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I got banded in May of '10. It was never a happy rind for me. I was slowly raised to restriction 1cc at a time with a month in between fills until I reached 7 cc in an 11 cc band. Since surgery I have never been able to burp. I know weird right?? But never could. My band is fickle there are many days I can eat tons of food and days when I can't swallow my own spit with the same full level with no apparent reason why. I began having horrible reflux about a year and a half after surgery when previously I had no reflux at all. It began getting worse... I paid over $1000 for an EGD. I had horrible acid erosion in my esophagus. My band was unfilled, and I was immediately relieved! But... I gained weight back (~25#, over 6 months) I had lost about 75 with the band. I started at 240, and made it to 164. But after the unfill I was back up to close to 200. I was engaged at the time and wanted to lose some weight for my wedding and couldn't seem to get the weight off on my own so I refilled my band. I have no restriction at 4 cc, at 5 I have terrible reflux... I can't even tolerate the 7 that used to be my "sweet spot" but the truth was, for me even before the reflux the first time, my weight loss was from not being able to keep down food. I would retch after a few bites but still be ravenously hungry... It never was healthy weight loss in my opinion. But I needed the loss so I took it how ever I could find it. We just went on our honeymoon and something happened-- I stopped being able to hold food down at all. And my reflux which was mostly controlled with dexilant became horrible. I would wake up projectile vomiting straight stomach acid through my nose. I can feel every food I eat sitting in my esophagus for hours and hours... It bobs up and down. I can't even keep down broth at this point. I was in Italy until last week and could not do anything about it. When I returned home, we have recently moved and I am 5 hours away from my previous surgeon. No doc would unfill my band. I am completely suffering, can't keep down anything and the docs are basically telling me I need to pay them $1000 to be accepted as a transfer patient???? WTH??? I could get an unfill in dallas for $50! But I did pay the fee and was referred to have a barium swallow... I did that last Friday I was called after and told by the surgeons office that the band had slipped pretty dramatically and if I experienced and further "trauma or changes" to go the ER. But otherwise they would unfill me tomorrow when I finally get to meet the doc. I want the unfill, but I feat that because of the slip it may not fix the problem.... I figure they will push for removal and possible revision. I'm looking at my options. I want to have babies soon and I am a PCOS'er. I'm currently 170 pounds. I still do not have regular cycles. My re said the only way I would ever be able to ovulate on my own will be to get at or under my ideal body weight. Which I can't attain with the band in place and holding nothing down. I'm feeling very discouraged and need to know if anyone else had similar stories? I would like to know if anyone is a revision pt in the Austin Tx area... I would like to hear the good bad and uglies of the sleeve and if I should consider it or just leave my band unfilled in its place??? I'm scared and craving relief from the hell of my band. But I'm scared of a new procedure and what hells it might entail also... Advice??

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Hey Favoredone: Welcome! I too didn't want to say anything to my family, because of the negativity, but what I did was, tell one at a time, and explained that I was not having the bypass (which they are negative of), and that I was having a new successful procedure that made your stomach smaller (no re-routing of the intestines), and that I was doing it; because of health issues that I have now, and could have in the future. They seemed to all be receptive, but it really didn't matter to me whether they were or not, because I am doing this for myself. My husband is supportive, but concerned. He is going to go to one of the seminars to get more info. to make him feel better about the procedure. I hope this helps.

I don't know anything about revisions after bypass, but just wanted to welcome you to the site!

Hi All, I am knew to this site. Back in 2001 i had gastric bypass. I lost 140 lbs but thru the years i slowly gain the weight back. Now 13 years later I am back up to my original pre surgery weight. I am know looking into have a WLS revision. I have gone for my first visit with Dr. Nusbaum. He as well as his staff were amazing. He has given me two options to consider before he does my EGD to see what he is working with. So my two choices are Lap Band or Plication. I heard many things about Lap Band. My question is has anyone had a Plication surgery? How are you feeling post surgery. What are the weight loss outcomes compared to doing the Lap Band? Trying to get informed before I sit down with my doctor again. I have my EGD on January 14, 2015

A good reference for anyone looking into the DS (or any WLS for that matter, as the DS should at least be on everyone's radar along with the other mainline procedures) is http://www.dsfacts.com/ My wife had a DS around nine years ago (and I'm three years out on a VSG.) What is the protocol to get to surgery? It should be the same as any other WLS, though you do have to find a DS qualified surgeon as it is a more technically challenging procedure than most other WLS, so many surgeons don't find it worthwhile for them to develop the requisite skills (but that also means that most of your experienced DS surgeons tend to come from the top of the class!) Go to a surgeon's seminar and become familiar with them and what they need to get the ball rolling; some insurance may require a PCP referral, so it pays to be knowledgeable about the procedure so that one can educate their PCP on it. Pre-op and post-op diets/experiences (I know this will be different for all depending on doc) As you note, there can be wide variation between docs' programs. Our doc doesn't do any pre-op diets other than the semi-usual day before bowel cleansing diet (similar to what's done before a colonoscopy.) Post op, progression is more rapid than many docs prescribe, with liquids, purees and soft Proteins like cheeses, yogurt and many seafoods for the first month and most everything else after that. How long is the surgery? IIRC, typically 2-4 hours, though can be longer depending upon complications that the patient may bring to the table (extreme obesity, adhesions from prior surgeries, etc.) How long were you in the hospital? 3-4 days would be typical. How was your recovery? How long before back to work? IIRC, my wife took a month off, but she always milks these things - some may take longer while others may be able to get back to it sooner, depending upon the work. Are there foods you can/cannot eat? She became lactose intolerant, which is not unusual, and that has become worse over time - lactaid tablets with dairy don't do quite the job anymore. She has also become gluten sensitive, which may or may not have anything to do with the DS. Side effects from surgery? Similar to the RNY in that one needs to keep up on supplements and follow up labs, though the profile is somewhat different. Gas and stool can be rather aromatic at times as one would expect from incomplete digestion, though most work out what foods trigger problems so they can be avoided, and Probiotics can also be useful in helping the system adapt to its new reality. Why did you chose this surgery? Of the procedures readily performed at the time, neither the bands or bypass offered sufficient weightloss performance relative to their complications and side effects. The DS (and VSG) allows use of NSAID pain relievers which are a giant no-no with the bypass. The DS offers better regain resistance than any of the other mainstream WLS procedures, along with a generally more normal diet long term than most (no place for things to get stuck like there is in the bypass.)

I know my band to sleeve revision has given me a second chance at LIFE! I wish i had done this sooner. I was banded 5 years ago and had the revision to sleeve on Oct 2014. Ive lost more weight with the sleeve than what i ever did with the terrible band! I wish you all the best with your weight loss journey.

For everyone who has had a MGB or RNY, what can I expect as far as diarrhea? I’m sure everyone’s experience has been different. I will be having my sleeve revised to a MGB on 8/1 and really the diarrhea issue I’ve heard about post op is what has me worried! I understand it happens initially post-op....... but is it a forever thing?? Every time you eat you have to run to the bathroom? How does it affect your work life daily? Going out to dinner or to a special event? In my mind this diarrhea is going to be a full time job. Lol. Any thoughts to share?

Anyone here been revised from a band and had Aetna insurance? Is it hard to get approved?

Find a surgeon you like and trust. Then discuss the options. I walked into the office 100% sleeve. 2 months later I walked out of the hospital with the bypass. My surgeon was great explaining the pros/cons with both. For me the main issues with reflux/gerd. If you have it prior to WLS, the sleeve is not a good option unless you plan on taking medicine forever. That was a big factor in my decision. The other factor was freedom. I got obese from eating crap. The sleeve does not restrict you from eating crap. It only restricts you from eating as much food. So that pumpkin pie that is calling my name would certainly be consumed had I had the sleeve. But at 6 months post-op bypass, no way. Yesterday I decided I was going to eat like a "normal" person. I had 2 pieces of sesame chicken, a chicken wing, 4 fresh tortilla chips and cheese queso dip. Stupid idea and I paid the price. I had a big episode of dumping and threw up foamies 4 times over the next hour. My bypass keeps me in check. I have only dumped 4 times in 6+ months because I make good choices. My last issue for ditching the sleeve idea was strictly a mind thing. In the end I got too wrapped up in the what if game in my own mind. When I sleeve is done they remove your left over stomach. Gone. Out of the there. So what if something happens? I know that doesn't even cross people's mind but for me it was too much.

I to am not sure which procedure to have. I had my mind set on sleeve but just found out from my Dr today that with will likely not elevate my heartburn/GERD. I'm very concerned with the malabsorption and the bypass. From what I have heard that is what causes the hair loss and makes you look older. I know I shouldn't be concerned with the cosmetic aspect, but I'm doing this not only to be healthier but to feel better about myself as well. Any advice is appreciated!

I had the lap band and then a revision to bypass. The band was hell on earth. Bypass has been such a blessing. Barely eat a thing and the weight just falls off. It is almost effortless. However, I am having some problems with malabsorption of my bipolar meds. So if you need lifelong meds unrelated to obesity, that is something to consider. People ask what my goal weight is and I say, I'm not sure. I guess whenever the weight loss stops. If I was happy with my weight now, hypothetically, and didn't want to lose more weight, I'd still lose it anyway bc I have no control over the weight loss. I'm at 176 now and it is still coming off 15 lbs a month effortlessly. I'm actually hoping the weight loss slows down some as I get smaller. Btw. I have no dumping. Perhaps if I ate cake or icecream or something it would happen. But, the only sweets I even care about now are hard ginger candy (3 before bed) and sugar free Popsicles. I can easily turn down cakes, cookies, and other sweets.

I feel like I am the first Gastric Bypass failure. I lost weight before I could eat solid food and I have gained back 2 pounds since. I rarely feel full...I know I have to work at losing weight but I was hoping the sleeve would be a tool that helped. Honestly I sometimes think I am the placebo test patient, they removed my lapband but did they forget I wanted the sleeve when they were in there? Being able to eat as much as I did before ( and some days I do) makes me feel horrible. I know "hunger" is in my head but I was hoping the sleeve would make it easier for me to feel full. Every time I read that people can consume a cup of food at some meals ( like that is a lot) makes me nuts, I can easily eat 2 - 3 cups at a meal ( if not more!) Am I the ONLY one?

You posted this same message on another thread and a couple of us posted some follow-up questions. It's not completely clear which surgery you had, since you mention Gastric Bypass in your first sentence, but then you later mention having your lap-band removed and revised to sleeve? When you say you can eat 2-3 cups per meal, what kinds of food are you eating and how long is it actually taking you to consume that much?

Surgery is scary! Even for those of us who've been under a few times, and it's especially harrowing when it's the first time. I'm a pretty tough customer, but when I went in for a knee reconstruction about 25 years ago, you betcha I cried on the gurney waiting to be wheeled into the theatre! I'd never felt so vulnerable in my life. But you are taken care of by a team of professionals who are all there to keep you safe and ease you through. I'll agree with everyone else about the lap-band. The bypass sounds intimidating (I had planned on the sleeve and was talked out of it because I had pre-existing GERD), I had to sit back and consider logically how it was the best option for me. Now that I'm on the other side I'm so glad I got the bypass and I wish I'd done it sooner. You've got some time, so take it slow, acclimate yourself to the idea, and focus on why you're doing it and the pros. And most of all remember you're not alone - this is a well-trodden path!

I have some family medical history that makes the sleeve a better choice for me. Otherwise, complications with the bypass are minimal and I would have likely chosen the bypass.

It's normal to be scared. I agree, lapband is not a great surgery. Bypass has the best stats as far as reversing diabetes. I generally like the idea of following your surgeon's advice or getting a second opinion if you're still not sure.

My research doesn't support that...for one thing, the sleeve is a relatively new procedure, especially compared with RxY bypass...only in recent years has the sleeve been performed routinely, so there couldn't possibly be a valid 15-year success rate yet for the sleeve...what I have read is more such that it's believed the success rate will be very similar for the bypass v. sleeve

I had my revision on January 8th. I lost 28 pounds the first 2 weeks and haven't lost a pound since. From what I'm reading, this seems pretty normal. Try not to get discouraged and hang in there Sent from my DROID RAZR using VST

Sleeve was actually the first surgery they did for WLS. It was called stomach stapling back then. They improved upon the reversibility of the stapling by innovating further and removing the stomach muscle, for a reason. People that truly need WLS have usually suffered their entire lives with obesity and it used to be reserved for people with dangerously high BMI. WLS is not something I would ever suggest having undone, because honestly most of us would find ourselves right back in the same boat we were in the first first place. Sleeve and Bypass are weight loss tools, not temporary solutions. Disadvantage to bypass - More dumping syndrome, major mal-absorption of nutrients, multiple areas of internal incisions and rerouting of the plumbing. Sounds hypocritical to say, but I think nature got the routing right, I just got the use of it wrong. I stretched my stomach by eating too much so trimming it down with sleeve was the best option for me.

You go gurl!! I know you will succeed as I will too. Can you answer this for me? I am still not 100% on the lap band or gastric Bypass. I know that this is a decision I have to make for myself. but can you tell me why you opted for the lap band and not the other? and why was UC davis so against the lap band? I told myself I would concentrate fully on getting rid of the 10% weight loss before worrying to much on which procedure to do. But I really would like to know more from other peoples opinions. Thanks

Thanks for the info. Yes had thyroid checked. Just keep gaining every year. Band didn't work so revision to sleeve. Can lose it but comes right back. Thanx guys

One Day in April (2006) I decided that this weight gain has gone too far. I hated feeling "sick" all the time. I def do not feel my age, and didn't want to look older than my age. My sister had gastric bypass surgery done 4 years ago. I was a huge supporter of this as I do not want to see her die young (she is younger than me).:faint: At the time I was no where near the weight you have to be to have WLS.:eek: Last year I went to Europe with my oldest daughter for two weeks...we literally "walked" europe. I came home 17 lbs lighter:D , I vowed the weight would not come back. I lied. :phanvan It not only came back, it brought 30 of it's friends with it......ugh:cry . Oh I didn't mention that I am not a big snack-attacker....I am a full-time student whose husband cooks like a gourmet and I am at his mercy at dinnertime:hungry: . I also have three kids, three dogs, two cats....busy house.

First request a copy of ur surgery pics and etc. second, talk to ur nutritionist, third try to create ur own eating habits, just because you don't feel full doesn't mean you should just eat. This is a tool to assist us in losing weight is not a quick fix. Last, bypass is dangerous. Even if the surgeon recommended it I wouldn't have done it. That's just to much rerouting my poor intestines. Wish u good luck n I hope you don't feel like this is the end of you journey, is done and now try to stay positive and help yourself to think it worked.

I had the revision to sleeve all-in-one and I was out of it for about 2 weeks....in pain and walking slow, like an old lady, I felt like the world was moving at lightning speed, while I was inching along. To make matters worse, a lady who was sleeved the same day as me, had her one week appt. on the same day and while I was moving at a snail's pace and sitting down very gingerly, she was zooming around the doctor's office and feeling fine. She had driven herself home from the hospital, she said. We are all, definitely, different. I stopped taking pain meds after about 9-10 days and at 2 1/2 weeks, I, was getting around pretty good. It gets easier. Hang in there.