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Had my band to sleeve revision last month with Dr Aceves. So far so good. Who would have thought I could put 1/4 cup of chili in a bowl, sit down and eat a teaspoon and actually feel full. So far this is what I thought the band was going to do. Good Luck

Chiming in, I have my sleeve to bypass revision surgery that day!

I've never blogged before but I'm going to give it a try. This is basically me trying to work out whether to have another weight loss surgery (got a band in 2008) and, if yes, which one. It will probably be extra long and all over the place. To be honest, I've pretty much decided to have another surgery. I hate it and it terrifies me but after 40 plus years of fighting and losing, its becoming pretty obvious that diet and exercise aren't going to work. And I'm just so tired of fighting every day and never winning. And I'm not just mentally tired. I'm physically tired, also. I can barely get myself up for work in the mornings. I'm sucking air like a fish out of water just walking from the car to the office. My knees and hips hurt. Somehow, I've managed to aggravate/pinch my sciatic nerve while sleeping (yes - sleeping!) twice just this year. I know I've been very lucky up until now with being this heavy and not having too many medical problems. But I think that is changing. Forty four years is just too long to put this much weight on my poor joints and bones and heart. I can only hope I haven't done so much damage that I can't come back from it. As I said, its felt inevitable for some time but I just got back from vacation with family I hardly ever get to see. There are so many things this weight keeps me from being able to do. I'm constantly stressed over where I can sit/fit and can I walk that far and that fast. I hated slowing everyone down. I even had to take a rest while walking to a restaurant. Granted, it was hilly and three blocks but no one else had issues. Just me. Everything I do is impacted by my weight. In fact, everything about me has been shaped by my weight. I haven't told too many people yet but once I get the insurance approval and the appointments start, I will tell everyone close to me. When I got the band, I kept it a secret from my co-workers and cringed whenever family would try to discuss it. In fact, I still don't really tell anyone. I'm really very ashamed at my failure with the band. I think I don't tell people about the band because I don't want people to know I'm fat. As if they can't see me trying to bust out of my size 26/28 clothes. Also, I think it was sort of a fail safe for me - if I don't tell people, they won't see if/when I fail. This time, I'm going to be open about it and take away my ability to deny everything after the fact. I'm also going to start seeing a therapist to help with my food issues and binging. I am hopeful that the surgeons office will have someone to refer me to. I think this will be very important for me. If I could do this alone I'd have done so by now. I'm also thinking maybe some medication to help with mood swings and cravings. When I first decided to consider another WLS, I was not really aware of what the sleeve was. I thought it was just another new type of gastric bypass. So now I'm trying to decide which WLS would be best for me. The gastric bypass truly scares me. Re-routing intestines just seems like playing with fire. If we didn't need them just like they were we wouldn't have them in the first place. I like the idea of the sleeve. Cut out most of the stomach and hunger hormone. No hunger and a tiny stomach. My cousin got the sleeve and has lost 200 lbs in 3 years. She says she often forgets to eat cause she's just not hungry. Wow - what is that like? Just the idea of not being hungry makes me hungry (yeah, I'm broken). But the sleeve is restriction only and I already have a restriction only device inside me. I was hungry immediately following my band surgery and it never made me feel full, just sick but still hungry. For my own decision making purposes, below are some questions I think I need to address in order to make a decision: 1. Do I want to be normal sized or just not so fat? Weird question, I know, but a friend of mine had the gastric bypass a few years back and lost so much weight the docs wanted her to gain 20 lbs, She is a couple of years younger than me but she looked so old. Nearly twice her age. BUT, she had a lot of bad complications and is/was very malnourished. Maybe a sleeve would allow me to lose enough weight to get healthier but not too much. Yes, I'm very vain. I'm not sure, though, that going through surgery to maybe lose a little weight is a good idea. If I'm going to have surgery, why not go big and try to lose the majority of my excess weight? 2. Can I give up food? This should be number 1. A tiny little voice in my head is telling me this is the real source of my fear. Food is my ultimate frenemy. Seriously, I only just gave food the title of frenemy yesterday. I smoked for over 20 years and quit 10 years ago. To date, that is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But to give up food - the thought terrifies me and nearly brings me to tears. When I think of it, I think of an episode of My 600 lbs Life about Lupe. She is 39 years old and immobile. She's nearly died a few times. She hides food and binges. Food is her comfort. Because of her heart issues, she gets a sleeve instead of gastric bypass. At one point, she asks out loud if she can give up food because its been her comfort for so long. I think about her asking that a lot. For her, it wasn't just maybe food was killing her. It had already tried a couple of times. Food has such a hold on her that despite the knowledge, she was still asking if she could give it up. I realized watching that episode that I would have to give up food if I have surgery. I don't believe I can have both because food (my frenemy) wants me to be sick and tired and die young. I will definitely need the therapist for this one. 3. What will I do without food? Breakfast. lunch and dinner are currently the highlights of my day. What will I do without them? I'll need something to look forward to and concentrate on. This is probably where the therapist will come in handy. 4. Can I handle the post surgery diet? I'm going low carb on Monday to sort of get ready for eating high protein after surgery. Not the same, I know, but close. Sort of. I diet well for a limited amount of time and then I start to slip, eventually binging on all the forbidden foods. I've never been able to maintain the momentum of a diet, though. I lose interest. Get tired of it. Confuse myself by reading about a different kind of diet and then fall off and into a binge. 5. If I choose gastric bypass, will the fear of dumping be enough to keep me away from my fave foods - cake and cookies? This probably goes with #2. I'm scheduled to attend a WLS seminar on 16 April. I can't wait. The surgeons office said its about two weeks after the seminar before you get an appointment with the surgeon. I feel like he would recommend the gastric bypass due to my BMI of 59 and because it would be a revision from the lap band. My health insurance currently offers a free weight loss coaching program that I am participating in (not successfully). It uses the DASH diet. I'm wondering if they would consider that to be medically supervised. Also, my primary care docs office has a weight loss program I'm doing. Maybe that would also count. Not that either have really helped me much. They've actually been kind of non-starters for me. The one through my insurance allowed me to get weight loss drugs at a lower cost but they didn't really do what they were supposed to do so I didn't continue. Definitely my insurance has records of my weight issues, though.

I ask myself this over and over again. I don't know who knows about my very long and extensive background with complications after complications beginning in February of 2008 with my first WLS the Lap Band and then I had a revision to Sleeve in Sept. of 2010. I'm not here to knock any surgery. Some surgeries work well with some people, and sometimes it doesn't. I'm one of those it didn't. I was told by my first bariatric surgeon that I was a good candidate for the Bypass, but I still went with the Lap Band. It seemed less invasive, and it seems like it would be my best choice. Turned out for me it wasn't. So here I am 6 years later laying up recovering from my Rny Gastric Bypass surgery. I am doing exponentially well. I do have an infection in my drainage incision, however but the antibiotics are helping with that. I am stronger than any enemy faced against me! I will always survive! The Gastric Bypass in only 2 weeks has worked wonders for me that YEARS of struggling with the Band and Sleeve could not. The Sleeve gave me things like weight goals, looking good in clothes and other superficial things BUT the one dream of mine was to beat my health problems. Mainly my HBP. My Uncle died at the age of 44 due to complications of it, and I was officially diagnosed with it at age 31. I was given a vision and extreme measure to help me but I was too scared to take it. The Bypass would be my saving grace. I'm only glad that I have it now. My GERD is 100% gone as of surgery day. My blood pressure has dropped so low in only 2 weeks that my regular Dr. wants me completely off but put me on 25% until we see each other again in a month. I don't feel beat up or tired which is amazing for only being 2 weeks out. I feel good, upbeat and HEALTHY... which means I am FINALLY a TRUE SUCCESS STORY. God bless everyone, and never be afraid to take any extreme measure to save your life. ETA: I'd like to say I just surpassed my 100th day sugar free as well.

Well done!!! That's so inspirational for me. I had my Omega loop (revision from band then sleeve) just over 2 weeks ago and have lost 6kgs. So happy for you, thanks for updating us! Any tips on eating/habits/learnings?

Honestly the bypass of course has its own risks and complications but that is going to be any surgery. The best thing to do is weigh out the risks you know will occur if you remain overweight/obese vs the possibility of a complication with the bypass. As for the sleeve it is kind of a hit or miss. There seems to be a leak issue that is higher then I would feel comfortable with. Also we must remember with the sleeve there is the fact that acid and reflux issues will almost always occur. While this may not be the case for everyone it definitely seems to be a good majority. The concern for me there would be erosion of the lining of our throats. To me that is too big of a risk. My secondary concern with the sleeve would be that your stomach is being cut out. That is not reversible period so God forbid one later on down the line is diagnosed with stomach cancer. That would be devastating. I personally don't feel the sleeve has been around long enough for me to feel confident in it's ability. Personally I would only recommend it to folks who are extremely obese as part of a two step procedure due to them being too much of a risk to do the bypass initially. Have them lose the weight and get more stable then proceed to the bypass. Even then I would use extreme caution. We just don't honestly have enough long term studies on the sleeve. Then of course we could also look at the amount of current sleeved individuals who are no regaining a substantial amount and who are also needing revisions due to the weight loss stopping before a healthy weight is obtained. In the end it is judgement call that one must make for themselves but with the research I have done and my personal education I would not choose the sleeve.

I understand your frustration about being overweight. I was there over two years ago, wow, does not seem that longago. I did not chose the lap-band, I chose the gastric by-pass. In the area I live in the sleeve was not even on the table. If it had been, that is what I would have choosen. Per Ted Smith, I needed the by-pass not the lap-band. Now, until I decide to have the by-pass revised I have to take extra vitamins, minerals just so I don't die of malnutrition. Yes, it is a permanate life-style change, but if you are not also working with someone professional and have a local support group of others whom have had the same surgery the weight will come back. My weight at the time of surgery was 310, I have been at 210 for a year and half. I have two problems with why the last 60 pound has not come off; One being I am not sure who I would be at 150, and two I can't leave the Dr Pepper alone. By the way this December it will have been three years since the surgery was done.

I had two barium swallow tests that showed my band was in perfect position, but I was still tossing up most of what I ate, so my surgeon said I had to get it removed, and he would do an RNY in the same surgery. He likes to do it in one surgery if he can...less cost and one less chance for anaesthesia complications. He thinks the bypass is actually better to do than the sleeve on a one-surgery revision. Well, he got in there, and my band HAD slipped, and on top of that I had a hiatal hernia! When he cam to see me after the procedure I asked him why everything looked good on the xrays, he said it's not uncommon for slips and hernias not to show up on the xrays.

I haven't had much trouble with pain, still a little tender but that's about it. I only have one problem right now, which unfortunately is a major one, I can't keep fluids down. I'm just hoping I don't need anything more than an edg with dilation. A revision surgery would be a nightmare. I'm just relying on prayers and steroids to get me through Tuesday when I see the dr. I do have occasional gas pains but no big deal. I'd give anything to keep fluids down.

I had bypass 4/29 been stalled for weeks. Glad to know I'm not alone. I keep losing and gaining the same one pound. I'm a revision but I feel like it should be coming off more. He said I'd have a stall weeks three and four but it'd been since then:( Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations on following thru to revision to the sleeve. I truly enjoyed reading your journey!! I am 59 & hope to get my surgery date later this month if approved. Thank you soo much for sharing, soo encouraging!!

I don't know what the percentage of band to sleeve revisions are, but I agree that your choice to start with a sleeve is best. As for the seminars, usually, whichever doc does the program is who you sign up for. They are both good. I haven't been to the support group in several months. Mainly because of my band issues. I didn't feel I would be a good spokesperson until I get resolution....band out, change to sleeve, etc. I am going to call my insurance again this afternoon to check on the status of the revision. I never have been a patient camper.

Hi Bernie, I don't mind helping out. I had the Lap Band in 2005 and then had a revision to the Gastric Sleeve last month. You can email me if you'd like @ kekerene@hotmail.com, just put your name in the subject line so I don't delete it thinking it's junk mail.

I was revised in KCMO self pay at KC Bariatrics. I felt the price was reasonable and they offer finance options.

Hi Vickie and WELCOME to VST!! :thumbup1: I am a revision from Band to Sleeve and good for you on taking the short-cut to the much more superior surgery! I have some things in common with you. It was so weird that once I'd decided I was finally going to revise to the Sleeve, things just started falling into my lap to have it done. One MIRACLE after another!!! You will do fine, and all the best in your upcoming journey! Read all you can, and prepare yourself. Hang on to your hat lady because you are in for the ride of your life!! In a good way of course.. lol I have these in chocolate, French vanilla, strawberry, Caramel, and Raspberry! They are made by Torani and they do amp up the flavor some. I highly recommend it! You can mix and match alot too so you're not feeling too much like you have no choices. I got mine from BevMo, if any of you have one in your area. You will find it in the "Mixers" section.

Hello Everyone, I had LapBand surgery in February 2006, revision surgery due to a slip in December 2008 and it ended with my band being removed in emergency surgery in February 2010. I couldn't revise to RNY then because my stomach was too inflamed. I went through an array of emotions the entire journey with my lapband and even more so after it was removed. I was relieved then depressed and what a cycle it was. I've tried yet again to diet after I regained confidence enough to try but, just like always in the end I've gained the weight I lost. I did great with my band, losing 80 pounds the first year and even with all the trouble at least I could keep it off. I have to face the fact I need help in losing and keeping it off. I started researching RNY again and now 1.5 years from losing my band I'm ready to make the move. Tomorrow is a day full of visits to the bariatric center that I went to for my LapBand. I'm seeing a nurse to start the process, bloodwork, Medical Director for an exam, Nutritionist and Social Worker..together they all decide if they believe the surgery is for me and let me know. I look forward to building friendships here to help each other along the way Wish me luck with the visit

i had the lapband 12/23/2008, and than i had my gastric bypass revision on 10/25/2011.i totally regretted the band instantly.fills/unfills.exercising more and harder than prior to the band. my doctor kept saying that i shouldn't have to work so hard to lose the weight.i was working out 5-6 days a week 1-2 hours a day. alot of things i could not eat or tolerate. a lot of things i had given up prior due tomy diabetes. the wt loss is slow. my dietician says because of the amount that i need to loose. yet i am still obese. So my journey is a very hard journey for me. being 50 years old and menapausal doesn't help at all.

When I originally had my band done back in 2012 the surgeon told me that he thought my GERD was related to a hernia and if it was when he got in there he was going to fix it. It was and he did. I had a revision to a sleeve 2 weeks ago and have had no problems with GERD. None since the hernia repair.

Welcome back. You have taken a good step by joining us and realizing that you have had aproblem and are trying to get back on track. I had to have revision surgery for a slipped band back in Nov. 2011. It has taken me a year to finally have the scale to decide to go back down. I had gained enough weight that my size 8's did not fit and I had to pull out size 10's. So, we are both in the losing stage again! But, you can do it, just start improving your diet, and tracking your calories. The hardest part is admitting to yourself that you need to take control, again. Best wishes, Karen

You're in bandster hell, and unfortunately, this "elusive" sweet spot doesn't exist. Even the long term bandsters admit that it's just that "elusive" and many bandsters never find it, or get restriction with the band. I wish I could give you hope, but it's becoming a more common issue with the bands. I'm sorry you are struggling, and would recommend just pushing Protein until you can get restriction. I know that band life is tough. I had every issue within the first 3 months of having mine, and so grateful I was able to revise. Keep us posted, and hope you get some good answers on possibly revising.

Hi and welcome! I'm preop also, should be submitting everything around June 6th(final nutrition class). I'm thrilled to hear what your surgeon said, because I've had GERD for years, and my surgeon said the same thing. I specifically asked about exacerbation and possible revision to RNY, and he reassured me that he's only had 3 patients in the hundreds he's sleeved that needed revision due to GERD. I know that there's no guarantee against complications, but this reaffirmed my gut feeling(pun intended) that the VSG was the right choice for me. Good luck to you!

I'm so sorry you're having problems. I have heard it's really difficult to find the "sweet spot" with the band. I hope it works out for you to get a revision to the sleeve. Don't feel like a failure, a lot of folks have to revise to sleeve. I think you will find a lot of support here.

After years of battling with the Lapband, and after months and months of battling with doctors and the insurance company, I am excited to announce that I have finally been APPROVED for my revision from Lapband to Gastric Bypass! My pre-op appointment is December 3rd, and my surgery date is December 7th!! I am thoroughly ecstatic and so nervous!!!

I was told the anything you can eat with out teeth qualifies as soft food, I know a man that can eat a Big Mac and fries and has no teeth, yay me!! So kidding, I am not eating a Big Mac just thought it was a funny observation. I do want texture, just a few more weeks Revision 1/31/13 by Dr Cabrera and Venezuela in MX

I am new to LBT but am in desperate need of hearing others experiences. I was banded June 15, 2007. Had good steady weight loss. Last October my fill doctor said I had a small stretch. We have watched and taken all the Fluid out, but there has been no improvement. So now she has decided it is a slip instead of just a stretch. My surgeon says he can repair it but thinks I should consider a revision. I do not want an RNY but might consider a sleeve. My first choice is a band. I have read of a lot of people having their band repositioned to only slip again later. Has anyone had a successful repositioning? Thanks, Anna