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Hi everyone! First of all, thanks everyone for the words of support. I needed it! I promise not to stay away again. Sadly, today was a complete and utter trainwreck. He poked me so many times I lost track, so we finally headed down to fluroscopy. After poking me many, many more times he came to the conclusion that my port is flipped. So..... time for port revision surgery!! Really, if it didn't involve needles and pain it would almost be funny. I'm scheduled for July 17th. It's just a local so it shouldn't be too big of a deal. He said he'd give me a fill while he's in there, so that's a small plus. After the initial surprise I'm feeling positive. My sister is here to stay with me for a few days and we're going to work out and watch our food. I'm not going to allow myself to gain one more pound dammit! I'll catch up on the posts and do personals later. Love you guys!

I'm almost 5 years out from revision of Rny to ds.. anything high in fat or sugar gets me. I've been at goal a few years but I bounce around 5/7 lbs. when I hit that high side I usually eat buttered popcorn or a few cookies. Gets things moving for me. You are still recovering though.. dr advice might be wise.

I did self pay to get rid of my band and revise to rny. Best thing I ever did. Can't believe I lived like i did for as long as I did.

I was banded 2yrs ago and down 50lbs.... Actually am having a revision and getting gastric bypass to lose the weight! Seeing my doctor next thurs to start the process yay I'm very excited. The band hasn't worked for me no restriction and am gained my weight back slowly.... Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

Hi all... I just wanted to give some hope to someone out there. I've been in similar situations for over a year now. Had my band placed 3/07. Lost 45lbs... And Stopped losing... I tried eating healthy, leafy greens, lean Protein, lots of Water, but every time I pb'd I'd run for the Ben and Jerry's, or anything else that would slide down so that I could have a "meal". Yeah, I was hungry, but I probably could have done without another meal... So, I went to the doc to consider revision to bypass, and she requires 6 months with a nutritionist. So I've been seeing the nutritionist for 2 months, without a budge of the scale. I finally had to come clean with myself. Cut the crap out. No more Ben and Jerrys. I've read every single weight loss book on the market over the past 2 months. Digested all the info. None of the diets included ice cream. But I also didn't want to live a life of fat free, no sugar, no coffee, restrictions, and rules. Life happens. If I eat a donut, I don't want to care about it. Its the dozen I fear after a meltdown. So I basically wanted to revise my diet, not completely revamp. I went out and bought weight watchers ice creams, sugar free popsicles, and a protein shake from Arbonne that's super thick. I drink the shake for Breakfast. Snack is fruit or a light n' fit yogurt. lunch is 6" subway sandwich (of which I can only eat half) and Lay's Light potato chips (75 calories a serving). If I get the hungries around 3-4 pm, I eat fruit or another yogurt, or no sugar pudding. dinner is anything. A slice of pizza, chicken and veggies, big salad with protein, beef tenderloin, anything. After 2 hours I drink 3 glasses of water, or a couple cups of tea. If I still want anything after that, its weight watchers, sugar free, or lo-cal... To me, it wasn't a life altering diet, with 200 calories of this, or 5 points of that, net carbs, and such. I was just sick of the same old routine. Step on the scale, same number. Every day. Maybe I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it without revision to bypass. Maybe I gave up on food. Maybe just the evil food. Of course I guess you could say that I wasn't using my band for what it was intended... (by the way, I hate when people say that. use your band as a tool. I know, I know. Just stop lecturing already). So, with revised diet in place, in 1 week I dropped 6lbs. How does that happen? I guess when you stop eating a pint of Ben and Jerrys for dinner every night, you can drop a few pounds. I haven't even started seriously excersizing. All I do is ride my bike 2 times a week for about an hour. I don't want to preach to anyone. But I gave up. And I'm trying again. Maybe this won't continue to work for me. Maybe I will still revise to bypass. Who knows. But it'd be great to lose another 20 pounds before the bypass, if thats what I decide...

Best wishes Joy. Sadly, complications can happen with any surgery. The risks of complications from other surgical related issues is actually higher than the 1% risk for leaks if you have an experienced, and trusted surgeon. My complications were directly related to my band destroying my stomach tissue, and as a revision, my risks quadrupled. The main complications were related to anesthesia complications, and had nothing to do with the sleeve. I knew it going in. I have a 12 yr old son, and a husband, but I don't think I put myself before them by choosing to revise. I understand your concerns, and I know you will be successful. The current stats for the plication are promising, and hopefully we won't see revisions in the future. Best wishes, and know that you have do what is best for you and your family. I did, and have zero regrets. I won't deny it was stressful, and exhausting, but I don't regret my decision, and do not feel "guilty" for proceeding with my revision.

I just got out of the ER...no slippage or erosion.Will I still get a revision by NJ Horizon Health

I was banded in 2005 and suffered many of the same issues. My revision will be in two steps. My band was removed about 3 weeks ago, my gastric bypass is scheduled for Feb 27. The band removal went very well. My post surgery pain was primarily in my shoulder from the CO2 used in laparoscopic surgery. All was manageable with Tylenol. All the best on your journey.

For those that have had revisions from Lap Band to Gastric By-Pass, did your weight loss happen as you expected? What difficulties and advise would you share? My band was removed Dec 10, and the gastric by-pass is scheduled Feb 27. With my band I had already significantly reduced my portions, and eliminated many foods, like pasta, etc. I have been told that the life style changes required may easier due to my 14 years with a band. However, the weight loss may take longer.

Hi all! I am glad I found this post. I was banded in April 2008 and did well for a very long time. I lost 160# and kept off about 140 of it over the last 11 years. But now, there are problems. I have been having intense chest pain, reflux, and lots of puking. I put off seeing my doc because I was fearful she would say the band would need to be removed. I finally met with the doc and she first unfilled the band, then scheduled an upper GI. Had that, and the tech noted that the barium was staying in my esophagus and the sphincter was not opening. Then, when it finally opened, that is when I had the chest pain. I followed back up with the doc and she said that I had a "lazy esophagus" that had been worn out from almost 12 years of banding and puking. She ordered and endoscopy, which I had last week. I have my follow up next week to talk about next steps. Since having the band unfilled, the reflux has gone and the chest pain happens much less frequently. However, I can eat anything now with no restriction.....and that has been a challenge. The doc said, before the endoscopy, that if the band has to be removed, she would not recommend a sleeve on top of a lazy esophagus...and the bypass would be my best option if I wanted a revision. It doesn't sound like refilling the band is going to be an option. So, I think I will have to decide to have bypass or have the band removed and try to live a "normal" life. I am having a lot of mixed emotions and nerves. Really, I won't know anything for sure until the follow up appointment next week....but I am preparing mentally for it. Curious if anyone else had similar symptoms/issues and had a revision to bypass? Or, and advice? Appreciate it!!

So... today, my daughter and I made that TikTok chicken crust pizza at home. It was really good! I'm 1 month and 4 days out of my revision from sleeve to bypass, and I'm on regular food now. It is high in calories, but I'm sure if you choose healthier options for the ingredients, you could make it even better! I used what I already had at home because I wasn't even sure it was going to work. But there are some modifications I plan to make for when I make this again. For example, I would use reduced fat or fat-free cheeses. Those seem to be the ingredients with the highest calories. Also, I would use fresh chicken, cook it and shred it. But for this recipe, I used canned chicken breast. I'm including a pic of the pizza and a pic of the nutrition information per slice. I doubled the recipe because I was going to share it with my daughter, then I combined all the nutrition information for the whole pizza and divided by 8 slices. Take into account that a regular slice of pepperoni pizza is 313 calories, 13g protein, and 35 carbs. This one is 197 calories, 22g protein (because the crust is made of chicken, Parmesan, and egg), and 3g carbs. for the ~10" crust: -2 cans 10oz canned chicken breast in water (drained) -2 large eggs -1 cup shredded Parmesan (gonna look for a lower fat or lower cal version) Combine these 3 things and season as you like. I used Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and some sprinkles of black pepper. NO SALT, because the canned chicken is already salty. Like my life. I mixed it all together to create the "dough." I put it on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and formed it into a thin crust (~10") and baked it at 425 for 20 minutes. my toppings: -1/3 cup Chef Boyardee Pizza sauce (again, I'm sure there's a healthier alternative) -2 cups shredded mozzarella (next time I'm using low fat or fat-free) -16 turkey pepperoni slices Once I added the toppings, I put it back in the oven for 10 minutes at 425. I did 5 min on bake and then 5 min on broil (low) because I wanted the cheese to get just a tad toasty Added all the ingredients to the Baritastic app (you can scan the barcodes of all the ingredients) and divided by 8 slices, so this is the nutrition info per slice. Yes, the slices are small like from a personal pizza, but I can't eat more than that anyway, so it was very filling! I ate half a slice then later had the other half a slice. I remembered the crust is made of chicken, so I ate slowly and gave it time to hit my tummy.That's why I was only able to do half at a time.

At the mall get together, I was asked to share with the group what I have on my MedicID bracelet that I wear now. It says: Adj.Gastric Lap Band w/ Abdominal Port No NG w/o Scope I got my bracelet from Laurens Hope - and they sell lots of different styles, something as simple as a leather braided in black/brown for men or pretty sparkly ones with different decorative trims, beads. One warning --I measured and ordered a bracelet too large for my wrist and sent it back to get adjusted and had to pay the postage and a $6 revision fee so measure carefully. I ended up getting a little tighter than I thought I needed and its fine. The decorative part is on the top of my wrist/arm and the MedicID tag is under my wrist where most people have no idea I'm wearing one. I was told that emergency personnel know to check for ID bracelets and necklaces for medical tags so I don't think it would be overlooked if an emergency came up even though its decorative. There are lots of websites out there that sell even nicer and more expensive 14K gold, etc. but this one is my style. http://www.laurenshope.com/category.aspx?id=1

My surgeon does lap-band because they have a longer track record with research and revisions. I'm sure they are both excellent. I've heard on this site that the Realize port is flatter in the tummy.

I’m in the DFW area. I had a Band to Sleeve revision on 7/24/18.

Hi, I’m new here but have been reading the forums for a while. My surgery is in Montreal with Dr Gagner on May 2nd. I’m a VSG revision to a SADI.

LMAO Thanks BJean even though I never thought of myself as uppity or superior.I often find myself in a pickle because I come in and smack them old Bitches around for picky on the newbies,seriously I don't care how long you have been banded you just have one band or in rare instance you may have needed revision and had a two or three,my point is this your band and your weight loss experience means little to me and my journey the same as averages.We are all unique in our own way,and if you are having a moment and you come in here hungry and feeling let down by your band or your doctor we should not attack you with (how many carbs,Proteins ,calories or exercise did you do.)We should recognize this as what it is *venting* and say something encouraging and supportive and not beat you over the head because we lost weight and if you didn't then you must be doing something wrong.Well sorry didn't mean to rant but I think most will get my drift.If you don't then don't waste your time bashing me cause trust me I do not giva-sshit either way.

Hello, I had the Sleeve January 9th 2013. Had Gallbladder removed February 1st 2013? Contained to have pain on right side, and acid reflux. I reached my goal weight of 155 in August, My start weight was 263. I continued to lose weight, and be sick. Throwing up, nausea, and heart burn. Surgeon found out I had Bile Reflux in October. I lost down to 130lbs, and was in hospital for dehydrations every few weeks until November. I was revised on November 21, 2013. I ended up in hospital December 8th, for extremely Low blood pressure, and dehydration, was in hospital for 6 days. I am slowly getting better. They have my blood pressure under control with medication, and I am starting to be able to keep small amounts of food down, I have gained 4 lbs. I did not want the Gastric Bypass, but it is what I had to do. Surgeon said I should be much better and able to start working out by end of February. Good luck, and keep us posted.

I'm on the puree diet right now. I hope you stay strong and take it day by day. Each Post OP day was way better than the last. During my first week post OP I've taken my family to fast food restaurants and sit with them drinking water while they eat. I've cooked dinner or baked cookies or bread which I was not going to eat. For me, I am so sure I will follow the nutrition plan, it isn't tempting at all. They feel bad eating in front of me but I tell them it honestly isn't an issue. I did this twice, once for the sleeve, then once for the revision to DS. Something that made it even easier this year is that I dieted for 5 months prior to my surgery. I dropped all sugary foods, fried foods, and sugary beverages. Another thing that helps me is having a finite list of things I am allowed to eat. If I see or smell something else, I just say that's not one of the 10 things I plan to eat during this phase. I understand the position you are in now craving things you may have had recently but knowing if you eat them you could put your health at risk. There is definitely a need to set boundaries with your spouse regarding where he eats since this is troubling you.

I am 5 weeks post op revision tomorrow and am suffering the same thing all of a sudden. DId you happen to find out what it was?

So happy for you! Please update in your progress. I'm just starting the whole thing over. I had lap band in 2011 with not so great results. Now I'm starting the process for a revision to the sleeve. I would have liked to do this earlier, but like you...insurance got in the way. As of January, I'll have a different insurance to cover. I wish you the best of luck.

I currently have the band and want to make the switch to the sleeve but I am Very nervous since first off I have been big/mostly unsuccessful losing weight since birth, ha ha. Secondly, it was really embarrassing to pay out of pocket for the band & put my family in debt only to feel like the biggest failure ever! I read these revision stories & they all sound so positive. My experience with the band has not been a rough one so I just want to make sure I don't make the same mistake if I end up getting a revision. I have so many questions but my biggest one is when I did lose weight with the band it was because I was eating/keeping down almost nothing. I had to go to ER due to dehydration, got kidney stones a couple of times, my hair was falling out so badly I hardly had eyelashes or eyebrows & I felt weak and very sick but everyone would rave about how I looked which made it even harder. I remember thinking if this is how thin feels I don't want it. I was tired/shaky all the time and struggled to do everyday things like go to work, play with my kids & work out. I still struggle to get in my Protein since it gets stuck so easily and causes pain. I would like to know how do you all feel overall with your revision. How many calories are you eating roughly? How is your energy level ?

The gastric sleeve surgery was the best thing I ever did. I had it in August 2013 and lost over 100 pounds. I have been drinking diet soda and I know that my sleeve has stretched. I have gained 30 pounds back. I am desperate to go back to the way things were. If insurance doesn't cover it which I'm positive they probably won't can I still have revision surgery? Am I eligible at 160 pounds? I just want my sleeve back to the way it was. Or am I eligible for lap band?

if you had GERD before. I am unsure why a surgeon would allow you to go thru sleeve and the sleeve can make that worse. getting a endoscope may be a good thing to get done that can see the acid and how your esophagus is. But those with GERD/heartburn tend to get better with bypass. That is why most that get the sleeve end up getting a revision to bypass because of GERD issues.

Hi All... Got this text from my hubby today. So fun after so much hard work and years of failed diets and challenges...and I've just gotten started after WLS revision a month ago. Just thought I'd share to inspire all of us as we search to change and get healthy and to realize the positive effects on those around us. Let's go do all those things we couldn't do before and include family and friends in the journey. "I cannot tell you how excited I am right now about our journey and path forward. From our house and life at home to your health and our family's health. Being more active and moving our center of focus from eating to doing... It's great! It's an adjustment but a good one. It will open so much for us. We can do ski trips and hike and swim and snorkel and bike and ... On and on for fun getaways or around our neighborhood. Just think, you will be able to walk up the mountain with me in Aspen or where ever. Then at home, we are able to work on the house together... I love that. Before, it was daunting, but yesterday showed me how great it will be now. Tackling a closet or a room is nothing. We can organize and decorate together. It will make our house so extra warm (it already was, but now it will be even more so). THANK YOU for tackling this health monster. I'm so proud of you. I will do the same in my life. You're inspiring. Thank you. Love you." Question: What are you doing or going to do that may drive you and possibly inspire your loved ones? (Me-I've now joined a gym. Your turn...)

I also had my VSG on 9/17/12 and I am down 37 lbs. I was not a revision but this was the best decision of my life. My doctor told me that after 1500 VSG's not ONE person wanted it reversed. That is was convinced me that it was okay it was not reversible. Also I talked to a friend who had it done and she told me, "ya know when we eat donuts, we need 3 to feel satisfied?, after surgery one or half of one and you feel completly full and happy." That is all I wanted to be a normal person who can still eat food everyone else eats but can eat normal people size protions. I am very pleased with it.