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I'm also having problems with my band and I also have an autoimmune disease. Every time I get a fill enough to even border on restriction, my body goes nuts and epic hurling ensues if I try to eat food, good or bad. So for me it's all restriction or no restriction. I've had my band for a year now and not lost a single pound. Before I had by band put in, I asked lots of questions about my fibromyalgia and if it would be a problem and I was assured that it wouldn't. They lied. I am considering a revision to the sleeve and I am again concerned about the autoimmune disease aspect and will I end up even sicker? The sleeve can't be reversed, which makes me a bit apprehensive. If I don't lose the weight, there's a possibility I may go blind because the pressure in my brain is threatening to tear apart my eyeballs from the inside so something has to be done. Rock==>ME<==Hard Place

My surgery group does a lot of WLS's each month and our pre op supervised visits were in a group setting of about 10 - 12 patients (we would individually see the Dr each time, but nutrition was in group). It seemed as though we were all there because it was required for our medical insurance authorization. Some of us for 6 monthly visits while others only required 3. Some of these patients were revisions and they were still required to do it. You may get away with not having to go if you pay out of pocket, but I don't see how they would be able to get around insurance requirements, my Dr office was pretty clear on this. I know it's a pain to wait this long, but it really does help you prepare for this life change and if you can put up with all of the pre op requirements you are obviously dedicated to it. best of luck.

The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) cuts out the main area that produces grhelin but the body still produces grhelin in other areas and these areas can bring hunger levels to more or less what they were pre-surgery. VSG gives you the highest chance of resolving hunger, but it doesn't resolve it for everyone - it's just that your odds are better. Plication hasn't resolved my hunger issues (I just eat a little less in a sitting but not a lot - my restriction hasn't really been sufficient to produce much weight loss). You'll find some people suggesting taking an antacid to help with hunger - although according to the medical profession this shouldn't affect hunger. In any case I did take an antacid for a couple of weeks, but it didn't help me. If you qualify for bypass then you also qualify for the Duodenal Switch (DS). VSG is part one of a 2 stage DS op (it's regularly done in one stage though). If the VSG doesn't provide sufficient weight loss or resolve your hunger, revising to a DS should still be an option. DSers have a high Protein and generally high fat diet (some have to experiment to find a level that suits them). Most DSers are satiated with a high protein and high fat diet - they malabsorb 80% fat, 50% protein and some complex carbs (they absorb 100% of simple carbs). Please don't go with the RNY gastric bypass, as it's really difficult to revise from this surgery. Also with RNY you only malabsorb calories for 2 years but you malabsorb nutrients forever! Remember Carnie Wilson when she was looking fab and posed for Playboy and now she's back over 200lbs (better than the >300lbs she started at, but she's only 5"3). BTW that wasn't a dis to Carnie, with RNY you just get the tables turned on you around 2 years out and that's why a lot RNYers seek revisions. BTW I believe that no stomach is removed with RNY, it's simply stapled off and is therefore likely to have a similar effect on hunger to plication IMO (ie when the stomach is full it's stretched and that creates the full sensation but then when empty you'll get hungry). HTH

Has anyone had their sleeze revised by the EGD overstitch prodcedure? If so, how have you done?

Last year (2012) I was having so much problem with my Lap Band (surgery Jan. 2009). Had xrays that showed nothing was wrong with it. But the heart burn, acid reflex, burping....etc.... I had had enough! Went to primary care doctor, he agreed to send me to the Gastric Surgeon. She approved my request to have a revision to RNY. BUT, she couldn't do it as she was the only Gastric Surgeon they had (USAF), so she approved the order to send me downtown. Tricare approved the order for me to see Gastric Surgeon, he approved the surgery, had all the tests, blood, chest xray, EKG, Phsic, dietician, trainer, etc....BUT, then it happened. Tricare said no! What the HELL???? On July 5th the fight started. Had 2 denials and sent all the paper work of the doctors I had seen over the 4 years of lap band and problems I have had. Stll denial....sent ONE more appeal to Tricare and it took almost a year. This all started on July 5, 2012 and I just recieved my apporval last week (May 2, 2013). Don't ever give up HOPE! I thought the insurance lady was going to fall over when I called to tell her it was APPROVED! Now the only thing I have left to do is Cadiologist as I am over 60. So hopefully this will go fast....I am so ready!!! Thanks for listening......

Getting insurance coverage can be difficult. Generally the hospital and surgeon have staff that can assist you. Cost is generally a major concern. There are several different forms of Weight Loss Surgery (WLS). These different forms have different outcomes. In some you lose weight faster and deeper than others. Some have a higher probability of requiring revisions. (I decided that when I underwent this surgery I did not want to undergo it again.) Some forms of surgery are better suited for any co-morbitities you may have. For example I had GERD. If I got the sleeve it would only compound this problem and RNY was better suited for this condition. You might want to get briefed on the various steps you will need to go through - psych evaluation, classes, pre-op tests etc. You may want to start to attend Bariatric Surgery Support Group Meetings. They are free and generally occur monthly. Depending on the requirements of your insurance, you may need to go through a medically monitored diet and exercise program to qualify.

I had my port revision procedure today. I was awake the entire time. Didn't feel a thing. They took out the mesh completely and attached the port directly to the fascia. They said it wasn't my fault that my port flipped within the first month and that it probably wasn't attached well in the first place. I got a fill if 4cc. Now we begin the process!!!

They don't recommend the sleeve to people who have reflux or gerd because when they do the sleeve, the stomach is not aware that 80% of it has been removed and it keeps making acid for a whole stomach. I have to take an acid blocker, almost 5 years post op. I tried to get off of it, but I had way too many acid problems. If your gerd can't be controlled with an acid blocker, you should not get the sleeve. I do know several people who have had to revise to RNY (gastric bypass) because of acid problems.

I had the same thing. I was constantly throwing up due to the hernia. My surgeon just corrected the hernia and made the diaphragm hole smaller without a bypass revision. . My problem now is that I’m struggling with that stuck feeling and feeling a bit nauseous. My surgery was just 2 weeks ago, so still figuring it all out

Banded in Ft Worth in 2012- I just met with a new surgeon yesterday after having a swallow study. My esophagus is expanding causing reflux, etc. He unfilled the band and set me up for a follow up swallow study and follow up with him on Aug 15th. We talked about options. Do I want the sleeve or bypass? With revision do they make you wait months and months? Thanks...

My surgeon advised that the best option was RNY. Less risk of reflux. Less risk of more damage/ issues to the oesophagus. I also know a lot of people that have revised to a sleeve or had a sleeve as an initial surgery who have not lost or have had massive regains. I decided to go with my surgeons recommendation and had my revision in Jan. I am very happy. My diet is much healthier than with the band, I don’t spend hours in restaurant toilets throwing up and I have reload the weight I gained and am sitting at goal.

RNYTalk News This is it! We’re launching our RNYTalk News, a regular newsletter to keep you up to date on our community. We’ll tell you all about our exciting new features, programs and anything else you need and want to know about RNYTalk.com. Our goal is to make sure you know everything This is the first edition of RNYTalk News, and we have a lot to talk about. In this edition, you’ll find information on: The launch of the RNYTalk apps for Apple and Android devices (and a free iPod contest, of course!) Creating your own RNYTalk.com patient profile Social and support groups on RNYTalk.com How to contact a local real-life surgeon on RNYTalk.com And more! I want to thank each and every one of you for your participation and support, and I encourage your feedback and comments. Together, we’re moving toward a healthier future! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder RNYTalk.com Apps Have Launched! Now take RNYTalk.com with you wherever you go. The fully functional RNYTalk Android and RNYTalk iPhone, iPad and iPod apps are both free. They let you track your favorite threads, post to the forums, private message your buddies and upload photos using your mobile device. Now you never have to feel alone because you can carry the support and information you need. You can access and download them directly to your smartphone, so why wouldn’t you get your app today? We’re Giving Away a New iPod Touch! To Celebrate the release of our Mobile apps, we’re giving away a brand-new iPod Touch. It’s a drawing, but we want to reward our active posters, referrers, bloggers, members with completed profiles and new members. The more you participate in RNYTalk.com, the better chance you have of winning. Here’s how it works. Eligibility and Chances of Winning Forum members must make at least one post in any forum on RNYTalk during the contest period of 30 days from your receipt of this newsletter. Members must have a completed patient profile. You can increase your chances of winning by making more forum and blog posts, uploading more photos and referring members. At the end of the contest period, one of the forum administrators will find all of the eligible forum members – remember, you have to make at least one post and have a completed Roux en-Y profile. We’ll make a big spreadsheet with the Username of each member who is eligible, and assign points based on your activities. The more points you have, the better your chances of getting the iPod! Point Structure 1 point: each forum post and each uploaded photo 2 points: each forum post from our mobile apps and each blog post 5 points: join a group 10 Points: complete My Surgery, My Surgeon or My Roux en-Y Story; upload before and/or after photos 20 points for each successful forum referral; and 40 points for a fully completed patient profile Get Involved Again If you’re an old-timer who hasn’t been around much, this contest is a great opportunity to bring you back to the boards. You have tons of experience and advice to share with newer Roux en-Y patients. If you’ve fallen off the wagon, don’t be shy. It’s never too late to get back on, and we’re here to give you the support and confidence you need for success in your lifestyle goals. Some Reminders and New Features Create or update your own Roux en-Y Patient profile. Your information encourages other members and helps you connect with members that have your same interests and struggles. It also gets you 40 points for our iPod Touch giveaway. We've recently updated our surgeon database; now, every bariatric surgeon in the world is included. Check it out and find a local surgeon who can help you. You can locate and read reviews on Roux en-Y surgeons to help you choose an expert for your care. Our social and support groups are up and running. We know that you all have special interests and identities, and our social and support groups provide more specialized platforms than our general community. Just of the few types of groups we have are Regional groups of people from your city or state. Surgery Buddy groups with people who got the Roux en-Y at the same time as you. Medical Condition groups with people with a particular condition, such as PCOS Eating Support groups with people who struggle with eating issues, such as emotional eating Check them out and join one or start your own. Be a Good Friend Be sure to mention RNYTalk.com as a source of support and information for any your friends, family members or associates who are considering Roux en-Y surgery or have had it. Also, don’t forget that RNYTalk.com is a member of the WLSBoards.com network. Recommend our other three communities to anyone you know who needs them, and please stop on by and introduce yourself if you have had a weight loss surgery revision. LapBandTalk.com for LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Band VerticalSleeveTalk.com for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy SleevePlicationTalk.com for Gastric Sleeve Plication We Need Your Help When you come here, you can depend on support, encouragement, sympathetic ears and expert advice from surgeons. But we need you to let community be able to continue grow stronger! Over the years, I’ve found that many bariatric surgeons and their staff don’t even know we’re here. Help us out by asking your surgeon to hang a couple of fliers in the clinic. They can go the waiting room bulletin board, at the reception desk and in patient consultation rooms. I’ve even gotten the fliers ready for you in color and black-and-white options. Print them out and bring them to your next appointment, or email them to the office. So please, support us and ask your surgeon to post these fliers in their office and hand them out to their patients. It helps you out because our community will benefit from more patients and surgeons with valuable advice. Remind your surgeon and clinic staff that it helps them out because it gives them more exposure to patients. Stay in Touch Feedback forum - we're always open to members ideas and feedback. Please use our feedback forum to let us know how we’re doing and send us your ideas on what you’d like to see at RNYTalk.com. We always want to know what you’re thinking and how we can improve! We're now on Facebook and on Twitter. Like us and follow us to keep track of what's going on in our communities and show your support! Don’t forget to support and celebrate! Our upcoming surgeries list tells you which members are about to get their bariatric surgery, so stop by and wish them luck! Come by the surgery anniversary list to congratulate members when they hit their annual anniversaries of their surgeries. Your name will be automatically entered onto the right list as soon as you update your patient profile. Coming Soon… We're releasing customizable health trackers and tickers within the next 90 days. We'll include more info in future newsletters, so stay tuned for information on those and the other latest happenings around RNYTalk.com. Thanks for reading, and talk to you soon! Sincerely, Alex

I am in the same position as you - all food I eat is sliders, noodles, mashed potatoes, etc. carbs that go down easy so that I don't have to deal with throwing up or getting stuck. The pain is unreal! It's like literally being stabbed in the chest until that food passes through. I went three years every month for adjustments having them stick me with the needle, take some Fluid out, put some fluid in, lose 2lbs this month, gain 3lbs next month, this is the normal process, blah, blah, blah. I finally had enough! After all, I was paying $50 a month in copays to be told I was losing less weight than I would have on weight watchers! The band was NOTHING like I was told it would be. I am hoping that the sleeve will be what it is said to be. From what I am hearing from those that have gotten band to sleeve revisions, the sleeve is what they thought the band was going to be like. That would be a miracle for me! We have our surgery dates so close together, I hope that we can stay close on our journies and support eachother through this!!

Hi All! Got home from 3 days and nights in the hospital this morning after undergoing a band to sleeve revision on Tuesday. I had some pretty adverse reactions to the pain meds...I'd have been better off sticking with Tylenol!! Anyway, I have done well...no nausea while in the hospital and am still sip, sip, sipping. Am going to try my first post surgery Protein shake for dinner. A few questions: 1) Did anyone come home with a drain? I had one on my stomach side that was removed this morning. Had a fatty tumor (lypoma) removed Tuesday, too. It ended up being quite an ordeal and I still have a tube in it. I knew it was big, but it ended up the size of a small loaf of bread and was sending fingers down to the major muscles! Wow! 2) When did you guys start drinking shakes? 3) On returning home did you go straight to 60 grams of protein per day? 4) All suggestions are welcome! So happy to join the Sleeve Society! Cheers~ Barb

How are all the revisions doing with weight loss now that you can eat things you couldn't with the band? I am at a total standstill....I lost 15 imediately after the revision, but have gained it back and not losing anymore. Is anyone else experiencing this? Nancy

This thread post gives me hope. I had an upper gi done and was told my sleeve is stretched. I have an appointment this week to discuss a revision. My new doctor wants to do bypass and my insurance covers revision. I'm only worried about whether or not they will pay for mine because my bmi is 31. I'm hoping they say it's medically necessary and cover it.

I am getting revised from the sleeve 4/20. Severe gerd and esophageal dismotility. I have been wondering the same thing. Did your doctor give you any idea on weight loss? I know it will be slower, I kinda just want to loose the bit I have put on because of the limitation on what I can eat.

Good luck with everything, and I am so sorry to hear about your husband, that is so sad.. I couldn't imagine what you have been through. The revision for me was very smooth.. Good luck honey.. My thoughts and prayer are with you..

Micki, How did the port revision go?

I happen to run across this on my surgeon's website and wanted to share. This is for people who have had weight regain after bypass. It appears that this is less invasive than another revision surgery, but can reduce the size of pouch and outlet. Hopefully, we all will have ZERO problems forever and be compliant, and never have to go this route, but... it can happen and we need to know what options are out there for help if it does. Read on There is also a great animation video on the right to see how it can fix this problem. http://apolloendo.com/procedures/outlet-pouch-reduction/

@@Marissa.Ann.C Most insurances DO NOT cover plastics. Some will cover a pannilectomy if you have a lot of back up doctors appointments that show you have been dealing with infections. Other than that it is out of pocket. Prices vary by city. I live in Pewaukee, WI. So far I had a brachioplasty (arm lift) in July - outpatient so I went home a few hours after. the cost was 6500.00 and it included the compression garments and pretty much everything. I did spend a small fortune on ice packs both reusable and disposable. 2 weeks from yesterday I will be having a full abdominalplasty which includes muscle repair, a breast lift with augmentation - I have chosen to stay in the hospital for the first two nights since hubby works and I cannot be alone. The total cost was 17,200.00 and includes everything. In fact, she is also doing a small revision on my left arm near the elbow where I have a bit of a crease - we are going to try some more lipo of the elbow to see if that helps. I will say plastics is expensive and painful but so worth it. I have a lot of loose hanging skin that pulls on my back and I have back issues to begin with. I also get redness and rubbing that can be painful and could cause infection and had. My insurance covered none of it. I ended up taking a extra project to pay for most of my plastics so far and they do have financing options available at some plastic surgeons. It is best to do your homework and make sure you use a board certified plastic surgeon who has worked on people with massive weight loss. Good luck on your surgery! It really is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am so glad I did it. I was one of those people that did not think all the extra skin would matter so much. For me, having bypass was about getting healthy. I had a lot of comorbitities, but the more weight I lost, the more confident I began to feel about myself to the point that I want my body to look pretty good again. When i was young (BK....before kids), I was one hot mama. The more weight I put on, the worse I felt about myself and began hiding my body. Now, I want to show it off! I am 53 and look pretty great and more importantly I feel fantastic! Best of luck to you! I hope all goes well and you are on your way to a whole new life.

So they are jealous that you are going to get healthy? Feel better, and with a better quality of life? I'd ask them what they don't want you to be healthy. Shoot I think insurance should cover at least one revision ... and 2 plastic surgeries for each person. LOL. Vic

Hi mom2sparky, I am wondering if you got approval for your revision based on the GI results. I have a similar situation. Thank you.

today is one year anniversary of the revision from band to sleeve. height is 6'1 and weight 183 today. i was 226 day of surgery with a low BMI, I have dropped the weight and now I'm under the BMI guidelines for my height and weight. wanted to inquire with all of you about any further weight reduction after hitting the one year mark . Will this be it for me? Or is more weight reduction even possible. any feedback is appreciated.

Not only is is possible, it's very common. It's one of the main reasons I chose bypass in the first place, honestly. So many people have issues or do not get to their goal with the sleeve. Then again, it works perfectly for some people. If you are not happy with where you are, then a revision may be just right for you.