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I replied on OH as well, but if you check this one first. 1) It's total B.S. about men being more successful long term with VSG. B.S. 2) Check out the OH revision forum, go back through about 5-8 pages and see just how many people are looking to revise their RNY because of 1) Regain 2) Complications with their pouch/stoma combination 3) Resolution with diabetes happens with the sleeve all the time. Here is a study for Type II Diabetes resolution with VSG and RNY http://www.springerlink.com/content/f135104x27461498 Here's another research link on Ghrelin Plasma levels for VSG vs. RNY, it specifically shows that VSG gives longer lower levels of Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18376181?ordinalpos=12&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum I have tons of research links, articles in my blog if you'd like to review them, along with my reasons for VSG instead of RNY for my revision from the band.

when doing bypass revision how long so you stay in the hospital!!!

Glad you were able to get a revision. Good luck in starting over.

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.

I had a slipped lap band that had to come out and my surgeon said it was easier to revise to a RNY than a sleeve. Also I had GERD before my band, and the bypass is supposed to help alleviate GERD, where the sleeve sometimes causes it in some people. Also I had developed a "touch" of diabetes, and the bypass really helps with that. I went off metformin right before the surgery and now, only two months later, my hemoglobin A1C is normal!

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

Heather, Definitely! Glad to know we are not alone:) I am still nervous about the revision and I am sure I will be freaking out before surgery but I am not letting fear stop me. I actually regret not get bypass done first time around.

Wow listening to you all is really helpful and encouraging. I was banded in 2007 lost some weight I think it was mostly due to liquid diet after surgery, been struggling with it ever since. I have been feeling like a failure for many years now with it. I moved so I had to go to another dr for follow up, he made me feel that it was my fault that I don't know how to use the band, I had lots of heartburn so we emptied the band.... And I never went back to that dr. A year went by, more weight came on... I finally decided I have had enough and started doing research on revision surgery even though I was terrified. I was shocked to learn that revisions are very common now, so many people have issues with them (the band) and many surgeons don't even offer it anymore. Before I learned this I felt like I was all alone in the world and that it was my fault that I could not make it work. My husband has been telling me for years to get this band removed because I would have all these stuck episodes, be in so much pain and still obese. So finally I made up my mind, found a new doctor last August who is great, but about an hour drive, well worth it... Did all insurance requirements and now 2nd week into insurance review... Really hoping for approval on the first try, if they do approve I most likely will be having surgery in May as well. I already have my pre op clearances scheduled for mid April. Cannot wait to get this done and start over again and hopefully this time get there and stay there. I so appreciate everyone sharing your experiences and stories, definitely need this support!

Usernamtaken and heatherg0907 we all have similar stories. I am waiting on my insurance decision for the revision. I can't eat real food most days and this band has been more of a hassle than help. My last surgeon stopped using the band. My last appointment he called in nurses to see what the needle looked like for a fill. My new surgeon is now concerned with a slip and erosion. I am grateful for all the support in this forum Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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.

You mentioned: I think if my Wife told the surgeon she wanted surgery, he would schedule it ASAP. Admittedly, I know very little about the lap band. Honestly, it seem like your wife is being irresponsible on this, and as long as the scale is moving, even if it means an (IV feeding tube) she is willing to keep the band a little longer in hopes of getting to goal weight, even if it means a horrible complication?. Also, when searching for a new lap band surgeon you have to be persistent, you have to let them know that your wife is suffering, and usually if you tell them the issue, the receptionist or nurse will schedule you for an appointment, but it may be hard at this point, because your wife's surgeon IS WILLING TO HELP BY REMOVING THE BAND or replacing it with a larger band. If you and your wife is not willing to protect her health and get that band out ASAP, there is nothing this board can do for you, and if your wife suffer horrible complications, I doubt you will have any type of malpractice lawsuit because your wife is responsible for her complications by not doing anything about her issues, and not agreeing to remove the band (in a timely manner). Actually her surgeon IS trying to help her in this situation and your wife is refusing to get the band out, thinking the band will loosen, and she apparently is liking the rapid weight lost. That band IS NOT GOING TO GET ANY LOOSER, losing 20 pounds will loosen the band, your wife has lost 70, if it was going to loosen, it would have done so by now. She will cause damage to her esophagus and body over time because she will constantly vomit, and have obstruction and swelling until she has to get it removed in an emergency. The lap band IS the safest operation, when it is done properly and the patient acts responsibly, Revising to the Sleeve or Bypass will not guarantee her to be complication free, if the band is installed right, it is safer.

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

Please bear in mind that I am a very happy and very successful bandit now 9 years post-op. I do not regret my band, would do it all over again and if I ever have to have it removed, I would hope to have a replacement. When I was banded in 2006, it was a miracle surgery. And for some people, who accept that they will still have to work hard, it is just that. It was and still is for me. But over the years it has become clear that serious complications necessitating further surgery are much more common than originally thought, some of these are avoidable by careful eating and by not keeping the band tight; unfortunately others are beyond our control. We used to be warned about band slips, leaks and about ( very rare) erosion into the stomach tissue but it turns out that a build up of scar tissue round the band (causing it to tighten) is quite common. It can be very difficult to get the right level of restriction and some people are tempted to keep it tight enough to physically limit food, in fact it was once thought this was how it should be. But this causes food to back up into the oesophagus and that risks problems such as oesophageal dysmotility which may be irreversible. It can also damage the vagus nerve. Quite a number of doctors have stopped implanting bands as they found the removal rate was unacceptably high and it was too easy not to lose enough weight. Revision from band to sleeve is not uncommon! We still need lots of will power. The band makes it easier by dimming hunger, but it does nothing for head hunger and, contrary to popular opinion, it does not and should not physically stop us eating. If it does it is too tight! Having said all that, I love my band, I know many successful long term bandits in real life. My own experience has been good and so has that of almost all those I actually know and have met. But don't rule out bypass. For many people the element of malabsorption is a key factor.

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

I love what I see and how I feel now but I struggle with not meeting my goal!?! I had revision from band to sleeve on 1/28/24 I started out at 287 and I'm now at 193. I'm 5'9 and still curvy but LOVING it ????. I fuss with myself about not getting to MY goal which is 180 and my surgeon wants to see me at 160 ???? I feel like I would look like...pardon the phrase...a Crack head!!! ???? Anyone else struggle with this? Do I lose the weight and then feel uncomfortable in my own skin again? Do I do it for my health let's be honest I'm still overweight but beautifully so ????. Anyone else struggle with this????

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'm not sure about the liquids for some reason Iv never been a big drinker of anything so the band just increased what was already a struggle with the whole don't drink and eat thing and wait 30 mins. I didn't revise only because of reflux, It was managed with Prilosec well enough but more so because of just sick of the whole lifestyle that came with the band. Yes I could have loosened or unfilled but only with weight gain. Iv not had even a slight bit of reflux since removing the band but I also had a hiatal hernia repair during the revision. I had many barium swallows over the years since I worked in the surgeons office, a few dilated pouches that I would refill for about a month to correct but they never fully corrected. My esophagus is still dilated even in my recent X-rays.