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Didn't know that, @Sai. I thought they'd just do the revision. I would probably gain half back in 6 months without any fill. SMDH. Thank you for the heads up. I hope you are doing better after the car accident. Thank you for you input. Big decision for me. Thank you, I'm leaning that way after all of your input.

I had the sleeve and then revised to RNY. I only had GERD woth the sleeve. I had rumbling noises with both surgeries but not loud enough for others to hear. And I have no GI issues with the RNY. No uncontrollable gas or poo

Hello - I have had my band for over 5 1/2 years. After about 18 mths my band slipped. I think it was from Throwing up. (not confirmed by My Dr) but I know my body and I was getting sick alot when I ate. But I was willing to go thru this to loose the weight. Bad idea. My Dr took some of the fluid out to see if the pouch would reduce/ the swelling to go down on its own. ( it didnt) One thing that can happen when the band slips is your pouch becomes enlarged, and in my case even part of the old stomach made its way up thru the band, thererfore creating a new pouch from my old stomach. So now I had 2 smal pouches, not a good thing, I was able to hold more food, explaining the reason I was not loosing any weight. So I had surgery to replace the band. Well, just a month ago same thing, but this time I have not been throwing up. However I noticed I was and could eat more then I normmaly use to which also explained some weight gain, I thought maybe I need a fill, I went to the Dr and Bam enlarged pouch, then 2 weeks later band slippage. My band now has to be removed for a 2nd time. Things to learn from my post: You must always remember your band is a "TOOL" never take it for granted. If something doesnt feel right it probably isnt. Check it out...Use common sense, most of the time your Dr. does want what is best for you, seek their advice or call the nurse, they are very knowledgable and have probably heard your worry from many others. Do not over-eat and you should not be throwing-up more then the occasional burp-up. Stay in a support group. Band slippage most of the time can be prevented, sometimes not. For me personally I think the first time might have been preventable, I use to beat myself up over it but now that I have had a 2nd slip, I am not so sure, I didnt throw up. Sometimes it just happens....I will be having a revision surgery this July..not another band, not becuase I do not have faith in the band - I do - it took me down 85 lbs, but My Dr says its time for something else. I will either have the Sleeve or the RYN...5 years ago the RYN was a dirty word to me, now I am prepared, it too is still a tool and I am sure it will get me to goal. Would I do it all over again, YOU BETCHA. Love your band!!

All I can say is ... the haters can kiss my (thanks to my band) cute, small(er..) bee-hind!! I find that kind of thing so ridiculous. All of these kinds of surgery seem to work really well when done by good surgeons and on people who work the tool they are given. I don't view one as better than another -- I think it's really a matter of personal situation and preference. That said, I'm hearing good things about the sleeve from a few former bandsters who had to revise to the sleeve due to complications. But, otherwise, I don't know too much about it. The band worked very well for me -- I'll be 4 years out in October, and I've been at or under goal for more than 2 years. Best, Catherine

I cheated on week 2 after my lapband 4 yrs ago. I ate a Burger King cheesburger. The fear of a staple line leak after my revision 6 mths ago was enuf to keep me on 4 weeks of full liquids and 4 weeks of soft. In fact, the nurse had to talk me into eating Jello the first week cuz I thought it was too solid. Plus my husband is the food Nazi and I know he woulda tattled on me to my dr... Good luck with ur surgery!

I start Week 2 on Wednesday, so I'm right behind you. I was revised from lap band surgery to the sleeve last Thursday so this is a little more extreme than I am accustomed to. But, I do hear that the starving mode does subside. The trigger that tells us we're starving was removed during the gastric sleeve. Starts with the letter G & I can't think of it. I believe any "cravings" we might have is more psychological more than anything. Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids (that should help), and be careful when you start week 2. Our stomach's are still healing & we have to introduce foods back in slowly, and as they tell us. Hang in there!

That makes 2 of us, if is something that will help and is available then why not do it. The clinic should've mentioned it instead of waiting for a slip revision and offering it then...thats if its even available here in AZ :/

Mine is June 22nd. Up until last week I was set on the sleeve but due to my EGD it may be changed to bypass. I have my pre-op Thursday and will make a decision then. Trying to avoid getting the sleeve and then having to have a revision due to acid reflux later. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/ Look at this website. It is THE PREMIER group on the planet Earth. These are THE BEST doctors: those who pioneered laproscopic placement of the band and helped develop the surgical techniques to prevent slippage and the band revisions, i.e. to the band itself, facilitating placement via laproscopy. There are surgeons, and then there are GIFTED surgeons and Dr. Rumbaut falls into this latter category. He is SO INTERESTED in every patient. And, when he told me and my husband he was able to stitch the stomach around the band in the BACK as well as the front he was EXCITED and proud of himself. Imagine an american surgeon coming to the hotel to meet you the night before surgery and then coming to the hospital at 8:30 on a Saturday night to say goodbye before he left!!!!! (he was picking up his son from the movies). He has four children... 12, 10, 7 & 5. He is SO personable. Other surgeons in Monterrey are jealous because he has two operating rooms available to him ALL day on Tues and Thursdays. His office is IN the San Jose medical center. You'll see.... When you are in his office be sure to look at the large picture of a red headed woman dancing with a man.... it is classic. Nancy

HI Everyone, :laugh: I am really really struggling...I am seriously having the fight the insurance co & my PCP blues. Pasted below is draft copy of a letter that I am working on to send to the insurance co. and maybe even the insurance consumer division. Although a really tight squeeze for now, I am working on Plan B. Dr. Alvarez in Mexico, 9750 for sleeve. Here struggling...having gained 18 pounds since September 15--all of my clothes are fitting way way way toooooo tightly! Bumming Here's my letter! I just dont know what to do.... Any insight is greatly appreciated! I am not sure if I should be outright saying I want to request an appeal or just asking for an update. Please review and give me your insight. Thanks! Group/ID Number: XOH842901948/H06800 Primary Care Physician: Dr. Derek Kelly Diagnosis: 278.01 Morbid Obesity Procedure: 99241 Office Consultation Referred For: Office Consultation Requested: 12/9/08 Denied: 12/9/08 Services Requested: Consult with Dr. Vitello for a Sleeve Gastrectomy Referral Authorization No. 23,562'Denied (Referral Denied'This is a request for an out of network non-contracted provider with Managed Health Care Associates Managed Health Care Associates 2740 W. Foster Avenue, Suite 411 Chicago, Il 60625 FAX: 773-271-0264 Illinois Department of Insurance Consumer Division 100 W. Randolph Street Suite 15-100 Chicago, IL 60601 Greetings I a writing to formally request an updated status of the referral decision rendered in December 2008. First of all, the services requested are inaccurate. Since October 2007, Dr. Derek Kelly has provided referral authorizations for me to see Dr. Vitello regarding lapband adjustment. From October 2007 until September 2008, I visited Dr. Vitello for lapband adjustments and presented with complications of my adjustments on a monthly basis. Resultingly, September 2008, I had to have emergency surgery to remove my lapband due to slippage. I followed up with post-operative care with Dr. Vitello, who then consulted with me regarding revisional bariatric surgery. In the interim, I informed Maria, of Dr. Kelly's office and contacted the BCBS of IL to be advised of my benefits coverage and protocol for seeking revisional surgery. At that time, I was advised of the criteria for coverage, which I meet now and did so at the time of request, and advised Maria of the same. She advised me to have Dr. Vitello submit the referral authorization and that she would handle the request, as she had handed the processing of all of my prior referral authorizations to Dr. Vitello. Upon mutual interest, Dr. Vitello petitioned for referral authorization for revisional bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. My last follow up appointment with Dr. Vitello was October 31 and the referral authorization was submitted twice by Dr. Vitello's staff (University of Illinois at Chicago) before warranting a response by the Managed Care Group. This petition submitted in full disclosure, my operative and post-operative reports and medical necessity substantiating the need for the procedure. According to my insurance terms, bariatric surgery is a covered benefit as long as it is deemed medically necessary; this is furthered for revisional bariatric surgery with indication that as long as the first bariatric surgery was medically necessary, there is no waiting period for clearance for the authorization of a revisional surgery. Additionally, according to my policy's terms and conditions, I have been advised of the following: Repeat of a covered bariatric surgery may be eligible for coverage only when ALL of the following criteria are met: For the original procedure, patient met all of the screening criteria, including BMI requirements The patient has been compliant with a prescribed nutritional and exercise program following the original surgery Significant complications or technical failure (i.e., slippage, etc.) of the bariatric surgery has occurred that required take down or revision of the original procedure that could only be addressed surgically Patient is requesting reinstitution of an acceptable bariatric surgical modality. Dr. Vitello submitted his referral authorization to Dr. Derek Kelly indicating my request to reinstitute an acceptable bariatric surgical modality, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. On December 9, I received paperwork advising of a decision of denial for a consultation. It indicated the denial was based on the fact that the services are available in-network and the request was from a non-contracted provider. The basis of this claim request for out-of-network coverage is due to this surgical procedure being revisional bariatric surgery, which is an acceptable bariatric surgical modality. Secondly, the letter advised of an alternative for the non-approved service, to contact Dr. Kelly for a referral to an in-network specialist. On December 15, 2008, I met with Dr. Kelly in follow-up to the denial. Dr. Kelly advised that he needed to submit supplemental supportive documentation along with the referral for processing to secure an affirmative decision. Dr. Kelly then proceeded to review my operative report records from the surgery and reviewed my other health records in my medical file and interviewed me regarding my health status. Dr. Kelly indicated this procedure should take approximately 30 days maximum and to anticipate an affirmative response to proceed with revisional bariatric surgery and that I had his medical support in substantiating the medical need. I have been waiting since December 15, 2008 and to date am more frustrated now than ever. For the past 2.5 months, I have meticulously called Dr. Kelly's office regarding a status update. Maria, the administrative assistant, has provided several updates. The updates have included the fact that the previous medical director retired and was replaced and the new director was then on vacation, to the medical director making request for additional paperwork (which was submitted), to the medical director needing to meet with Dr. Kelly regarding the details of the approval process for this type of referral authorization, to the medical director and Dr. Kelly being unable to meet to further discuss the nature of my referral, to Brenda communicating that there was never a properly submitted referral from Dr. Kelley to the Managed Care group which resulted in the initial denial decision. In my first direct contact with Brenda Blazek, the Referral Coordinator who signed the referral denial letter, she claimed to know nothing regarding my case and further indicated that there was no documentation in my file. When I followed up with Maria with Dr. Kelley's office, she advised that Brenda did not find any information in my file because all of the information was being held by the medical director. Whatever the real case is, this is neither professional nor acceptable in accordance to my patient's rights under section 502(a) of ERISA. Just yesterday, I called and spoke with Maria five times to get an updated status, to exhaustedly be declined, yet promised an update by the end of the work day. I have not spoken with Maria, nor have I missed an update call from Maria. This has been my experience for the last 2.5 months. Below is an excerpt of the fax sent to Dr. Kelly, which was confirmed as received by Maria on February 5, 2009. Maria, I would like to reiterate that on 12/9 the referral authorization stated that the procedure, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a covered benefit in-network; however my request was to have the procedure done by an out of network provider. Additionally, this was confirmed by Tammy on yesterday at 12:50 with Blue Cross Blue Shield that this is a covered medical benefit as long as it is deemed medically necessary. My appointment with Dr. Kelly in December was to have provided me with a specialist referral to have the procedure done or we could have executed an appeal. I think Dr. Kelly submitted an appeal for coverage of the procedure; however, I am requesting to have this surgical procedure done by Dr. Vitello or be advised of the in-network provider who can perform this surgical procedure. Even in accordance to the appeals process, the timeline has been elongated to address issue of medically necessity when that is not the matter'the issue is approval for out-of network coverage or referral to an in-network specialist. I hope this clarifies the situation more. I will call you tomorrow to see if you have an updated response. Additionally, I was contacted by the non-contracted provider's office as a follow-up to the request in January and February. Last week, I advised them of the insurance referral hassle that I have been experiencing and they formally resubmitted their request, directly to Dr. Kelly (attention Maria), to the medical director of the Managed Care Group and to Brenda Blazek. To date, no response has been received; however, they have confirmed receipt of such documentation. Resultingly, I am assuming that since the only official documentation I have received to date is the referral denial, then I am evoking my patient right to request an appeal, specifically an expedited appeal process. However, I am highly dismayed because Dr. Kelly advised that there would be no need to execute an appeal. I would like to seek clarity first on the status and if this is in order, I would like to request an activation of the appeals process and under separate cover I will or will have my attorney to handle the appeals process. Before escalating to that level, I am very much interest in seeking resolve immediately. If and when I need to activate an appeal, I am requesting an expedited appeal process because my health at this point is continually declining and it is therefore imminent and serves my best interest to not further jeopardize my quality of life by waiting for a decision. Since December, the following symptoms I have presented: my breathing has become labored and therefore results in extreme shortness of breath my severe obstructive sleep apnea condition has worsened (hypopnea with severe oxygen desaturation) my acid reflux has returned my amenorrhea has returned and I have again began experiencing tumultuous joint, knee and lower back pains __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

I've actually been working on something like this with my own recipes.. but if you need help on actually making the book let me know (katie@griffonco.com) Maybe I can just convert my personal work in progress to the LBT book since its already started hehe im also including a lot of info related to eating and the band since i was plannign to give this to a couple girls in my support meetings. But basically will have stages, broken up to what stage your on from pre-surgery to years post op. I have made several cookbooks for family / friends that I've printed and bound with table of contents, pictures etc. I can even help with pricing. Laminating is VERY expensive, so i stopped doing that awhile ago... plus several of the books we did revisions about every year or so adding new recipes etc so they just got a new copy! My dad used to be a head chef and he had me make a book that was about 250 pages catagorized etc. anyways if you need help let me know.. i have all the software needed to make any type of professional looking designs (I'm a professional graphic designer btw) and if we set it up right we could very well make it a website out of it.. (professional web designer too) I actually also have a ton of ideas I've got a binding machine and can generally get the materials fairly cheap. Depending on the size of the book prices vary but the large book that i did for my dad came out about 20 bucks each (including ink, full of pictures, front back covers and the binding) but we didnt make very many of them (just for family) so obviously the more you do , the cheaper it will be. im also able to work out deals with print shops to get cheaper stuff like copies and cutting etc Anyways.. lemme know if you need help perhaps we could set something up to where we sell the books at cost, or perhaps slightly over and we give away prizes from the proceeds with contests nstuff (did i mention i know alot about marketing?) haha so yea email me if your looking for some help

I have wondered about the "limit" thing. I have a friend that currently has lapband. She was trying for revision through her new insurance. She found out that they have a "1 per lifetime" limit on bariatric surgery even though THEY didn't have anything to do with the original surgery. It would seem to me that it would be cheaper on the insurance company to go ahead and cover the surgery rather than paying for the multitude of specialists that she would have to see to deal with the affects of obesity on her body. As for recovery, it is VERY similar to getting the band. I am on lifting restrictions for 4 weeks. I work at a pretty physical job so I am actually off work on short term disability for the entire time. I have heard of people going back to work soon after surgery (like less than a week). The hardest part, to me, is getting my fluids in. It is very easy to get dehydrated post op. I struggle to get in 5 cups of Water a day. I working on it, but it can be tough. I'm in contact with a few revisioners. They still VERY happy with their decision to revise. They inspire me daily. I will admit that it was their sucess that made me finally talk to my doctor about revising.

Well I just got a call from the office. My insurance now wants me to complete 3 more months of diet management sessions. Argh! So disheartened. They stated that because I want one surgery (lap band removal revised to bypass) that I need more documentation. However, if I wanted 2 surgeries that would be approved. How does that make any sense? Dr korn has approved me for the two-in-one surgery. I was hoping to get this done this year since I've already met my deductible. But mainly, I just want to feel better. I have an allergic reaction after surgeries now (since pregnancy) and really just want one surgery. Sigh. I guess I just need to keep truckin since this is all out of my hands. Just really frustrating news.

I 2nd @GreenTealael 's sentiment. It's either really bad scheduling or he's got so many "flukes" there is no way around scheduling them all together. I would definitely consult a 2nd surgeon, maybe even a 3rd. Sorry I can't give you any input on the revision but the bigger concern is this surgeons response to your question about the complainers. Best of luck to you!! Sorry @GreenTealael I wound up getting my curser stuck in the box of your name and can't type anything after it when that happens. So you get 3 shouts.@GreenTealael

I remember taking a PFT back in 2001 before my original surgery. My surgeon at the time said it was to make sure I could handle the anesthesia without being intubated because intubation makes things more complicated. The revision I just had didn't require much pre-op tests just the barium swallow, endoscopy, CBC work up & an EKG. Best of luck on your journey it's so worth it and it works if you work it Sent from my iPhone using BariatricPal

I never heard of this before, so googled it. They fold the stomach into a smaller shape, similar to a sleeve, but don't cut the stomach. Is this being done in the US? The website says the procedure is in the "investigative" stage. The website said it was a lapband revision surgery. http://obesitycontrolcenter.com/surgery-options/gastric-plication/ Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

You and I talked at length so hopefully my advice helped. Sleeve to RNY revision. That first doc did my revision and had been doing bypasses for 20 years, so is well respected in the industry. Now bedside manner is another thing... I’m 5 weeks out, and aside from sorting insurance out, no regrets :))

June 11, 2013 HI!! Down 105 lbs. (thought 100 lost was my goal, but I revised) Feeling great! How about you??

Actually, you can revise a sleeve to bypass. They take the remaining portion of stomach and treat it as if there was no sleeve, and turn that into a pouch, and create an anastomosis to the intestine. I would imagine this might work if the leak is in the portion of stomach this sewn up and bypassed, but the surgeon can answer that question. The sleeve was originially intended to be the first surgery before a duodenal switch, not the first step of gastric bypass. They are two different procedures. To the OP, so sorry to hear this! I have heard one other person on the boards report a leak a year out, so I know it can happen. Wishing your husband a speedy recovery.

Failed Bandster here! Lol, I am getting a band to sleeve revision done in April. My port flipped and while the dr was digging around trying to find my port, he punctured my port tube. So I have no fill, no restriction. I decided to have this awful thing removed instead of having it replaced. I am excited to not have to deal with any more sliming, vomiting, or running to the bathroom to throw up in the middle of a business dinner. I lost 80lbs, got pregnant and regained 25 lbs. I know I will get crucified for this post but hellfire it's MY experience, so why can't I post it?

To the OP: I would get off this forum and go to the forum of the WLS you are revising to. They are much more supportive of revisioners. I am a member of verticalsleevetalk.com and they are super supportive of the decision to revision. I was SOOO surprised to see that about 50% of the people on there have had the band in the past!!!! The band was a great fad for a while, but I think that since some long term results are starting to come out that aren't singing Lap-Band praises, that you will see less people being banded. I bet the band goes the way of the VCR and 8-track tapes in the next decade! LMAO

Indeed! I have been in the middle of just that over the past 2 months. I have been struggling with the "last meal" syndrome since I started the process of having band to sleeve revision. Fortunately, my pre op diet starts on Monday and I'm going to do my very best to really use those 2 weeks to regain control again.

I got the last two, Jgandg and msgoat. I'll have you revised on the next post.

There are indeed some people that get a leak weeks after surgery, and sometimes there is no easy way to tell why this happens. People who have band to sleeve revisions seem to have issues - perhaps because of tissue erosion from the band that changes the density of the stomach tissue and it has to heal properly. Others no doubt overwhelm the sleeve by eating too much or having carbonated beverages that expand the stomach before it's properly healed. The stages of eating are there for a reason...it makes sense to go err on the side of caution and go easy.

I was also initially interested in the lap band. I was hoping to get it done here in Canada, but I would've had to fly halfway across the country and pay like 20 grand - and then find my own doc or nurse here to manage my fills. It was quite a turn-off for me. I called Dr. Aceves about the lap band, and his coordinator told me about the sleeve and said they weren't having a very good success rate with the band and the sleeve was a much better option. I mulled over it for a few days and decided it was the right choice for me. I'm very glad I had the sleeve! There were so many people having band-to-sleeve revisions in the hospital when I was there!