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Just curious what insurance do you have and what were the requirments to get approved for the revision? I had a sleeve done not band and after 5 years Im seeking revision due to weight regain (pregnancy and ither health issues). I'm so afraid my insurance will not approve me. Any advice please is sooo appreciated and congrats to you tomorrow is your BIG DAY!!!

Jade, There is no easy solution. It's a misperception to believe wls does the job for you. No matter what surgery you get, you will have to abide by the rules 100% to reap the benefits. Revisions are great when you are suffering true complications and one surgery is not working out for you. But I know my doc wouldn't qualify someone who just doesn't want to put the work in. They'll predict it'll be the same scenario under another procedure which requires just as much diligence and compliance. Getting wls and getting results takes dedication and work. The difference between pre and post op is that these procedures can help you with things like hunger management, portion control which in the long run will be critical for maintenance. Also, counting calories and understanding how much you are putting into your body allows you to get an understanding of what it means to be on target or to overindulge. It took me years of counting to finally get to a place that I can estimate with accuracy and no longer count. But the reality is, if I consume more than my allotment, I will stall or gain. Weight loss has a very simple formula that cannot by bypassed- weight loss= calories consumed - calories burned. You either workout or you limit intake. No wls changes that. ************************************************************************************************************************** Sorry..to every opinion there is a flip side...and with me I am 100% opposite....other than the first 4-6 months... Like I said, no disrespect, just different experiences.....I have found this to be the easiest thing I could have ever done to loose weight and return to normal....

I had the sleeve in June 2018. My weight on surgery day was 242. I got down to 169 and not a pound less. I’m 5’4”. I never got rid of the GERD, which I had before the sleeve. In hind sight, I wish I had the bypass and not the sleeve initially. I a, scheduled to have a revision to bypass on 8/11. I am also scared …. But I am so tired of the extreme GERD and the damage that it’s doing. I have had significant weight regain from my sleeve - gained ALL back. The regain is very depressing. It’s to the point that I avoid social situations and am just down on myself for the regain 24/7. Hindsight is a b!tch. I’m ready for the revision and know that I will feel better without the GERD. Second chances aren’t to be taken lightly and this is mine.

I just wondered if anyone has had anything like this happen. I have BCBS NC insurance. I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of my history. Lap Band in 2008. My surgery weight was 258 and I lost down to 227. That's it. I never got any further no matter what I did. I got pregnant, gained weight, and then have failed to lose it. I started eating slider foods and gained a little more weight. Then, the heartburn kicked in. It led me back to my doctor even though I was ashamed of the weight I'd regained. I had an Xray, an EGD, and a barium swallow. My band is in the right place. It hasn't slipped. No H. Pylori. They didn't see any reflux on the barium swallow. I beg to differ since I was hurting pretty badly and having that awful left shoulder pain after the procedure. Anyway, my surgeon has recommended that I get a revision to gastric bypass. Today the insurance company said they wouldn't cover it because it wasn't medically necessary. They also told me to have my surgeon call so they can do a peer review. Any success stories for something like this?

Blondie, have you tried making your own shakes? I couldn't tolerate any of the pre-made shakes because of the awful fake sweetness. It takes me five minutes to make my own (I use a stick/immersion blender but you could use a regular small blender or food processer). I put in the following: I cup almond milk, I scoop unflavored Protein powder (mine is 17g/protein per scoop), 1/3 banana, 1 TB PB2 (powdered peanuts), 1TB high grade unsweetened cocoa, 2 TB fat free coolwhip, 2 packets of Splenda. I think that comes out to about 200 calories and 18g protein. Sometimes (if I know I am going to be running around and won't be able to eat for 3+ hours) I double it and sip it the whole time. If I need more Fiber I add a TB of chia seeds which are great for tons of health reasons (including constipation) but which gel into a texture kind of like tapioca in the shake after 15ms, which some people don't like. This shake tastes so much better than the premixed, is so much cheaper, healthier (fewer additives/less processed), and is super easy once you have all the ingredients. ** Sorry you guys, just realized this was a band to sleeve revision forum, I thought it was the regular post-op one, didn't mean to butt in.

I'm currently scheduled for a MGB in February (from a GS). My surgeon and I only talked about the MGB, and not DS. My BMI is 36.6 (with two co-morb.), but I really want this to be my final surgery (no more revisions!). Should I talk to my doctor about the DS? Is recovery/life style really that different than a MGB/GB? I'm a self-pay, so insurance is not a concern. I have to take Rexulti for depression (I've tried stopping and it went poorly) and it caused me to regain 30 pounds, so I'm particularly concerned about weight regain. Thanks in advance!

I am revising from sleeve to bypass on Friday. I really never researched the ds surgery until recently. The fact that people that have had it are still able to take nsaids would be a big plus in my case. I am riddled with arthritis. However I have read that it is a much more complicated procedure. Bigger concern of vitamin/mineral deficiency as well. But the chances of not only losing the weight but also maintaining are outstanding. I kind of wish that I had researched it before now. good luck with whatever you decide!

I had mt surgery in 2017 and didn't have much luck in the loosing weight department. I have an appointment with my surgeon and ask for a revision. I am unsure if my insurance horizon health nj will cover it a second time and what are the new requirements to have the surgery done again. Any help would be appreciated [emoji120] Sent from my SM-G981U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi fellow Floridians ! I'm from SW Florida. I got a band to sleeve revision on 5/4/12. Did great on pre-op diet and first two weeks after surgery I lost like crazy, but unfortunately have been stalled for two weeks! I'm trying to be patient and let my body do it's thing, but dang it's hard. I've followed my doctor's diet guidelines and increased my excercise so not sure what else to try. I'm off mushies now and started fish and chicken yesterday so I'm hoping that will make a difference. Nice to be on this journey with all of you

I would do it again in a heartbeat (even though I had a complication and had to have revision surgery). The band helps you stay on track, which is different when you are just on a diet, you can revert back to your old ways, but the band keeps you in check. Also, 1-2 is the norm they communicate, but everyone is different. I know one guy who lost an average of 20lbs a month. I have been averaging about 12 lbs a month (3lbs a week) and that was with a month of not losing bc of complications!

Nowornever14 - I am having my revision done in IL. It's with the same doctor that originally did my band. I really like him and know he'll do a good job. I just hope I can get the band removed and the sleeve done in the same operation. I have real bad heartburn and hope that goes away with the sleeve. I've heard good things about that. Good luck to you on your journey.

Hi Friends! I'm back and feeling pretty darn good! All things went well during my revision surgery and I am back from Mexico - safe, sound and sleeved! Woohoo! That first hour after surgery was a little rough - throwing up blood, feeling generally icky and wondering what the hell I'd done to myself. But that all cleared up pretty quickly. Already down 6 lbs just 5 days after surgery, so that made me feel good :-) Thank you all for the continued kind words of support. We are SLEEVER SISTERS now! Wooohooody-hoooo!

Oh my goodness!!! Same probs with my band. Had it done in 2005. Lost a substantial amount of weight. It stopped working a few years later. Turned out it had a slow leak. I haven't had a fill in several years. My current doc suggested revision to band over a year ago, but I've been so afraid of what the outcome will be. Hoping to be encouraged to make my mind up concerning revision, and hoping to be brave enough to have surgery for band removal sooner rather than later.

He does, he takes the revisions last because they take more time. I think I went in around noon. I just read a book. Lettuce/produce is absolutely fine to eat at the hotel or hospital. They wash it in bottled Water. I asked. ;o) I didn't lose as much as most the first month because I was trying really hard to maintain my weight. I was 125 or so at the time of my surgery. I just had to get the band out quickly. I lost about 10-12# but I've finally gained it back.. no more 'crack whore' look for me! HA No, I didn't take the sleeping pill, I wasn't nervous. I had my band there originally so I already knew the routine. I didn't even take the antibiotic, I don't take antibiotics unless I have an infection I can't kick on my own. But I didn't tell them that. ;o) Oh, thanks! You are so sweet but no, we don't get anything for referrals. My big thing is that I just want people to research their surgeon and going to someone who will give them a safe surgery. However, next time I do something stupid to myself at least I can preface it with, "HEY! I referred someone to you, you can't get mad at me!" LOL Sometimes people go to a really baaaaad doctor because the doctor is cheap or has a fast talking coordinator. I really feel bad for those people because I know there is a pretty good chance they are not going to have the same shot at a safe and effective surgery as those who go to good doctors. When someone is going to Aceves I don't worry about them, I know they are going to the best! Good luck tomorrow! You'll do great, you'll see. If you need anything just email me or PM me. Congrats on starting a whole new life, band free! __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

Thanks Tiffykins. I know no WLS is perfect. I've seen coworkers that have had RNY and DS surgeries and observed all the malabsorbtion issues. One ended up in ICU the other day, when the doc said he could have a stoke at any minute. I think is might have something to do with his lousy eating habits....:biggrin2: My sister got the band last year, but I've seen all the posts about band revisions and so why would I even try it...? I know the perfect way to lose weight is to eat right and exercise, but it's just not gonna happen for me that way. I'm so tired of being a recluse and missing out on life :svengo:. I'm not going to my high school reunion this summer because of my weight. I just started on a 3rd blood pressure medication last week, have had severe sleep apnea for about 6 years now. I hate my bi-pap machine, but it keeps me alive and breathing. Hubby is behind me 100% :thumbup:. I just want to make the best informed decision for my body. It's not like buying a car...if I don't end up happy with my choice, I can't ask for my stomach back. I go to the WLS center's seminar next Saturday, May 15th. I hope to get alot of questions answered. I have a feeling most of the people there are going to be asking about the RNY. Maybe I'll inspire some of them to consider VSG...:001_smile:

I'm extremely happy with my band to sleeve revision. I had my sleeve done on 11-9-09 and have already lost 23 lbs. I never lost anything with the band.....the sleeve is the way to go. Just be prepared for the 1st day out of surgery....I felt terrible, but you feel better and better with each passing day. Good luck.

I had the traditional duodenal switch surgery. It was done in a one-step revision from a lapband. My surgeon said he might have to do it in two stages if there was too much scar tissue from the lapband, but that didn't happen and I was relieved. I didn't have my gallbladder removed, and I've been fine. I love my DS. My feet feel a whole lot better carrying less weight around.

I feel like my band to sleeve revision is giving me a 2nd chance. I had the band in 2008 and did really well the first year to 18 months until I got a fill that was too tight. From there I went downhill, eating slider foods and my bad habits all came back to where I gained almost all my weight back. I'm 4 weeks out and I'm back to the beginning eating healthy and small portions I know that I'm going to have to work hard but I feel like this gave me a second chance

I had my VS in 2012, lost 150 lbs and maintained that loss almost effortlessly for 8 years, then Covid hit and in a matter of 3 months I gained 80 lbs back WITHOUT CHANGING MY EATING HABITS!!! I feel like I’ve been robbed. By no fault of my own, the weight came back and stayed. I still can only consume 4 or 5 bites to eat and I’m full. I just don’t understand why this happened and if I do a revision to a DS will that help?

Im from VA but in WA. Had my sleeve in 2015, and insurance approved revision to DS. I didn't have to do the 6 months etc., because of reflux and other comorbidities. My dr suggested the DS because of the success rate as a revision. Plus I saw how the bypass did my mom, my surgery is scheduled 10/22

I had the revision on Dec. 5. I had my lapband for seven years. I only lost about 30 pounds over and over and over again, I had no complications with the band, no slip or errosion. But I was either too tight or too loose and just never found what would work. Also even when losing with the band my diabetes was still way out of control and it did nothing to help that. So after seven years of up and down weight loss and ending up on over 300 units of Insulin a day which caused great inflamation thoughout my body to the point of me being close to homebound, I had the revision. My family Doc and three specialists thought the bypass would be the answer to the diabetes. So I went through the process and even lost 28 pounds pre op. Now almost four weeks post op another 10 pounds gone, And as far as the diabetes it is still there and I still need insulin but about 35 units a day instead of 300 to get the same numbers. So I am still hopeful. I wish you the very best and I think you will be happy with your decision I really do.

Hello Everyone! I am new to the forum and currently have a lap band. I am looking to have a revision to sleeve and am leaning toward dr. Ponce de leon as I havw read great things about him. Can you guys recommend any other doctors that have success at doing the surgery all at once? I would prefer to not have to wake up and find I don't have a sleeve. Before I get blasted :-) I am aware there could be complications that the doctor decides it isn't worth the risk. However, I want to pick a doctor that has experience in doing it all at once. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I absolutely love love love Dr. Ku!!! I cried when he left reading. He is the most wonderful surgeon I have ever met. He did my band and a year and a half later he did my hiatal hernia and band revision. U will not be let down with him!!!'

Good luck! Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App Are you doing a revision? Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

Joyful, I just had my revision from lapband to sleeve done by Dr. Aceves on 12/18. It was the best medical experience of my life. I have worked in hospitals all over the world and been a patient in hospitals in several other countries. Swear to God, it is so clean there you can eat off the floor. My surgical experience was wonderful. My surgery was a bit longer than usual because of all the adhesions, scar tissue, etc. If I needed medication for nausea or pain I had it immediately after asking. Both Dr. Aceves and Dr. Campos checked on me so many times each day that I lost count. By checking, I mean hands on checking, not like most of the Docs here in the U.S. who just come into the room and only ask how you are doing. Dr. Aceves and Campos did a look, listen, and feel exam. The day of my surgery, I know they were there quite late to recheck me (like around 9:30 p.m. ish). I never suffered in pain or with nausea like I have with other procedures I've had. I can honestly say that this was the least painful surgery I've ever had. Many of the staff speak perfect English. If they didn't it really wasn't a problem as between the both of us we could figure out what the other meant. I had no difficuty understanding all of the instructions I received both pre-op and post-op (and believe me, I had better instructions than I've ever had anywhere else). I am now 1 week post op and have been taking day trips to San Diego, Phoenix, and out into the Mountains with my family who are here for Christmas. Yes, I know that I've had something done, but I haven't had to lay around for days in recovery. Once in a while I feel a "pulling" type sensation in the muscle which is my signal to stop what I'm doing. It is normal to be afraid. Please know that you have nothing to be afraid of by going to Mexicali and having your surgery done with Dr. Aceves.The hospital has a fully accredited lab/blood bank. The ICU has an excellent reputation. Of course, you know the reputation of Dr. Aceves. I don't know if you are going alone or not. If you are, there are alot of other patients there with a family member or friend with them. You will all just sort of become a "family" while you are there and your "family" looks out for you (not that there is anything they would need to look out for). I never felt uncomfortable as far as being afraid for my safety. In fact, I felt very safe and secure. Even left my passport/purse in my room in full view as I was wandering around in the hospital. No problem. Some of the family members with the patients took taxis to the malls, etc and never had problems. Mexicali is much different than TJ and some of the other cities. Many Americans live here in Yuma and in El Centro and commute to Mexicali daily to work as there are many American factories :thumbup: there who have American supervisors. Please P.M. me if you want and I will give you my phone number. OR you can give me your phone number and I will call you back as I can call you for free and talk as long as needed to answer your questions.