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My name is Jamie and I started my weight loss journey many years ago but my surgery journey started in February 2010. I was 330 pounds at 27 years old. I was always a healthy person but after 4 knee surgeries I gained over 100 pounds and tried EVERYTHING to try to loose the weight. When I hit 330 I knew it would end up being life or death. I attended a bariatric surgery meeting at my mothers suggestion. After meeting with my surgeon and discussing all options with my husband we decided on the lap band. (Man was that a mistake) I had the lap band surgery in May 2010 and it only took me 3 weeks to recover!! I thought I had done enough research to prepare my self but I was very wrong. Eating was hard and I was seeing the Dr almost every 4 to 6 weeks for 3 years trying to figure out where the perfect fill was. After 3 frustrating years of throwing up and learning how to cheat with the band we decided it was time to revise the band. I decided to do the a sleeve, it seemed like a safer and less invasive surgery. I was very excited to start this new journey after seeing co workers have great success with it. I had my revision to the sleeve May 2013. The recovery was much harder then the recovery from the band and I think it was due to doing the band removal and the sleeve revision at the same time. After 6 weeks I was as good as new and dropping weight at a nice pace. I was very excited to eat right and exercise because I was actually loosing weight!!! After the first 3 months I began to get really painful chest pains. Being a person that never had to deal with acid reflux, GERD or heartburn I didn't know what the pain was from. I went back to my Dr and he began seeing me every 2 - 4 weeks and we tried every acid reflux, hernia, heartburn and GERD medication we could. By the time I was 10 months out I was in such bad pain and no medication would help my Dr decided we needed to revise my sleeve to the full bypass to eliminate the acid from being created in my stomach. I am very unhappy with this decision so I went to 3 other doctors that specialize in acid reflux and weight loss surgery and sadly they all agreed with my surgeons prognosis. We began the insurance approval process and it was a little harder to get the bypass surgery approved this time since I am 178 pounds and they didn't see a reason for the surgery. Last Tuesday the pain got so bad I ended up in the ER for 6 hours as they tried to figure out how to make the pain stop. The prognosis was esophagus spasms so I had to be put on a liquid diet since eating hurt. Finally my insurance approved the surgery and my doctor is rushing the surgery date due to the severity of this issue. My revision to bypass is scheduled for May 13 2014 and I am completely freaking out!!!! This is not a surgery I want and I am concerned that I am going to have all the bypass side effects I really never wanted to have! I know the surgery is inevitable and the only way to get rid of this intolerable pain for good! I am coming top grips with it and feel more assured that this will work since I did seek other opinions from multiple specialists. I am telling my story because I really need help from others out there that may gave went thru the same issues I am and what did you do to resolve it? What should I expect to be different from the sleeve to the bypass? Please help! I am really scared and really don't want to have to go thru this again!!

I also have the band as on May 7th I will be having a revision to the bypass. I don't weigh much more than you. I found out I have Barrett's esophagus and I cannot do the sleeve. I was told in most cases the bypass cures acid reflux. Anyhow, I've wrapped my head around it. Side note, this is my 3rd wls surgery. I had an a Molina band that didn't adjust ( first band used) It tightened up on me and I couldn't keep food down. I went from 310 to 119, size 2. I had it revised to the adjustable band on 2007. I had foot surgery and gained about 30ish lbs. this year. I had no real issues with band but I went to talk to wls surgeon anyways and found out my esophagus was turning into a stomach and that contributed to the weight gain and then found out with scope biopsy I have Barrett's, precancerous cells. The band has to come out I know I need a tool so if bypass is what I have to do so be it. I would love to keep on touch with both of y'all. I don't understand this site fully, but if u know how add me. . Wednesday at 7, go time

I hit my one year next month and I am planning to do a sleeve to bypass revision because the sleeve did not work as well for my weightloss. I also had a significant loss and gain back before that the surgeon thinks has hindered my relose and that the sleeve didn't help me enough. What makes it so frustrating is I've been doing everything by the book and really exercising and have a physical job. :/

Sorry to hear about your weight gain after pregnancy! That is something I fear when my husband and I discuss starting a family. As for the bypass after the sleeve... I was still loosing weight with the sleeve when I had to be revised to the bypass. I am still losing weight but since I'm 200 pounds down and 8 pounds to go to hit my goal it not coming off as fast as it did when I had more to loose. I lost over 40 pounds in the last 5 months since my bypass surgery so I shouldn't be complaining but I really want to hit my goal!!! I was very scared of getting the bypass and having my intense moved around. Very against it and tried everything I could to avoid it but honestly it's not as scary as I thought and really helped with my acid reflux. It dosnt feel much different then having the sleeve except for the dumping syndrome. Haha sounds worse then it is but when I tried drinking orange juice I had horrible stomach cramps and diarrhea for about 15 to 20 minutes. But I'm thankful because now I know oj has a lot of sugar and to stay away!!! It's really just a friendly reminder to stay away from all sugar. Not as scary as it sounds and is the best weight loss option out there. Wish I would have just went for the bypass to begin with!! Let me know what happens and if you do have the bypass! Sending prayers your way!!

You did great, take care and you will stay the course. I went through having my lapband unfilled and then revision. I know what you are going through. Good luck, Karen

I tried the band first and am one of those old people almost "50" and have type II diabetes, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and developed HBP, high cholesterol and GERD after being banded. It just wasn't the right procedure for me and had it removed after 14 months. My 20 yo daughter had RNY a year ago and has dropped 140 lbs and developed a new life. It can be really difficult to find the right surgery to have, there needs to be a better way of figuring it out! I am hoping that with my revision to RNY I too will be successful! My daughter has never had dumping syndrome and some people never do. I think the percentage is 40%. She takes four pills (supplements) a day for life. You're required to have blood work taken at increments to make sure you are not lacking in anything. I have a 40 BMI but many co-morbs and know now that my only chance is the RNY. I wish I could have done it with the lap band just wasn't in the cards! Good luck to you!

I just had a lap band to sleeve revision Jan 13. With my lap band (9 years ago) I told most people who knew me. Later regretted it as I had a lot of problems with the lap band and even tho it may have been my imagination I felt all those eyes on me wondering why I lost weight and regained it. A few would ask and some were sincere and some were just plain nosey. So this time the only two people know outside of the clinic I went to: my husband and my niece who took care of me the first week. WHY? There is plenty of time to tell them later. I can decide on an individual basis. It's my business. When I lose enough to show, I can revisit it. If they are my best friends family they will understand and care about me no matter what. I'm 7 days out and no regrets that I didn't tell anyone. In the end it's an individual choice.

I have not been in to this site for a very long time. My band did NOT cure my obesity ( I am still a size 20 -3 sizes smaller than at my highest weight pre-band) but it cured my life long depression. I had my first band in 2003, revision in 2004 after I moved it by overeating. The second one I did not fill until 2 years after my surgery (was trying to have a baby, then was pregnant). My band expands to suit my needs. I can eat as much as any NORMAL person with no problem. This has not allowed me to lose a lot of weight, but the feeling of being normal, for the first time in my life, has actually changed my life. I am happy for the first time in decades. 30 years I struggled with my hunger, constant, painful, desperate, unsatiable urge to swallow, didnt matter what...never enough. And thanks to my band I finally have limits. The fog lifted and I am enjoying my life tremendously. Is it an ilusion? am i not willing to do the work and lose more weight? is it wrong to be enjoying this "freedom" to enjoy food with limits. My husband asked me the other day why I was not "using" my band if its there. I tried to explain that I am happy like this! But is the whole point of the band to be thin? Isnt being happy, healthy and fit ( and LOVING the lifestyle in the process) enough? What do you think?

I'm only a mth out from my VSG to RNY revision. Down 20lbs (226lbs to 206lbs).

That's a bummer, Penni. Geez.. maybe there should be a Band Surgery 102? Seems like there is a rash of revisions, re-positioning, re-everything...

Have you tried asking the OCC if they can recommend a doctor/practice in your area for after care? I had my band surgery at the OCC (great experience) and they connected me with my surgeon in NY who did my follow ups and who ended up doing my band revision and then sleeve revision. I hope they can help.

Hi...I think the sleeve is a good choice...many on here have had problems with the band and have had it revised to the sleeve....good luck with your journey.

I have 18 scars on my abdomen. Had 5 from the band placement, 4 lap sites, and one big incision for the port. Gained 3 more for the revision, he used 2 of my old lap sites, and the port incision during the revision, gained 2 more from the leak repair, had 4 drains placed during my revision recovery, 2 after the leak repair, and 2 for the abscesses that developed 6 weeks out. Gained 4 more lap sites and one in my bellybutton (that is not visible) with my gallbladder removal and when he did an exploratory to remove adhesions and scar tissue from my abdomen this past February. Honestly, I could give 2 poops about the scars. Between the scars, and little white stretch marks, my stomach looks like a road map of Texas. They're all light, pale pink with the exception of the drain sites, those were open for weeks on end, and they are a bit of a rosey, mauve? color maybe? I guess they don't bother me, I don't do anything to minimize them, and I know that I'll lose some of them when I have plastics done. Overall, I really don't let scars bother me. I inherited moles from my maternal gradmother, I've had several removed by freezing and some cut out, and have those scars, plus 2 knee surgeries, a horrific c-section scar, my arm is scarred up from when I broke it in 4th grade and the lady that cut off my cast, burned with me with the cast cutter back in the late 80's before the cutters were safer and didn't hurt the skin. My daddy told me "scars are like scratches on my truck honey, they just add character, and make for a good story typically". I guess I just always lived with that mindset on scars.

I would talk to the principal privately about what's going on....I went to my principal to tell her about my revision I had in June, and not to share the info with my co-workers (I dont have to tell you how other women can be) and she is being very supportive....

Very few people here get their sleeves revised. There are a large number of band to sleeve revisions. Every case of revision I have seen the surgeon is to blame. Either the sleeve was too big, the surgery wasn't done properly or the patient got the surgery more than 5 years ago when they did sleeves larger as a rule of thumb. ~Cheri

I am so sorry. I, too, have had 2 slips. He performed surgery teh 2nd time, but did not remvoe itand was able to revision it. I am at the total of my fill that I can take(which is a measely 5 cc), aand I have to amke sur eto keep within my calories to loose or not gain.. I too would be devistated if I lost my badn. Keep in touch! Karen

I know you probably feel sad but might think of this way. 1 lb is one stick of butter etc 45 sticks is ALOT something to be VERY VERY proud of! I havent had a revision yet. Just starting the insurance process. BuT i just started weight watchers this week to help me loose some of the 45 lbs i gained back. My insurance also wants us to loose 10%. So Ww will help with that also.

Hello firefly, Did you ever see another Dr. in Spokane. I also had Dr. Trotter do my band, but I didn't find out about him leaving until November or so because he had released me to yearly appointments only. I am having my family physician do my bloodwork but would like to have a back-up Dr. because of the revision surgery that I had. I would feel better having someone set up just in case there would ever be a need. I have not had a fill in over a year and fortunately am still at a good fill level. I noticed that you looked at my profile and sent me a message, have we met before? e-mail me if you would like to talk further. :thumbup:

I dont think that is true, unless you continue to eat as you did before the surgery. Please dont take what they said to heart, they are just wanted to let you know that there are possiblities of gaining back the weight. Accept the challenge to make the sleeve work as a tool and continue to believe and work towards your goal. I have heard the lapband has a 3% of success rate from my doctors office, it depends on the placement the lapband used and weither or not the Lapband slips, kinks or leaks. Most of us who have had a revision experince many problems with it. Good Luck to ya!!

I went into my initial consultation thinking that I wanted the sleeve, but my surgeon pushed me to get gastric bypass instead because I had a very high starting BMI (over 60). I had gotten the impression that the sleeve was a more modern, less risky, less extreme surgery, but my surgeon explained that the risks are about equal (although there are different risks), and gastric bypass typically results in more weight loss. I was unsure at the time, but as I learned more about both surgeries, I became more confident that gastric bypass was the right surgery. It might just be confirmation bias, but I've seen a lot of people talk about getting severe GERD with the sleeve, and/or not losing enough weight, and getting a revision to bypass. What surgery you get is YOUR decision, though, so if you are not comfortable with it, you have the right to cancel. However, it's best to avoid making big decisions when you're in a heightened emotional state, so what were your thoughts a few weeks ago when the surgery was a little farther in the distance and you were in a calmer state of mind?

So I had the band done back in December of 08 and I have been on liquids a lot since then. I have came to love my Protein shakes. I drink Muscle Milk Light, Syntrax Nectars and Pre Workout NO explode. I drink 3 or 4 drinks a day. I hear how everyone has to gag down their protein or kind find one they like. My question is did you all like protein before surgery?? If you did the surgery change that and now you hate it!! I am getting a revision done on 04/05 and I can not even believe that I would not love my protein after. Thanks Kathy

Anyone have blue cross blue shield (federal) that has had revision or going thru the process? I am trying to get options/opinions.. I have about 6 months before I will be able to do this (pregnancy) but my gerd has been a monster for the last year and even worse with this pregnancy.. I have only gained 7 lbs so not worried about weight loss issue, although it will be helpful after my pregnancy to lose the additional baby weight.. called my insurance today and I think they were confused on what I was asking.. I just want to know what I have to do to be covered by my insurance to have revision done??

Hi Gang, I am crawling ot of my skin waiting for my insurance Aetna Navigator PPO to PLEASE approve me for my surgery, I am suffering with major complications from my LapBand which I have had since 2010. Basically, the surgeon (who I fired) had punctured my tube on the last fill,April 2012- which ironically caused severe restriction due to my lower esophagus really messed up combined with my stomach which has "many ulcers and erosions" So, the plan is this- have everything done in one surgery which I am totally on board to do- I know the risks, and possible complications but this has to happen NOW. One of the reasons my surgeon is requesting this to be all in 1 procedure is due to the fact I have a BMI under 35. He is concerned if we do 2 separate surgeries the chances of revision to RNY would be denied. So, I wait-and try not to stress too much (yeah the ulcers hate this too) I am so scared that my insurance will deny this request. I can't have just the band removed- it has to be a revision at the same time,. Through out this mess I have managed to keep the 45lbs (out of 90) I need to take off. I can't have all this hard work go down the drain! Plus of course the anxiety of not being able to give my job a straight answer as to when I am going on leave . And most importantly lining up my "ducks" with taking care of my family- I have a 3rd old. Any encouraging words out there will be soooo appreciated- Is there anyone who has Aetna and had a situation like mine? Positive thoughts...prayers...and visualizing my crossing that finish line. Nice to be a newbie in this group especially at this time of need. XOX Linda

My PS says he or my lapband surgeon will change the port to a smaller version a "revision" i think he called it. It will be done while he is doing the TT.

I saw some older info here and it doesn't look like they approve the sleeve, even for revision. Does anyone know if that's still the case? Trying to figure if it's even worth the effort to try or should I just go to Mexico. Thanks