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I was sleeved 14 years ago and then got a revision 4 months ago. With my sleeve, I would get the foamies (hyper-salivation), my forehead would sweat, or my nose would start running (or all 3). Now, with with my bypass, if I forget I had a surgery and try to eat like a regular person, I get nauseous, my stomach makes SUPER LOUD noises, I'll feel pain, and sometimes have to run to the bathroom (dumping syndrome). A lot of people think this happens when you eat the "wrong" foods (super sugary, super greasy), and they're right. BUT, it ALSO happens if you eat too much, or even just too fast. You could be eating a super healthy, super small amount of food, but if you eat it too fast and don't chew it down to mush (like people at work who have really short lunch breaks), you'll still experience these things. As time goes by, we start to forget to take our time to eat, to really chew our foods to a paste before swallowing, or to wait a while after eating to drink something. The longer it's been, the more we forget. Sometimes, we need to reset our eating habits back to taking a full 30 minutes to eat, to eat healthy foods again, to over-chew our food, and to wait at least 30 minutes to start back on fluids.

I was informed that my port flipped during my third or 4th fill I believe. That was 6 months post-op. I have a Realize band. MY surgeon discussed a revision surgery with me and after he pushed the port in and up, he was able to make the fill. Since I had a decent amount of fluid in my band at the time, he suggested that we just leave it and revisit as I progress. At my next couple of fills, he just flipped it and filled my band. Sometimes it takes an additional poke but really, I don't want to be taking time off at this point for a revision. I am lucky that he can still access it I guess. I will have the revision if I need to though. It is a day surgery with local anesthetic but I really hate the hospital! GOOD LUCK!

I was banded on May 12th and my port flipped within the 2nd month. I had my port revision done on Aug. 26 in outpatient surgery. I was in and out. He moved port lower. So far, so good. He was able to remove the Fluid and replaced it during surgery. To keep me on track, he did a refill in three weeks. Alls is good now, I have about 5 cc in my band and actually went back last month to get a small unfill. I'm ready for another tomorrow.....I hope he finds it easy. Best wishes to you.

Frustrated by a weight loss plateau? You need a combination of patience and a plan to push through it. It happens to everyone sooner or later. Your bandwagon stalls. You’ve been going great guns, fired up with enthusiasm, working that tool, doing all the right things, and losing weight. Then one day the weight loss stops. One day, two days, twenty days go by…you’re still stuck, and you’re wondering what happened. And because you’ve spent so many years failing at dieting, and being told that obesity is always the fault of the patient, you start to wonder what you are doing wrong. You even think, “Is my band broken?” Chances are, you’re not doing anything wrong, and neither is your band. What’s happening is that your body is adjusting itself to the many changes that have happened during your weight loss. The human body doesn’t know what you’re going to do next, be it climb a mountain or relax on the couch, so it has to continually adjust and readjust your metabolism to make the best use of the calories you take in. It looks at the history of what you’ve been eating and how much you’ve been burning off through physical activity and comes up with a forecast of what you’ll need to stay alive for the next week or so. THIS MONTH’S WEIGHT LOSS FORECAST IS… At work I’ve had to prepare sales forecasts for various jobs through the years. How many widgets will we sell in the month of April? How many defective widgets will be returned by unhappy customers who want a refund? Will all this income and outgo generate enough cash (in our case, energy) to cover the payroll and the equipment maintenance and the CEO’s country club membership? I once had a boss who joked that we might as well toss a deck of cards down a flight of stairs to come up with a prediction of which new product (represented, say, by the joker card) was going to be the best-seller. That suggestion didn’t go over big with the finance guys. Like us, they were trying to follow the rules, keep everything identified, counted and categorized. And like the bean-counters, we count our calories, carbs, fats, proteins, liquids, solids, income, outgo, with faith that this accounting system will help us win the weight game. Meanwhile, our bodies have a different agenda: survival. When we decrease our food intake and increase our physical activity, the body watches to see what will happen next. As our purposeful “starvation” continues, the body struggles to accommodate the changes we’re making. It makes some withdrawals of funds from our fat cells and fiddles with our metabolism to prevent an energy (calorie) shortage. Gradually it becomes acclimated to the new routine so that it’s making the best possible use of the few calories we’re consuming. It’s keeping us alive, but it’s also putting the brakes on weight loss. Eventually we find ourselves stalled on what seems like an endless weight loss plateau. And unless we change our routine and keep our bodies working hard to burn up the excess fat, we’re going to grow to hate the scenery on that plateau. AND ON THE FLIP SIDE I’ve suffered through countless weight loss plateaus but by varying my exercise, my total caloric intake, my liquid intake, my sleep, and so on, did manage to finally arrive at my goal weight. For the past few years, I’ve felt mighty smug that I finally got promoted to the Senior VP of Weight Management here at Chez Jean. Maintaining my goal weight +/- 5 pounds seemed effortless. But it didn’t last. Turns out it was time for me to learn another lesson about my body’s fuel economy. When I had all the fill removed from my band to deal with some bad reflux, my eating didn’t go berserk. I didn’t pig out at Burger King, didn’t drown my sorrows in a nightly gallon of ice cream. I was definitely eating more because I was so much hungrier than before – perhaps 500 extra calories a day, which would amount to a weight gain of one pound a week. Imagine my dismay when I gained seven pounds in 2 weeks – the equivalent of an extra 1750 calories a day! There was a time when I could have overeaten that much without any effort at all, but as a WLS post-op, I’d have to work hard at eating that much extra food. I was flabbergasted. And frightened. Obesity was a mountain on my horizon again – far in the distance across my weight maintenance plateau - when I thought I’d left it far behind. So at the end of a visit with my gastro-enterologist during that scary time, I asked him if my sudden and substantial weight gain was the equivalent of my body shouting, “Yahoo! We’re not starving anymore! Let’s get ready for the next starvation period by hanging on to every single calorie she takes in! Let’s store those calories in those fat cells that have been hanging around here with nothing to do! C’mon, troops, get to work!” I’m pretty sure that’s not the way Dr. Nuako would have explained it, but he smiled, nodded, and said, “Oh, yes.” I felt like I was facing the flip side of a weight loss plateau: I might be in a weight gain plateau. All I could do is keep on keeping on with exercise and healthy eating, enjoying some of the foods, like raw fruits and veggies, that had been harder for me to eat with a well-adjusted band. PUZZLING OUT THE WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAU So the good news was that my wonky metabolism following that complete unfill wasn’t my fault, but the bad news was that my metabolism wasn’t in a cooperative mood. I was going to have to start playing much closer attention to the details of weight loss and maintenance again. What a pain! But hey! I’d already had a lot of practice at that. I had the tools – a little rusty maybe, but still in usable condition. I ended up regaining 30 pounds between that unfill and my revision to VSG, but I have a suspicion that without those weight tools, it could have been 60 pounds. And that’s one of the reasons that even today, bandless for 14 months now, I don’t regret my band surgery. The band helped me lose 90 pounds and learn a host of useful (if uncomfortable) things about myself, my behavior, my body, my lifestyle. What about you? How can you get your weight loss going again and avoid regain? So many factors can affect your weight that sorting out the reason(s) for your weight loss plateau can make you dizzy even if you’re not a natural blonde like me. To help you assess what’s going on and what might need to be changed, I created a Weight Loss Plateau Checklist. To access the checklist in Google Docs, click here: https://docs.google....emtSYjJLRnVGTFE The checklist includes a long list of questions about you and your behavior, with answers and suggestions for each question. I can’t claim that it will give you the key to escaping that plateau, but it should give you some food for thought and perhaps some ideas to try. Use that to come up with a plan to deal with the plateau, and work that plan for at least a month to give your body a chance to get with the new program.

My band slipped in June 2009, when I was about 21 mos post-op. The blog post whose link I posted on this thread has nothing to do with that. The damage from decades of reflux was diagnosed in January/February 2012, when I was 4-1/2 yrs post-op. My surgeon and gastro doc agreed that my band was aggravating the situation. My band was removed in April 2012 and I revised to VSG in August 2012. The blog post whose link I posted on this thread describes my 2012 experience. The OH post you quoted sounds familiar but I don't remember when I posted it. Probably in the spring of 2012, at which I point I may not have had all the test results and gastro consults done and was therefore not in possession of all the facts. I'm flattered because you must have done quite a bit of digging to find it. Or you've been saving it all this time, waiting for the opportunity to quiz me about it. Anyway, I'm sorry if I confused you. Yes, my band slipped, and yes, I had damage from 20+ years of reflux, and yes, I had general band problems related to reflux.

I had mine deflated for 3 years due to problems. The preop was only hard the first few days then got so much easier. I got a revision from band to sleeve in one. My surgeon usually does it in two but I had n insurance situation so he accommodated me. What did they say when you demanded the unfill?

Good afternoon, all. Just wanted to take a moment to apologize for not wishing those who have had surgery this month "Good Wishes." I read everything on my IPhone, but have yet to figure out how to respond using the phone. Not to tecki,lol. At any rate, I'm back to the desktop and wanted you all to know how great it is to hear the updates and to know you all came through to start your new journey toward health. I'm being banded on 8/31 and am a bit apprehensive. The negatives on some of the sites, and all the revisions to the sleeve, really weigh on my mind. However, I'm determined to make the best of my choice and know that I can always go to the more drastic should a problem occur. For those of you who are recently banded, thanks so much for your updates as it takes a lot of the fear away, hearing how you are and what's happening with you. For those of you, like me, who will be banded in the next week...best of luck and prayers are coming your way. Nanu in Dallas

Since I started out here as a potential lapbander I thought I would share with ya'll. I have a date for surgery! 8/7/06! I am having RNY just because I figure this is my only shot at weight loss , being a Medicare patient and figuring they wouldn't go for a revision if the band didn't work for me and knowing myself I am afraid I would have a problem with the idea of the port and having to drive 90 miles for a fill or unfill...just weighing all the pros and cons I decided on the RNY. I am nervous and excited. I will have my EGD on 7/20 and then the surgery on 8/7. Can you say YAAAAAY? :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Hey guys -- I've been banded for 5 years now and for most of that time my band acted just as it should. It's slipped right now so I'll be going in for revision surgery in July and I'm certain my band slipped because I had a too tight fill and waited an entire weekend before getting the fill taken out. But I thought that I'd offer my advice as an experienced bandster. I am not a doctor or any other type of health care provider. Call around to some local urgent care centers and/or emergency rooms tonight. Ask if they have anyone on staff who is willing to take your fill out (I'm assuming that you have some fill in there now). Tell them that it's the same kind of port as a port-a-cath for chemotherapy (I know from personal experience with those), fairly simple to access. They don't need flouroscopy to to un-fill you. I'm betting that with the fill out the gum will pass -- then just treat your pouch carefully for a week to 10 days -- Clear liquids to mush before trying solids again. Go to your fill Dr for a re-fill after you're all healed up.

I'm desperately looking for some advice...I really don't need negative feedback, please. A little about me--I was banded in May 2007. I lost 10-12 pounds on the PRE-op diet and NOT 1 POUND since then. I admit, I have not followed all the rules. I have made poor food and drink choices and I've not exercised. However, I can honestly say that the band has done its part in controlling my portions, which brings me to wonder why I haven't lost ANY weight. I am not perfect, and I don't ever plan to be; however, I have made enough changes that I should have seen SOME loss by now. I am very depressed and frustrated about this. I have recently made some changes - I am now making healthier choices (not perfect ones) and I am exercising 3-4 x per week. According to the scale and my clothes - I am GAINING weight! WTH? I'm at a loss here. I am seriously considering checking into either the sleeve or a mini bypass - neither of which I know a lot about. I know quite a bit about the gastric bypass - how does the mini bypass differ, if at all? Or is it just a terminology thing? I know very little about the sleeve, as well. I don't know what the likelihood is of insurance covering a "revision" WLS. I'd have to check into that too. But, for now, I'd just like to get information - and I really like getting firsthand info from those that have actually "been there and done that". Again, save your negative comments. I KNOW that the band is only a tool, and does not work alone. I KNOW that I haven't always "done my part". But, I also KNOW that the band isn't for everyone - and I think I may be one of those statistics.:biggrin: Thank you in advance for any help, advice, comments you can offer. Have a Safe, Happy, and Healthy New Year!:tongue:

I'm tentatively schedule for revision on July 25! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there MomInCanada! Welcome to the ESG forum or I should say family because we consider each other family in many ways in terms of the support, guidance you'll receive from the best people. To answer your first concern, I honestly believe that the surgeon who does the ESG procedure does matter a lot. I had mine in NJ and one of the reasons I choose my surgeon (Dr. Sadek) was because of his experience with this procedure and the number of ESGs he had performed. I can tell you that Dr. Marvin has had excellent reviews from many on this forum as well as the Facebook group that I am on which you should check out. Once you're in the Facebook group (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty USA) type in his name in the search and many results will come up. I know that he has performed many and was trained by Dr. Sharairah herself who pioneered this procedure. I read a study about how a surgeon who performs ESG will get better and perfect his technique the more he has performed. My surgeon explained to me that his first few ESGs were done a certain way in terms of stitching and when he figured out a better way to improve the stitching pattern he got better results. He also told me that of the approximately 50-60 ESGs he's performed he has only had to revise two which were two of his first ESGs. Your second concern, privacy about the procedure, I have only told my husband as well. I have 4 boys who range from 19-11 years old and they did not even bat an eye or suspect I had any procedure done at all. This is why: Your recovery is very minimal, of course each person is different but a smooth and painless recovery is usually the norm. Just make sure to take all the meds the doctor prescribes for you and by the third day post op you will feel almost 100%. I often tell this story on this forum and to the facebook group--- After I came home from the procedure, same day of course, (went in at 7AM and was done and awake and ready to go home by 11AM) I did a load of laundry!!! If you are concerned about others wondering why you are eating so little, I'll tell you this--- most people don't pay attention as much as you think. Those that may venture to ask you, the answer should be simple-- I'm watching what I eat because I'm trying to get healthy. If you were anything like I was pre op then most of your close friends and family would be used to you on another diet. Good luck and please keep us posted!!!!

Great info. Especially the belly wrap. Hang in there. I had my revision yesterday. I was worried too about being alone, the staff here is great. I am staying a 2nd day. I have been face time my family. You got this!

Welcome! My surgery will be band removal and sleeve revision in one operation. Monday morning 9am check in, same day as you! I too am hopping I will do well with the sleeve. I was (mostly) happy with the band until it went bad. If it helps, I have never read anyone post that they went from band to sleeve and wish they still had a band. But I have read about so many people that revised and love their sleeve.

Hi my surgery is scheduled for October 4 g-d willing. I am doing it after my holidays just easier to find a place for my 2.5 year old. I had the Lapband almost 6 years ago and lost weight but gained it back and can't seem to loose it. The dr feels I'm a great candidate to the revision and see hopefully no problem with it being the same day. Q to anyone who did it in nyu how much of the shakes am I supposed to drink for the liquid diet???

I'm just going into my second week and I am still restricted to 2-3 oz at a time so I can't be very helpful in this area. I'm interested in the responses that you get though. I had a revision and I may still be experiencing some swelling inside causing me to be so limited. Keep us posted!! Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

My name is Marla, had surgery. jan 14 th, 208, now 197, still a little sore, not feelin all that full on liquids, a little worried, cause, Ithis revision surgery for me had a failed lap band in for over 6 years.....

@@mcplu28 A little perspective: You lost 42 (43?) lbs in 3 months on your own. I HAD THE SLEEVE DONE, and I lost 52 in 3 mos...to me, that means you're kicking ass Our docs will do the sleeve on very high BMI patients and then revise to bypass or DS when they've lost some of the weight. Do get a second opinion, for your own peace of mind if nothing else. Congratulations on your amazing results so far...don't give up and don't get discouraged. You're on the road to saving your own life <3

I'm getting my revision to the bypass on the 13th.

If you're going directly through your surgeon there's usually less pre-op testing done than what you may have done trying to qualify for insurance or approval or getting your PCP referal. I am also self pay and the process for me was 2 weeks from initial seminar/consultation to surgery. At the pre-op appt I had my blood drawn, vitals taken, weighed & measured, nutritionist & psych eval & finally a talk with the surgeon. When all was done that same day I started the pre op liquid diet & showed proof of funds for payment. Much simpler than the insurance process! (Btw see if you are getting the best package for your $! Having your fee also give you a year of follow up visits & fills. And I hear some practices even have revision insurance if god forbid there was any complications!) Best of luck!

Welcome Annette! Lots of us in Florida on here! Where are you at? I live in central Florida about 40 miles from Orlando and same from Tampa! I see a dr in Zephyrhills. I was banded in 2009, I had a revision in 2011 and have, also, gained 30 lbs. I have just had a slight unfill becaue my surgeon felt I was eating around the band. I had stayed away from salads because I had a hard time chewing them well enough. He removed .1 ml of fluid and I just had my 1st successful salad in 3 years! I would be glad to be your friend! Karen

I know this wasn't geared towards me but I am a diabetic who first had lap and revised to the bypass. My diabetes was called in remission 2 days after the surgery. At the 3 month post surgery my A1C went from 9.5 to 7.5 and is still lowering. The mental need for sweets that ruled my waking thoughts is gone. I don't even miss them but it's only at the 6 month point. I'm about 50 pounds from a healthy bmi. With the bypass, for a diabetic it's the bypassing the duodenal switch which helps us first and then the weight loss. Other surgeries help diabetes but because of the weight loss which takes time to do. I do still have some lingering neuropathy but my kidneys which weren't so great before are normal and most of the other diabetic related health problems are gone now. I would recommend this to and diabetic in a heartbeat. Just follow your doctors orders though for success! Good luck!

Hi I'm 63, so good to see I'm not the only one. I'm scheduled for revision from lap band to bypass on 12/14/17.

Thank you all so very much for sharing your stories! The Sleeve was a surprise for me only a month ago. I'd heard about it. Have friends who've revised to it but didn't have a lot knowledge of it. Only knew my band needed to come out and this is what my surgeon was offering me. I'm a few days out from my removal/revision surgery now and actually excited about the possibilities of my WL again. I'd lost that after my 1st year w/the band. The last 3 years have been a struggle. I had given up and just hoped to NOT gain, let alone lose anything. These stories help. THANK YOU!

Dear MamaM, I see your doc is in Fresno. What was the cost of your revision? I just assumed I had to go back to Tijuana to get a good price. I'd love to only have to drive from the Bay Area to Frenso! Thank you in advance for sharing your costs. Sara