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So I had an eroded band just removed. Doctor suggested a bypass will minimize risk of a leak for a revision and that I might have as high as a 30 percent chance of a leak if I get sleeved because of the location of the erosion. Of course there will be things Dr. Aceves will do to minimize risk (including enlarging the sleeve in the vicinity of the erosion) but I am wondering what exactly it means to have a leak and how a leak is fixed....is is a chronic condition, will I die, will they just reopen me and patch me up? Anyone have a leak and survive to tell the tale? For those who have had leaks, would you do the sleeve again, regardless? All I know is that the bypass seems like a bad choice for me for a lot of different reasons.

Has your Gerd/Reflux cleared up? I had revision surgery in May and still have Gerd and am still on my PPI !!!

I don't have your experience, but am stopping to throw out a couple of thoughts. Maybe I'm missing something here. If the reviewer looks at the paperwork only to see if you meet the eligibility requirements (minimum 40 BMI for 5 yrs and 21+, as you report), it seems that you'll be rejected again. Wouldn't that mean it's likely that the initial denial will stand? It certainly won't hurt your peer-to-peer procedure if you supply letters in support of sleeve surgery from any and every doctor you can. These letters aren't about explaining why you don't have the required five years, but rather to state all the medical reasons you need to lose gobs of weight, all sorts of health and physical problems that are dangerous and can be solved by weight loss. If you do have doctors who can whip out brief letters, you need to move fast so that your insurance coordinator can get them to the peer review people. It can't hurt your case. If the process fails, you may choose to go to the next stage of appeal, whatever it is. I don't have personal knowledge of them, but there is a law firm that works on these things. If you'd want to consult, the head's is Walter Lindstrom. If worse runs to worst, would you be covered if you wait until you have 5 years of 40BMI? Would you be covered despite the earlier surgery? Just tossing out questions in case they haven't occurred to you. Good luck. Yes I'd be covered but I have other health issues right now that I need the procedure for.. And I work in oil and gas and chances are we will see more layoffs. My doctor should be able to justify that this is a revision of the failed procedure UHC covered me for before. That I have health issues now that would greatly be reversed through the weight loss. If I went in today to have my lapband removed, UHC would cover a revision. Hands down, no questions asked. My surgeon has had success in overturning their decision before and the care coordination rep I spoke with at UHC said that she sees the initial denials get overturned all the time especially for someone in my position. The peer to peer is a chance for my surgeon to sit down with the UHC medical director and clearly state the facts and fight for approval. If that fails the next step is appeals and that's where I would get any and all supporting documentation from my other physicians. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I revised band to bypass and am so glad I did. The bypass has a more natural feel. You just get full like a normal person, and I don't have to deal with foods getting stuck and all that. Plus, the weight loss is quicker and better than the band.

my doctor told me as I get closer to goal weight, I may have to have a port revision surgery to place it deeper under my muscle tissue

Hey everyone- I had my band to sleeve revision on May 30th..I've lost 20lbs and am feeling great. Today, being Day15, I am allowed yogurt, SF pudding, etc... I bought some greek yogurt and took a couple of VERY small bites of it and it had a hard time going down. I could feel it sitting there and it took several minutes to go down and was mildly uncomfortable. I gave up and went back to my protein shake. Like everyone else, I want to know if this is normal?? Should I just stick w/the shakes until it's easier, or just very, very slowly eat the yogurt? It was a 4 oz container and would probably take me at least an hour to eat..

I agree but Christmas break would probably be better because that's 2 full weeks. I thought I was going to have to have mine originally during that time because I'm having a revision from band to RNY, but because my band didn't slip I'm blessed to be having everything Done on the 15th. Summer is perfect for recovery. I hope things work out for you! #teachersrock

This is my standard reply when this question pops up every couple of days. I won't try to sway anyone one way or another, but I'll give you my reasons for choosing VSG over RNY for my revision from the band. You can also check out the revision, failure, and food issue forums on here to get an idea of some long term RNY patients. For me, it was never an option. The cons outweighed the pros. The VSG was my 2nd, and final WLS. I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning. 1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer. 2) 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. This process is called adaptation, and it happens with intestinal bypass surgeries. 3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity. 4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me 5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with Vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight. 6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. Pouch or stoma dilation, strictures, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, ulcers, 7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years. 8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise. 9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of Cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion. The big scare for me is medication restrictions for life. NSAIDS and steroids are a NO GO for life with a RNY pouch. I realize that I may never be diagnosed with a condition or disease that requires steroid use, but it is possible. I want the best long term results with the least amount of complications. Malabsorption is not anything to play with in my mind, and I was not willing to take that risk. I lost all my weight in my ticker with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve, and I did it in 10.5 months. The 115lbs fell off the first 6.5 months, and then the rest I lost as I was getting into maintenance over another 4 months.. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues for nearly a year at this point. I want to add that every WLS regardless of your choice will require discipline. Only a percentage of RNY patients dump on sugar/fat, pouches and stomas stretch, then you have the medication restrictions. I'm not trying to convince you, but these were my concerns when I knew I had to revise from the band. I started at 263 the day of my revision and today I weigh 127lbs. I bounce on the scale 125-130lbs any given week, and I couldn't be more ecstatic! Best wishes in your research! P.S. I wrote this before pregnancy, and think it's only fair to add that I'm thriving in my pregnancy. Zero deficiencies, zero nutritional issues for my body and the growing baby. I have gained about 10-11lbs in 20 weeks of pregnancy, and my doctors are elated with my progress. Nothing has been challenging in the pregnancy, nor is the pregnancy anymore complicated because of VSG. I struggle with the physical changes, and the weight regain, but it's a work in progress.

Hey all. I figured this would be the best place to post this and I hope it is, but I have a situation that I'm not sure how to handle. I wouldn't necessarily like any relationship advice, but rather...advice on how I should respond to or support my boyfriend. I am hoping to get the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I have talked to the various people in my life that I would tell about the surgery and sought their support; these include my parents, a very select few close friends, and my boyfriend. They are all willing to be supportive and I am grateful, but I seem to be encountering an issue with my boyfriend that I'm not sure how to handle. A brief history: he and I were high school sweethearts, together about 3.5 years before we broke up in college, then we didn't talk for 5 years, we reconnected about 2 years ago and were off and on due to a lot of history to get over, but we've been ON for over a year now. In the time that we weren't together or speaking, he had gotten the LAPBAND procedure, so when we renewed our friendship and relationship, I was really impressed with the weight that he had been able to get off. Back in high school he had gotten up to over 300 pounds and since I've been with him he's been in and out of the ~280 range. So. He's had his lap band for at least a few years. And he hates it. HATES IT. He longs to be able to eat a hamburger with a bun, or any meat at all! He wants to get the band completely removed. Not unfilled, not replaced with a different WLS, just removed. And since I've talked to him about wanting to get WLS myself, it makes me worry even more about him. The thing is, he got the band because weight wasn't coming off no matter what he ate, didn't eat, drank, didn't drink, or how much he exercised. But from how he's explained it, his doctor TOLD him he HAD to get the surgery. It wasn't his original thought and choice. So I've told him that I'm worried about him getting his band removed and it has caused quite the fight between us! He is upset with me for not having faith in him to be able to lose weight and keep it off without the band. A couple of our friends get mad at me too and hit me with the, "you wouldn't still love him if he got fat?" accusation. It's really upsetting. Of course I would love him if he were fatter, I have before! But even back in high school I had talks with him about his weight because I wanted to have a future and a family with him and I wanted him to be around for that and his health was a concern for me! If he gets his band out, that concern becomes alarmingly large in my mind. I've heard what he wants to eat when he gets his band out. And he might say he wouldn't eat a burger every day, but even once a week is too much when he doesn't put in the exercise to burn all of those calories even from one bad day a week. If the pounds weren't coming off before, I don't know what makes him think this time will be any different. Again, he's upset I don't have faith in him. But the thing is, I WANT to have faith in him, but I seriously CAN'T when I have nothing to base this on that he has been able to do it on his own before. His eating habits have always been terrible -- his family rarely ever cooks, then or now, and usually eats out for almost every meal, so he developed those habits. Even now, he'll get that large order of chili cheese tater tots with extra chili and extra cheese from Sonic and eat the whole thing. But now it takes him longer and some bites he has to re-chew and re-swallow two or three times or he'll throw the bite up completely and try again with a new bite. He uses the excuse that "bad food just goes down easier" and he can't eat most meats or even salads (something I've read as being an issue for many band patients), but if he "had the band out, he could actually be able to eat healthier, as in Proteins and salads as a meal". I asked him how I could really have faith in him to do it on his own when I have NEVER seen him do so and he said, "Just because I never choose to show people that I can do it, doesn't mean I can't." At this point in one of our fights, I told him he sounded like a total food addict. "I CAN STOP ANYTIME I WANT TO." But I'm worried that he can't. He's still paying off the band and wants it out. I've tried to talk to him about a revision instead, but he doesn't want to hear it. Since HE didn't choose the surgery, it feels pretty clear he didn't change him mental game and is still a "fat guy" in the brain. He wants the food he can't eat. He still cheats his band and eats bad food. It isn't that I wouldn't love him if he gained weight again, but now that I'm trying to turn my weight and my life around, I still want him to be in it with me. But I don't want him to learn the hard lesson... I don't want to see him fail with weight loss and get miserable if he gets super overweight again and struggle to pay for a third surgery to get a WLS that he should have just done during the second surgery as a revision. So what do I do? What can I say to him when he doesn't want to hear my suggestions? How can I have faith with him when I have such a high percentage in mind that he will fail...even when I wish that he could do it solo? Sorry this turned out so long, so thank you to anyone who actually reads it and replies... But with a big problem comes a big post!

I haven't ahead any acid reflux symptoms since my revision to RNY in May 2013.

Finally my surgeons office sent out my documents for approval and gave me a surgery date! If I get approved for my revision, I will be having it done August 10th! (10 days before i have to bake for my son's birthday...thanks alot doc! lol) Fingers crossed for me???

I had same thing... Came home from hospital got to a point where I was feeling good started doing things and BAM! Felt like I got worse, went back on pain meds and started to take it easy and today finally seem to be doing better. I have to tell this to myself all the time but you do have to rest... Plus we are still weak after surgery and get tired fast. The pulling is your body healing... I actually had very bad episode yesterday where I had horrible pain where my port used to be (I am revision from bypass). I got up to get something and just burst we into tears it was that painful. Talked to the dr today they said it's the healing process and I got local pain meds patch to apply to that area. I don't like taking pain meds either but plz take it if you are in pain, it will help...

Usually the first line of action is to remove all of your fill for about a month and see if it slips back into place. This does happen... it's not just a pipe-dream. Second option would be that the doctor could reposition your Band. If you had an older edition Band, he or she could also offer you the option of replacing your Band with one of the newer models. Third option would be to remove your Band and do no revision surgery (other WLS). Fourth option would be to remove your Band and revise to a different surgery. A lot of people who were successful with the Band but have erosion or slippage issues like the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy as it's a restriction only operation. Others decide to go with the more traditional RNY or DS. The choice would be yours, though. You and your doctor could discuss the options.

i'm pre-op. i'm picking the vsg because it's less invasive than the gastric bypass, not a fan of rerouting intestines...seems unnecessary if you can get a similar effect w/ vsg, leave more of your stomach and still be able to take pills like a normal person. vsg does not have the same problem the bypass does with malabsorption of nutrients. lapbands, despite being sold as a permanent weightloss solution are not actually permanent. just a search w/ 'revision' on this forum can show you the numbers of problems people have had. also i dont like having to come back over and over and over for fills and unfills. i also fear getting things stuck. for me its vsg or nothing.

Anyone approved for revision with Aenta? Did they require pre surgery nutrition or any evaluations? Even if you had it for Band? How long did approval take? Sharon

My insurance paid for my band 5 years ago but then I lost my job. I had to pay for fills/unfills myself (which in my experience can run from $250 to $1500 depending on your doctor and what part of the country you're in). And when my band slipped I had no insurance, I didn't realize my symptoms were from a slipped band and I suffered for almost 2 years before I could afford to be seen by a surgeon. Then last year, my new job's insurance had an exclusion. It's the same employer more or less and the same insurance company as had paid for the initial placement but I was still paying for my own fills/unfills. But now, same employer/insurance company but a new plan, it's covered and I'm going to get a revision to RNY. The main driver for that rather than getting my band fixed or replaced is the continued follow up. Even if my band doesn't slip again or some other complication happens I'd still potentially be out of pocket for all of the inevitable fills/unfills. I just thought I'd share my story if that helps you with your own decision making. I do love my band and lost 100lbs with it before it slipped but I'm looking forward to my bypass too.

Not sure if this helps but I had VSG in Feb 2020 and never had any problems with GERD prior to surgery. Since my surgery I have terrible GERD and am now getting ready to have a revision to a bypass. Also, I only lost 40 lbs after my VSG. Wish I had just had the bypass to start with!

I don't regret getting my band bc I would certainly have climbed to over 400 lbs without it, but I am revising to a sleeve on 6/25 due to complications with my band. I too did not have the sleeve options when I was banded 6 years ago. On lapbandtalk.com you will find many wonderful success stories and many horrible complications as with any surgery. Do your research and find what fits you best. I personally am ok with having 85% of my stomach cut out after having the horrible complications I had. But I am still not ok with the bypass. Good luck!

Trisha, Wow I can't believe that. I believe that we were banded around the same time. I'll be heading into surgery for a revision from a slip on Nov. 18th. You bet I'll be questioning the spleen before I go in. I'm about 20pounds from my goal and told my husband that I'll have the revision this time but if it slips again, I'll just have it removed. I think we've made enough changes in our lifestyle so the weight wont come back on. (I hope) Im praying that the revision works! Let us know how the second opinion goes. Pam

I have a band on Tuesday I'm having revision to bypass. I wanted sleeve at first but because of reflux they said it's not a good idea. Many sleevers also revise to bypass, so day after tomorrow Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I am sorry that your incision is infected. It seems like this procedure was presented as an easy surgery but it has been real hard. I am finally able to eat now. I am going to work out everyday as well to counter act the food I am eating. I have been in the same process as you. I went to the MD Friday and after trying for 18 months to loose wieght we desided I should have a revision. Something we have been talking about for a year although he wishes I would keep trying to make the band work. I have a choice but the revision is already approved. :think I am just torn about my options. I asked for the Duodenal Switch and he thought I would have a lot of problems... long term and suggested the Gastric bypass and then we talked about the sleeve. I am scheduled for August 15 at 7 am. I am afraid if I do not do the bypass piece I might regret it. Yet, I weigh 242 most days and he thinks no matter what I do I will loose 60-70 pounds which is okay for me. It was hard because I wanted him to take the Fluid out of the band so I could eat but the last time we did that I gained 20 pounds. He would like me to keep trying and talked about only taking a small amount of saline out and that we might hit the magic spot. I agreed because unless I wanted the band removed and no more wls he was clear loosing more weight would be ideal and that gaining so was not an option. I ended up falling apart after the appointment. I don't cry often but today I did. I am so disappointed that the band did not work for me and that I have struggled so hard with only lost 60 pounds. Now, I will face another surgery. I am torn about which one. I am so tired and I feel so discouraged most of the time but I will move forward. The doctor suggested I might be consuming more calories than I think. I offered to write it all down and let him take a look next time we meet. It seems the story of my life is someone saying are you sure your not eating more...are you exercising.... He was nice about it but it was hard for me. So for me I am facing surgery a week before school starts for my two girls and then my son goes a week later to preschool. The timing is a bit off but I am really tired of not eating and not loosing weight. We were going to put it off until they were settled in but not eating is really shoving me over the edge. If I am going to suffer I should at least be loosing weight. It is so funny because I am doing all this so I can get a hip replacement. I just want to feel better and be better for my family. I want a better quailty of life. Take care, Taylorrae9

Good luck Karel! I wish you all the best, and I hope you'll post updates about how you are doing! We have plenty of pre-banded and de-banded and revised folks here and we are ALL in the same weight loss boat. You can do it!!!! I'm relieved for you! So glad you are happy with your decision. Good for you!

My revision to correct the band slippage was covered by my BCBS of Minnesota. However, now that my band is not working AT ALL after the surgery to fix it....I wondered if insurance would cover the removal and change to the sleeve now. Also wondering how that process is as far as recovery time and starting to lose weight again. I've heard the sleeve isn't as effective after having the lap band, so that concerns me. Thanks for the replies!!!!

I hope this is your coverage: From: https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com From the home page, scroll to the bottom, type in bariatric, it is the second article. Bariatric surgery is proven for the following: 1. Class III obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2) 2. Class II obese (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2) in the presence of one or more of the following comorbidities: • Type 2 diabetes • Cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina pectoris, hypertension or coronary artery bypass) • Life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems (e.g., severe sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity-related cardiomyopathy) Surgical revision or a second bariatric surgery is proven for inadequate weight loss if the

Good evening everyone just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Doreen I'm 57 and was banded May 4th of 2011. I was 239 when I was approved for the band and 229 the day I was banded. I now weigh 206 . I was 197 at my lightest but my band was giving me trouble so they took out 1/2 cc and I gained 8 lbs back and can't shake it. Saw my surgeon and talked to her about a revision. She agreed and wanted to do the sleeve but the results could be about the same as the band 30 to 60% of weight loss, not from where i am now but from where i started at 239 so I told her I wanted the bypass and she was fine with that. I got my blood work and upper GI in one visit then the nutritious and physic in one visit. All in one week then they put the paperwork in to my insurance co and I was approved in 3 weeks. She called me yesterday 9/11 and wanted to schedule it for the 16th (in 2 weeks). Unfortunately I have so much going on this month and next I had to schedule it for November 4th. I wish I could have it in 2 weeks. I'm excited and nervous all together.