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I had my revision surgery January 2nd ,my surgery was 3 hours , I has bad scar tissue and the band was growing into my stomach , that being said I felt great after surgery a little sore and tired first couple days but that's it not a lot of gas no nausea , I felt much better after this surgery .The Lapband recovery was harder for me . Oh my goodness Nat78 sounds like your body went through alot. So I am understanding you right you did get to have both the lapband removed and the sleeve done in one operation?

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 remember you from the forums, I had my surgery 10/1/12. I lost about 53lbs pre and post op. My weight loss was SUPER slow!!! I got pregnant a year post surgery and gained 40lbs. After the baby, I started experiencing horrible GERD. I also was not losing weight at all. Slider foods like crackers much easier(not good I know) but something didn't seem right. So I consulted a new bariatric dr. as my first surgery was in S. America. He told me he has seen stretched sleeve post-pregnancy. Now mind you I was very diligent when pregnant. So he sent me for a barium swallow. It was discovered I did have GERD and a hiatal hernia. I went for an endoscopy last week. My sleeve is angulated (twisted) and has a bit if a pouch so food does not exit the way it should backs up in sleeve which can cause stretching and GERD. I am in the process of a revision. Get checked. I do not believe there is enough data about pregnancy and the sleeve IMO. I think there is still a lot they do not know.

I'm heading in on March 10th for my revision. Got that awful band out on Feb 5th after 8 years, and now I'm just healing up and getting ready for my bypass. I'm nervous but I'm ready.

Hi Mindy.....would you please share the info on the insurance you purchased that covers revision?

I did not find a lot on Dr. Wilhlemy on this forum, so I wanted to share my experience for anyone researching him and the hospital in Mexicali. I flew in from Canada to have a revision from LB to VSG done. I learned about Mexicali Bariatric Center by 3 coworkers that had been there to have surgery with Dr. Aceves and they spoke very highly of the hospital, the staff and had marvelous results! I must admit that I looked at a couple lower priced places but immediately knew that I wanted a certified doctor a certified hospital, a place where I knew patients were having very good long term weight loss results and my chances of a complication were low. I found all of these in Dr Wilhelmy and the magnificent team at Mexicali Bariatric Center. I also found a lot of caring people, professionalism and made friends for life! The experience started out a bit bumpy because my flight was delayed for 5 hours. I had to be in San Diego Ca before 11 am and this delay would make me miss the shuttle to Mexicali. I called Nina at the office at 5 am ( sorry about the time honey) practically in tears not sure what to do. She calmed me and assured me they would not leave me in Sd and we would make it work. She kept her word and they had a driver to pick me up and take me to Mexicali that same day. It was too late to have all my tests done that evening so I just had EKG and x rays and spoke the nutritionist and bariatric doctor, Dr. Campos. Dr. Campos did a barium swallow and checked my band. Everything looked good. Yolanda and Carla met me and helped me through this stage. I spent the night at Lucerna Hotel and thanks to the sleeping pills I had a good night sleep. Ernesto, the driver, was bright and early at the hotel to pick me up and took me to the hospital. I had blood work done that early morning and was admitted into the hospital. We waited for my test results and in the meantime I was put on the IV, I was given blood thinners and did the final paperwork. Time flew by, my tests we done, I saw all doctors that morning, internal medicine doctor, anestheologist, Dr. Wilhelmy and nurses Sergio and Esmerald. By 9am I was in surgery! My band was removed and my sleeve done that morning. Surgery took 1.5 hours and was told I had a lot of adhesions but nothing they had not seen before. Phew! The next 3 days passed so quickly. I was in the hospital for 3 days in total, I had 3 leak tests and recovered without any problems. The attentiveness of the nurses was impressive. They have a caring spirit helping patients get as comfortable as possible and always with a smile on their face. The cleaning ladies are there all day, they clean over the clean, I swear I wanted to take one of them home! I saw the doctors 2-3 times a day and was reassured daily about my recovery and my questions were answered. My husband talked beer and sports with the doctors, he is a big fan of both so needless to say he is now a big fan of MBC's doctors too. I had NEVER gotten this care anyplace else. I was not a number, I was a patient, someone they cared about and that along with their surgical experience make them an exceptional medical team. It was a very big difference from my band experience at home.

I do hope you can get the revision done soon, I do know what it feels like to really work hard at losing it only to regain it so rapidly because of the PCOS. It's so frustrating, that is where I am at now! I can look at someone else eat something and gain 10 lbs just from smelling it! Thats how bad it is for me. Then I just give up and though I'm not a horrible eater, I'm not the best either. So frustrating! Hang in there! Ping me anytime you want to vent, I do understand the PCOS hell!

Sounds like you are kind of doing the appeal battle that a lot of us have to do....basically the same thing...feeling run around...no hurry, etc. I sure hope you are ok. The big reason I did not want the lapband was because of what's happened to you...that and I didn't want a foreign object in me, or to have to have needles to get fills....not for me. I can't believe you'll gain the weight back. I think you should hunker cown and get your food logs going and restrict yourself to Protein shakes and 1500 calories...I highly doubt you'll gain all that weight if you try and fight it...at least until you get your revision. I dont have PCOS...but who knows...isn't there a way we all can battle the buldge?

I was considering the sleeve or rny and through my research I also decided on the bypass. I only know one person personally who had a sleeve to rny revision (my cousin). It's just not for me... I strongly believe any of them will work if you work em' and what's right for me may not be right for you. I do hear a lot about the reflux problems so if you already have heartburn that would really put me off. Goodluck on whatever you decide.

I've seen the same thing. I think people become very defensive of their procedure. I think I know the exact thread you are referring to as well. I think a lot of doctors do call it a DS as it is a modified DS procedure. I had mine done by Dr. Jawad at Orlando Bariatric and Laproscopy. It was a robotic procedure to boot! The procedures offered were thoroughly explained at the info seminar and at the first appointment when you determine surgery type. The biggest advantages are the pylorus is intact reducing dumping syndrome, lessening the gas and diarrhea issues and because it is a bit simpler the the surgery takes less time, so less time under anesthesia and a quicker recovery. While it isn't really a "new" procedure it is kinda the new kid on the block. All WLS procedures were new at one time and doctors and researchers spend hundreds of hours improving them. My doctor's office no longer performs the lap band because the long term results on many require revisions.

Julie, correct me if I'm wrong but I think you had to have TT revision because you lost like 60 more lbs correct? In my case, the doctor said I will not need one since I plan on losing 20 or so. You should be okay if you want to lose 10-15 more lbs. Julie

Challenge Starting weight: 200.4 Current weight lost: 0 Losing or maintaining weight: LOSING Fitness/exercise goal: NOT RELEASED YET JUST JOINING. REVISION RNY 10/25/18 Revision 10/25/18 Kattrax421B.Com Don't meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with catchup!

Its definitely time for a second opinion. I'm certainly no doctor or lawyer, but it seems like the esophageal dilatation was caused by the band being placed too high in the first place and you deserve damages for all this has put you through in the last 18 months. Personally, I would not go back to the same surgeon after I suspect he has been negligent or, worse, used me as a guinea pig to test out his own theory. Was your initial lapband placement covered by insurance? If so, you should be able to see a different surgeon and get the ball rolling w/investigating the problem and fixing things right away. Not all surgeons will take on revision surgeries, but generally, the best of the best will and they take pride in being able to fix problem cases. If you are self-pay, its a bit more tricky because then you probably need this settled in order to have the money to proceed w/revision surgery. But, still, I would not be tempted by your original surgeon's promise that he can fix this for free. You don't want him messing you up so badly that another surgeon can't fix it. Even though I'm sure its heartbreaking to put the weightloss on hold, I would unfill the band if you have to in order to get your settlement first if necessary. Best wishes to you and I'm so sorry you have to go trough this.

I did follow all of the Dr's orders and had the best attitude and still my band has to come out! I'm scheduled for a revision on Wednesday, so it is the luck of the draw who keeps theirs and who does not. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but the band is a great tool that comes with it's share of problems. I have talked to many people who have had no problems what so ever and then lots who have. I wish everyone could have a wonderful experience but if you read enough you will find that is not always the outcome. Good luck to all! Bernadette

Hi: I go to Dr. Woodhead for my fills and very much like him. He does not have a clinic so your after care becomes part of his practise. I know some patients who belong to our support group and they feel he is OK. As for Dr. Leung, his patients either like him or dislike him. He is an excellent surgeon. He makes personal comments that can be hurtful. So if you don't like to have demeaning statements made to you by a doctor, then don't go to him. The most important thing you have to consider after picking the surgeon is the aftercare such as fills and defills. Dr. W. is young and Dr. Leung is close to retirement but I think he is training a doctor now. You should consider this aftercare will be required for the rest of your life. I am sending a copy of what questions to ask doctors/clinics prepared by a lady on the web. I think they are excellent. Hope they help. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Then the obvious question is would I do it again. Yes, In a minute. The band has saved my life. Doddie

I had my port revision done today. It went well and I am not sore at all. I have lost 17 lbs to date since nov 5/08. Still have issues with throwing up, but was told that's normal at the last meeting which made me feel reassured. I had my fill done as well, he added 4.5 to my 10 band. This is my first so I will take it easy with food teh first few days with clear, then puree, then soft foods. Are fills hard to get use to?

Here are some questions that may help you in your research. I copied them from another post in the canadianlapbanders.com by Donna These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid calcium? chewable multi vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Hope they help

I just had mine removed on Mon due to many complications. It was originally placed in 2007. I was able to get it removed within 1 month of my decision to do so. Insurance tried to fight it was not medically necessary but I had plenty of documentation to show it was!!! My surgeon will not revise to another procedure for at least 3 months, longer if there was a lot of internal damage and/or erosion.

@@jamiep5 I understand your concern. Your story is very similar to mine. I just had my sleeve (done in 2010) revised to the bypass and I was 190lbs. I was terrified of dumping, rapid weight loss, and severe vitamin deficiency. I just had my bypass on 5/16/14 and I am doing well as far as food tolerance. I don't know if it's my sleeve helped with that. I am scared to hinder weight loss because I've already done the whole food progression before and I know what hurts and what doesn't. Lmk how yours is going!

This my beginning to LB revision to ByPass. I will be having surgery on May 7th too, I hope. I had an abnormal EKG and this may postpone my surgery date. Has anyone had an abnormal EKG and if so did you get clearance fast. I will see the Cardiologist tomorrow and I am praying for good new both ways.

It is normal to have second thoughts. I think we all did. Just go over all of the pros and cons again in your head. Or write them down on paper! You have to know yourself. Are you willing to work to lose the weight? You will have to measure your food, chew thoroughly, eat slower and make good food choices. Exercise is important, as is doctor follow-up care. Read through all of the threads here because some people have revised their band to RNY. It is a life-changing decision, so make sure to make the best choice for YOU.

I agree 100%. I'd contact them right now - today! With all the unbandings due to erosions/slips, Id be scared to do this all over again. :tired (rebanding for any reason) Have thought any about a revision to another WLS? Im gonna be praying for you. Remember, we're all on this road together.

Kate, I haven't been on LBT for months. I've been reading about your surgery. On January 8th, I'm having a some lipo and a small revision of my LBL and BL from last year. Reading all the posts does bring back memories! I went back to work after 2 weeks. I was extremely tired that first week. I also seemed to be in more pain and had more swelling that week. Being emotion at this point in your recovery is not unusual. If you are out of pain meds, you might want to ask for another Rx to have on hand when you go back to work. Hopefully you won't need it. My doc had no problem writing another. I only needed a few more and didn't use the rest. Just a thought since you are about to see your doctor. Also if you do find time to shop after your appointment, I suggest only one or two outfits and as inexpensive as possible. In a week or 2, they will be too big. I loved that, but hated that I had waisted money on things I couldn't wear more than a couple weeks. I would have waited had I known, but I didn't know how much swelling was still there. It's just hard to get a concept when things are already so much improved. I had to have my lapband replaced earlier this year. I've been struggling to get back to good restriction since. I was in bed sick the last 2 days and missed a fill appointment that I really needed. Now I have to wait until February for another appointment. I thought about postponing the lipo and revision longer, but my plastic surgeon thinks I am at a good place for this and I really need to see some change. Thanks for sharing your experience. I promise you won't remember the pain for long. You will be moving about and enjoying life like never before. You'll have a new bounce in each step! Wishing you a speedy recovery, Kelly

I would also want more info before agreeing to go ahead with the revision.

Hi luv2teech! Sorry for the delay in responding...I can't believe how crazy my life has gotten! I wasn't even going to look into surgery until my mother suggested I was putting my life on hold, which is silly. Then I just decided to talk to surgeons, loosely plan for a surgery date of a year later. Take my time finding the right guy. Well what I found was, as I met with surgeons, the whole concept became more real. They told me that it didn't matter if I lost weight after surgery, it just mattered that I didn't continue to gain. And then surgery became that much more possible for me. So my recommendation to you is - if it's all you ever think about, what's keeping you from investigating surgeons?? Nothing! At least start meeting them, figuring out what you want, what it will cost. It really changes your perspective...you may decide it isn't for you. Or you may decide it is...but being "paralyzed by fear" is a wasteful emotion. Get out there girl! You can do ANYthing, you survived morbid obesity!! :thumbup: Woo hoo! (I'm so caffeinated this morning) There's more than one surgeon around - so don't hang your hat on one office that has a waiting list that long. Really, by the time I found Dr. Capella I knew everything about the operation itself AND the surgery and could ask intelligent questions like, what's your revision clause? But, let's defang the fear. Why are you so afraid to even look into cosmetic surgery? Are you afraid of the operation, or the results? Why did you swear you'd never do it? It's not for everyone, but I can say with conviction at this point in my life, that for me the only way I can boot fat Kate into the pages of history and truly let go of that old self is to have the surgery. It's a psychological boon to roll over in bed and not be dragging a heap of skin with me. I know I will be so much happier and proud of my accomplishment. It's different for everyone. As far as price... My price tag came to under $20,000.00 Yes, hideously expensive. That includes replacing the port, arms, breast, FULL circumferential body lift (not just a tummy tuck) and flank lipo. I did not want the tube body post op, so he's contouring. I'm only doing this once, so it's gonna be complete. The only way I was able to add arms in is because Dr. Capella has a physician assistant who's been working with him for a few years and together they get the procedure done quickly. Initially I was going to add arms later...but they will be finished with me in 5 hours, and do not feel it is a risk to my health. My arms aren't bad, but are in need of help, and will not take long to do. So why not? :smile2: