someone who has had both surgeries now. All the best,

Personal opinion only but I have followed 3 people who have had the lap band and more who have had sleeve. Everyone of the bands have failed. One person had to change insurances and they won't pay for fills. All the sleeve people seemed to be doing very well. Good luck in your decision. I am also 5 7 started at 309 and there is no way I could lose what I needed to with the lap band. I debated the bypass for a long time because of my size. Good luck to you and good for you making an informed decision.

Josephine, Does that mean that the port is still in there? That really sucks! I'm going on Wednesday to check if my slip fixed itself! I am so wanting a sleeve, and need to demand a revision. You are doing fabulous, Keep it up! Patti

HELLO! I had a sleeve never have had a revision, however, I am 18 days past surgery, over 21 pounds lost and doing well. I still have to learn when I am full. Tend to eat too much, then I puke and I am fine. Hell it doesnt even hurt when that happens. Only hurts when I eat too much. Ruthi had a revision so maybe she can give you some insight on what is what. You will do fine---Dr Aceves is great and the entire staff is wonderful. Prayers are with you.:thumbup1:

Wow I hadn't even thought of that. Thats considerable! I mostly thought down the line if I had to I could revise to RnY or DS... however just to have my sleeve re-done would be ideal! Good luck in your research, I'm not sure who does do this.