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I am close to 14 months post op RNY. I initially went into this dead set on the sleeve. I had just heard about it and had done a lot of research. I liked that my intestines wouldn't be rerouted and the unused portion of the stomach would be removed. The approval process for my insurance was lengthy, and during that prolonged period though, I began to have second thoughts. I was offered the choice of either procedure so the end decision would be entirely my own. Some of the reasons I had for the change of heart was that I was 54 at the time. I'd lost and gained weight my entire life. I really believed that this was my last chance to "get it right." My metabolism was already slower than someone younger. I'd learned (although it's not true in every case) that with the sleeve you might lose weight slower than with RNY. I wanted the weight off as fast as possible. I wanted to take as much advantage of the coveted "golden period" of rapid weight loss as I could. Now I know there are many sleevers who lost their weight just as fast or faster, but in my personal case the RNY seemed a better fit. I was coming across a lot of posts from people who had gotten the sleeve, but were later revised to the RNY due to GERD issues. That really scared me. If there was the slightest chance of needing a revision after the sleeve, I just wasn't willing to risk it. Again, there are a lot of sleevers who never encountered this issue. I liked the idea of the "possibility" of dumping as a fail safe to help keep me on the straight and narrow. I had a wicked sweet tooth. Of course there are many people who have never dumped after RNY, myself included, but I still use the possibility of it happening as an extra incentive. It works very well for me. I didn't know anyone who'd had the sleeve, but I knew two who'd had the RNY. One gained her weight back and the other didn't. Both had theirs years before me and it afforded me an up close and personal example of how much I would be personally responsible for my eventual success or failure. As much as it's "said" that WLS is only a tool, it's still hard to imagine yourself as a post op when you're a pre op. Watching them gave me that personal access. One kept to a healthy lifestyle and exercised. The other went back, almost immediately, to her bad habits. The former kept her weight off and the latter didn't. Which brings me to my final tilt from sleeve to RNY. Initially the idea of being able to eat anything I wanted only in smaller portions, was a big draw. But in the end I knew myself too well. I was a junk food addict, and even in smaller portions, a bad thing is still a bad thing. I chose to make a complete break from those bad choices, and felt that the RNY was the only way I could achieve it. There just wasn't enough research on the sleeve yet to satisfy me either. And let me stress again, that this decision was made for me only, my circumstances and my lifestyle. It is not meant to sully the sleeve in any way. Regrets - not a single one! I'm nearly 14 months out, and reached my goal of 130 back in April. I've never been happier or fitter in my life, and have been maintaining easily. I still track my weight and exercise daily, forever reminding myself that I could easily gain it back if I start to slack. It's a powerful motivator. I did completely rid myself of bad habits. Since surgery I no longer drink soda, or eat fast food. Aside from the occasional Protein drink, I only drink Water. I don't eat bread, rice, Pasta, and red meat. I don't add salt to anything. My cravings are pretty much non existent. I'm 55 and feel like I'm in my 20's! I would do this again in a New York minute! Best decision I ever made! Best of luck to you on your journey, wherever it takes you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am sorry that it's gotten worse! Yes you may need yo up your meds. Or switch to new meds like Protonix or Dexliant. Ultimately you need to advise your surgeon and they can do further tests. I understand if nothing works. The Final solution Is a revision to gastric bypass. All the best

I just had my port revised in July. I had the band for 22 months before having a problem. My problem started with pain around and deep into my port site. I then started noticing that I was eating more. The revision went well. There was basically no pain. I was camping in a tent 3 days later. I have BC/BS for insurance and they paid for everything. I had to have an endoscopy and some fluoroscopy also. Slowly I've started to have some restriction, I've had 3 fills since being replaced. I've heard that insurances will pay for the revision much easier then replacement of the whole band.

Kai Not quite sure why I thought this was a revision for you, well that is great you will heal faster with just the sleeve being done!! Yes day 2 is the worst, just know that everyday after that will be just a little better. Make sure you walk as much as possible, it helps with the gas and helps you heal faster. Sorry about the dry heaves, I bet that was no fun! Drinking that blue stuff was horrible, but it is always great to know that the sleeve is working properly and not leaking. So many Dr's do 3-4 tests I think that is great. Especially for us who have been to Mexico, I don't want to get home and have a leak. You will find that even sipping for the first few days will make you feel very full, this is the same feeling you will get when you start eating. It is great because you know right away when to stop eating. So glad to hear you have an amazing medical staff, that makes all of this so much easier. I have to say surgery in Mexico is different, but in a good way!! The nurses are much more attentive than here in the states. Glad to see you are doing so well, and remember everyday you will feel better and better!! Good luck.

I had rny gastric bypass may 2, 2012. I had to have 2 blood transfusions and my blood pressure was higher then normal. They did the upper GI and found no leak so I was released after 2 days. When ingot home a couple days later I was having trouble keeping anything down. I was very thirsty all the time. I had a lot of pain in my belly button area that would go around to the lower back. I still had the jp drain in (thank God) I started seeing brown liquid in the drain and that's when I realized it was my protein shake. I went to my surgeon and he sent me to the ER and they did a cat scan and found a leak. They also found an abscess and a gastric gastric fistula. The leak cause the connection from my old stomach to my new pouch. So when ever I would eat or drink it would go out through the fistula into my drain and old stomach. My doctor admitted me into the hospital. I had to have a picc line and I was feed food bags. He couldn't go in to fix it because the area was to mushy. He wanted everything to dry out and then see if the fistula would close on its own. I was in the hospital for 18 days. I missed my daughters high school graduation. I was so upset. I even began to question why I did this surgery. After I was released from the hospital he kept me on the food through the picc line. I had to have home health care. A nurse came out once a week for about 2 months. Finally everything was getting better. All my vitals were back to normal. The doctor did another cat scan and decided the fistula was so tiny that no food would pass through it so we decided to wait and see if it would close on its own. I started on the diet I lost a lot of weight. I started at 264 lbs and lost over 105 lbs. about my year mark I started having trouble keeping any food down everything made me throw up. I kept complaining about the pain it felt like something was always getting stuck. He checked for a stricture I didn't have one. We checked the gallbladder, mine was fine. Everything we checked we couldn't find what was the source of all this pain. Finally he did a endoscopy. I had a pretty good size ulcer. They put me on carafate and 2 other antacids for 6 months. The pain and everything just kept getting worse. I asked if the fistula could cause the problem. He said it was to small. Well we did another endoscopy and now the ulcer is tripled in size. Now I barely eat anything. I went in for an upper GI. As I drank the stuff I watched on the screen all the liquid go into my old stomach. The fistula was bigger. The acid in my old stomach was coming through the fistula and caused the ulcer and damaged my pouch. I was told I had to go in for gastric revision. March 12, 2014 I went into the hospital and the doctor removed the upper part of my old stomach were the fistula was and he had to take down the pouch and rebuild it using part of my intestine. He said this surgery is more intense then the first and I would be in a lot more pain because of all the scar tissue and mess he had to repair from the first surgery. I was in the hospital for 3 days. I am now 6 weeks post op. I feel so much better this time. I was not in as much pain as the first time. I honestly believe that God said I was in enough pain the first time, that I didn't need it this time. I weighed today at 130 lbs. my new pouch is smaller then the normal size so I need to make sure I get my protein and water in. I was told I may have to eat a little more often. But so far I'm doing great. I am glad. Went through this surgery if I didn't the weight would have killed me. Even with the complications I would do it again if I had to. Everything has risks. I had a great surgeon who was there for me every step of the way. And I had a lot of family and friends support. And I pray to God everyday for giving me the faith to get through this and heal.

we seem to have a similar band date, age and weight loss....I havent posted much on here..just read it often. I have a band slip though and am having surgery find tomorrow to fix it. I am trying to find people who have had a revision and what their recovery time was. Anyway, just thought I would say hello and see that I am on track or "normal"

I actually just had port revision surgery the day before yesterday. I had no indication that it had flipped, no pain or anything. I went in to get my second fill and it had completely flipped. It was not even accessible under floro, so if I wanted fills, I had no choice but to have the surgery. The doctor said it wasn't caused by anything I did or didn't do. It just happens sometimes, although I was his first patient to have one. As far as the surgery, it is not that big of a deal. Especially not compared to the original band surgery. I admit, I am pretty sore right now, but I am back to work and the soreness is manageable.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation. I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014. I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s. I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure. I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally. I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that. I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc. I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome. In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully. So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision. I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve. I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms. One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight. This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body. Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though. If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Hi, I had my gastric sleeve in March 22,21. My recovery was great and I didn’t had any pain or complications at all. I have lost like 60lbs so far. The problem is I have severe GERD. Since the day of my surgery I been taking PPI, now twice a day . Few days ago I had my one year visit with my surgeon and I he suggested that I should do a revision because taking the PPI long term is not ideal and he said that small percent of patients with gastric sleeve end up with severe GERD and I was one of them. That the only cure is the revision. I think is too soon but the regurgitation in the middle of the night are a nightmare to the point that I have to sleep sitting down. Have anyone one in here had a revision so soon? Sorry for my English is not my first language.

Perhaps its a way the doctor could work out the medical necessity of the surgery with your insurance. Im no expert when comes to insurance but they tend to need reasons and that *could* be one maybe, because people have to have revisions from lapbands to other surgeries too, maybe the balloon has some failure statistics they are privileged to that we are not. VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

I never had reflux until I had the sleeve. I had such severe reflux after that and was on 5 medications several times a day that this year I couldn't take it and revised on 8/31/15 to gastric bypass. Honestly if you already have reflux I would opt for the bypass. I have no reflux and my surgeon said its near impossible for me to ever have it again. I am off all medication and love it!

That's the best option acid reflux is the reason for my revision... Sent from my LG-D850 using the BariatricPal App

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and am not current "able" to eat out and nor am I missing it. I'm a band to sleeve revision so I'm pretty comfortable eating out. I've been eating low carb, high protein for awhile so it doesn't elicit attention during business lunches or dinner. Only a my husband, mom, kids and aunt knew about my band and the same remains true for this surgery. Occasionally, it is uncomfortable at on site corporate work celebrations, where you don't know what the menu will be and it's usually quite decadent. This is hard not because of my will but because the pressure! I don't give in but it's just tiring. (We have ALOT of corporate "celebrations) lol

I'm about 4 months post-sleeve (revision from band). For me, it depends on the restaurant. I definitely check the menu online first to see if there is some sort of lean Protein that I can order. I try to pick 2 things so I'm prepared in case I need a back up plan, LOL . I stay away from breads, rices & pastas as main dishes, and focus on good Proteins. My eating habits are quite different even now with the sleeve than what it was like with the band. But, I will allow myself a bite / nibble of something (yummy dessert) here & there as a treat.

Ugh, I'm going to have to jump through hoops to get this revision done! Surgeon says I'm going to need to get a letter of medical necessity from a PCP, problem is that I haven't had a PCP in years. Can anyone recommend a good one that is easy to work with? Prefer Dade/Broward area, but will drive if necessary.

Some good news: I got a surgery date! I'm having my band-to-bypass revision on August 24th! They only gave me about 3 weeks notice, so I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, trying to get all my clearances done. I got my labwork, chest xray, and cardiology clearance done this past Thursday, I have my pulmonology clearance scheduled for Tuesday, and my education class on Wednesday! I'm so excited! I've been trying to get everything in order for surgery, since my mom is flying down to stay with me. I've ordered all of my pre-op Vitamins (even though I don't have to start them for 6 weeks), a zip-front soft bra for leaving the hospital, and I'm going to go buy some more Premier Protein shakes at costco this week (they're on sale!), and I'm trying to get my apartment as clean and organized as possible.

StratusPhr, No I had a gastric sleeve on Nov 3. Best of luck with your revision. At least you are totally aware of what the next month will be like.

Congrats on your wl, you are doing great. I’m 7 months post bariatric revision and have lost 79lbs to date. I’m officially stalling been 180-181 for almost 3 weeks now. This is longest stall I’ve had and starting to wonder if I’m done losing?? Got a couple more months to go to reach a year and my projected wl is 100lbs.. I hope this stall breaks this week!!!

My case isn’t typical. I developed a hernia in March that has lead to some severe GERD, esophagitis and inflammation because of it. I’m actually having revision surgery this coming Tuesday to fix everything. I do agree with the others. While your surgeon and nutritionist may say 600 calories a day, try adding an extra 100-200 calories and see if that helps. Stalls happen a lot. We just have to figure out what works for us to break through them.

I’m in the DFW area. I had a Band to Sleeve revision on 7/24/18.

I had a SIPS approved at 48.8 BMI thru BCBSIL. But it want easy. My first surgery not a revision.

I am having stomach and abdominal discomfort in that area, which feels in a way like cramping. I've been having this for months. I actually want to go to the hospital to get it removed its really bad. I spoke with the doctor he said I should have an appointment but he doesnt want to get rid of it.. This seems strange if anything. Anyone have any advice? This seems really confusing. Would there be any steps I could take before I get rid of it?

am am 3 weeks out. I have yogurt, blueberries, well chewed chicken (roasted), scrambled egg well chewed, protein shakes and protein puddings. I don't get in all my water but at least 48 ounces (not counting any shakes). I have started to avoid the shakes and eat more of the foods mentioned because I am getting my protein 60g+ that way and feeling fuller than on shakes. I also eat alot of sugar free popcicles and jello when I want to snack (head hunger) so that I am getting few calories and filling up. I feel like I can eat more than alot of you guys mention but I think maybe that is because I am smaller in general pre surgery 166 and surgery 155 (but I was a revision from a slipped lap band). I am really concentrating on protein protein protein and chew chew chew and sip sip sip. Doing pretty great I think as far as following that and staying low in calories and carbs. I just want this stall to end so I can feel some progress in the flesh. But I went through too much to give up. I also feel I need to walk more but that is difficult with my time and schedule. I get 7000 steps (whatever that means) generally each day.

"I'm not saying that the Sleeve is a bad choice but I know of a few people who have been sleeved and two years later they want a revision and they are trying to get approvals or they are trying to diet like they did post opp and losing the battle." @@danithomas I just wanted to say that most that are successful post surgery do not think of their meals as a diet (other than the first couple weeks of liquid post op) Having WLS of any kind requires diligence around eating a high Protein, lower carb well balanced food plan. For me it got a lot easier when I stopped thinking of my new life as a diet that I had to follow and focused more on the foods that make me feel good, lose or maintain weight and look good. I know that if I though of this as a diet, i personally would fail. I say this because I really was a professional dieter before my RNY. I would go on a diet and lose lots of weight. (80lbs was my biggest loss on Atkins) and then I would go off the plan and start eating what I thought was normal. I literally would gain all of my weight back and then some. Most folks that have been through this have similar stories. For me, the 9 months leading up to surgery were critical. It allowed me to change my thinking and many of my bad habits. Don't get me wrong I still have some bad habits like eating while watching TV or working on my computer. I am so thankful now for that time because it really helped me. That does not mean that I don't get off track because I clearly have. For example I allowed myself to stop tracking my food through the holidays and I gained 7lbs. Now it is taking forever to get that weight back off. It is simply hard to get back on track. Because I am having surgery in 12 days I don't want to try the pouch reset honestly because it will happen then. And of course when you are having plastics they don't want you to make such a drastic change to your food plan right before. If I were not having surgery I would probably use the liquid diet simply to reset myself. When I allow more carbs/sugar into my system, I then begin craving them and therefore eating more of them. So, I know the liquid diet would detox me from that in just a few days. So for now, I am simply back on track by eating my high protein, lower carb diet and reducing any bad carbs that I let in over the holidays. That will allow me to maintain and possibly even lose a bit of weight.

I just read a response from someone on my thread who said that Bypass and Sleeve choices should be a personal choice and they really were right about that! Lol I just wish I had of seen that bit of advice when texting to my sister in-law who will be sleeved on 1/31 and she wanted to know why the Bypass for me since again "you're not that big" so I listed my reasons to the Bypass vs the sleeve for ME and she stopped texting. I'm not saying that the Sleeve is a bad choice but I know of a few people who have been sleeved and two years later they want a revision and they are trying to get approvals or they are trying to diet like they did post opp and losing the battle. I have heard from several people that they wish that they would of had the RNY over the Sleeve but I have never heard or seen anyone post about having the RNY and wishing that they had Sleeved instead... So my pre-opp appointment will be 1/16 and I will ask the surgeon about the mini RNY as well. I love this site. I haven't even been on Facebook as much!! Lol Thank you all for your comments and truths. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App