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There is a group for lightweights on facebook. I think the surgery you choose depends on you. I agree with what postop said. I had the sleeve, now I'm going through the process of revision. I need the malabsorption. Some people do great with all surgeries, it's about the regain, or the info years out of how much people keep it off after a certain period of time. Also know the surgeon can tailor your common channel limb to match your age, and weight needed to lose with the DS. I have seen people as light and even lighter than you get the DS. It boils down to what you are willing to do. If you can commit to the Vitamins I think it's a great option. If you don't think you need malabsorption then go for the sleeve. You can't always go with how much other people lose because with all surgeries you can be the high average of losing well, and the lower average of losing, and I was at the bottom. GL, research research research.

Trying really hard to ignore the f*&^ing scale and just stay on track! Just got back from the gym and walked faster and varied the incline more than previous workouts. If you were at the gym, I was the fat angry girl on one of the middle treadmills. I'm not seeing the scale go down and I'm constipated - yeah, stay out of my way. Anywho, I'm at 33 miles to my (revised) goal of 54 miles. Gave a great day everyone!

I recently looked into this and am at the stage of deciding which surgery I want: Re-Sleeve or Bypass. I'll preface the following by stating you can research many articles on "pubmed.com" to read published papers by physicians. There is a re-sleeve procedure and it's either done by plication or utilizing Overstitch; key difference is that part of your stomach is NOT cut and removed, as is done in the initial sleeve. The stomach is made smaller by suturing to make it smaller. In my case, revision, even if it is to a re-sleeve, would be covered by my insurance. Re-sleeves can be done endoscopically (through the throat, no incisions on the abdomen); this is the approach I am being offered. Bypass would require abdominal incisions as it is performed laparoscopically. Bypass would yield a greater overall weight loss, initially. There's a study that indicated the long term weight loss between those re-sleeved vs. conversion to bypass levels out and is similar. Articles: Re-sleeve Gastrectomy - An Efficient Revisional Bariatric Procedure - 3 Years Results Re-Sleeve Gastrectomy for Failed Primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Short-term outcomes of revisional surgery after sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative analysis of re-sleeve, Roux en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch (Roux en-Y and single-anastomosis) Laparoscopic re-sleeve gastrectomy as a treatment of weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy Weight Regain After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Look at the Benefits of Re-sleeve Reverse: Laparoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy: A ray of hope for failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass As to which procedure has higher risk, in general, risk increases with every subsequent surgery. In this case, it would depend on the approach your physician would take to re-sleeve; endoscopic or laparoscopic. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-matched study If both options would be performed laparoscopically, then it would be a matter of you deciding which procedure you feel the most comfortable with to achieve the long-term results you are looking for. Endoscopic surgery is performed using a scope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip, allowing the surgeon to see inside and perform procedures without making major incisions, allowing for easier recovery time and less pain and discomfort. Laparoscopic is performed by making several small incisions in the abdomen, which increases risk when compared to the SAME PROCEDURE performed endoscopically (no incisions). The approach with the highest risk is open. Bigger incision. Bigger incision, bigger risk. One type of surgery that has taken off in the last few years is minimally invasive spine surgery. Many spine surgeries can be done laparoscopically versus open -- even fusions. The difference? Patients that have it done laparoscopically can have it done in an ASC (ambulatory surgical center), meaning they leave the same day, no hospital stay or large incisions in the back. And...always remember, whichever surgery you have, it's a TOOL, not a magic pill (those don't exist either). Hope this helps!

I've still got some good quality jeans, sweaters, etc., from when I successfully lost 90 pounds with the lap-band, but I have to admit that I intentionally bought some smaller shirts yesterday, even though I can't fit into them yet (my revision to RNY is on August 24th). My justification is that I live in Miami, and it's always short-sleeve weather, but the stores don't realize that. They're going to start bringing in longer-sleeve shirts soon, so I needed to go ahead and get some shirts that I'll be able to wear later without dying of heat stroke. So, since they were on sale, I went ahead and picked up a few. Not many, since I still have some old stuff to pick through, but a few in each of the next couple of sizes down.

This is a very touchy subject for many, and has been hashed over many times. It really boils down to several things. How your home life or social life is, and how sensitive you can be. I never considered myself to be the sensitive type of girl. I've always been tough, matter of fact kind of person... and have been able to withstand being bullied and ridiculed by certain adults as a child. This still holds true today - and it always will. I'm more of the type that if you try to P*** on my parade, I'll just smile and wish you a fine day. But, when I had the Lap-Band installed it was just a horse of a different color all together. I lost quickly in the beginning, and I told EVERYONE I had WLS. Well about 6-7 months in after losing nearly 60 Lbs post op, I started to gain all the weight back. I lost that 60 Lbs on willpower alone. Finally after trying so hard with no help whatsoever from my band I think I just gave up. I would try and try again to start losing again, but I think once I got to the point where I was already mentally jacked and upset, it just never happened. I'd gain 10, lose 8 then gain 15 back. This went on for several years!!! Then I could see all the eyes on me, questions... like "are you still trying to lose weight"??? Ha!!! This became a huge problem for me. It made me feel worse! It had nothing to do with the other person, it was all me. My confidence was pretty much non-existent. Gone!! So, when I finally decided to revise to a sleeve I pretty much just told everyone I'm having my band removed and left it at that. I tell everyone I'm on the Atkins diet - which is very true. I've always been active, and go for my daily walks during lunch. No one is thinking the wiser. If they suspect anything more than that, I haven't noticed. Everyone just tells me they notice my weight loss big time, I look great and to keep it up. They are genuinely happy for me. I simply don't think for one second I'll start gaining my weight back. My sleeve is doing EVERYTHING for me that my band was SUPPOSED to do. I'm doing great, and my confidence is sky high. I'm absolutely NOT doing this all on my own like I did with my band. I'm getting tremendous help from my tool. So that is NOT the reason I've decided not to tell most folks this time. I just want to do this for ME this time. I want to do this without feeling like I'm on display. I felt more judged with everyone knowing about my WLS than this time around without it (per the person who doesn't know I have a sleeve). I have told only my very closest friends or co-workers whom I know won't divulge my personal information - and of course most of my family. I will eventually tell all of them. I have a great family and all are always supportive and loving. However, whether or not I'll tell any joe schmoe who doesn't know me from Adam? I'll ponder that as time goes on. Frankly, it's none of their business.

So when I had my revision, it was for complications. I was told to expect no more than 45-60 additional pounds of weight loss, because you only lose about 50% of your excess weight with a revision. Well, if you look at my signature, you can see I've lost more than that lol It wasn't easy, and the weight comes off slower and can be a bit harder to lose, but it's possible if you do the work.

My sleeve is scheduled for Thursday, the 4th. Very excited about that. I do have a question for those who have undergone the procedure. Is anyone on here a long term sleever? Meaning, if you've been sleeved for more than a few years. I'd love to hear how life has been treating you, and also give an insightful eye to those of use coming through the procedure. Some stuff I'd love to hear about are: health issues since having surgery (short or long term complications) diet and lifestyle revision surgeries (if needed) fitness routines impact on behavior/mood Anything would be really appreciated. Even if something isn't listed but you would like to provide some information, I really hope anyone here wouldn't mind sharing. Thanks again and very happy to be joining the sleeve club!

Yes I would like a refund for my lapband now that it is no longer working, the money would be useful to help pay for my revision

My insurance will not cover revisions. I don't consider this a revision, I have been 7 months since my band was removed. I have had my PCP refer me..now we shall see. Hopeful at best

I will be having surgery here bc insurance will cover most of it. I will be going to MX for skin removal as it won't be covered. MX can be great option! My surgeon spoke about doing revisions bc the previous surgeon didn't remove enough so I would definately ask that question to whoever you go to. Good luck with your journey!

Why not just revise in 1 surgery? There are **PLENTY** of folks that have Band to Sleeve or Band to Bypass revision done in the same day, curious why your doc wants to do it in 2 steps rather than 1 like most cases. Something to be aware of, the sleeve has the potential side effect (actually effects most people) where acid reflux is increased. My doctor refuses to do Band to Sleeve revisions because the sleeve staple line runs right through the scar tissue the band has created, and this causes a potential weak spot on a high pressure incision. There are plenty of folks that have gone from Band to Sleeve, I agreed with my surgeons logic and reasoning and went for the Bypass. Best decision I ever made getting that band out... I didn't have any major issues, but my band was 100% encapsulated in scar tissue and took my surgical team more than 3 times longer to remove than it should have. No idea what would have happened if I didn't have it removed! But, even though it was a very tedious removal, I was revised to the bypass in the same exact surgery.

I have posted in another thread in the ESG subforum a link to an article for regarding successful ESG revision to sleeve, but there seems to be some talk about surgeons not wanting to do sleeves due to the suture anchors and they seem to prefer doing bypass revisions for ESG. On an ESG facebook group I belong to, there is a surgeon who posts occasionally and it was something he mentioned when someone asked the question. I will see if I can find it.

Had my consult with the bariatric surgeon. He said that sleeve or bypass are both possible after esg. Sleeve would depend on the anatomy of the stomach and could only be done if the stomach had dilated or stretched a lot since esg. He did also add that if the esg did not work for me then a sleeve may also not be as effective. The only way to see what would be best is to do a gastroscope and decide after this. He did say that as this is considered revision surgery, a leak from a sleeve or bypass would be higher risk and that his preference is most likely a bypass but would wait until after a scope to further discuss this with me and decide. As for now, I have lost 15kg in 2019. Hoping not to need surgery but glad to have a plan to move forward if I do. Mel xx

I can't. Tell since my port revision surgery yet. When my port flipped it was sticking out sideways and looked like a hernia. So I had to have a revision and I think it's above my belly button. Not sure though.

It sure sounds like your body is trying to get rid of your port, and if it also goes to work on your band, your complications will get even worse. Like Carolinagirl, my life is more important than my weight loss surgery, and I'd go to the emergency room and call my bariatric surgeon immediately. Please don't think that your only choices are to live skinny with open abdominal wounds or live fat without your port and/or band. Once the port complications are dealt with, you may be able to revise to a different bariatric surgery procedure that doesn't involve implants. Good luck! Jean

Since having the revision i crave extremely spicy food! But, and its a big BUT i soon developed GERD once i was onto normal foods and i cannot touch spicy stuff in any way .. Im a little sad about it but i can live with it as it is *shrug*

Just wondering: Dr. Simpson says he will not do surgery on someone over the age of 60. What if we need a revision or something after we are 60. I am not too far from that age. What does he do? Doesn't he have to follow up with his patients? Just wondering.

100 pounds in about 3 months?? That sounds more typical of bypass...or even the sleeve. In answer to your question....*YOU* decide. Don't leave that up to your doctor. Some doctors will try to tell you that you need to weigh what the insurance charts say and, even though they've revised them, their weights are still unrealistic and don't take into account muscle mass or other things that are unique to each individual. I plan on going on maintenance when I get to the point where I'm happy...which may still be higher than a doctor would like. We'll see. I'm just hoping that I won't do the reverse and keep trying to lose beyond where I look healthy. Not a big fear of mine at this point. .

I had my band out 8/27 and since then everyday is a constant struggle. I don't go in for a recheck to discuss the next surgery until the end of November. I am trying, struggling, succeeding, failing then repeating it all over on a weekly basis. I workout out but I am so tired of this battle with my weight, with my health. My guess is I won't be able to revise to the bypass till early 2013. That is 3-5 months of dealing with this and I am unsure of how I can. I have never lost this much weight and then had to battle with not gaining it all back. If I could loose 20lbs and maintain I would be fine. If I could maintain without fear that everything I eat will end up on my midsection I'd be okay. I am hating food, hunger and the depression that goes with it. Someone say it will be okay.

It's totally normal to be scared and worried! I totally was when I had my revision on December 10--and I'm 63 years old, so I was afraid that would complicate things as well. Thankfully, everything went well--a little damage to my stomach from the band so my pouch is a bit larger than the surgeon wanted it to be, but, other than that, everything went well. I'm six weeks out and still figuring our how to eat correctly and how to get in 60 grams of Protein and 64 oz. of Water every day. Believe me, it's a huge challenge. It definitely is a learning process! Good luck to you. If you are like me, after the surgery you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

Hi Paxie, Some surgeons only offer and promote what they can preform. It does not mean they are not excellent but they have a vested interest in keeping you as a patient Money. Please do your research first. dsfacts.com is a great site. There are 2 surgeons in Mexico on that list neither of which offer discounts. Some times you get what you pay for. I am not implying anything negative just check out all your options. It's your life. Get all of the information you can. With that said. I revised from RNY to DS Dec. 2012. I was considered a light weight (which seems unreal) at 240 and 5'6" and 39 BMI. I now have a BMI that fluctuates between 19 - 20 DS is a very complicated surgery. After care is a life long commitment to supplements and eating high Protein and fat. Not doing so is not an option. But it is a very effective WLS. I am happy with my choice. Make your carefully. Best, Whit

There's no way to know. The odds of needing a revision whether it be complications, reflux, etc. is fairly low, but it still does happen. Can't avoid the risks. Just do what you can to mitigate any complications that could be caused by yourself. I have moderate reflux (GERD) and am going with 3 surgeons' advice to get the VSG done, with a revision option a year down the road (I believe it would be more like 2 or 3 but we'll see) to RNY. I too worry about getting worse reflux and the staging of esophageal damage but generally people can also take PPI's to help mitigate this by default.

@Bri_Guy Thank you so much! I am very happy! Good luck to you in your surgery! @Jen727BF Thanks! @ckfaith Thank you!! @Pea523 Thank you! Insurance has approved it! The revision extra skin surgery I might need when I get to goal will not be covered though. @Pazza Aww! Thank you so much! @melskee55 Thank you so much!! @beege Thank you! I can't wait to get to goal! @Sweet as peaches Aww! I'm glad I could share my story with you! It is so hard to be so big! I wish you the best of luck in your journey! For reference I am 5'10!

Did your insurance have an option to appeal?!?? I would appeal right away! I feel like a Hiatal Hernia is a reason for a revision. Praying everything goes smooth and this storm will pass! You got this!!

I had the revision in August for gerd, and I still have the exact sentiments of wishing I just got the bypass in the first place. I think of that often. I was scared to do something "drastic"so I went for the sleeve. Had I known that it doesn't feel any different physically compared to the sleeve, and appetite is far more suppressed for me now... It would've saved me years of pain and sleepless nights from gerd. Most sleevers don't have the gerd side effect but unfortunately some of us are unlucky. Wishing you success. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app