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I had my band for 16 1/2 months and lost about 45 pounds. Had my revsion on May 6th and at my apt. today went from 164.5 to 148.5. Don't think I have been in the 140's since I got pregnant with my now 15 year old. I feel amazing and had no complications, a very easy recovery, and I am eating with very little problems. I am so happy I decided to revise.

I don't think anyone here can answer what your insurance carrier considers a revision. You are going to have to contact them directly. Perhaps you can phrase the question in a way which doesn't reveal you already had the band. "If I were to choose a band and then later, say, like 3 years from now, revise to the sleeve, would that procedure be covered, too?"

I'm so happy that I found this place.....wahoo. I am 10 day to my revision From lab band to sips. So here's my story an I'm stickin to it lol. In 2005 I got my LB. My HW ever was 340 SW 270 LW 215 My CW 232 Because I've been on my per-OP for a week. Last week was 247.8 My first yr out I got to 215 My band was awesome.I had hit the sweet spot an life was amazing. Then in 2017 I got rear ended at a stop light an it broke my neck in 5 places an my back in two. Plus it tweaked my LB. I had to have it emptied. Never found my sweet spot again. [emoji26] My weight has bounced all over the place for the last 14 yrs. So I started doing research an decided I needed something with malabsorption. Cuz I really cant eat that much for the pass 8 yrs I have been at 236ish. I am very grateful for my LB. It has helped me to never see 340 again. But alas I must move on an get rid of the last 100lbs. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Wow that's awful! Maybe try a different doctor/hospital. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but when I scheduled my surgery for revision to bypass, I made my first appointment in June 2021 right in the middle of Covid, and my surgery was November 2021. Some additional precautions were taken in terms of visitors, etc. but otherwise went off without a hitch.

Hi Everyone, I ended up in the ER a few weeks ago after a routine fill on my band, unable to swallow even liquid. My body thought I was choking so it kept sending saliva to my espophagus, with no way for it to go down (completely swollen shut). It was horrible. Radiologist said I need to get it out asap. Primary care doc is not familiar with bands at all and wasn't sure what to write. So I offered to write the letter of request to Cigna for her to put on her letterhead. I've searched everywhere online for a letter that outlines the dangers of leaving the band in, as well as the benefits of replacing it with the sleeve. To no avail. There are plenty of letters about bariatric surgery, but none dealing with the dangers of a failed band. Can anyone direct me? We need to submit something asap. Thanks so much.

Congrats on your revision......I was very fortunate not to have a drain. Healing will take some time but in the process, you will be dropping a lot of weight! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

I had revision on March 2nd and all is well actually couldn't be better. I've had a couple of stalls which was to be expected but things are moving in the right direction now....32 lbs down in all . I feel great and recommend the procedure to anyone that had no success with the lap band. I see you are Louisiana like me........my clinic is in Lafayette and am very pleased with them. Good luck.

I haven't had surgery yet, but I had the same choice to make so figured I'd share my experience. Keep in mind everyone is different and my choice is just mine. I'm not suggesting that you should make the same decision or anything. So I have had issues with heartburn and I went into my surgery consult set on Gastric Bypass because of that. However, the surgeon recommended, due to my weight, Sleeve because it's less risk of complications. At my weight, the amount of actual loss would be about the same. My nurse then stepped in on my behalf and got an endoscopy to check out my heartburn issues. This was because I am self pay, and I can't really afford to do a sleeve, only to have to get a revision later, so she wanted to see if we could find a root cause of the heartburn/GERD. Endoscopy revealed I had a medium sized Type III hiatal hernia. While the hernia could be repaired during surgery, it also meant I had a good chance of needing a revision in the future if I went with Sleeve. Not guaranteed, but still a high probability. Since I'm self-pay and I definitely don't want to find myself in a position where my heartburn/GERD have gotten worse and I can't pay for a revision, we decided it would be best for me to go with Gastric Bypass. Gastic Bypass is a mal-absorption procedure in addition to just restrictive, so I will have to be extra sure my vitamins are okay, and it is more at risk of complications during surgery/recovery due to multiple incision sites. That being said, overall risk is still really low, it's just higher when compared to sleeve. Definitely weigh out the options, talk honestly and openly with your medical team about risks and complications. Hopefully you can come to a decision that works for you Best of luck!

Hey! I’m hoping to find someone that’s going on a similar journey. in 2016 I had a sleeve. Lost 100 lbs, got pregnant in 2017 but Kept most of. Then in 2019 we started fertility treatments for number 2 and I gained all 100 back. I’m having bypass revision on Jan 6. I’m panicking. I’m 30, I have two girls, 4 and 1. Live in Illinois. I have an extremely sarcastic personality. Not a good marriage, not much support. I don’t really have friends. Anyone? Lol I sound like a blast

Juditha, I had a lapband put in, in 2006, revised 2008 and removed 2010. It is a great tool for those it sits right, mine did for the first 14 months and I lost about 80 pounds with it but, then the trouble started. Never got it right after that and after the revision. It was years of hell with the reflux and no sleep because of it. I had my RNY 6 weeks ago. I've run into issues due to infection but, otherwise I feel good and no adjustments necessary! No reflux either and that in itself is great! Good luck!

I was hoping anyone would have some advice on fighting the insurance company I was denied due to the one surgery a life time and they didn't feel I had enough doucumemtatiom or problems for a revision has any one dealt with this an won I could use some advice an encouragement

Hello everyone, I'm not new to the lap band process. My initial surgery was in 2007, (250 lbs). First three years I did well. 2010 There was a slippage of the band. Revision performed and band replaced. Unfortunately this band not working as well as the first one. Embraced to see my doctor cause I gained 40 lbs back. She ran a few test to make sure everything was good. We find my esaphagus was dilated. Which meant emptying my band to allow this to heal. Finally in Jan 2017 I was good to start adjusting the band. I get adjusted by our NP for a few days I felt restricted and then nothing. After a few months I see the surgeon who decided to do X-ray under fluoroscopy.. I have a leak.. surgery is scheduled for Friday 7/28/17, which means I'm restarting my journey. Including my liquid diet tomorrow..😃

I am sorry you are having all these difficulties. I would imagine your BMI would be too low for approval but I am not an insurance person or a Dr. You may not get the fullness you are looking for in a 2nd surgery. If you have not read what is being said you may want to go check out some of the revision threads out there. Have you tried the 5 day reset ? Its suppose to help shrink your pouch back somewhat and get you back on track like a pre op.

I have a question and I'm hoping to get some help on this. I have BCBSNC and I was looking into doing a revision from the Lapband to Gastric Sleeve. My Lapband is leaking fluid...I think. I haven't confirmed it but I have gotten 3 fills in the last 6 months and it is always at 5cc after the fill. So, that was my conclusion. I would like to know if the requirements for the surgery are the same since it is a revision? The requirements for bariatric with BCBSNC is 12 months (Long time). BTW I have gained so much weights its crazy. The band was working fine and it just stopped. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear your story. I just revised from band to sleeve on 8/12. I had my band for 9 years and I also had a hiatal hernia. What was slated as a 90 minute surgery took 3.5 hours. Recovery with my band was simple, I got the surgery on a Thursday, was at an Easter egg hunt on Sunday and started a new job that following Tuesday. I expected similar pain...boy was I wrong! I am 6 days out and I have been up walking...not strenuous, but about a mile at moderate speed. I have been getting about 40-60 grams of Protein in via shakes, hi-protein chicken broth, hi-protein Jello, and Isopure--by far the jello goes down the easiest and thinner liquids hurt. My problem is sudden, shooting pains in my sides and my groin. It feels like a cramp, but doesn't tense and then ease it is just tense....heating pad helps some and I have been popping Gas x and prescription heartburn meds. What are theses sharp pains and when will they subside? Sometimes the belly binder helps and sometimes hurts. My stomach looks like I am 6 mos prenant and was even asked such when in the grocery store! I do not regret my decision, I just want to get moving...please advise. P.S. My post-op follow-up is Thursday and I still have a drain in place.

That's strange. When I was talking to several doctors for a possible revision, not one asked or cared where I was sleeved.

I thought I better start writing about this journey now so I don't forget. I had lap band surgery November 3, 2007. I actually lost about 60 pounds with the lapband at one point but gained most of the weight back. For the first four years of the lap band I was in constant flux. I dieted more in that four years than in the rest of my life. In December 2011 I was back up to 255 pounds. At that point I realized the lap band had failed me and I needed to consider other options. Through a long drawn out process I was accepted by my insurance company to get a revision to the Sleeve. On December 27 I decided to make a radical change in my lifestyle and eating. After confirming with my bariatric surgeon that I qualified for the revision I decided to become a raw foodist for the next five months. It was a very positive experience and I learned a great deal about health and nutrition. I have to say I read everything I could get my hands on regarding raw foodism, veganism, and the like. I finally understood what it is to make a very real lifestyle change. Understanding that eating processed, boxed, bagged food was not the answer, it finally dawned on me that what I was missing was the live enzymes of fresh fruits and vegetables that no one seems to think are important, or simply don't know that they're absolutely necessary and needed in the body. I watched quite a few documentaries and I'd like to recommend that you also consider watching these few. Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead was the first documentary I watched; that became life-changing. Foodmatters, Food Inc., The Gerson Miracle, Burzynski, Forks over Knives, and The Beautiful Truth. Sorry more than I thought... Anyway I guess what I'm trying to elude to is that we've all had an eating problem to the point where we've had to have surgery once or twice and for some of us it is still escaping us as to how we can actually make a real change that will ultimately save us. So many times I have heard people say I could never give up sugar, coffee, meat, wheat, bacon, soda, etc... When I hear this I think then a lifestyle change for you is probably not something that is going to happen for you. How much do you truly want good health? Maybe it's time to start pushing yourself in new and different directions, maybe there is new and exciting information to be gleaned that will help you to a better and healthier you. For me being a 80-10-10 raw foodist wasn't for me. But I did adopt eating a high fresh fruit and raw vegetable diet into my new lifestyle. I have decided to include cold blooded sea creatures in my diet as well as cooked Beans and rice in moderation, but also to maintain a balanced healthful diet for me. Please understand I am writing this as much to myself for my own remembrance as I am sharing my experience with you. The day of surgery I weighed 204 lbs. Two days after surgery I weighed 213 lbs. that was disappointing but the Water weight gain from th IV was to be expected. Today is 7/1/2012 and I am at 202. So from December 27th 2011 to June 25th 2012 I lost 56 lbs. I am so excited about where I am going... God bless us and keep us! Mardee

I had gastric bypass 12 yrs ago and SERIOUSLY looking into self- pay for a revision. I'm looking for someone that can give me any advice/info on surgery in Mexico. Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am having a band to sleeve revision on July 7th in Tijuana with Dr. Ortiz. My preop diet started today (three weeks). I'd love to hear how you are doing.

I don't know any current U.S. pricing, but as of last spring, my bariatric surgeon in Mexico was advertising revision surgery starting at $7200. Hopefully that gives you some kind of idea.

I had a revision surgery from Lapband to Sleeve on August 2nd. So I am three days out. The pain is bearable for the most part. I am having a really intense sharp pain that runs across my lower chest under my rib cage. It last for a few seconds and then goes away. This happens maybe every 5 minutes or so. Is this normal?

Let me start with a little history... I became a bandster in 2007. I lost 130 lbs and have gained back 115 lbs. I did well in the beginning. The weight melted off of me. Restriction was never a problem. I followed the band rules perfectly. Then in 2009, things changed. An event actually changed everything for me. I either had a virus or food poisoning. Either way, it was terrible, I could not stop heaving. We all know that with the band, anything below the band is not coming up. I had to call my surgeon and was prescribed Zofran, but I think it was too late. Something terrible happened. The area around my band was sore for quite some time and my little "friend" inside of me, started to become my enemy. Since then, I have shown a nasty hiatal hernia. My reflux is terrible. And there is no fill that is comfortable. I get a fill, follow the rules, and I am right back at the surgeon's office the next morning to get an unfill then I am back to NO RESTRICTION. It has become a viscous cycle and I have gained most of the weight back slowly since that time. I have been told that if I correct the hiatal hernia and if the band is pushed up a bit, that my restriction will come back and things will get better. However, even with that in mind despiration has pushed me to go more extreme to scheduling a VSG on September 17th. I am strongly reconsidering my choice after doing much more homework on the possible complications of a VSG. Now I am doing some homework on the RNY, which may be a better alternative to VSG. Either way, I have to get the hiatal hernia fixed. So, my questions to the lapband community: Would personally try to correct the situation if you were in this position? Have you been through a revision from an existing band surgery to a correction and were you successful after the correction? I am just looking for some input and possible support either way. Looking forward to hearing from you!

PS Apparently Blis covers first time surgery but not revisions. I could understand if I hadn't been successful with the band but I did well with the weight loss. They site the chances of stricture as high with the sleeve, but that would be for any sleeve right not just revisions from banding? Does anyone have figures on complication rates?

I had a band to sleeve revision in March with Dr.Aceves. My liver was also adhered to my stomach. I chose Dr.Aceves because of his experience in revisions. I would not have gone to anyone who had so few previous revisions. Can you speak to the surgeon near you and see if they would help if you had any issues? My doctor here does my follow up (bloodwork). If I had other complications I would have had to go back to Mexicali, and it is not a quick trip for me (about a day of travel. A few flights, hours and hours of driving). I just felt more confident going to someone who had more experience since a revision is riskier. Good luck

Hello Everyone, I was banded in October of 2009, I have never really had restriction, got stuck alot but never that sweet spot I read about. I teach zumba 3 times a week and the only time I had great weight loss was the two week post op of liquids only. I do realize that no matter how much you excercise a bad diet or eating will not make it a difference, and this is where I fell. I was burning 5K calories a week and felt like I could eat what I wanted, I didnt gain but I didnt lose , I kep losing the same 10 lbs over the last 3 years. Last year I started getting really bad acid reflux but at first I didnt go back to the doctor because I felt like a failure in the weight loss department. Part of my issue is menopause as well, weight is the only symptom I have nothing else. Well I got sick in January and when throwing up the band was acting funny, went to the doctor and I had esophogus dialition and they had to unfill my entire band. WOW the hunger pains I felt were like are you kidding me? My first thought was take it out and I'll do it on my own with weight watchers. Then as I was talking to the physicians assistant who I trust and has been incredible during this journey told me that although my band didnt work as it was suppose to that it was still doing something, and that if I didn't revise I would probably gain 10 lbs a month until my body normalized, around 6 months, and when she said it I didn't believe her but since getting unfilled and the hunger I feel I do now. I also started weight watchers as I think its a good foundation to eating after the revision, so if I'm ahead of the ball this time the more the better. Its also helping me to lose my ten pounds before surgery. and its great espeically with the apps on my phone, and its true when you logging what you eat, you do realize when you really are hunger or just thirsty or doing something out of habit. My surgery tentatively is for May 2, I have BCBS federal and they require 3 months weight classes, well it seems that weight watchers classifies so my billing admin is going to try to submit next week since April will make 3 months going and weight watchers is weekly. \ My question is to the board, how do you feel when you awake from a revision? How are you at getting around? Whats the best Protein poweder? I have a realize band so I dont know if that makes a difference. When I had my lapband day 4 I walking 4 miles at the park, so I"m just trying to get my head around it and try and be as prepared as possible. ANy hints, info you can provide would be helpful and appreciated.