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Nope, didn't happen. YES, your STOMACH (VSG'rs do NOT have a pouch) will stretch a little as it heals but no where to it's capacity pre-op. You will always have restriction but your adherence to a good diet will ultimately determine whether you succeed with this WLS or not. ANYONE with WLS can NOT lose weight or REGAIN lost weight if the constantly cheat and graze on high cal, high carb foods all day long. You will CHEAT the sleeve and bypass it's benefits. Don't worry you haven't ruined your sleeve, just surprised yourself in the quantity you can eat and drink. And as always if you you have questions and concerns please ASK YOUR DOC. Try and measure your portions and stick with them.

I've had my band for five years this month I've already had it revised a year ago I lost 105 pounds which was goal for me in a two year period. Maintained for a year. I gained back 50 in the last two years with my complications from my band slipping I don't regret getting it but it's frustrating going through the issues. I feel that I have had to start over but the restriction now is way different than when I had my band the first time around. I have the same band but it was repositioned from the slip. My doctor said that there's a 50% chance that my band will slip again. Frustrating.

Have you checked out the board here for band to sleeve revisions? LOTS of positive info on the process and the outcome. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/13-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

I'm right there with ya! I just found out yesterday that I have diabetes too. That was a bit of a shock to me because I've never tested positive for that. It just has me all the more convinced that WLS is the right thing to do. Learning I have diabetes just removed that last shred of doubt I had about WLS. I'll consider the bypass surgery if weight loss via band does not resolve the issue. I hope you can move your date forward now. Let's keep tabs on our diagnosis and hopefully we will see it improve!

I think you've made the right choice. A friend of mine is a medical resident and she's currently taking care of a woman who developed pretty serious malnutrition-related complications from her bypass - TWENTY YEARS LATER. And the woman's still obese! My friend is not sure whether she used to be heavier, but she was clearly unable to reach a healthy weight OR be healthy in other aspects with the bypass. I would've never gone for a bypass (if I was 500 lbs - maybe, because the rewards would then be worth the risks, but not at my original size).

hang in there. take all the time you need to decide about a revision. just focus on trying to take care of yourself as best you can.

Hi. I couldn't exactly 'place' mine initially but then I suppose I didn't want to touch it incase I unsettled it. I'm over 6 weeks post op now and mine tends to sit below and to the left of my scar. As I'm sitting now, it feels it's only an inch below.The port is stitched to your muscle so won't seem to go far but as we're losing weight/body fat, things will shrink and reposition slightly. My port does sit slightly tilted so that could give the impression of moving but it was no problem when I had a fill. Before I had my band, I joined my local support group for banders/bypassers and sleevers and had a feel of 3 peoples ports. They all felt very different and the positions varied.

No malabsorption - no food restrictions - no dumping - much simpler surgery. I can't think of a good reason to do a bypass.

For treating a regain problem, I prefer the DS as it is stronger metabolically than either the VSG or RNY - the RNY is too close to the VSG in strength to reliably offer a significant improvement in weight loss, from what I have seen over the years. Figure maybe 20lb loss on average - about what one would expect from going through all the intense dieting associated with going through surgery again. (There are some who do significantly better, bit it seems to be more a function of their determination to "make this work" or "not screw it up again" than the actual surgery itself. Call it something like a surgical placebo, lol.) By your surgeons not finding the codes for the DS implies that they are talking about the newer SIPS/SADI/"loop DS" which is a single anastomosis adaptation of the traditional BPD/DS (biliopancreatic diversion) which has been routinely covered by US insurance and Medicare for the past 14-15 years, but is a more complex procedure that relatively few bariatric surgeons perform. Some practices that do the SIPS/SADI use the BPD/DS billing codes which is technically insurance fraud, but if they're comfortable doing it, that's their concern. Revising the VSG to a DS, of either flavor, is straightforward as each use the VSG as its basis (some don't even consider it a revision, more a "completion" of the ultimate configuration.) The strong point of the BPD/DS is its regain resistance - regain is possible as it is with any of these procedures, but it is harder. I know many with the DS who are 10-20 years out (my wife included) who are still maintaining a healthy weight; some are up a bit more and working on losing their "Covid 19" - just like "normal" people but major regains are relatively uncommon. The SIPS/SADI type of DS seems to fall somewhere in between the VSG/RNY and the BPD/DS - I have seen a few in the various forums who have had it and seem to be doing well with it, but it doesn't have as long a history. Any of these procedures - the RNY, DS or SIPS - will be somewhat fussier and less care-free than your VSG when it comes to supplements and follow up; the RNY is maybe a bit less so, but one can get into some serious trouble with any of them if one slacks off. If keeping up with supplements and annual labs is not an issue with you, then any of them should be fine.

Does anyone know how long it takes for state health insurance to approve gastric bypass surgery? I go for my second 2 hour long pre-op appointment and I meet my surgeon. Now they are either going to schedule my surgery then get approval from my insurance or get approval from my insurance then schedule my surgery date. I have Vermont state health insurance and they said it could take awhile. Anyone know?

Has anyone done plastics through the Ariel Center at OCC? I just scheduled my tummy tuck and breast lift/implant revision but haven't seen much about this part of the practice. My sleeve experience was great and I hope the plastic experience is as well.

Hello! I have a band and need to revise. But before I got the band, I worried so bad that I cancelled surgery twice and when I finally made up my mind to do it, They turned me down and I had to go elsewhere for surgery. Needless to say that I hardy had any pain at all and it DID actually seemed to have only taken 5 minutes before waking up. But I'm facing fears again b/c I know this band will have to come out.

I have wondered about the "limit" thing. I have a friend that currently has lapband. She was trying for revision through her new insurance. She found out that they have a "1 per lifetime" limit on bariatric surgery even though THEY didn't have anything to do with the original surgery. It would seem to me that it would be cheaper on the insurance company to go ahead and cover the surgery rather than paying for the multitude of specialists that she would have to see to deal with the affects of obesity on her body. As for recovery, it is VERY similar to getting the band. I am on lifting restrictions for 4 weeks. I work at a pretty physical job so I am actually off work on short term disability for the entire time. I have heard of people going back to work soon after surgery (like less than a week). The hardest part, to me, is getting my fluids in. It is very easy to get dehydrated post op. I struggle to get in 5 cups of Water a day. I working on it, but it can be tough. I'm in contact with a few revisioners. They still VERY happy with their decision to revise. They inspire me daily. I will admit that it was their sucess that made me finally talk to my doctor about revising.

Also - Kiwi - my surgeon highly favored the sleeve. I asked him why, and he explained that besides it being easier to do than bypass, it kind of took the control from the patient. It's becoming the most successful WLS as far as quickness of weight loss and longer term results. He felt that the band patient had to be in the right frame of mind. Out of his 10 post-ops, 2 were well ahead of expectations, 5 were right on track, and 3 were not doing well at all with weight loss. I assured him that my mind was set on the band and that mentally, I was ready. He thought for my starting body type (I started at 243 lbs) that the band would be alright. I get no greater pleasure than going in for every follow-up/fill and proving to him that I'm totally ROCKING this Lap Band!! He's always full of positive compliments for me and my progress.

I was dead set on having the Sleeve when I started my journey. Due to my weight and BMI, my surgeon recommended RNY. In the end it was up to me and after much investigation, I chose RNY because I did not want to have to worry about GERD and having to have another surgery for revision if it developed. A nurse in my surgeon's practice had RNY 18 years ago and she is healthy and having no issues. I'm 5 months Post-Op and feeling great. My knees, back and hip have so much less pain than prior to surgery. My pre-diabetes has gone away and my blood sugar is in the normal range.

Just an updater my breast lift surgery is scheduled for March 23rd 2013 .. the final piece of the puzzle for me, I cannot wait to get rid of these saggy lumps on my chest ! at the moment i am a 36/38 DD I am hoping for a C cup. My other surgeries have all healed really well, i need a small revision to the sagging skin still remaining around my knees after my thigh operation, but am really looking forward to finishing having to have all these operations. I never imagined that when i had a lap band fitted i would end up with 23 hours worth of plastic surgery too !

I am once again considering how to fix my health without surgery. I am self pay and was planning to go to Mexico to Endobariatric. I’ve decided that the potential need for revision due to GERD is going to hold me back. I would not be able to afford a revision and my health insurance would not cover any part of it. Part of me feels let down by this, but I know GERD is no fun. I have it from medication and a handful of times before not medication related. I did notice that Dr. Alvarez mentions the sleeve surgery can potentially heal GERD in those that have it. I do find that interesting since so many end up with revisions. It makes me wonder if I would get lucky and not end up with it. That’s a big roll of the dice though as I would be stuck if I did. This forum has been incredibly helpful to me. Most people here are really kind, which is so nice to see these days. Perhaps if my insurance changes I will reconsider this option. I just wanted to share where I am with it and thank you all for sharing your stories and hopes and struggles and successes.

Gift Card to The BariatricPal Store Gift cards are all the rage. They avoid the possibility of giving an unwanted gift and forcing the recipient to go through the hassle of the returns process. You could opt for a generic gift card to one of the mass merchandisers, but why not get one that’s a little more personal? A gift card to The BariatricPal Store may be the answer. It’s good on any product in the BariatricPal store, from high-protein pretzels to single-serve packets of low-carb oatmeal and pasta to bariatric vitamins. Weight loss surgery patients can stay nourished and save time using The BariatricPal Store. Oh, and by the way…it’s a great last-minute gift. It’s delivered electronically so the recipient gets it instantly. A Comfort Basket Everyone can use a little extra comfort after weight loss surgery. A comfort basket can be a great gift, and it’s even better because you can customize it with special treats for the recipient. Here are a few ideas. A cute blanket because some weight loss surgery patients get cold as they lose weight. Some gourmet protein soup, broth, or bouillon to stay hydrated and get warm. Some recipe cards with high-protein, low-carb healthy recipes…and maybe some of the ingredients that go into those recipes. A nice bath soap to encourage the recipient to just…relax. Some bariatric treats like sugar-free cheesecake or all-natural turkey jerky. Product Subscriptions from The BariatricPal Store Once you become a bariatric surgery patient, you’re no longer a great candidate to be a member of a Wine of the Month, Chocolate of the Month, or Cookie of the Month Clubs. So how can your friends and family give you a gift that you’ll remember all year long? Try a subscription at The BariatricPal Store! When you sign someone up for Subscribe and Save, the order automatically ships to their door every 1, 2, or 3 months. You can have The BariatricPal Store bill your credit card. It’ll keep going until you cancel it, so there’s no need to remember to pay a bill or order the next delivery. The recipient will think of you every time they receive a great-tasting batch of bariatric chocolate cake, or a time-saving variety pack of hot and cold breakfasts. Gym Membership for Two This kills so many birds with one stone. It is a gift that says, “I love you so much that I’m willing to go to the gym so we can be healthy together.” It gives you the chance to get fit, and it comes with a built-in motivator: a workout buddy. Say goodbye to excuses when both of you have a gym membership. You can’t let that money go to waste. And when you work out together, you can push each other, encourage each other, gain a little more respect for each other, and, yes, even have fun together. That’s a great gift! The BariatricPal Big Book Pre-op or post-op, and band, bypass, or sleeve, there’s a Big Book on Weight Loss Surgery that’s right for you. The big books have tips, hacks, and recipes for every stage of the weight loss surgery journey, from choosing a surgeon to moving into maintenance. Order a hard copy for curling up near the fireplace on a cool evening, or get an electronic version so you can read the Big Book whenever you want. I.O.U’s Remember back in grade school when you’d make a coupon book for Father’s Day? You might have included things like washing the car, mowing the lawn, or making lunch. Those things may not seem too special, but here’s a hint that they were: your dad may have kept those coupons around for decades. Well, you can create something just as special now. What about some of these coupons? A workout together at the gym, in a group fitness class, or outdoors. A meal that you cook together, so both of you can understand what it’s like to count protein, measure every bite, and put together healthy meals. An afternoon shopping for clothes…which is so much more fun when you can fit into them after losing weight. (For a pre-op patient) Help cleaning out the unhealthy foods from the kitchen, and restocking it with healthy foods. Each of these coupons says, “I like spending time with you. I want to share my world with you, and I am so thankful for your interest.” We hope these ideas are helpful and make your holiday season easier. If you have any gift ideas, please share them in the comments section!

I don't want to tell you how to live your life but please be careful and please be honest with the psych/therapist. I know we mostly see the psychiatrist as an annoyance in our journey to weight loss but they truly are there for a purpose. Years ago I knew someone who had a gastric bypass. Surgery went fine but 5 or 6 days post-op she went on an eating binge for several days, she'd eat until she threw up then eat again until she threw up. In the end she tore something internally, was rushed to emergency surgery, and passed away. This is an extreme case but you need to be as mentally prepared for the journey ahead as you are physically. You and the therapist need to work through this and get you to a healthy place where you can make the best of this surgery. It isn't a quick fix and it isn't to be taken lightly. I wish you all the best and good luck!

No problem at all that's what we are hear for to help everyone out. I'm still new to the weight loss journey so I need help as well sometimes. I had the bypass done.

I'm just a year out but couldn't be happier. I have a lot of restriction still and eating is almost like following a checklist to get my Protein and calories in. My BMI is now 22.9 and they don't want me to lose anymore. I have a medical background and did not want a surgery that changed my anatomy so drastically. The sleeve maintains normal anatomy including important valves (pyloric valve) of your stomach. My surgeon found that some of his bypass patients were able to force food past the small pouch and into the small intestine because there is no functional valve anymore. I would recommend the sleeve and consider a revision if you don't lose all you want. But some of us reach goal and beyond. (I weigh 12 lbs less than my original goal)

Hi. I am new to the site and was wondering if anyone has had the Lap Band over Bypass revision surgery. If so, how as it been? I am scheduled to have this procedure done in 2 weeks.

I had my revision on 6/30/15 and they put a pressure dressing over my former port site to prevent this. It's just a clear tagaderm dressing over sterile cotton balls that keep pressure on the site so no fluid will form in that pocket that your port was in. I was told to leave it on until my two week checkup but if it fell off before that was ok. I showered every day and it didnt fall off until my appointment day and only because that was the first time I'd worn jeans since my surgery. I don't know if I could have handled what you guys went. Happy to hear that a lot of you have stopped having drainage.

I'm a sleeve but my general instructions (given to sleeves and bypasses) were to limit rice especially in the beginning. 1. It tends to swell up in our tiny pouch. 2. It's a low value food ( no protein, all filler). 3. In my experience, it floats in my tummy and I simply couldn't tolerate it for the first 6 months as it came back up in reflux / fomies. Still not a fav.

One thing that stuck with me is also not as much weight loss. At the seminar I attended he said they total remove the stomach with the sleeve and with the bypass it stays in. So later on with your older if by any chance you. Need a feeding tube then you still have your stomach