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Just had my band removed two weeks ago and I have to wait till november to consider the revision to bypass. Sucks to wait but I trust my doctor.

I haven't had VSG - I have AGB & am here researching a revision. But I had to have my gallbladder out almost a year to the day that my band was put in. Mine was a much simpler outpatient procedure though. From what I can tell, MOST people who lose significant amounts of weight lose their gallbladder at some point. In fact when my AGB was done my surgeon basically said "See you soon" -- he was right. Poor little gallbladders go all wonky without much for the bile to do.

I'm sure you've gotten all the answers you need at this point since you asked this question months ago. I was banded by Dr. Geiss 3 years ago and I'm having a revision done. If you have questions or want support, let me know.

Jendkopp, understood. But consider this from the point of view of someone whose only option was the band. We all chose our procedures knowing the risks. I understand that people want to and need to share their experiences, but it is not helpful to flood those of us who have the band with horror stories. Perhaps there should be a dedicated forum for procedure revisions. But I don’t participate in this forum to be told that my choice is wrong and that I will fail eventually. I’m not saying that you personally have done that, but it has been my experience here. I come here to speak with other banders about their day to day with the band. This is supposed to be a support group.

I have the same question as enjoythetime? But, don't take this personally, what you did is not recommended by any means. Some of us have very little swelling right after surgery. This means the stoma/band is wide open and the swelling in the stoma area doesn't interfere with food passing to the lower stomach. I too was one who had no swelling. But, we enter Bandster Hell so much sooner and some can't handle the hunger and break the rules. Most patients experience a lot of swelling and eating solid food so soon after surgery could compromise the integrity of the sutures and the position of the band. This could result in a quick return to the ER or hospital for a band revision. So, if you're a newbie, do not disregard the no solids rules till the Doctor clears you. You may not be as lucky as Enuf?

I'm 8 years out and started gaining after the loss of my oldest son and being in a car accident a year ago. There is revision surgery for us that had the rny. I'm been studying it. Before I do it though I want to see if I can lose on my own. So I have gone back to the basics where I was at week 2 post op. I've lost 3 lbs in a week. Having a hard time getting water in but I'm trying. Also I'm walking 30 minutes a day. I'm tracking everything. Need to go buy a new scale though. I don't know where I misplaced the one I had. Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

If you're looking at revision options, my surgeon is discussing a non-surgical option with me of an ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) which is where they go in via your esophagus and stitch the pouch to be smaller again from the inside. There are no incisions and it's done quite quickly. I have a consultation with my surgeon next week to get more information but it looks like a good option with some success. Edited for spelling

@Creekimp13 I guess nothing has changed on this site. People judge food choices, goal weight, current weight, weight regain or revision. They judge how you work your own plan. I've been judged here because I enjoy sports (running, biking and hiking) If I never had surgery and enjoyed sports would I still get the same negative judgment? It's weird how judgmental some people can be.

I had been obese since I had my first son at the age of 18. I would lose weight and then gain it. When I was 24 years old I wanted to get RNY but then I got really scared and didn't go through with it. 2001 I lost my mother to Breast CANCER. she was only 40 years old. She left 5 kids behind 2 were under age. I was able to get custody of one of my brothers but the youngest one his father sent him to Dominican Republic. We lost contact with him. I was depressed I was 22 years old with 2 kids of my own and my brother. Living at my in laws house. I just started to eat so much.. My weight just started to go up.. 2005 I decided to try to lose weight. I was eating right and exercising. I lost weight but not what I needed to lose. a year later i got pregnant with my 3 baby. Of course I gain all the weight and more. I was so depress but I couldn't stop myself I just kept on eating the wrong food. On 2011 around September or October I started researching weight loss surgery. I wasn't sure if my insurance would cover it. Somehow I got to the website of the New York bariatric group. I asked some questions. They answered me right away. He asked me questions and said I was a good candidate for weight loss surgery. He asked me if I wanted to go in to speak to a surgeon. I said sure they gave me an appointment for November. I meet my surgeon and they did a couple of test. He told me that I can get surgery. He explained to me the 3 different one that the insurance covers. I decided to get sleeved. By feb. 2012 I had seen all the doctors and got clearance from all. I went to see the surgeon and decided to get surgery March 6, 2012. I had my sleeve it was a little rough the first month but it was the best decision. In a year and 8 months after I was able to renew my vows. Before surgery I wore a size 22-24 the day of my wedding my wedding dress was a size 4. I went from weighing 278-123. I was really thin I asked my surgeon if I can gain 15-20 pounds. He said to becareful but we kept tracking everything to make sure my weight gain wouldn't get out of control. While tracking that I was having a lot acid reflux problems since 3 months after I was sleeved. My surgeon did a hiatal hernia repair 02/2013 to see if I would get some relief but it didn't work. So January 26, 2015 my surgeon decide to revised my sleeve to a RNY. Now I am recovering from my RNY. I feel so much better. I got immediate relief of acid after RNY also lost 12 pounds from the 20 i gained. I feel great

Please share how your consult goes including price. I am still about 35 lbs from goal but have the exact same problem areas. Sent from my SM-N910P using BariatricPal I posted this on another one but forgot to update here: I had my consultation with the plastic surgeon today. The first thing Dr. Weiss said after I told him I've lost 130 lbs. is, "Well you look great!" And I laughed and said, "Well yeah, with my clothes on!" He asked what my biggest concerns were and I told him stomach, boobs and side boobs (that bit that spills over the top sides of my bra). After I got undressed he was impressed with the amount of excess skin I had. It was funny sitting there and him gathering and poking to see how much is skin. The good news is he said I can get away with an extended tummy tuck, I won't need a body lift (whew!). He said he should be able to remove nearly all of the loose skin, including my stretch marks on my stomach. He showed me where he would cut and I could not believe how high up he would be able to go. He said I should end up with a nearly flat stomach and he and his assistant said I have a very nice body shape/build because I'm a natural hourglass and under my loose skin is a small waist so I will avoid looking boxy like most tummy tuck patients. He said there is quite a bit of loose skin in the breasts and showed me where the nipple should go. Again, I was surprised. We are talking about six inches or so. He also said I really REALLY need implants because I have zero upper breast. I'm basically pectoral muscles and then breasts below that. He wants to remove all the loose skin, some of my existing breast tissue and then put implants at the top where I'm completely lacking anything. Without them I can get a lift but will end up with the man boob look I'm dreading so much. Right now I'm a 36DDD and I told him I'd like to end up a 34DD. He also said he can easily fix the side boob issue with expanding the lower incision line. I asked him about my back rolls and he said they are all loose skin. He basically said there is nothing to lipo. I'm just skin! Which blows my mind because I still feel so fat when I look in the mirror. But he said that could be fixed later down the road if I decide to do any other surgeries. He said there is an increased bleeding risk when there has been extreme weight loss which is defined as losing more than 60 lbs. However, he has never had to give anyone a transfusion and he is very confident I will have no issues since I've never smoked and my skin is in great condition. He does want me to have a CBC done to make sure I haven't developed anemia from bariatric surgery. He said I could probably return to work after a few weeks if I'm sitting but I still plan on taking at least three, if not four. I can begin light cardio like walking after four weeks but no high impact exercise or lifting for many months. Also, no resistance exercise for many months although I can use my own body weight. It will cost $8,150 for tummy tuck only or $15,310 for tummy tuck and breasts. He offered to repair the side boobs for free. The cost includes all post-op care and if I'm not happy with my results he will do a free revision. He said, "If you're not happy with the results, I'm not going to be happy with the results." Now on to the mental/psychological part of this. I had a bit of a meltdown on the ride home. Part of it was because I made the mistake of listening to "Reflection" on the way home and started bawling. "Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? When will my reflection show who I am inside?" So I did a lot of thinking. On one hand, I feel selfish for spending $15,000 on myself. I don't feel like I deserve it. I don't know why I feel that way. I also don't know why I feel so weird about implants. I've always had very large breasts. But I've always kind of thought of women who got implants as phonies trying to be something they aren't. Just accept your natural body! But now I'm trying to replace what I've always had. And now I'm becoming more understanding towards those who want/need plastic surgery. On the other hand, when I see myself in the mirror I can see my potential but I feel like I'll never feel complete until this excess skin is gone. I really want to finish my marathon and get the medal at the end, my new body.

Hey there and welcome to VST. I agree with the other ladies that mentioned that size of bougie sounds quite large compared to the "standard". I have a 32F with no oversewing, and at 4 months out, I can get in 4oz of mushies, or 2-3oz of dense Protein, NOT simultaneously. I can eat almost an entire cup (6oz cup of Yoplait Light)of yogurt, but it takes me over 30 minutes to eat all of it. I also revised from the band to the sleeve and it was the very best decision in the world.

I was concerned about that. I do have gerd that did get better when I had a hiatal hernia repair with my band. Now I'm waiting to hear if I get approved to revise to sleeve (had my last appointment on Friday, yay). I had asked and my surgeon said it can be controlled with meds if it happens. Not that I want to be taking a PPI for the rest of my life. But maybe I won't have to and I'll b ok Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I’m about 10 days post op revision VSG to RNY and everything that hits my stomach burns or makes me cramp. I have pain that radiates up into my left shoulder (not gas or a leak- I had an upper GI this past week) Not long after I have major diarrhea. My surgeon put me on carafate + the protonix I was already taking. He said my stomach was super inflamed. Do you think that sounds like symptoms of an ulcer and how long after treatment did it take for you all to feel normal???? Also, what foods/liquids were you able to take in? I need some reassurance here.

Hello All...I have story to tell. In 2007 I was sleeved..I weighed about 220 lbs..I wasn't that successful with it ..I lost about 25 lbs...In 2010 I had the band removed, I got the sleeve..I was about 210 lbs...I lost about 50 lbs..I did not take my sleeve seriously...I ate what I wanted..I did no exercise...Over the years I started packing on the pounds..I had acid reflux that was out of this world..I was too embarrassed to go back to my bariatric doctor..Finally in November 2016..I returned to my bariatric doctor..weighing 257 lbs...Im sure my doctor was disappointed but he never said anything.I became a diabetic..my blood pressure was elevated..mind I'm only 5ft 4in ..In February my doctor did a hernia repair and a revised sleeve..because I had stretched the first sleeve....This time around I take my sleeve very seriously..Im 2 months post op...I weigh 201lbs..I exercise and eat very healthy ...Im looking forward to a new journey in my life. Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Back in 2010-2011 I was denied twice for my band. Lindstrom helped with my appeals and I was finally approved. Just got my approval for revision without assistance which was shocking to me but I'm forever grateful for Lindstrom for their help back then.

I asked about your Kiaser location for here because I was done though west la facility as revision my original was not thought them either. They only have Baratric doctors at certain facilities so after emergency room visit they had me drive to la to see one as local Kiaser did not have surgeon in that specialty. Lapband 9/11/07 227 pounds Vsg 2/13/18 Pre op diet 188 Sd. 180 Cw 167.4 Dr. scale says says one pound less First goal 169 2/26/18 Second 150 Goal weight 138

I am OFFICIALLY in a size 7 ring!!! And my size 18/20 clothes are beginning to get a little loose. Holy crap!!!! I'm having my 1st procedure to remove (hopefully) half of my pre-cancerous polyps in my stomach on Friday the 17th. The 2nd (and hopefully last) one will be on March 10th. I'm thinking my revision (going from my gastric sleeve to a gastric bypass out of necessity, because of what the sleeve is doing to my stomach and my esophagus) will be in May or June. I can't wait to get through that and just get back to living my life. So tired of all these medical issues. I just want to go back to working out the way I used to and FEEL BETTER. So tired of this.

I have always wanted it. I lost a total of 80 pounds. Complications caused me to have a complete unfill. Praying everything is okay with my band now. You don't lose 80 pounds or even 50 pounds if you don't REALLY want it! But with a spinal fusion, left and right total knee replacements & revisions & a wrist fusion, it might be a little harder for me now. I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.

I hate to be the one to tell you this but if you have band erosion, your band will have to come out and you won't be able to get another one. I strongly suggest taking it out sooner rather than later before it causes any more damage. It won't stop eroding and will only get worse. Your surgeon will likely advise you to wait at least 6 months for your stomach to heal - depends on the damage done - before getting a revision to RNY or VSG, or try to go it on your own. My surgeon made me wait a year and by then my insurance no longer covered any bariatrics. I was banded in Oct 2007 and my band had completely eroded into my stomach by year 4. It was removed Sep 2011. My surgeon suspected erosion year 2 but took a wait and see approach. 2 years later I ended up in the hospital for 10 days and nearly died. By then the band had completely eroded into my stomach. There are a few reasons why erosion happens but most of the time, it's nothing you did wrong. Your body is likely rejecting the foreign object in your body. They say it happens in 2% of band patients but I think that statistic is old and a lot higher now.

I'm having a revision of band to sleeve. My cost to the surgeon is $2300. My insurance will cover one or the other, but not both. So, I'm paying the $2300 to remove the band and $0 for the sleeve. My deductible and out of pocket has already been met this year. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you. I have Medicaid and most people say that they don't pay for the sleeve surgery but I spoke to a representative and she said the guidelines just got revised and most likely they would if I meet the requirments, which are a BMI 40 or higher, 18 or older, and three failed attempts to loose weight but I'm just unsure of the six month waiting period. I hope I won't have to wait that long. I wish everyone the best and thanks for your input

Don't get discouraged. I started out thinking I wanted the band because it is reversible, then learned the downsides. Next I looked at the sleeve, but reading some studies that pointed out some concerns with the long term effects. I know many people are happy with their sleeves, but I am older and a revision would not be an option for me if the sleeve didn't prove helpful. In the end, I chose RNY for its track record. Initially, I was put off by the plumbing rearrangement, but my surgeon has done about 6,000 WLS, so I figured he has this all down pat by now. I sailed through surgery and my first months of recovery. I'm very glad I had this done and only wish I'd had it six years earlier when I first looked into it. All things in due time, I guess. It helps to read the posts on various forums about the different surgeries to learn what issues may arise. You just have to keep in mind that most posts are from the small subset of people with issues--the thousands who haven't had problems are out living their lives. Best wishes on your journey!

Tuesday, I went to see the weight loss surgeon at the surgery office who placed my lapband in 2010. I went to discuss removing the band and revising to a sleeve or RNY. Well, he does the procedures in two different surgeries, with the weight loss surgery being 3 months later. They submitted the paperwork for the removal and I was approved for that today without evidence. My issue is I don’t want to wait 3 months and have to go through with another surgery. Will I be able to switch doctors and keep the approval for the band removal? I know I have to get approved for the WLS as well. Another surgery center excepted me as a patient today and will do the removal and revision in one surgery. I have Cigna and the changes in their BariatricPal medical bulletin does not have me jumping through hoops so I know that I will have approval as soon as I complete the NUT Eval.

After 2 frustrating years, I am having my band removed and revising to a bypass. I've lost and maintained a 100 lb weight loss but I still have 100 more to go. For the last year and a half I have had constant problems with abdominal pain and food backing up into my esophagus. I have had so many ER visits and tests and procedures. They deflated my band in the spring and I have continued to have these problems. I never know what is going to cause an episode. One time it was oatmeal. Another time it was one dorito. I am hoping that the bypass will help with this and get my weight loss moving again. Thanks for all the good advice over the years. Danielle

Band to Sleeve revision on 9/2/16. My program is strict. It was 3 day Clear liquids, then switch to all liquids for next couple of weeks. Seen many programs on the net that they begin puree on day 8th and end that stage on the 21st day. Creamed Soups help as they are pretty comforting and filling. Campbells Soup to go has no bumps or lumps, for example. I know I get head hunger a lot though. Also, one of the nurses told me that a healing stomach will often mimic hunger, that makes sense and also when our stomach produces more acid it mimics hunger too.