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Hi everyone - my first post here! I was going to have revision surgery on my band (insurance had approved the revision), but decided that the sleeve was a better move for me for a ton of reasons. So i'm meeting with surgeon, anesthesiologist, PCP, nutritionist and psychologist on Jan. 17 to get all of the needed paperwork started and into my surgeons office so the insurance stuff can begin. My first question is related to scar tissue when removing the band. I've had the band for about 5 years (was successful, but it slipped, so it's now useless) and i'm concerned about the damage when puling the band off. Any experience and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Andre

I have two ladies in my office who both had bypass. Started out about same stats and had surgery about same time . One lost most of her weight by 2 years at least 150 pounds. The other one lost 40 pounds and eats like a horse. Both of them were very interested in my lapband and now my sleeve. Haven't been back to work yet but I'm already 28 pounds lighter. Surgeon says people get used to the packed esophagus feeling, especially lapband patients, and keep eating and eating. Weight loss is weight loss be it slow or fast. So long as the number keeps going down and stays down what more could your doc ask for?

When you take calciums it is important to spread it out over the day. I generally take 2 Citrical supplements every 2 hours until I meet my daily calcium requirement. [I am a gastric bypass patient and my requirement is 1500-1800 mg per day. Sleeve patients requirement is less. It is 1200 to 1500 mg per day.] I just put them all in a small finger bowl first thing in the morning and take a couple out at a time throughout the day until the bowl is empty. If I am on the go, then I put them in a small zip lock back and take the bag with me.) As far as the Citricals are concerned be aware that the dosage rate is based on consuming 2 tablets. I didn't realize this at the beginning so I was only taking around half the recommended daily dose for the first month after surgery. It is also important to have at least a 2 hour separation between your calciums and your iron. So I generally take the calciums during the day and the iron at night. The iron may be a separate pill or part of your multivitamin. Once you get the system down, it becomes routine. So don't get overwhelmed at the beginning.

Had band since 11/08. Fluid in, fluid out, little loss. Had 2 ugi with little dialation 3 years ago. Decided to get it out this year. Saw a different physician due to insurance. Had another ugi. Didn't see anything wrong but lower abdominal erosions due to H. pylori. Scheduled for lap removal of band and revision to rny 10/22. Start preop diet monday. Preop testing 10/17.

Wishing you all the best. A few people here are going from band to gastric bypass.

A revision is necessary if the band slips. I was violently ill with much vomitting and hard coughing for a week and I think that is what caused my band to slip.

Mercedes, a revision is surgery to correct an existing band problem, such as slippage, etc. AskingQuestions, the full feeling comes once the recovery period has ended and bandsters are eating regular food, not the liquid diet required for the post-surgery healing period. But as you can see from Muffin's post, the right kinds of liquids make a big difference in satiety, no matter what your restriction level or the phase of diet you are eating for whatever reason. Well done, Muffin!!! You are so attentive!!!

You are not the only one that feels this way. I also have been on an emotional roller coaster. I have been waiting almost a week for my Dr. to call me with my scheduled date for the surgery. The waiting is torture. It gives me way to much time to question my decision. I was having some serious doubts about having the lap banding. My in laws have been trying to talk me into having the gastric bypass. I had to tell them it is my body, and I will choose which operation I will have. Godd luck tomorrow. I know you will do fine. I will be praying for you.

Of course you can loose 100 lbs, but to do that you must listen to your band and follow bandster rules.The band will be a slower process than the bypass but in my opinion a healthier way to do it.

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) calls for safe resumption of bariatric and metabolic surgery before COVID-19 pandemic is declared over Newberry, Fla. — Jun. 23, 2020 — The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the leading organization of bariatric surgeons and integrated health professionals in the nation, declared metabolic and bariatric surgery "medically necessary and the best treatment for those with the life-threatening and life-limiting disease of severe obesity" and called for the safe and rapid resumption of procedures, which have been largely postponed along with other surgeries deemed elective amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new position statement entitled, "Safer Through Surgery," published online in the journal SOARD, the ASMBS strongly rejects classifying metabolic and bariatric surgery as "elective" and prefers the use of the term "Medically Necessary Time-Sensitive Surgery" or "Medically Necessary Non-Emergent Surgery" to better characterize the effectiveness of the intervention and the progressive nature of the many diseases it treats including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. "COVID-19 may be a factor for quite some time and the longer the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other related diseases are postponed, the greater the chance they will become worse," said Matthew M. Hutter, MD, MPH, president of the ASMBS and professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. "Each state, doctor and patient must make a decision as to when conditions for metabolic and bariatric surgery are right, but the sooner it can be safely performed, the more quickly obesity, type 2 diabetes and other diseases can be reduced or resolved." The ASMBS recommends that the precise timing for surgery be carefully considered based on factors including an individual patient’s health status, local prevalence of COVID-19 and the availability of resources including hospital beds, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE). The ASMBS statement concludes, "Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were ‘safer through surgery’. In the era of COVID-19, ‘safer through surgery’ for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before." Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including death among COVID-19 patients. Metabolic/bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity. 1 Its safety profile is comparable to some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and knee replacement. 2 An estimated 252,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in the United States in 2018, which is approximately less than 1 percent of the population eligible for surgery based on BMI. 3 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 42.4 percent of Americans had obesity in 2017-2018. 4 Obesity has been linked to more than 40 diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and at least 13 different types of cancer. 5,6,7 About the ASMBS The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the nation. It is a non-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of severe obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in bariatric surgery, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved surgical outcomes for patients with severe obesity. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org. ### 1 Weiner, R. A., et al. (2010). Indications and principles of metabolic surgery. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 81(4) pp.379-394. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20361370 2 Gastric Bypass is as Safe as Commonly Performed Surgeries. Health Essentials. Cleveland Clinic. Nov. 6, 2014. Accessed October 2017 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/11/gastric-bypass-is-as-safe-as-commonly-performed-surgeries/ 3 https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers 4 https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html 5 The Effectiveness and Risks of Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, 2003-2012. Accessed from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/1790378 6 Steele CB, Thomas CC, Henley SJ, et al. Vital Signs: Trends in Incidence of Cancers Associated with Overweight and Obesity — United States, 2005-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep2017;66:1052-1058. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6639e1 7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015) The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity. Accessed from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html

Unfortunately you will not find a plan that will cover it in Texas thru the affordable care act (obama care) I have done lots of research on this specifically because here in Florida its also excluded... These are the states where its covered. Your option would be to move to one of these states temporarily, Establish residency, get healthcare, get your surgery and leave. If you notice most southern states are excluded because people in southern states tend to be overweight when compared to northern states. (according to multiple articles i read about bariatric surgery. This is my backup if i end up needing a revision is to move. South Dakota seems to be the easiest from the research i did.

Jake, I am in the same situation as you, having had my band for 4 1/2 years and having lost 115 lbs. After more and more problems eating I had an UGI and it turns out nothing will pass through the band, even after complete unfill. My surgeon says that my food gets digested in the enlarged esophagus. I am still not completely sure how that works since I can sometimes feel the food pass through even during the meal, but the UGI showed none of the barium liquid pass through. The band needs to come out. The surgeon wants to do a conversion to bypass but I think a sleeve would be better, although a sleeve is irreversible and leaves you will only a small part of your stomach which could be an issue if you later develop some problems with the stomach such as cancer. My insurance will only cover removal since my BMI is now only 28. I am also considering just the removal since I do not have $10,000-12,000 to pay out of pocket for conversion. I am wondering if I could control myself and keep eating small portions just because of fear that I would gain all my weight back and have to get another surgery in a few years. BTW, I do not really need to loose more weight, maybe 10 more pounds, Will a conversion to sleeve result in even more weight loss or will I be able to maintain only ? Is is possible to leave more of the stomach if a patient already lost most of the goal weight ? TX

Drewer, I was a very successful patient with the lap band, until by chance, I discovered that it caused my esophagus some real issues. The scariest thing about my situation or what I now know was a blessing in disguise. I was doing awesome with the band and lost over 120 lbs. at the most successful point of my journey. I had no real obvious symptoms or problems, other than I could eat a bit more and had some very little night issues. My insurance company changed at work and so did the their bariatric service. I was forced to switch bariatric services and doctor and when I saw the new doctor, he asked for a UGI. To my surprise, the UGI technician told me to contact my doctor as soon as possible. Things took off very quickly after that and I ended up getting my band removed and revised to sleeve. Had I not seen the new doctor and UGI performed I would have ended up with much more damage that I had - Thank God! Wish I had gone sleeve originally. My vote: Sleeve 100%! Much luck to you! Jake

Hi! I've been banded since 2009. I know there are many threads about band to sleeve, but I specifically would like to know: Those who switched from band to sleeve; what is the main difference you noticed as far as your eating habits (ability to eat, how much you could eat, how you tell you have eaten enough, etc) without the band giving you a "hard stop"? Do you feel just as or more successful? Do you think it's easier to over eat with the sleeve? I'll have to have my gallbladder out - and am considering having revision to the sleeve at the same time. I discussed with my surgeon and he said yes he could do both at once. I keep going back and forth about doing it. I'm back to feeling like I should just go ahead and do it. Ever since my band was too tight like 2 months ago and I had to have Fluid taken out I haven't felt very good. I got it re-filled with 1cc then 4.5 weeks later I got one more cc. That last one was about 3 or so weeks ago. It's so weird - sometimes I feel like I can eat way more than I should be able to - I have about 8.7cc in there now...maybe a tad more - and other times I can't keep anything down. I started having reflux again and went to liquids for a few days. It went away. Now it's back this morning and I haven't even had any solid food. I made a Protein shake for Breakfast and was only able to drink about half of it. I took all my medication, but it hurt (I guess I went to fast, I try to wait a few minutes between pills, but was running late today). I am starting to feel like I'd be better off having the band taken out and switching to the sleeve. Through all this annoyance of the last 3 or so weeks I haven't even lost any weight. Go figure. Since the symptoms for being too tight and a band slip are about the same I'm not sure what to think any more. I'm sure I probably do not have a slip but I'm kind of paranoid about it anyway. I know if I call the nurse at my surgeon's office she'll have me come in and get an un-fill. At which point I guess I'll just start whatever process I need to start to do the revision. It's quite scary to me. The only surgery I've ever had was the band surgery. And of course the anesthesia made me sick after they had to wake me up from it (I take after my dad in that respect lol). Thanks for listening to my little story. I'm sure it's very familiar.

that is so true about complications, my mom had gastric bypass twice! I think that any and every diet works! It just depends on what works for you.

Hi Dee im like you waiting to get the band done ive waited 12 months now my insurance kicks in - Im in Sydney and the op will cost me out of pocket between $3000-$4500 depending on who you go too I cant advise you about the op in the states but there are many lovely ladies who could I think if you want the band then this is your choice and your decision and stick by your guns- go for it, look into everything, I also would not want to bypass I work with a girl who had this done and so far she has lost about 132 lbs and still wants to loose about 44lbs or so but this op is not reversable and can cause some problems like dumping ect How much is the band in the states and is this covered on private medical insurance or do you have to pay it all out of pocket ? good luck with things and if you really want it I believe it will happen for you Cheers Ruth

I was in the same boat as you. So many tried to push me to get Bypass, but I decided what was best for me and got the Lap Band. I think the most important thing to remember is that it is YOUR decision and that the Lap Band isn't a fix all. It's a tool to help us achieve what all of us have struggled so long with, to lose weight. My Nut put it best I think. She said that I had to make the choice of using this tool to my advantage, or letting the tool use me. I can tell you from the other side, I am 1 week post-op, that I am so happy with my decision and would make the same one again and again. Good Luck!

Dee, a lot of people think their PCPs won't support them and then are pleasantly surprised. In most cases the biggest problem is that the PCP just isn't familiar with the band; they bypass is the known thing so that's what they recommend. I even had a doc recommend the VBG (vertical banded gastroplasty), an operation that's unsafe and ineffective so it's RARELY performed anymore, but this particular endocrinologist wasn't up on recent developments and didn't know that. Stick to your guns!! Tell your PCP that you agree weight loss surgery is indicated, but YOU feel for your health that banding and not RNY is the way to go for you. Tell him you understand all that's involved in the two operations, and that you've made your educated choice. It's not his place to dictate to you, and I think he'll be impressed that you've done your homework and know so much. If he doesn't know anything about the band, bring him the Inamed patient handbook (print it out from www.Inamed.com). That's what I did and my PCP was very interested--she'd never heard of it before. I think you'll do fine. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

:straight Hi everyone I'm new and hoping before long I will also be able to share a success story w/you all. I am really impressed w/this site it is so imformative. Im 38yrs.old in MA have 5 boys yeehaw:D Overweight mostly all my life. Tried every diet under the sun and to no avail. Seems as I age the pounds keep creeping on. I have yet to get the lapband done. I have a new PC and I ran it by him that I will need a referral to see the surgeon I have chosen to do my procedure I see her on the 21'st of this month. The way she works it I guess is you go for 3 visits then she schedules surgery. Now he knows I have to go in a few weeks his response was that I should go see a fellow physcian he knows at another hosp who does gastric bypass only he said for an opinion. I feel I really do not need an opinon as I know what I need to do for myself to feel better. To make a long story short the PC seemed to be more in favor of the gastric bypass which I am flat out against. I suppose there is no getting around the PC is there if he disagrees? Financially I wouldnt be able to afford it. I hope he doesn't get in the way currently I have swollen feet and have to stay on Fluid pills,acid reflux,asthma,sleep apnea etc etc.. Thanks for listening.

Did anyone’s dr tell them to drink juice post op? Sounds crazy to me. Long story short my revision is tomorrow (not wl related but for reflux) and my new dr said for the first week post op just drink juice mixed with water. But in my head i’m like why on earth would you want me to drink sugar? Like it sounds so backwards to me but idk. I’m also not allowed to have food until january, has anyone else had to wait that long? My first time around, i started slowly eating soft foods after about a week or 2 and i was fine, the weight came right off and hasn’t come back.

I got my band removed last November and had gastric bypass this past march. I've lost 80 pounds since then. Best decision ever!

I'm a revision and a slow loser. I think it's not coming off because as fast because you're closer to your goal. I say, follow your plan and keep exercising. It'll come off. It will just take time.

I assume they do stand behind the doctor being the coordinator listed it as a finance option but mymedicalloan is also on that list and I have heard horrible things about that place. This is for Dr. Aceves in Mexicali for my revision from band to sleeve. My next option will be Dr. Garcia in Tijuana.

So update- i had it done friday and the 1 anastomosis definitely feels different, but in a good way, sort of. Like no reflux- yay!!!! (I’m over here happy dancing lol) I let my surgeon experiment with a new operating tool, i have no clue if that added to my recovery or not, but i feel completely normal if that makes sense. The day of i was tired but not really in pain, it was so weird my appetite was still there so i was pissed that i couldn’t even have water. The second day- the appetite kind of slowed down a little but when they gave me water i was so shocked that i’m drinking it normally exactly as i was before. The second day i still wasn’t in pain but i could definitely feel that did something, but it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. I was just so ready to go home and lay in my own bed. (I stopped all pain meds by day 2) Now that it’s been a few days- i’m so over this whole juice thing. I’m not used to it so the day i’m allowed to eat something not sweet will be heaven lol. I feel exactly the same as before, i’m honestly wishing i could go back to work tomorrow. I was fortunate enough to meet someone else who had the same procedure and she said that it feels different from a regular bypass or sleeve. She said that when you eat something you aren’t supposed to, you don’t get sick right away- it’s more like delayed dumping. She did say that she can eat and drink normally with no issues and even do so at the same time. She also said that there is no uncomfortable feeling in your throat like the sleeve if you eat to fast or drink to fast which is good. But we’ll see if i experience that too.

Dr. Achieves did my surgery in October ,2010. And I had a band over bypass. Didn't have any trouble. Would do it again.