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What if your surgeon could make a case for having to do a revision due to medical problems resulting from your band? Would that speed up the process? Just a thought...

Tiffykins - thanks for responding so quickly. I'm getting very anxious over all of this. My surgeon is at a Briatric Center for Excellence and has done thousands of laps and bypass's - but with the sleeve being somewhat new I guess she's done only about 36 of those. Looks to me like the surgeon who has A LOT of experience in the sleeve is Dr. Aceves in Mexicali - and even though I'm a self-pay it makes me nervous to do it outside of the U.S. so here I am scheduled for this surgery on the 31st and the more I read the more confused/anxious I'm getting about how experienced the surgeon should be in the sleeve - so anything you can throw at me would be greatly appreciated.

Hey all! I’m 5 weeks post op and have been doing great, but I got my teeth cleaned yesterday and haven’t been feeling well since. Usually the dentist is an easy thing for me but this time my body aches and my digestive system is definitely unhappy. My pre-op info did not say anything about the dentist. Has anyone else had experiences like this? Did your info have a timeline for dental cleanings? Thanks, Breanne

Boy, I am one confused woman. I THOUGHT I was ready for the sleeve - had even seriously considered changing to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali for it (because he seems to have the most experience) - so I get on his website and here's what is recommendation is if you have GERD: "the recommended surgery for obese patients with GERD or severe acid reflux is the Gastric Bypass. The bypass is the anti reflux surgery for weight loss. The sleeve can actually cause more reflux that may or may not be controlled with medication..." He goes on to say that if you have the sleeve and your reflux/GERD is not controlled with meds you will need to consider converting the sleeve into a bypass." And YES I do have GERD and Reflux and so does that mean it's the bypass for me?

I'm in NY so I can't say a thing about your surgeon. You don't have that much weight to lose. Are you aware that with the bypass their is malabsorption? I had the sleeve by 4.5 months I was down 70lbs. I am sort of at a plateau for the last month or so but that's because I have not been exercising at all. Best wishes what ever you decide.

Patience is a virtue, but at 73 the rest of my vitue is long gone, living on grit, determination, 12 hours of TPN a night and hoping my story will end as well as my Bari-Bud 🐭🐱(aka MouseCat), so so proud of Her success! Oh got to believe it's only a Matter of Time, never planned to be like this 5 months out from surgery. And oh it started out So Good , 2 weeks in. my stoma strictured, the ulcerations started , they should have known , I already had a gastric ulcer I named Hector in the stomach part bypassed, went in with DX of Gastritis, took me off my PPI Dexilent, put me on their ineffectual Omeprazole, may work for many, never did for ME and I have been hanging on the tail of a tornado every since! And when will it END, IDK but sure wish I did! So I chug-a-chugging along on a limited Stage 2 diet, liquids and thin purees once a day, sustained largely on the calories and nutrition from TPN fed through a PICC line in my upper Left Arm. Been there for 2 months yesterday, possibly for 2 more months, at least that was the last recommendation I was given last Friday at my EGJ, 9th endoscopy lifetime, 6th at OSU. Well to be technically correct Transnasally July 2013 EGD June 2015 EGD December 2017 those 3 were at my local Community Hospital KCH in Mount Vernon EGD immediately prior to RnY surgery September 5 2018 by Dr Needleman EGJs because post RnY duodenum is no longer accessible, only your jejunem, the 2nd section of Small Intestine Those were October 12, October 26, November 9th, November 28, that's when I was bad enough I was hospitalized and PICC l8ne inserted next day, all these done by Sabrena Noria MD, my surgeons partner who just 💞doing endoscopies. And lastly January 25 2019 by their Senior Resident Noah J Stinson MD, Dr Noria was over- booked, I guess. He wasn't too bad, this time they attempted stretching my stomal stricture part way, did it work permanently? Doubtful, Dr Noria tried in October, snapped right back where it was before, a virtual pinhole that lets only liquids through. Does THIS happen often? Oh I am so dang special I nearly stink, and I did not request to be! I WANT to be like all the others out there, my surgery day twins are on Stage 4 or Normal diets, and I'm lagging behind. Wahhh!😪😥💦

I'm not a revision patient, but I just wanted to say with the exception of iron (some people don't absorb oral iron well and have to have iron infusions - although the vast majority of us absorb oral iron just fine), malabsorption is pretty uncommon as long as you keep on top of your supplements.

My doctor refused to remove my healthy gallbladder during the sleeve surgery. ....I asked her to, but she stated insurance would not pay for it. I also asked her to put me on Actigall and she refused, stating I didn't need it and it was mainly for bypass patients. If I get an attack, I will be pissed off and would find another surgeon if I needed surgery. I was psyched about my surgeon in the beginning, but has since "fallen out of love" with her. I feel she is only interested in the results her "procedure" brings, and not in the process of the actual journey I'm on to get the results. At my three month visit I realized I just didn't like her. Sad face..... sorry for the mini rant.

I had my revision yesterday! They removed the old port and replaced it with a new one. I am in more pain now than I was with the first initial surgery. I hope this thing doesn't flip again. If it does, I'm done with this lapband experience.

I am having revision surgery on the 31st, as far as my understanding goes once it flips (completely around) the stitches have broken and it needs to be repaired otherwise it isn't really tethered to anything. I would ask if it is completely flipped or only turned. hope it helps good luck

I had my revision surgery last week and I'm doing much better.The first couple of days were really painful but the more you move the better it feels. I went to the doctor yesterday and I've lost 4 lbs since he took out about 1/2 of my little 1cc fill during surgery. So funny-I quit losing weight when I couldn't keep anything down. Now I can eat again-yea-and the scale is moving down again. I still have some restriction and have to keep the portions small but everything is much better. Good luck to ya'll.

well my dr called and I'm having the revision on the 31st, thanks for writing back Kelly I'm feeling less apprehension unfortunately I never got any fill because we discovered this first time out. I never felt anything or have any pain at all and it's been flipped since May. Hope the new medicine your dr gave you works if it does tell me what it was so I can get it too.... take care Tara

I was banded October 2011 and had complications from day 1. I had a very large hiatal hernia that needed to be repaired, and it wasn't. It took me 5 years and 3 months and 4 doctors later to find one that would remove it December 2016. It then took me another two doctors to make the hernia repair and do the gastric bypass for me on June 18.

My Apologies, Didn't see the date on the side there, just that you were listed as a lap band, and you didn't state you were going in for revision. Good luck on everything! I hit 50 lbs lost today since my pre-surgical check in on March 2nd!

Hi Everyone, I live in North Ga. I went to Dr Daly at Northside. I was banded on July 2nd. The Hospital stay was great and they also have a support group there. I just love Dr Daly. He did my Mom's bypass surgery 8 years ago so I did not want to go to anyone else.:cool:

Hi Debbie. Yes I go to Dr. Woodhead (referred to by my clinic) and hopefully a few of his patients will respond to your post. I like him very much. Dr. W. does not have a clinic but he does his surgery at the Delta hospital. I find him very supportive. Here is a list of questions prepared by a successful bandster. I had my band in Toronto, but the distance is so far away that I cannot take advantage of the support so I pay for my fills. I get my support from Dr. W. and the Support group that meets at the Lions Gate Hospital and from the Slimband website. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Pick out the ones may help you to make a decision.

Check out the news stories on Ron Lester. He is an actor. you might know him from 'Varsity Blues' or the series 'Popular' a few years ago. He played the fat(politically incorrect) kid. He was 500+ lbs when doing those parts. He underwent a vertical sleeve operation(a form of gastric bypass) and lost 305 lbs. He looks good now, but says that he has a problem getting parts. When he was 508lbs there weren't very many people trying out for those parts, but now there are bunches of other guys trying to get the same parts. Invisible, not quite, but it definitely takes some getting used to. gk

The last time I saw OPRAH do a show on weight loss surgery it was ALL about bypass. She had that judge from American Idol on. She also spoke to Dr. Christine Ren from NYU but there was no mention of the band and Dr. Ren does both surgeries. The thing I don't like about the shows is that weight loss surgery is always persieved as taking the easy way out. It drives me nuts. Even Dr. Phil has taken that attitude (I guess because he is trying to sell his fitness book).

I have to agree with Missdietcoke I haven't been banded either so I don't mind hearing these stories,, at this time I choose to be banded, I don't know to much about the sleeve. And as far as gastric bypass , well that one is thrown out already for me . So everyone is untitled to there own opinion . So really in all reality any surgery is dangerous with complications and sometimes us newbies like to hear these things that's why we come on this site so we learn what others have been thru , congrates to ur sleeve . And it was good to hear ur experience .

So I'm thinking about giving up on my insurance fight and just switching to self-pay. I had a slipped band over a year ago. It took 6 months to get the insurance company (Fed BCBS) to finally agree to remove the band but they denied a revision to VSG stating it wasn't medically necessary because my BMI was under 35. I submitted an appeal to the Federal Office of Personnel Management in October for what was supposed to be a 60 day appeal. They "lost" my case and had to start over. Then they closed it because they didn't understand I was asking for a revision and not some sort of random partial gastrectomy. They finally sent it out for review but it sounds like they didn't select a bariatric surgeon because the answer last week came back that it isn't medically necessary because my weight isn't over a 40 BMI. The told my attorney to wait for the report and then call and talk to the nurse but I haven't heard back yet. At this point it's been almost 7 months since I submitted the appeal. This has been going on for so long I'm almost back to my original weight. If I had it to do over again I'd have done a self-pay revision with Dr. Aceves right from the start. Heck, I'd be at my goal weight by now. I just don't have it in me to keep this up. I went ahead and requested a surgery date with Dr. Aceves and put first-class airline tickets on hold on my miles. I can't think what hoops the insurance company would have next. They just don't get that the standard of care for a revision doesn't require you to regain all your weight first. I could go forward with the surgery and then sue them after the fact but I'm not sure it's worth the mental energy after all this. I had some old Microsoft stock lying around and it's almost enough for the surgery. I'm thinking that I'll never miss the money and can just get on with my life. I don't want to self-pay up here because it's really expensive and they don't cover complications like Dr. Aceves does. I could be down there next weekend having this done and just moving on. Thoughts? I could use some additional input... Thanks! Britt

Thanks - I will check out the revision board!

I am having my gastric bypass surgery on Aug. 24. I have been on my pre op diet for almost 2 weeks. Nothing but clear liquid on the day before surgery. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thank you all for your quick responce. I am trying to do a lot of research on this subject. My insurance will pay for a gastric bypass but not the lap band. I am going to try and appeal it with them, but will see. Sharbythesea, could you please share the info. about your friend that had it done on the Oregon Coast, that sounds pretty good too me. You can e-mail me directly with the info. if you would like. Thanks again everyone. Shelley

Okay, I'm supposed to be sleeping, but I am so addicted to you guys. I'm the new erosion on the block, and I have to tell you, as devastating as this is, I got 97.5 pounds out of it. By the time I have my band removed it will probably be at least an even 100 - that's my new goal. lol Anyway - I don't know yet if I will choose to be rebanded. I am waiting for more info on the re-erosion rates. The one response I got wasn't good (she eroded again her second time), and two other posters quote increased percentages - one 50%, the other "4 times likely" which would be 4-12%. I'm going to have to agree with Jessie Ahroni on grads that no one really knows the stats on rebanding. However, the literature from Inamed does state that revisions have a higher percentage of erosion, and I would consider a rebanding a revision. If I knew then what I know now - would I still have done it? ABSOLUTELY!! Will I do it again? At this point, it doesn't look likely. But I will have to wait at least six months before I could be rebanded, if I choose to do so, so we'll see how it goes. I love my band - it did everything I had hoped for. It sucks for me that I have this complication, but I rolled the dice and this is what I got. I'm not angry, or bitter. Sad, devastated, yes. But I knew the risks, and my results have been worth it. I've learned a lot about myself and my eating disorder. Hopefully that'll help me out when I'm back out there on my own. Good luck with your decision!

Oooohhh... I am going to be soooo careful with that... My sister had the RNY gastric bypass a year and a half ago and in the beginning she would always hand what was left on her plate (almost all of it) when we would go out to eat. I stopped going to eat with her as it was hard to fight the weight with two dinner plates in front of me and then to watch her literally melt as I was inhaling her leftovers was almost heartbreaking. She can eat more now and we can go out to eat as we used to but I am always going to remember how that felt for me. Congrats on the weight-loss Ihvbzs sounds like you are doing an awesome job with your new tool! Darcy