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I just passed my 3 anniversary since my gastric sleeve. I really wish I was posting my success. I had lost aa minimal amount of weight in the first 8 months, and have slowly gained back to just above my surgery day weight. I was told by my 1st clinic that I am that the 1% that doesn't lose. Shortly after the sleeve I fell and damaged my knee and needed surgery. And then I had an icky gyn issue also needing surgery. Those problems put difficult barriers to being active. In 2 weeks I am going for a revision consultation with a different surgeon. I now know that I was the 1st of only 15 sleeves my surgeon preformed and he is no longer practicing at that hospital. I was hoping to hear about others who have spoken to a surgeon about revision options.

Will I likely need all of the same pre- testing ( endoscopy, ekg, psychiatric screening etc) before having my band out and sleeve done? My dr does them at the same time.

So your post sounds just like me...add a few advanced nursing degrees AND the fact that I had RNY done 25 years ago to make me feel like even more of a failure. I'm back going through the process of considering a revision to my original surgery at my highest weight ever. IF insurance will approve. While it would be awesome to get a total do-over with the RNY process (not just the reducing the stomach which is essentially what I'm not a candidate for) I don't regret my decision 25 years ago. I am sad that back then there was little/no follow-up, no real rules on diet/caffeine/timing of water intake/etc --maybe I'd have had better long term success. BUT I did lose just over 100lbs. Felt better than I had in my entire life and did more than I'd ever done - travel, marriage, shoppig in normal size clothing stores, etc. I have been morbidly obese since 6th grade and overweight since I was 7. That surgery got me closer to "normal" than ever. No diet I did before that or since then has been so successful- a year long protein shake diet did result in 70lbs lost but then I regained all + some much faster than after surgery. But, I realize now that I half-assed the process and expected that it would just magically work on its own. I'm sure deep down I probably still sort of think that way. I'm older have a couple kids that wish mom was more active and am restricted from doing things because of my weight and that makes me sad. This time I'm throwing everything at it...sort of feel like it's my last ditch effort. After my mandated psych eval for surgery I opted to continue working with the counselor who specializes in all types of eating disorders and am seeing a bariatrician who will prescribe WL meds. I've long thought until someone fixes the chemicals in my brain WL will never be long term, so I believe in meds. I'm taking the process so slow unlike in the past where I jumped into huge lifestyle shifts that were only sustainable for short-ish periods of time. I didn't even start a legit "diet" until just this week even though I've been going through the pre-cert process since October...and it's not really a diet- just replacing one meal a day with a shake per the changes prescribed by the bariatrician. On the advice of the counselor I've been setting one really small goal each week that is hopefully attainable and I'm able to maintain. Who knows what will happen with the WLS approval process. I'm hopeful the other adjuncts I'm working on will help me be successful for the long term. IF surgery is approved, it's really just another piece of the WL puzzle though a really nice one in terms of the ability to lose weight rapidly. It's up to me to keep it off though.

I don't have tons to offer on the recert process, but am sort of in a similar place. I have Aetna PPO. Had RNY in 1992 (gulp) dropped 100#s, regained most and tried to have a revision 8 years after initial and went through ALL the hoops only for insurance to deny saying I didn't have any comorbidities. I'm hoping that was a LONG time go and things have changed since. I went to surgeon in October (had to view online webinar or go to in person session first). Even for a revision the nurse who does pre-certs said Aetna would require me to do the 3 month diet/multi disciplinary approach. Had to meet with dietitian x 3 1 1:1 sesssion and 2 group sessions-- the group sessions were pretty lame), exercise specialist (not super helpful), get a pysch eval and met with physician a couple times. I had an EGD and upper GI done. Upper GI showed my stomach was near normal capacity, stoma stretched out and small intestines enlarged-- I didn't need the test to tell me that I can tell by the quantity of food I can eat. My insurance actually covered all the pre-op visits with no co-pay except for the psych eval. If I went through their office it was going to be $300 cash. I asked about using a provider in my plan, they made a suggestion and I did my psych eval with her for my regular behavioral health co-pay. She is a eating disorder specialist (all kinds) and I actually opted to end up continuing sessions with her for the time being. It's covered as part of my behavioral health benefit. If I can't figure out what is driving me to eat so much and eat through my surgery having another won't do much good for the long term. I had everything done as of the end of January. The office could have submitted as of Jan 20th but I guess forgot and I didn't think to call to remind. I was in yesterday meeting with their bariatrician and asked and they said they would submit for pre-cert right away. It takes 2-3 weeks. The gal in the office said she's 80-85% sure it will be approved. Since I went through all this years ago and was rejected I'm super anxious. I read through my insurer's coverage documentation for WLS before going to see the doctor. One of the options he recommended is not covered by my insurer because they consider it experimental-- even though it is the least expensive and least invasive. So that is off the table. He said revisions can have A LOT of complications, so I need to think long and hard about revision surgery. If it's approved...I'm going for it. In addition to continuing with seeing the counselor I also opted to see the bariatrician they have in their medical group (they are affiliated / part of the large health system in our area) just yesterday. I figured if surgery isn't approved, I need a plan B and even if it is I need as much concerted effort/focus on trying to make this work as possible. The counselor has suggested medication with or without surgery as an adjunct after our third session based on my eating patterns/habits. The bariatrician prescribed Qsymia which I started today (I'd already had a batter of labs, tests, etc. so knew I was healthy enough to start). She said she has a lot of WLS patients who use medications in addition to or after surgery once they plateau or if they start to regain. She listed out all the med options and I chose this one in particular. It was also the one she said her patients have the best results and least side effects with. She also had me start a food diary and replacing one meal per day with protein shake and gave me an exercise plan-- so not just the script for meds. My insurance won't cover but got a manufacturer's card to help reduce the price. I did find in their coverage determination documentation IF I had tried to lose with for months and was not successful then they would have covered. I don't want to wait around... She said the variety of medications provide a nice arsenal of adjunct support and she has moved patients between different medications if they build up a tolerance. In the past I've responded really well to phentermine and this has that in it, so I'm hopeful. Before hooking up with the bariatric group at the health system I couldn't find a counselor who specialized in eating disorders for adults who are overweight and finding a physician to prescribe the newer WL meds was impossible (I tried both independently). SO, if nothing else, the process has helped me connect with those resources. While I do feel a little like they "herd" patients through the process in some ways (group dietitian visits that weren't super great) they really seem to know how to manage the process. I know I overshared-- more than what you asked about-- but thought some of this might be of use since we are in a similar spot having regained after our first surgery. Curious to hear from anyone else AND how your process shakes out. Best of luck to you! Jolie

I’ve had my lapband for 8 years already. I was mentally concerned about what I can eat, how much, when can I do it. I joined Facebook and friended someone who had a Lapband. I hoped that she would help me get thru the first weeks and months of my journey. After asking her many times the famous question what can I eat. She responded to me that I should stop focusing on food. And that I should put my focus on exercise and being active. I was so insulted by what she said to me that I immediately unfriended her. In 15 months I let go of 96 lbs. and was healthy and thin and so proud of myself. There was a death in my family and it hit me very badly. I went into a deep depression and didn’t care about me at all. I began to gain weight, I went to several Lapband Doctors for fills and unfills. It got to a point that I didn’t even have a Doctor to see me. I threw up at almost every meal, and gained weight. Pound by pound. Well, after throwing up so much, I went to the Dr who did the surgery and he took some fluid out.. I think he took out more than I wanted. He also gave me a script to have an Upper Gi series with contrast. And low and behold, my Lapband slipped. As of this date. I am working on having my Lapband removed and getting a revision to a sleeve. I have a positive outlook on my live and a new journey for me.

Hey Friends, I had RNY on 1/4/18. I had weeks of nausea before a barium swallow test revealed I had a stricture. When I went in to have it balloon dilated, they also found an ulcer. This greatly increased the risk of tearing during a dilation, and because I was already dehydrated, etc, they hospitalized me and started me on an IV and feeding tube. Now, my surgeon is giving me two options: Live with a feeding tube for at least 2 weeks, taking the coating medication for the ulcer, and hope the ulcer heals so we can try dilating it safely. OR Go in for revision surgery now. On one hand, the feeding tube is so uncomfortable, and I won't know if the ulcer is healing until they go in for a second endoscopy/dilation. If it still can't be dilated I'd be looking at revision surgery anyway. On the other hand, my first surgery was already very painful and a second might mean even more time off work. Ultimately, this is my decision, but I am really hoping someone out there might have went through something similar because google has failed me. Thanks!

If you want revision, yes!!!!! Take all the fluid out! This may be enough time to help heal a bit and can increase the odds of it being one surgery instead of 2. I felt instant relief when my fluid was taken out. I could not believe it. Again, it wasn't even half full and I was just used to it and vomiting almost daily. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

March 26th here!! Having band to sleeve revision. So happy to be getting the band removed.

Hi dear, not aure if you're asking me but I'll respond:-) I started revision hoops last week, 6 months of stuff but doctor said because I have one failure with band, high BMI and sleep apnea, I will totally be approved. She won't know if it will be one surgery or two until she's there and sees what state I'm in. She said it most certainly sounds like I have scar tissue bit having an unfill and months to heal, could certainly work in my favor. I'm hoping to have it all done in one but if it takes two, then so be it. Better safe then sorry. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR POST! Have you checked into revision yet? Will you have two different surgeries? Lap band removal then bypass?

I had band done in 2011, got pregnant a few month later with an empty band. Fast forward to finally getting 2 small fills. Vomiting almost daily and thought I was just doing something wrong. I finally realize that stress, my period, time of day and so many other factors actually affected my band. I had an unfill last week and started the process of having it removed and getting bypass. It was normal to vomit or go days without keeping anything down. IT'S NOT NORMAL! but I kept blaming myself or making excuses. I cannot wait for revision. It'll take 6 months of insurance hoops but I can't Wait! Just remember everybody and Every Body is different. I did band because I felt like it was less invasive and the success was still up to me. Live and learn. It wasn't right for me and the more research you do, the more confusing it can be. What are you comfortable with? How much of a fight are you willing to give? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

So many studies on stretching your stomach. It seems to be a rare occurrence. Some may need a revision. So think about it this way. Long term success is behavior change - Slow down when you eat. Stop eating when you feel your new sensation of full. Don't eat to the point you vomit. Drink 30 mins after you eat.

Let the surgical team guide you during decision making but ask tons of questions. Most will not recommend the band because of failure / revision rate

Hi, This is my personal experience and I still have a band. Literally HATE IT! Looking into revision now. Nope nope nope! Don't do it. The average weight loss is 60#. I lost the 60# and it stopped totally; I've now gained around 20 back and I'm MISERABLE! No, it's not permanent but it is a SURGERY process...which means recovery, losing hair galore and eating A LOT of protein which causes you to be constipated. The majority of the time when you loose weight is the first year. When you go in for monthly or bi-monthly fills are are unable to eat for 3 days. First day is liquids, second day is mashed foods and third is back to soft foods. When you eat, you must chew chew CHEW 30 bites each; if you swallow too fast your screwed and stuck before you know it. YOU MUST drink at least a gallon of water a day. You must NOT drink carbonated beverages. Yes...you can have a few sips after you are totally healed. You MUST not drink out of a straw. This causes gas in the stomach and esophagus area. Many pills (antibiotics) must be cut in half as they will not go down. If you eat warmed up chicken and it get stuck you will slime - (Spit up) a LARGE red solo cup of slime, spit, your eyes water, and nose runs. I thought I was literally dying my first stick. The slime causes tooth decay. True, if the band is too tight it cause food too get stuck. However, if it's not tight enough your able to eat a little more & want loose weight. So find the SWEET SPOT they say... Okay today we find the sweet spot and it works well. Then you decide to travel 3 hours and the band then changes, so it's a viscous cycle. EVERYTHING effects the band... Weather, mood, stress, climate change, traveling, stress, sweating, flying, boating. When you eat it is VERY little and everything must be chopped tiny tiny. Your stomach continues to make HORRIBLY loud gurgling sounds screaming for food. You are FULL but it's not the the tummy full feeling...it's indigestion filling of being full. You will become SICK of protein drink after a couple of years because you live on them. In researching I was hard headed and thought I could get thru anything and would be different form the 5 people that kept screaming - - - NO No no...I sure wish I had listened. If your serious about the weight loss why not do something permanent and one time instead of like me...NOW looking to have a revision. Which means TWO surgery - one to remove the band then waiting 6 months before a sleeve or MGB. Think long and hard - the media doesn't tell you all the good and bad regarding the band.

Hi everyone. I have been away from here for a long time too but just found this thread and it’s nice to see all you veterans still around. I’ve been banded since May 12, 2012, peaked at 293, got to 220 after second back surgery , back up around 250, currently at 236 and not giving up yet! I wanted to revise to bypass, had an upper GI because of reflux and am now on acid blocker. I don’t want to go for revision until I feel I’ve given the band my best effort. I’m going to see the behavioral modification therapist my PA suggested and we’ll see if that helps. I swim during the summer but don’t do anything the rest of the year. I try to walk but I just don’t seem to do it. That’s one thing to talk to the BH lady about. Given my screen name I want to tell you about my kids. My oldest son graduated from UVA and is working in Pittsburgh, my second son is a junior at VA Tech, my oldest daughter will graduate from high school and plans to attend Christopher Newport U and my youngest daughter is a freshman in high school. They and my wife are very supportive for which I am grateful. Now I just need to get my you-know-what in gear and get on the bandwagon full bore. See you around!

February 28th, one week from today. I am having a revision surgery from a lap band 7 years ago.

Hey there, just checking in on your progress. I had the same revision as you 12 days ago. How are you doing?

Hi, I live in Detroit and my surgery is tomorrow morning. I'm having a revision from a band to a sleeve. Sent from my SM-T820 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my band removed February of 2017 and Gastric Bypass revision April 25, 2017. Best thing I ever did. The two surgeries are not even comparable. Most days I do not even feel like I have even had surgery. I feel so much better after the bypass it is night and day.

I just thought I’d let everyone know that my surgeon performed a sleeve to bypass revision on 2/13. I have more pain than I did with the sleeve, but feel like a new person.

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has any success with getting a revision with BCBS TX! I am hoping to have a revision in April. I have my first doctors appointment in March. My insurance does not require a waiting period. The only qualifications is BMI over 30, psych eval, and to prove that the band has failed. When I talked to the office, they need to prove that my band has slipped, eroded, or the port is no longer where it should be. I would love to hear from anyone who has had success with this insurance!

Hi! I have BCBS of Texas also! I'm trying for a revision as well! Any pointers?

This is similar to mine I was banded 10 years but do to malfunction have revision on 13th I am starting my journey at 180

Yes. Emerson hospital center for weight loss has an excellent program. Total time was probably 3 months, but could have been 2 (I delayed because of work). The program is fantastic and you can do a free online or in person seminar to get an overview. They are great initially and do a full program with nutritionists etc. post care has been great too with regular follow ups, nutrition testing etc. you get a comprehensive packet covering diet stages and everything else. The program tracks their own stats and complication rates are well below national averages and weight loss is above average. They do hundreds per year and often do revisions if other centers had issues. Not sure on costs as I was insured and haven’t seen a bill. They do have folks that work with you on costs including insurance and payment plans. I think they may be able to get some aspects covered via insurance for you. They do have info about each insurance and their requirements so it is worth a call.

Glad you got the testing done. I didn't read this whole thread but here are a few thoughts (I am over 6 years post revision band to sleeve). Acid sometimes feels like hunger - are you SURE your excess acid is under control? I took a PPI first several months even though I wasnt aware of feeling excess acid, it is just so common my surgeon wanted to prevent it. All these years later, it reared it's ugly head and has caused significant problems for me, but that is a different story. Also, grazing is both a habit, and a state of hunger. 6 years out, grazing can really really catch up with me - I tend to do it I when I am feeling stressed (daily at my job!). It's so easy for me to fall into just having a little of this, a protein drink or whatever... frankly, to comfort me. None of its junk, but it adds up to too much food. What works best for me is to eat by the "scale and clock". My program called for 5 mini meals; I decided that 4 mini meals worked better and I settled into that rythem. It meant that I didn't eat outside those "meal" times. At first I weighed/measured everything and then I switched to eating until "absence of hunger" and then STOPPED, until it was time for the next mini meal. Best advice I ever got "do not seek the feeling of being full, eat until absence of hunger" Anyway, hope they rule out any mecanical problems with the sleeve - keep on going, this isn't easy but it is SO worth it!