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Today is 100 days since surgery. I started before preop at 305 and I'm now at 240.6. I lost 23 on Preop (a full month of preop!) I've lost 41.4 in the past 100 days and I couldn't be happier! I am a Band to sleeve revision and have been unable to work out. I have yet to (knock on wood) stall it's slowed down the past two weeks but still moving!! I should be able to start the gym soon too!!. I'm only 2.2 from my New Years goal. I am so thankful for my sleeve. I wish I had gotten this 3 years ago instead of the crapband!! can not wait to see what the next 100 days brings (lol takes away really) The next 3 weeks are going to be challenging with family vising and holiday goodies but I'm in such a better place than I ever have been that I know that It won't break me! I'll try and post some pictures later on

I started out with the LAP-BAND®. What a mistake if money is an issue. I have ended up spending about $50,000 out of pocket for problems associated with the LAP-BAND®. I even had insurance that paid for the initial implantation of the band. I can honestly say, the band nearly killed me. In December, I self paid for the gastric sleeve. Believe it or not, my insurance would not pay to have the revision. They even stated in the letter they sent that I needed to have the band removed immediately due to all the problems. They would not however, pay for revision to something else. I ended up going to Mexico. I am Director of Nursing at an outpatient surgery center. I have been a nursing supervisor in hospitals all over the world. I can honestly say that the surgeon and care that I received in Mexico was better than any care I have ever received in the U.S. or in Europe. The surgeon I used has a world wide reputation for excellent work. I paid $12,500 for my revision from band to sleeve. This included everything. Please, before deciding to get the Band, go to the sleeve forum on Obesity Help and read how happy people are with the sleeve. There is also a section there dealing with revisions. Many of the revisions are those who are having problems with the band. I will say that the sleeve has been wonderful for me. Once you get the sleeve, that is it. No shelling out money for fills, etc. They have been doing the sleeve for years. It is the same thing that they have been using to treat stomach issues for years. It is the same thing as a gastrectomy. I know people who are years post op gastrectromy and the only thing they are is "skinny". Just want you to be aware that there are other options available besides the band. Good luck in your journey.

Unless you qualify for medicaid the only other option would be self pay! In the US it can range from $9-25k. You can pay cash or take out a loan, some providers offer payment plans through companies such as care credit. You can apply online for them & find out if you're approved in minutes. The credit line is given based on your credit score (I know they use experian as their source). If you know you have a few dings you may still be approved but maybe not for the full amount. A co-signer would help increase your credit line in that case. Be warned though that unless you pay in 18mts or less for their promotional offer their interest rates run high but again this varies based on your credit. So you can visit their website & search for local approved providers & go directly through your surgeon or you can first find a surgeon you're comfortable with & then find out if he accepts finance plans such as this. With a 5yr plan (in cali they offer only up to 60mts but I've heard other states are longer plans) your payments for an average priced sef pay procedure of say 16k could be about $300/mt. For me when I added up the cost of meds, gyms & jenny craig not to mention the dining out & other weight related bills I would no longer have it seemed like nothing!! There's also the route of having it done in a diff country such as Mexico for as little as $4500- I honestly couldn't tell you what, if any, payment plans they use. Some say ofcourse foreign countries offer lower quality & can have more complications but that's something you'd have to research. With the band though you're required to have follow up care for life & many US surgeons want nothing to do with a foreign placed band- liability! Without the fills your band is useless so if you go that route locate a local fill doc that's willing to work with you first! Also my surgeon told me the company that produces the lap band in the states (Allargan) does not sell its product to places like mexico because they are not certified so the band many people receive there is a swedish band that's an older, cheaper model of less quality subject to leaks & erosion. Ofcourse these are unresearched statements from my bias surgeon. So take them with a grain of salt! It is true the mexico did perform the first lap band & austrialia & europe have also been doing it for years longer than the US who didn't approve it until 2001. So something can be said for their experience. But again in a foreign country you have no recourse if something goes wrong. =/ As a self payer you'd just want to keep in mind that your insurance typically will not cover any part of the wls -in some cases this includes any complications related to it. And remember the cost of follow up/fills that in yr 1 are every 4-6wks or as needed & can vary from $50-350/ visit depending on your provider so shop around for the best program package! Many include 6mts to a yr of follow ups & some practices also offer revision insurance for a yr which cover leaks, slips, erosions & port flips. Be diligent in your price comparisons & research! There's a thread in self payers forum here where ppl have listed what they paid in diff states you could inquire there also! Best of luck!

13 Days post op revision and I feel great! Back to my normal routine minus the lifting and no problems. I just get tired by about 3pm but I just think its because I am not eating much for energy. Trying to get the protein in is hard. I can eat pureed/soft foods but I really don't have much of an appetite so I kind of have to force myself to eat. Best of luck!

I’m having a bit of an episode tonight.  This hasn’t been an easy journey so far.  I got revised 5/27 and was in the hospital another 3 nights this week. One for a huge hematoma, it happens. 2 nights to repair some scar tissue, a very fast healer the doc said as it was twisting and I was vomitting bile and had a sour stomach. He went and repaired it.  I feel gassy today being home. Trying to drink as much as I can but I just can’t do it. Even with the sleeve I had an issue with liquids. Especially water.  Tonight I took two gas pills and within an hour now I vomited them right up. Omg! So scary. Here we go again. I’m so afraid.  Did I make a mistake by getting the RNY.  Will this be my life now moving forward.  I recall the sleeve being easier.  I’m so anxious tonight so excuse me if I’m rambling. I’m so sad. Why did i do this. Was it worth it. Should I have lived with the constant daily nausea and heartburn  :-((  I

While on my weight loss journey, I've been learning to drink water. I discovered that I really liked higher alkaline water, so I kept drinking it and started wondering if there was a reason I preferred it. Then, I read this article http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22844861. Now, that I think about it, my GERD isn't nearly as bad when I'm drinking pH8+ water. Has anyone experienced this? Also, maybe it might help someone having lapband GERD issues. That's the reason I'm having revision surgery.

As it turned out, my port was leaking. Had a port revision a few weeks ago. bump in the road I reckon.

Well I have a confession.... I'm glad!! He's real, real conservative and we butted heads from time to time. So if you're real conservative, we shouldn't talk politics. LOL I've always been one of those people who doesn't tan easily (or at all) and I burn bad and then do the disgusting peel. So my heart goes out to you. At least during the peel state, if you burned that bad, you'll probably be getting some good drugs and it won't be too unpleasant. Hydration has always been the key to feeling better after a sunburn. Man, I'm thinking of you. I had my sleeve revision 6 days ago. It is rougher than I thought it would be, but it is doable and each day you see an improvement of some sort. I have been surprised at how much this site helped me during the first days. If you have a question, there's somebody who has been there and glad to share their experience. I thought I'd feel too bad to be on the computer. But it's a godsend and please know that we really are all wondering about you and wishing you well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

You have to understand that this isnt a one shot surgery and I am "fixed" kind of thing. There are revisions, complications, appointments to adjust restriction.... point being its a lot of time, money and effort. A doctor is going to tell you that should plan on 50% of your excess weight loss with the band - so for you what is that like 35lbs? I am not sure its worth it for you. That said, and end to the yo-yo dieting might be. You also have to ask why your fat... Do you have portion control issues (I did) or do you eat all day long (I didn't). From what I have seen on here the band seems to work better for folks with portion issues. Also what do you eat? The band isn't going to help you make the right food choice - you will still have to do that on your own. I had never been the thin guy - but I am now thanks in part to my band. 296 with a bmi of 42 to 165 in a little over a year, but not without two additional surgeries. But still the best decision I ever made. Good luck

Hi all. I am 4 weeks post op from a band to sleeve revision. I have heard of people using stomach binders after surgery to protect their incisions but I am wondering if anyone has used them after healing? I am not so much losing pounds but inches for sure and my stomach is becoming saggy and the skin is loose. Any insight?

I think you might have been seeing my sig repeatedly. One does not know if they will tolerate a band until they actually have one. Also, the band does not work for a good number of people and they typically revise to a sleeve or bypass in those cases. The idea is to pick a surgery type and stick with it, only when it does not work for whatever reason would you revise to a different procedure type.

OK...I got the results from the endoscopy...band is OK in normal position and no problem. I wish there would have been. It might have helped expedite the switch to Vertical Sleeve. So the doctor told me I don't qualify for the sleeve as I don't weigh enough. I would have to gain weight to get my BMI to 40. At least 20 pounds! Who wants to do that. And then I would have to lose weight before the VS procedure. It's like I am back to square one. I also would have to have the psych eval again and other pre surgery exams and tests. AND to see if I qualify to even proceed I need to get an upper GI (had one 1 year post op) and a sleep apnea test. This would be to see if I have any issues that would qualify me w/o the 40 BMI. I think my insurance company will cover me if I meet the qualifications. I thought having a revision would be a lot easier. Anyone else go thru this? The doctor seems pretty positive that I will qualify one way or another. I am SO bummed. I almost feel like having the band removed and call it quits and go back to regular weight loss means.

I am a Lap Band to RNY revision. I never did great with my band (lost about 45 lbs or so) but then about 8 months out my band was ruptured during a fill. I was bounced around from doc to doc until I was finally told that because of my Diabetes and PCOS that the band would not even be an option for me anymore. So I'm having the broken device removed and the RNY done! I cant wait!! I wanted the RNY 4 years ago but went with Band bc my husband and mom was terrified and talked me out of it. I wish I had stuck to my guns. Research as much as possible, take into account any other metabolic or physical issues you have, then make the choice thats best for you and STICK TO IT! Don't let anyone talk you out of it! Best of luck!

I would talk to your psych doctor about the issue of your meds. (Are you planning to be on these meds long term, is there another med? Could this dose be less at some point down the road etc.) You could definitely lose 100 lbs. with either surgery. And I agree with the other poster about GERD. Many people are getting revisions due to GERD

I'm 11 days and 14lbs post op and feeling great! I can't believe how fast and what a breeze the surgery was! I did not do a revision so a litte different situation in that respect but any of the questions or anxiety I may have felt before is behind me and I'm so excited for my future! You came to the decision for many reasons and with a clear head I'm sure, before the anxiety of the "moments" before set in. You can do this! Get your desk cleared and your stuff done so you can focus on YOU during the time you've taken off for recovery. Luck to you!! :)

My surgeon does lap-band because they have a longer track record with research and revisions. I'm sure they are both excellent. I've heard on this site that the Realize port is flatter in the tummy.

Hi all, Just wondering what bypass peeps are eating 5 weeks out. Not sure if there is a thread / topic already. I know we each follow our doctors / nut's plans / advice but just wondered what people are doing and looking to share dietary plans / advice. My WLS journey was Band, Band to Sleeve, then Sleeve to Bypass. (Yep 3 ops!). Pre band weight - 136kg Weight at last revision (Bypass) on the 10th May 2016 - 103kg Weight today - 94.9kg Goal weight - 80kg Here's what I'm having each day this week : 630am - I have a 250ml glass of Water and my Multivitamin liquid, Biotin liquid, sublingual B12. 0730am - (On the way to work) 2 x calci-chews with vit D and a coffee (250ml) with fat free added Calcium milk and a stevia for sweetener. 1000am - At work around 10am I'll have 1 scrambled egg with a low fat slice of cheese in it (can do it in the microwave). 12pm - I'll have a super greens type drink (500ml) with chia seeds and konjac root powder added to thicken it a little and maybe a little flavour free Protein powder. 2pm - Pre made portion of pureed chicken breast with veggies (200ml) Then just water / tea / coffee until I'm home. A couple of coloxyl and Senna laxative tablets if I need them. 6pm - Another pre made pureed chicken breast with veggies (200ml) 8pm - Half an Optifast lemon water desert (love them!) with sugar free jelly. (200ml) Then just tea and water until bed time. Might chuck a bit of benefibre in if I feel like it. Sometimes if I'm hungry anywhere in between the above I'll add up to 1 Protein shake / optifast Soup with konjac root powder to thicken a little. I find adding a small amount of the konjac root powder, just thickens liquidy type drinks ever so slightly increase my satiety. Also I'm 8 weeks of the cigarettes and no booze for ages :-( lol. I'm planning on a glass of wine or maybe 2 as a treat when I get to 90kg though :-) Does anyone else use Konjac root? Looking forward to your replies :-) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi has anyone here had a revision from lap band to sleeve at UIC. Specifically with Dr. Hassan.

I'm trying to find the right place to post this. I hope I'm right on this one. I am in the process of getting a revision from lap band to sleeve. I am currently breastfeeding my 5 month old. I was wondering if anyone has done this before? I am wanting to still breastfeed until he is 1-2 years old. Do you think I can have the surgery and still breastfeed?

Hi. I had a lap band and then revised to sleeve. Lost over 100 lbs with band and then 40 something more with sleeve. I have to have a revision due to gerd and other complications from my sleeve. Luckily, I did not lose any of my hair on either procedures listed above... And I know losing weight is much slower after each revision so maybe I'll be lucky again this time around. I was wondering if any of you lost your hair after revising from sleeve to bypass. Thank you in advance.

Glad to hear you are doing well Sarita. I weigh myself 2-3 times a day, and I've done this since getting home. So, for the last 6 months, I've been scale obsessed. For some it works, for others it makes them insane. It works for me, so I do it. You'll see the pounds/kilos drop before you know it. I only had the drain after my leak repair surgery not with my initial revision from band to sleeve. I had the burning sensation as well, but it was remedied by my doctor prescribing Prilosec once daily to prevent an overproduction of acid.

I was on soft food 10 days after my revision but all my Dr. has me shooting for is 94g of Protein daily. I found some great ideas on a website called The World According to Eggface - give it a google if you are looking for ideas

I just used UHC as an example of bariatric revision policies for my appeal. Here's what they say: Surgical revision or a second bariatric surgery is proven for inadequate weight loss if the original criteria for bariatric surgery (BMI, co-morbidities and patient selection criteria) continue to be met. Surgical revision of bariatric surgery is proven for complications of the original surgery, such as stricture, obstruction, pouch dilatation, erosion, or band slippage when the complication causes abdominal pain, inability to eat or drink or causes vomiting of prescribed meals. You can see it all on their web site at: https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII/UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf/Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/Medical%20Policies/Medical%20Policies/Bariatric_Surgery.pdf

I had bypass in 1983. Long story short....I'm at 280 again... I am having bypass revision on Sept. 29. The best advise I can give you is this..the first time I had this done I thought it was a miracle. This time I understand that it is a tool. That IM responsible for doing what's right not the surgery. If you follow the "rules" and keep yourself on track...it will be the best thing you ever do for yourself..

Very helpful, informative book for those of us who like to read, hi-light, underline and review. Dr. Matthew Weiner, M.D., bariatric surgeon explains one surgery vs. another including revisions, why some lose faster than others, why some are more successful over time than others. Not preachy nor judgmental in any way, just factual. Explains how our bodies go through hormonal changes post-op to establish a new metabolic set point. 150 pages, easy read in one sitting. $11.99 on Amazon for paperback. Well worth it!