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I am 65. I got a lap band at 55 but it recently slipped and caused me to develop a hiatal hernia. So I got it removed, the hernia fixed and a revision to a gastric bypass all in one surgery. Recovery was a bit harder than the lap band but I don't think it was that I'm 10 years older as much was how much more involved a bypass is than a lap band. You are never too told to try to improve your health, and the benefits far outweigh the risks, so go for it! And we are all here to help you get through it.

How’ve you been feeling? I’m 6 weeks post op revision as well.

I am 57 and had sleeve last year. Revision to bypass this year. Plenty of people here your age and much older that have done well. Good luck!

HI all, I had revision from banding to bypass in October and I feel like there is something in my throat constantly on the left side ever since. Does anyone else have this issue. I also have gotten sick once and maybe TMI; but how else do you find these things out.... when I was sick my vomit only came out the right side of my throat. Wondering if anyone has had this experience or should I be concerned????

I had banding done in 2001 and revision done in October 2019. I have to say I feel very underinformed about the differences in the surgery. Eating has gone well and I no longer have the acid reflux or vomiting issues I did with the band. SO I consider the surgery a success.

I have feeling of accomplishment and relief. I completed the Medicare criteria for my revision surgery this week. It has been a journey, stressful at times. In 2005, when I was preparing for my Lap Band surgery, I worked through all the pre- op requirements at the Bariatric Dept. Back then it was my PCP who gave me the biggest grief, as he was not a proponent of weight loss surgery of any kind. This time it was much different. The psychiatric evaluation and initial nutritional assessment I had done at the surgeon's hospital. But, since I live about 2 hours including a ferry ride from the hospital, I decided to do the Medically Managed Weight Loss Program with my local PCP. In hindsight, I think I should have done it with the nutritionist at the surgeon's hospital. My PCP and his PA have been wonderful, but they have limited understanding of bariatric surgery and Medicare requirements. In the end, I think we helped each other through the process, but it took a lot of explaining and back-tracking each visit. The good news is they are both very supportive. Looking forward my revision on February 27.

I got my lap band in 2006 and had great success losing over 100 lbs. I stayed around 140 lbs. for many years until I began having problems aspirating at night in 2016. I had my fill removed and I believe that caused the band to slip because I started having even more problems such as gastroparesis. I decided to have the band removed in 2017 - I had already gained about 30 lbs. when I quit smoking earlier that year and believed my weight had stabilized. Long story short, over the next 2 years I gained another 50 lbs for a total of 70 lbs. (BMI 32) I had lap band to sleeve revision surgery in Nov 2019 and self-paid by going to Tijuana for surgery.

Thank you, everyone. My biggest fear about revision is that another procedure will not work. I guess my expectation from the lap band was that it would help me feel fuller, longer, but it didn't. For most of you it sounds like the lap band did the trick and worked even if it was uncomfortable. At best it helped slow me down and I probably ate a bit less than I needed to. But I went from 300 pounds to 270 at my lowest weight so that doesn't seem like a big win to me... I dunno, I guess I'm just afraid I'll do the bypass and find that I don't feel any different than I did before. That's a huge surgery to undertake for a poor outcome I hope someone who had a lap band failure similar to mine is out there and will chime in! But everyone's responses have been helpful so thank you again.

I read about it but my situation may be different as I had a revision. But that topic did give me some hope for the future.

How is it less invasive? With bypass things are rerouted. Nothing is removed. With sleeve 80% of the stomach is removed. i had a hard time deciding too back in 2017. I went with the sleeve but almost changed my mind to bypass right up until surgery day. Mid 2019 I got pretty severe gerd and hiatal hernia. Had to revise to bypass. My only regret is that I did not choose the bypass and ended up having to do the surgery twice. you are the only one that can decide what is right for you. Do your research and make the best decision for you. Good luck!

I’m so sorry ur experiencing this with the LB n it’s unfortunately cuz u’ll continue with all those symptoms until u make the right choice in removing it n instead settling for a revision. I can fully relate to ur experience/symptoms cuz I too had the LB for 11 yrs n all my symptoms started a few months after getting it. So, I just put up with all the symptoms n tolerated the band cuz it was a nice little tool that DID the JOB in helping me loose weight by not OVER EAT or able to eat anything at all. I was 210 lbs when I got it. I went down to 135/40 lbs n loving/liking the way I LOOKED even though the symptoms SUCKED. I became ANEMIC n at one time got an AWFUL BACTERIAL infection that I DON’T wish on anyone. Believe me it was a SACRIFICE having the band. But unfortunately n cuz I had no other choice; in 2018 I had the band removed due to LOTS of problems with the port after getting a tummy tuck n too was tired of all the TERRIBLE/AWFUL symptoms that came with it. If I would’ve FULLY RESEARCHED n known of all the LB symptoms; I would’ve instead OPTED for a bypass. Unfortunately I did gain ALL my weight back but that was only due to lots of medical issues once I entered MENOPAUSE n being put on medication. So now, due to all my weight gain I REFUSE to let myself go n NOT EXHAUST all options for OVERALL BETTER HEALTH. Therefore, I’m currently being monitored by a nutritionist n dietician along with my bariatric doctor for a possible GASTRIC BYPASS that was recommended by my doctor. Hope my sharing helped n u make the right choice for ur OVERALL HEALTH. May God illuminate/bless you in DOING THE RIGHT THING.🙏🏽

I had a revision to RNY and it’s like the difference between day and night. No more getting stuck, no more chest pain and I can eat a lot healthier. Steak, chops, chicken, salad etc. I still have to be careful of sliders and grazing but those are issues that we have to take individual responsibility for , they are not something any WLS will sort out. Bands have fallen out of favour as they cause too many issues and also trying to find the correct balance between reducing hunger yet still being able to eat healthy foods is too hard.

I have had a gastric bypass and am considering a revision. I was not sure what the option are or if it was even possible. I have had a concern ever since my surgery with a section of my bypass that is where the stomach was connected to the intestine. It has always caused me pain and I am concerned that it is not correct.

Thanks for the information. I am trying to determine if I may need a revision. This is helpful!

i was watching the latest episode of my 600 pound life and a woman whop had a sleeve 8 years ago.. and regained weight had a sleeve revision to a sleeve again.. that something you don't usually see...

I don't know...it sounds like your band is doing what it's supposed to do. It is supposed to limit the amount of food you can eat by slowing its movement into your stomach. Think of it as a sort of hour-glass where the sand (food) is held at the top and trickles down into the larger portion of the stomach to be digested. The kinds of foods you're describing that you can eat "gobs of" are considered "slider foods" that slide right through. Visualize the hour-glass again. If you pour liquid foods or semi-liquid foods, they slide through the opening. I would think you've had similar experiences with smooth soups, ice creams, puddings, etc. The key is you're not supposed to be eating those items and if you do, you should be limiting yourself in quantity and frequency. When you're foods are getting stuck and causing you pain, have you chewed them to a pulp? I saw an article today that we should be chewing to applesauce consistency. I don't know if I could do THAT, but you should be chewing so there are no "chunks" trying to get down. Again...visualize the hour-glass. Chunky food clots up the works. The band isn't supposed to prevent you from eating things you shouldn't. It's a tool to help you feel fuller, longer and therefore eat less. It's still up to you to eat the right things and eat mindfully, meaning chew well and take breaks. All other WLS have the same issues with slider foods. My advice: before you consider a revision, start tracking everything you eat. Be honest with the types and quantities of food. Call your doctor and or nutritionist. It sounds to me like you need to get back on track, following the rules. No WLS is the magic ticket out of fat-ville. They're all just tools. Best of luck!

I've had my lap band since 2015, and I HATE it. It does what it should do, stops food from going into my stomach. But I get stuck a lot and it hurts, I end up vomiting it up, and anything unhealthy slips right through the band without a problem. I can eat gobs of cake, cookies, chocolates, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, casseroles, the works but it is painful to eat fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, etc. due to them getting stuck. It's like it's doing the opposite of what I want. When the food stays in the pouch, all I need to do is burp a couple times and boom, pouch is emptied. In short, It. Just. Does. Not. Work. I want a revision but I'm not sure what to do. I need to talk to a doctor, I realize, but I'm nervous. I thought the lap band would be the ticket out of fatness but it's absolutely not. I'm scared if I try something else, that won't work either. I love to eat and I can't stop. I've tried all kinds of diets. It just sucks, my appetite is insatiable and I need to do something about it. I'd love to hear from people who have had revisions and share what's different about their new procedure (whether sleeve or bypass). Sleeve makes me nervous because I've heard a lot about GERD. My spouse's grandfather died of esophageal cancer, due to years of GERD. But bypass makes me nervous because it seems like such a severe surgery... and I don't want to look like a skeleton in a bag of skin 😕 Any shared experiences would be appreciated!

@Aodhanmom that's exciting!! I'm in Kansas! I'm soooo excited. My insurance kept telling me I would need to do the whole 6 month diet thing but it had been removed from their policy that was just revised so my surgeon office decided to just send in the prior authorization just to see what they would say. I'm so pumped and ready for this new life!!!!

I was hungry after my sleeve back in start of 2018. It was real hunger and I am sure of it. just got revised to bypass 6 weeks ago. Thankfully this time around I am not hungry anymore. head hunger can be hard to deal with though. My dr told me that if it is real hunger you are hungry for anything. If you get hungry for something specific, it is most likely head hunger. hang in there. It does get better.

I've never had experience with this, but I know a lot of people who've had revisions from the band are REALLY happy they revised.

Hello All, I am not a frequent poster on this forum. To make a long story short, I have had my band for 10 years. Up until 4 months ago, I was what I considered to be a successful bandster. Had lost about 95 pounds (41 years old male, highest 270, lowest 175 lb). Maintained a 90 pound loss but was having serious issues with my lap band: 1) acid reflux, 2) gas bloating and abdominal pain, 3) port pain, 4) no follow-up doctor as my out of province surgeon had retired years ago, etc... I am in a difference place now. I FINALLY found a GREAT weight loss surgeon locally who agreed to take me on as his patient and have been following up with him since then (he does the fills himself which is also great). He did xrays on me. Band appears to be good. He removed 2cc as I had been experiencing excruciating gas bloating and abdominal pain attacks that were becoming more and more frequent and then filled me slowly over 4 months to a more comfortable level. I am now at a lower level (0.3 cc lower) where I am no longer experiencing acid reflux, gas bloating, abdominal pain or port pain which is a HUGE relief. The only symptom I still have is random low-grade nerve pain (left shoulder, head, leg) that is gas related but I can happily live with that if I do not gain further. Funny enough, even that pain disappeared when he removed the 2cc so I know it's band related. Unfortunately, I am gaining weight FAST! In those 4 months, I have gained 25 pounds and am unable to stop it. I really don't know what to do. Last week, I decided to really go back to basics. Eat very very slowly, tiny amounts, No sugar ...basically dieted...and all I lost in that week was 0.3 lb!!! I don't know how long I can keep that for. I really feel that years of banding wrecks havoc on our metabolism so that if you lose it, or just go to a lower fill, you just end up gaining weight very fast. I am not sure where to go from here? I do not want more fill and I am not mentally ready for a revision. Worried about side effects of these surgeries (in particular bloating, abdominal pain. NEVER want to go back to this) and the fact that they're not reversible. I am also in Canada so if I do revise using public insurance, it would be years assuming I get approved (which I very well may not considering I am not high BMI at this point yet). And not sure I can self-pay at this point. Even if I did, I would have to go out of province for this as my surgeon only works under the public system. I don't want to be in the same position again of not having a doctor to follow-up with where I live. I know that's a discussion I need to have with my surgeon but I am not even sure I am ready for it yet. I just want things to work with my band as I am so relieved to be finally following-up with a doctor locally and to not be experiencing terrible pain with it. Any words of wisdom or advice would be most appreciated as I contemplate my next move.

Good luck with your decision and possible revision. You're a success!

Hi! I am in the Seattle area, and would love to start a support group for people either considering surgery, revision surgery or is post-op. I believe there are not enough of us to support each other through this time. Unless you have been in the situation, it is hard to understand. It is so hard in the Seattle area to create friendships, I thought that this would be a great way to begin. It is about common ground, support and trust. I am 10 years, post op sleeve surgery. I have been recently approved for revision surgery, however, the surgery would be a sleeve to bypass. Completely different. I would love to hear from you all and hear your stories. Maybe we can get a little group together once a week and share over coffee? Yes, I am an addict, a slave to the coffee bean. Jolynn

Hi! I am 10 years post sleeve surgery. I had my sleeve back in 2010, when the procedure what relatively new. I had the procedure done as an outpatient. I was cash pay and had no follow-up. Everything seemed to go well. I started at over 350lbs, and made it to 219lbs. I was ecstatic! I was no longer a diabetic, I no longer had high blood pressure. I no longer had an appetite. Being a cash pay, I was unable to afford a plastic surgeon, so I carried and still carry a bit of skin. So, here I am, 10 years after. My weight today is 251lbs. I still believe I have been successful. I can still shop at Macy's and not have to order everything online. I gained weight, yes, but I have also gained confidence. After so long, my struggle with food is slowly returning. I am so afraid, that I started the process of looking into revision surgery. The surgeon that I have, at the hospital that I work at, will not revise a sleeve, but will revise a sleeve with bypass surgery. She states that there is a 100% complication rate, from things as small as a UTI to death. I would love to know more about this. Insurance has approved the revision. I have already had the medical testing, upper GI, and will be meeting with the psychiatrist and dietician next week. I would love to chat and hear stories from anyone who is considering revision surgery. I want to hear all of the good, bad and ugly. Please feel free to reach out at any time. I am new to this forum and would love gain support, information and be of support to others going through the same battles. Thanks! Jolynn Let me know if you would like to chat further, I can be reached by email also. If anyone is in the Seattle area, let's start a group!

Sadly, I am in this situation as well. Lap bad in 2008. Lost a good amount of weight but that was because I was sick an d non stop vomiting. Could not tolerate any restriction in the band at all. Revised to sleeve in 2014. Have battled severe reflux for years. Main reason for another revision is REFLUX. Sure, I hope to lose the rest of this weight, but if I can get some relief from constant bile and acid in my throat, this will be a success for me.