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I had my revision surgery at Star Medica with Dr. Rodriguez in april. I was quite a bit aprehensive about going to Juarez. From where I live now, Juarez is only about a 4 hour drive away. TJ would have been 14 hours or more in the car or a plane trip. I didn't think I would be up for that on the return trip. I believe that Dr Rod does surgery in TJ only once a month so there was more availability in Juarez. I felt very safe with our driver (Sergio) and in the hospital. Sergio picked us up at the El Paso airport. My friend and I stayed in the hospital the entire time. I arrived on Thursday and was scheduled to stay until Sunday. We ended up leaving a day early which was Saturday evening. We were both ready to be home. Star Medica Hospital was great. Clean and Modern. Aside from the spoken language, it was almost like any hospital I have been in here in the US. Gilly

I am having a band to bypass revision tomorrow. I chose bypass over sleeve because it is a non restrictive procedure and I had serious issues with reflux due to the band. Because of that my doc recommended bypass rather than the sleeve.

hey guys, i had surgery 2-6-8....but was completely obstructed by the next day...spitting up my own saliva. called my doc who said come right in...he did not prefill, but was able to get 6cc of air and saline out (with great exertion on his part) i did better but reobstructed that night.... kept thinking it was post op swelling, i slept sitting up, did all that i could. My surgeon had arrainged for me to be admitted that night (2-7-8) but i declined to try and work on it overnight. needless to say a full obstruction (two of them now) is not going away on its on. I had a revision surgery 2-8-8 with immediate relief. my doc has done over 1,300 cases, and i was only the 6th obstruction he'd had...mine ended up being due to an abberrant bundle of veins that were hidden under the fat surrounding my stomach. He carefully dissected these out, and i am now home with only normal postop pain...which is not bad at all. Moral of the story, go back immediately if vomitting post op..... all i can say is that my surgeon was compassionate and quick to work with me.....the yucky part i am self pay i'm gonna try and see if my insurance will cover the second admission as a complication....cross your fingers... i'm banded and able to drink fluids now wooo hooo amanda

Well you two it took me a bit to google and translate kilos into pounds lol, but I think I got the gist of the weight gains and losses. Like Chilo said there are many band to sleeve revisions on this site and they will be able to give you the low down on that idea. I was just curious though, I heard the port and metal on the bands were titanium like the staples used for the sleeve. If this is so you may need to go with a physician that uses threaded sutures and glue vs the staples if this is possible or maybe go with the gastric plication which is not excising the stomach only folding it within itself and suturing it up, to avoid the titanium. Hmmm

Always pack an Emergency Kit: Protein powder, jerky/chicken or beef, maybe some string cheese, nuts, or some trail mix you make yourself with the nuts, some dried fruits. Container of flavored Water. The insulated kits are almost purselike for the ladies, but I think a guy could keep a smaller one in the car or convert a totebag to look like a briefcase to keep these things in. I agree that appetizers can work in keeping servings small. Just be sure they are not heavy in fat and deep fried. I like to order my dinner salads with dressing on the side so that I can dip my veggies in it--I also divide my plate BEFORE the visit and meal experience. This way, I don't overeat or don't eyeball portions as much--split in half and eat the rest the next day. If my date is new, I always try to consume a protein rich meal before that date arrives to pick me up--this way I am full before going to the restaurant, but by the time visiting and driving to a restaurant or event all I want is light meal. Now, if this seems to intimidate a date, then that person may not be a gem--I would understand if my date had WLS because I am there myself. Mine is RNY that needs Sleeve Revision--waiting for auth to get it done. I think the attitude we bring to developing relationships with people and our nutritional habits will determine the successes or the lack of it regarding our WLS. Hope these strategies might help any and all in this situation.

Bypass complications Preparing for surgery Revisions from band to bypass I would like to be able to find all the threads relating to a topic in one place

If you weren't nervous you wouldn't be normal We all have that fear of the unknown and worse case scenario!! I promise you'll come home and be happy it's over.. and onto a better healthier life.. I had a really complicated surgery, and losts of recovery issues (I was revised from band to sleeve with a TON of scar tissue...) and I would still do it again!

I am sorry to hear that. My port is like half flipped and they dig and dig to get mine and I am considering having them do a revision so I don't have to go through them doing that every time. Good luck

I sent you a private message. Tomorrow is actually my revision surgery. From sleeve to bypass for Gerd.

I dropped 50+ lbs pre-surgery by cutting out all foods containing sugar, flour, white potatoes, rice, and processed foods. These are my trigger foods. I consider myself to be a sugar/food addict. I can never go back to eating these things with abandon. I started using the Baritastic app. I occasionally used liquid protein shakes during that period. My calorie count dropped to around 1000 per day. I attended water exercise classes three days a week, including swimming 1/4 mile each time. I also increased my mileage on my walking tricycle to at least a mile a day. I've lost another 50+ lbs since my RNY>RNY revision surgery. I still strive to avoid my trigger foods. It's harder to resist now and weight loss is slow going, but I'm still dropping a few pounds a month with lengthy stalls.

I had gastric band in December 12 years ago, and a revision surgery one year later. I just had my bypass last week just in time for holidays. Will I miss turkey this year? Probably.but I will be with my family for the first time in a year. Also ironically I’ve always had a sweet tooth, but since my surgery, I can barely tolerate sweet tasting anything. Even if it is sugar free. You’ll do well. my way of expressing myself was to do a sketchbook for the Brooklyn art library sketchbook project. That’s been a great outlet for me. best of luck and positive thoughts to you! 🥰

Hello, Before your doctor does the surgery they can request a fluoroscopy study. When they do this they will insert contrast into your band while you are under x-ray and then they will be able to see where exactly the leak is. It can be common to have a leak in the port or the tubing connection. The leak/whole I had actually was on the band itself. I have seen three surgeons and none of the three have seen a leak in this spot. Depending on where the leak is at will depend on the type or surgery needed. If the leak is in the tubing/port then it can be pretty simple, if it is beyond the connection point in the tubing or on the band then the entire band, tubing and port need to be replaced. I hope that this makes sense. Of course depending on where the leak is at will impact the cost. By doing the fluoroscopy you will know where exactly the leak is and be able to plan better. Also, if the entire device needs to be replaced you may decide to convert to a VSG, etc. I had looked at revising to a VSG, but in the end decided no VSG and I didn't get a new band in either. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

Wow, Tiff. I hope you feel better and praying that band repositions itself! Tracy--I'm so sorry you need to have a revision to yours :-( Good luck to the both of you!!

OMG you poor thing! At least they were able to fix it, right? How scary! It's a risk, and risks triple with revisions from band to sleeve for leaks. At least you are home and safe. (HUGS)

My 5 year surgery date is September 2021. I had an unremarkable recovery from my sleeve surgery. I lost 110 pounds but have put about 15 back on (or had... I have lost 9 of those). The biggest "issue" I had post-surgery was either hiccuping or sneezing when I was full. About a year ago, I started having acid issues. They've progressed to the point of significant GERD. I had been taking a PPI but it stopped working at all... seriously, I wake up at night coughing and gagging because there is stomach acid pretty much in my back teeth! Anyhow, for the last year I've been taking the PPI until it stops working, go off of it for about a month, take it again and it helps a bit but then stops working... wash, rinse, repeat. Four or five months ago I started having horrible pain with eating on occasion and would sometimes throw up. The vomiting has become almost a daily occurrence although not with every meal, and with no predictability. SO I called my surgeon, she listened to my complaints, and sent me for an upper GI swallow. The films show that I have a hiatal hernia and a narrowing of my esophagus. They could tell this because the 12mm barium coated sizing-pill that they had me swallow, to track it through my system, wouldn't go through the esophageal opening into my stomach. There is also narrowing of the pylorus, at the bottom of my pouch, but they can't tell how narrow because the stupid sizing pill was stuck in my esophagus! When I talked to my surgeon after she saw the films, she had me scheduled for an endoscopy (on 6/18) and surgery (on 6/22) to put my pouch back where it belongs, close the enlarged opening in my diaphragm, and to open up my esophagus. She also said- rather offhand- that depending on what she sees in the endoscopy/surgery that I might need a revision. I believe this was in referral to the pyloric narrowing, but I'm not sure. I'm not sure I really know what a revision is. My surgeon is a leader in robotic bariatric surgery, but she's not much for communication and "bedside manner." Anyhow... I don't know what to expect from all of this, what post-op requirements would be, etc. Surgeon scheduled the surgery as she said it clearly needs to be done, just wants the endoscopy done so there are "no surprises" once she gets in there. She also said to expect to be in the hospital for a couple of nights. I really don't know what to expect and have called her office for clarification but so far, no response. I guess I am sharing here to see if anyone has had anything like this happen this far out from surgery, has any advice or guesses, experience with this to share, etc.

I did *lots* of research for my revision and all led me to Dr. Aceves. I think I'm making a great choice as well as I've heard and read nothing but good things about him and the hospital. I'm just worried that I'll fail the sleeve like I failed the band. Fingers are crossed and I have a goal that I WILL get to! I haven't been to Mexico since I was banded so I'm itching to go back ..... we used to go every year while growing up and I so miss it! Pretty sad I have to schedule a surgery to go! Hahahaa

@Shareefe and @@paigem I'm having the same thing lap band revision on the 22nd...no worries ladies I know this will work for us...Good luck ladies

Some of you may have read my thread about going to get unfilled and how the doc wasn't able to access the port. He said it wasn't flipped, but has some scarring over the rubber part and might have been a little bruised from my fill the week before. He basically sent me on my way still on a mostly liquid diet. I asked, what if I really need an unfill and you can't find it again? He said that worse comes to worse he will do it at the hospital under xray. I am fine with that. Heck, I will pay the extra to avoid feeling like a pin cushion! What I'm more worried about is him not being able to find the port by hand. Is there something wrong with it? Is it in the process of flipping? I work out a lot, have I done something? I guess that I like concrete answers and the doc didn't really give me a reason why he couldn't find the port that was definitely the answer so I'm kind of freaking out. I walked out of the office bawling. I'm a worrier by nature so I'm thinking, port revision, band slippage because I'm too tight and can't keep downanything but liquids and some mushies. I just feel like things are out of control. I behaved myself, but when I went to the grocery store I really wanted to buy some ice cream and other goodies that I could get past the band and that would actually taste like something! I didn't do it though. I am so sick of liquids and mushies a week out from my overfill and now I have to do this another week! I feel really tired when I work out and I am losing my ambition. I guess if I don't feel relief by the end of the week, I will have to go back and try to get it unfilled again and see if I need the xray. Has anyone else had it happen where their doc can't find their port?

Had my surgery on july 8, 2014. I was a lapband to sleeve revise. (No issues with the band....simply tired of the inconsistencies) Highest weight before band: 334 Lowest weight with band: 243 Sleeve surgery day: 230 Not trying to focus on all negatives here because i am only 8 days out. Just providing insight to those pre-sleeved and looking to find similar stories like mine so far. --Ask for pain and nausea meds per IV PRIOR to waking up from surgery. I had a horrible experience because they failed to do this. --Take liquid meds if possible. Crushing pills are not tasteful in the least no matter what u mix them in. Don't learn the hard way and get a pill lodged the same day you come home and have to return to the ER!!!!!! Very painful and unpleasant. --Gas pains are real. Be prepared. I am 8 days out and still feel the aftermath of those bastards. --Don't get so discouraged if you feel hunger after surgery. I am one of the ones who doesn't feel hunger at all and i am having a horrible time getting in any amount of nutrition. In turn, i have absolutely NO ENERGY. And constantly out of breath. (keep in mind i am usually fairly active and can keep up with most anyone) this is very emotionally and physically draining. I don't want food and if i think i do...i am a half a bite in and i hate it and waste EVERYTHING put in front of me!!!!!! --Unless you have a desk job.... Take the time needed off of work. There is no way possible i would be able to return to work 8 days out. My job is fairly active and labor driven. I wouldn't make it an hour at this point. I would recommend 2-3 weeks minimal to those who are on their feet and moving a lot. --Have plenty of pillows for comfort. They are your friend. --Do not overload yourself with Protein powders before hand. I cant even stand the smell of protein much less the taste at this point. Buy it as needed and variety is key. --keep faith despite every hardship. Its a journey...... U can cry if you want to. Nothing worth having is ever easy. Good luck to all sleevers and revises!!!!!!!!

I'm doing my revision the 14th. I'm very nervous also, my dr. Said it might have to be open and it's got me freaked out. Good luck today!

Shareefa: same scenario here. I'm waiting at hospital now to have band out & revision to sleeve. Nervous but ready to get it over with. Good new is that I lost 14# in 11 days!! Best of luck to you!

My bmi was 40 or 41. I did have a preop diet when I had my lap band in 2007. I was on liquids for ten days prior. I asked this time and they just said it wasn't necessary. Maybe because mine was a revision?

Hi all its normal to be nervous, I'm a band to sleeve revision patient due to the band failing. I was revised 12 months ago and i have not ever regretted that i made this decision. It has been the best decision i have made for my health and wellbeing. I have lost 154lbs in 12 months.. Yes you read that right ???? and I'm still losing. I had a few challenges in the first 6 months, i could not eat meat or dairy and i developed GERD. At the 7 month point i was able to meat and dairy and now i can safely say that at 12 months my GERD is all but gone ( once in a very odd blue moon do i have to take meds for it). I have lymphoedema on both lower limbs and that is almost gone. Life is good!! I wish you all the very best in your weight loss journeys xox.

I went in on Tuesday morning, had OPEN revision, went home on Friday and was at my granddaughters dance recital Saturday night.

Surgery date was June 14th and I'm down 41 lbs. it was a revision surgery from lap band and I'm so so glad I revised. I look so much healthier at the same weight I looked sick with lap band. I don't even exercise and still the weight is coming off gradually. I can't believe I put my body through the crap of lap band for more than 3 years. I was 198 lbs the morning of surgery and 157 lbs this morning.