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Just thought I'd share this so hopefully I can help others avoid complications. (Sorry for the graphics) Last Thursday I noticed a weird sensation vaginally as I used the restroom. When I proceeded to investigate I discovered my Mirena, was not were it should be it had fallen out of my uterus. So immediately I contacted my OB who says due to the fact that we have no idea when it moved, there is a large chance that I could be pregnant and not only that but I have lost 100lbs since my 11-13-12 surgery which would mean that birth-control might not work as well. Now if I would have had normal GB I don't think I would be as concerned as I am. But because I have had so many complications I am very worried. So for all you women who have mirena please be cautious I was I went a month ago to make sure it had not moved and I was assured it wasn't going anywhere. So if you feel something's off go with your instincts. P.s if any one can suggest a birth control we can absorb well please let me know THANK'S!!!

There are so many many posts out there on this topic. Please make sure you do your research and spend time with your doctor discussing your personal health history. I planned to go with the sleeve and had my heart set on it. When I met with my surgeon we discussed the fact that I suffered from reflux/Gerd. He recommended that I go with RNY instead. I was devastated and actually got a second opinion from my gastroenterologist who told me the same thing. They both asked me why I was afraid of bypass since it is the gold standard in WLS. I shared my big concern which was malabsorption and of course all the old horrible stories that were out there. I learned very quickly as I researched the heck out of this topic that if you follow the plan, get your labs drawn like you do regardless of which surgery you have, take your Vitamins which you also have to do regardless of which surgery you have, malabsorption will actually help you. I also started reading about how many lap bands and sleeves have to be converted to bypass because of reflux. I wanted to go through this surgery only once. Even if you don't suffer from reflux now, both the band and sleeve can actually cause this issue where the bypass cures it. Only you and your doctor can decide what is right for you, I am only suggesting that you continue to do research like you have clearly already begun. It will be worth it to you in the end. Good luck on whatever choice you make. Please feel free to reach out. P.S. Not everyone struggles with dumping syndrome either. If you do the bypass hoping that will control behaviors as some people do you may be disappointed. I would research that as well.

I have had great success losing weight without surgery. In fact, I've done it several times in my adult life because I have been unable to maintain it without this tool. I also had some success losing 40 lbs before my bypass surgery in August. But let me tell you, I know it was because I knew the end was in sight. I knew that this was finally going to be the ticket for me to not only lose the weight but have a significantly better chance of maintaining it long term. My doctor told me it was going to prevent me from getting diabetes (I was prediabetic), and prevent me from getting severe heart disease (runs in my fam). It's going to be work and regain is a real thing even after surgery. For me, the mental struggle has been the most challenging but having this tool has allowed me to feel optimistic about the future even when I was having a tough time. Keep talking to your docs, your support system and the folks here. Find out the answers to all your questions and you'll be able to decide if it's right for you. Listen to yourself rather than considering what others might think about your decision. I let my fear of losing weight the "easy way" (hahahahaaaahaaaahahaha!!!!!) prevent me from looking into this option for 4 years too long. I'm so so happy now. Good luck! Hope you find the support and answers that you need.❤️

Everyone is different. There is not even an average really from what I've read on the boards for over 2 years. For me, I was stuck at 2oz of dense Protein until I was over 4 months out. I stuck to mushy/soft protein such as deli meat with cream cheese, chili, ground meats with some sort of sauce, chicken/tuna/egg salad well into my 3rd month post-op because I could get in the calories and protein goals without having to use shakes which made me puke so I stuck with what worked. I was moved to "regular" food on week 4 of my post-op diet, but I really had a tough time getting in a decent amount of food until 3.5-4 months out. I could eat puree meats, or chili, or meats with some sort of condiment, so those are little tricks I used to get in more protein from food sources. Some don't really struggle after the first 6 weeks, or they just supplement with shakes. I didn't have that as an option so I stuck with what worked for me. A lot of it was also the fact that I did have a leak and lost additional stomach tissue with my revision from the band so I had more trauma than most, but then there are others that report the same thing and they had zero issues with their sleeve nor had any complications.

I went to the library and did some research. Here is the abstract from a study done in the U.S from 2000-2008: The effectiveness of adjustable gastric banding: a retrospective 6-year U.S. follow-up study source: Surgical Endoscopy Feb. 2011, vol 25 issue 2, p397-403 abstract: Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) during a 6-year follow-up period. Methods: A retrospective database analysis of patients who underwent LAGB at New York University Medical Center between 1 January 2000 and 29 February 2008 was conducted. Patients were included for the efficacy analysis if they were 18 years old or older at the surgery date and had one or more visits with a recorded weight after surgery. Efficacy was assessed using percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1-year intervals after surgery. Missing weight values were interpolated using a cubic spline function. Linear regression models were used to assess the characteristics that affected the last available %EWL. All patients had implantation of the LAP-BAND system. Results: The inclusion criteria for the efficacy analysis were met by 2,909 patients. The majority of the patients were white (83.3%) and female (68.4%). The mean patient age was 44.6 years, and the mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 45.3 kg/m. The %EWL 3 years after surgery was 52.9%, which was sustained thereafter. In multivariate models, increased number of office visits, younger age, female gender, and Caucasian race were significantly associated with a higher maximum %EWL. Conclusions: The LAP-BAND patients achieved a substantial and sustainable weight loss of approximately 50% at 6 years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] I don't really understand how they can say that there was a weight loss of 50% at 6 years after surgery when some of the patients included in the surgery have only had their band for 3 years. But they lump them all together nevertheless. I also read an article that quoted a study saying the Swedish adjustable gastric band had more incidence of erosion than the LAP BAND. I don't know if they even use the Swedish one here anymore. Here's another one from Switzerland: A 10-year experience with laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity: high long-term complication and failure rates. Suter M, Calmes JM, Paroz A, Giusti V. Department of Surgery, Hôpital du Chablais, Aigle-Monthey, Switzerland. Abstract BACKGROUND: Since its introduction about 10 years ago, and because of its encouraging early results regarding weight loss and morbidity, laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) has been considered by many as the treatment of choice for morbid obesity. Few long-term studies have been published. We present our results after up to 8 years (mean 74 months) of follow-up. METHODS: Prospective data of patients who had LGB have been collected since 1995, with exclusion of the first 30 patients (learning curve). Major late complications are defined as those requiring band removal (major reoperation), with or without conversion to another procedure. Failure is defined as an excess weight loss (EWL) of <25%, or major reoperation. RESULTS: Between June 1997 and June 2003, LGB was performed in 317 patients, 43 men and 274 women. Mean age was 38 years (19-69), mean weight was 119 kg (79-179), and mean BMI was 43.5 kg/m(2) (34-78). 97.8% of the patients were available for follow-up after 3 years, 88.2% after 5 years, and 81.5% after 7 years. Overall, 105 (33.1%) of the patients developed late complications, including band erosion in 9.5%, pouch dilatation/slippage in 6.3%, and catheter- or port-related problems in 7.6%. Major reoperation was required in 21.7% of the patients. The mean EWL at 5 years was 58.5% in patients with the band still in place. The failure rate increased from 13.2% after 18 months to 23.8% at 3, 31.5% at 5, and 36.9% at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: LGB appeared promising during the first few years after its introduction, but results worsen over time, despite improvements in the operative technique and material. Only about 60% of the patients without major complication maintain an acceptable EWL in the long term. Each year adds 3-4% to the major complication rate, which contributes to the total failure rate. With a nearly 40% 5-year failure rate, and a 43% 7-year success rate (EWL >50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used. This one has a pessimistic view of Lap Band overall but to me 60% with acceptable EWL is pretty darn good. I'm wondering if the authors of this study are investing in the sleeve or some other technique. There are more. For anyone who is also interested go to the library and ask for help accessing EBSCO Host or another periodical database and search for "long-term" and "LAGB". I really don't have the time or energy to sift through all the articles but just from what I skimmed the worst conclusion had something like a 33% success rate after 5 years. By success they can mean anything from 40% and up of excess weight loss. Here's what I'm thinking so far: Without the band I have probably more than a 33% chance of NOT losing the weight. I also have more than a 33% change of developing more weight-related health problems. If I lose 40% of my excess weight in the next 5 years I will be better off than if I did nothing. The mortality rate from having the band is no more than for any abdominal surgery. The complication rate may be somewhat high (but a lot lower than for bypass) but the band is reversible and removable. So I am going ahead with my plans for the band. If anyone can talk me out of it please try. I want to be sure I'm making a good decision.

Has anyone used carecredit to pay for surgery and how did you like it? Is there better financing for this type of surgery? Of course my insurance excludes any WLS or problems from WLS. I looked at carecredit last night and if you don't pay them off completely in 24 months the interest rate is really steep. They also only give you 23 days before they demand credit again..meaning one day late and the interest rate climbs to 26%!!! I'm despertaly trying to find a way to pay for this revision since my band has failed. Thanks for answering.

Ok...first, be glad for the posts that talk about the negatives. When I was doing my research, nobody was talking about these things so I went into surgery with a whole different perspective. Knowing then what I know now...I might (stressing might) have made a different decision but at least I would have had the full story. I read an article (I swear I need to print these off or bookmark them) that said only 4 out of 10 banders are successful...success being determined as only losing 50% of their excess weight and that's only of the percentage who don't end up losing their band from erosion or other medical complications and I can't remember whether these problems were 60% or 40%...sorry. I had my band out two weeks ago due to chronic phrenic nerve pain. My insurance did not have to give prior approval since it wasn't elective...it was due to a 'complication'. I'd guess most insurance companies work that way. My surgeon wanted to do a revision to the sleeve. I would have had to go through the whole approval process (psych eval mainly) again for that one. My insurance company had no problem in approving the sleeve (I didn't get it by the way) because the band was being removed because of a complication...not because it didn't work. Even then, the surgeon said they know how to word the paperwork so insurance companies will approve. Oh, and according to my surgeon, the band is not considered 'restrictive' but the sleeve is so again perhaps it's just in the wording? You can read about the experiences of others...good and bad...but it still won't tell you how you'll do. Ask yourself this...if you don't get the band, then what will you do? Yes, there's a risk you'll be one of those who fail at the band *or* are failed by the band (and it happens more than the manufacturers would like to admit)...but you could also be one of those who are successful. Personally, I wouldn't give up without trying. .

I started vomiting at 6 weeks, I found out I have a stricture. If slowing down and eating less doesn't help it could be a problem. Revision 1/31/13 by Dr Cabrera and Venezuela in MX

I'm from the Chicago Northshore suburbs. I had my bypass done on 6/24. How are you?

I'm sorry you've been very unlucky one of those 1% that have bad complications with bypass. I had bypass nearly 8 months ago and had no issues what so ever so it's hard to see others suffer.. it will get better.

I am interested in finding about an experienced veritical sleeve doctor in the US that would convert or do a plication revision to regular sleeve. I have maintained weightloss due to strick calorie counting, but I live a unsatifying life of deprevation/hunger and live on veggies since a bigger stomach - although GPS worked for awhile. However most should know that my results probably aren't typical and GPS does work for other people. Does anyone know a doctor that would consider plication revision to regular vertical sleeve? I hope I don't have to gain all my weight back if I am self paying for revision surgery. If a stomach has stretched out or stitches have come undone, I really don't understand why it is a big deal to convert to regular sleeve since they would be cutting that part out anyway.

My fear of insurance denial is really just that ! fear- having some person that doesn't know me in an office somewhere- they could just be having a crappy day- be like nope- she isn't getting it - haha - I have been watching a lot of sleever videos - and overall they have been successful - and without regrets (except for maybe the initial shock) Yes- as this ball gets rolling I will be looking into finding a local support group- I live in a small town- so driving weekly to one in Indianapolis just isn't practical- My uncle and aunt have both had bypass surgery. As well as a cousin. I know it gave my uncles life back- he was rather large - and looking back at pictures of him it looked like he could explode any minute /- if that makes sense- my cousin is near my age, I don't know her stats but if I would have to guess I would say she topped 300 at the time , she is tiny now, had a baby, and tiny again. My best friend had the lapband- so that's why i know 10000% that I do not want the lapband. She didn't lose that great with it until it messed up on her/ so now has gastroparieses (and i know I slaughtered that spelling ) so now she has lost a lot but it has been because she throws up every day and becomes dehydrated because sometimes she can't keep liquid down- I'm sure I could benefit from therapy - I mean none of us are here because we have a healthy relationship with food. Luckily I don't suffer from depression or have to cope with a mental or an emotional illness. I am a homebody- hopefully they don't consider that an illness. I'm just not a social butterfly- and even after surgery I still see myself doing stuff solo- like walking - we have a trail in town that I would really like to go to- no reason to now, we also have a beautiful park that I would love to just go to and lose myself in it exploring for the day. Just thinking about being able to walk /stand on my feet without pain is surreal. See what I said about rambling -- especially if I'm excited - I can go on and on. Thanks for reading

I am scheduled for June 26th, 2008. I will be having the traditional surgery but with the special consideration for my gallbladder scar. The first consult made it clear that they couldn't do much about my bulge right above the belly button. I have an extra bit of fat on the opposite side from the scar due to the revision I had on the scar a few years ago. They took out some of the fat under and around the scar but it left a bulge of fat on the other side from the scar. I want it to be more symetrical by removing that bit of fat. They have decided to go ahead and incise above the belly button which was not in their original plan. In my second consult I made it clear that I want that fat gone or reduced somehow. So they will do the above the Belly button incision and then if needed will do liposuction later as is deemed necessary. I am 60 and so want this to make me look as good as possible for my remaining years. I didn't get the lapband just to look almost good. I don't expect to be gorgeous but at least look and feel as good as I can. Since I am paying for this I want it to be much improved.

I have been diabetic for twenty years. I was banded a year ago. I WAS taking 70 units of insulin 2 amaryl and two avandia plus high blood pressure meds and crestor. I now take two amaryl. Best thing I ever did. When I was in the hospital the man in the next room had gastric bypass and died. I had the lapband and went home and have since lost 65 pounds and gained my health back. Do not let them talk you out of this. 1 in 10,000 or more vs 1 in 200 with gastric bypass(major surgery). No higher than any minor surgery.

Hello my doc wants me to consider gastric bypass. I'm terrified to have surgery... and I don't want to have xtra skin hanging. Any advice?

@@joanne1122 It is short for Roux en Y gastric bypass. In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass , only a small part of the stomach is used to create a new stomach pouch, roughly the size of an egg. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum). It is designed so that you both have a smaller pouch for portion control but what you do eat is intentially malabsorbed. Initially I was afraid of the malabsorption factor but after speaking with my gastroenterologist, Bariatric surgeon and countless RNY patients I became very comfortable. The most critical thing for all Bariatric patients is that they get their Protein, take their Vitamins and drink their fluids. The second most critical thing is that you have your labs drawn to see if you are malabsorbing any critical nutritional elements. You have them drawn at 3,6,12 and 18 months post op and then every year after. So far I have only had one abnormality, my thiamin levels were low so they but me on B1 and now everything is good. By the way, every Bariatric surgery is required to take vitamins for life and have their blood work done consistently. It is important to keep you on track.

Just had a revision band to sleeve Jan 13. It was done in same surgery. It was my preference and also of my surgeon. It took 3 hours. 1.5 to remove band and 1.5 for sleeve. There was a lot of scare tissue around band, the most doc had seen but he got that bugger out. I am also 64 and was concerned. I had a few rough days but at 8 days out now I'm doing oK. Still a little sore and tired but getting around OK. Slept a lot the first 4 days and had a few other issues but so far, so good. Would be happy to answer your questions anytime. Best wishes on your process.

My band is coming out next Thursday and being revised to the gastric sleeve. The surgeon I am using (Dr. Schroder in Richmond, VA) says he sees a lot of lap band patients who are looking for a revision due to complications with the band. He does it in one surgery. In fact, I had pre-op today and he said it only adds an extra 10 minutes to the surgery to take the band out. He removes the band, cleans up the scar tissue, and performs the sleeve. Jennifer

Yes, my revision was done all in one surgery. My surgeon said it was the most common surgery she does. @@giugiu37 my insurance paid for the revision because when my band slipped I regained most of the weight I had lost, so I had to get it out either way and the weight gain showed that I would not be successful without restriction.

Hi good for you, I am 60 and have to have the band removed, but they will not do both here in Canada, I want both done I am thinking of going to Mexico, I do not want to have the band removed and gain weight I have to wait 18 months before they will look at doing the bypass, I am sick to my stomach as I want something done right away. I think you made the right decision and you will have a great journey, I wish I was in your position. You will be ok and do great Let me know how your journey goes. Thinking of you Pat

Cleo, I understand, it was really hard for me to decide to do the revision from band to sleeve. I am also a self-pay. I had to rob my 401K to pay for it. I thought about it for months and then researched it and followed all the blogs for a few more months. All the while trying to lose weight but only gaining more. I was miserable. It really came to the bottom-line that there was no way I could lose the weight myself and as I aged being obese was causing more health problems. I know my husband was ready to retire and we wouldn't be able to travel or do fun things, and he was concerned he'd have to take care of me for years to come. It is elective surgery but at my age, I really feel I had no choice but to do it. I was scared to do it but even more scared not to. But so far so good. No complications with the sleeve. A few rough days but at 4 weeks out, I'm glad I did it. There is no way I could do this myself. I'm committed to do this. I have to. I don't really have any words of encouragement but at our age I think we have some wisdom to know we only have one more chance to get this right and be healthy. We know the dangers of being obese and watching our joints fail. We are more aware of the lies we can tell ourselves about having just one bite of something sweet. I could still ride a bike at 260 lbs but it was getting harder and harder. I could see me in a wheel chair before I reached 70 along with hip and/or knee replacements and diabetes. The future was looking pretty grim. I'm glad I decided to get the revision to a sleeve. I know there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me. For the rest of my life I'll have to watch what I eat. I have to make serious life style changes. (just read the blogs of people with any WLS who gained back all the weight, it can happen) I have to do this or my final years on this planet will be miserable.

Has anyone had the revision done in Syracuse NY??

I just had revision surgery on 1/30, band to sleeve! I had it all in one surgery as well as a hiatal hernia repair! I was under for about 3 hours! All went well! When I asked my Dr why Drs sometimes do it in separate surgeries he had 2 answers, first of all it depends on the pt and comorbities, how long can someone tolerate anesthesia ? Since just having sleeve surgery you are under for about 1 1/2 hrs! The second answer was interesting he said if he did in 2 surgeries he would make more $$$ which is so true ! Also in addition the pt has to take 2 separate LOAs if working! So in the end I would look for a surgeon who did it all in one surgery! good luck

I had two separate operations 10 weeks apart; 1 to remove the band and to enable my oesophagus to go back into shape as the band had formed a pouch above it. 2nd to have the revision. Im in Australia and this was covered by my insurance as the band failed. Ive lost more weight now with the sleeve in 4 months than what i ever lost in 4 years with the band!! I love love love my sleeve and wish i had this option sooner! Best of luck to you with your journey ahead xox

I am not able to physically eat anymore when I am not hungry. For me that is a sign of good restriction. That is what I enjoy most about my band! I have learned to eat only when hungry. I do lots of things now that in the past I would eat. I exercise quite a bit, but that is a good obsession. I also write, read and play with my kids more. Trust me, it is hardly ever an issue and if it is I go get a fill and I am all better! :eek: One thing with the Bypass, if the stretch their pouch, they are just stuck and done. If we do, we get to start all over again! SO it is almost fool proof!