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The original thread stopped allowing me to edit and I had to add more to this list, so I had start another one. June 1, 2012 BigGirlVee -- Dr. Coirin, Modesto, CA 2thenewme -- Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Mexico AChristie -- in Juarez SouthernDonna45 -- Dr. Alvarezta ta1020 and comfortably numb - Dr. Kelly June 2, 2012 Dizzle Ready2Bthin -- Dr. Aceves Mexicali June 4, 2012 ptprincess93 DcMak72 Furby036 -- Emma Patterson Portland,Oregon 6-4-12_sleever Karenb4729 Teasha1 -- dr. Ponce de leon, Mexico Tlaff79 -- Dr. Blaine Nease Angelakay2 -- Dr. Brad Waggoner IrishSoul -- waiting on okay from insurance Dkna2 -- Dr. Garcia, Tijuanna MamaM -- Removal/Revision Mina T -- Dr. Paul Stanish labubakari Ready for the new Lay-Lay -- George Woodman, Memphis TN Sallyincincinnati -- Thegoddesszili Calicolea June 5, 2012 shereebarb Chichis77 Bubblesbgood -- Dr. Michael Nusbaum Kstalvey -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano Miss scarlet Back­­~To~Amy -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano ShannonK Aznoel -- Dr. Stephen Burpee New_Hope -- Dr. Stowers, Decatur, Tx. txdee -- Dr. Nick Nicholson Amom2twins -- Dr. Aviv Ben-meir raindrop Erica E Cat Scratch Fever Redbottoms82 IlyssaDel newnin - Abington, PA Dr. Fernando Bonanni June 6, 2012 SUnshine08 -- Atlanta, GA Kmaskery SylviaMom -- Dr. Aceves – lap to sleeve MadisonPA kfitch Soon2bhotmama -- Dr. Ryan Heider Pooh Krystina kiki green June 7, 2012 Giselle3264 -- Dr. David Kim, Dallas LULU TAT justsleeveme23 -- Dr. Minkin, St. Louis Lovingmeforever -- Dr. Almanza butterflylegacy -- Dr. David Kim MsYoYo -- Fl. Alp50 -- Dr. Kelly Debbiesclipper Bigzoe32 TCBunny - Atlanta GA Jennifer SoFla June 8, 2012 Mari6257 Cristal602 -- Dr. Jaime Kelly Jenz531 Crystalaine -- Dr. Kelly TinaP -- Dr Jose Rodriguez Moms3boys June 9, 2012 cissiesue June 11, 2012 PEvette Vanb0052 -- Dr. Svendsen, Methodist Hospital in Minnesota! Readytobeslimxoxox -- Dallas Blondeej Dr. Aceves, Mexicali -band to sleeve revision KamloopsMom -- Mexicali w/sister surgeries Healthy Mama Kat1 -- Dr. Garcia Pam2011 -- Dr. Orlando Icaza bogeydog blackdahlia -- Dr. Clark celticharpist -- Dr. Brock Borderlon Detroit_Tom cindyandhersleeve - Houston karrina-D cissiesue June 12, 2012 Eager12 -- Dr. Robert Wegner, Memphis Iwant2Bthatgirl need2change -- Dr. David Kim Dayo -- Dr. Robert Casillas Denalisa -- Dr. Wittgrove CRosa -- Dr. Pavlos Papasavas glsun0612 Wolfgirl1978 -- Dr. Keith Chung Joy00 Newme_38 - Dr Babak, Maryland jffjacobs kamrie37 June 13, 2012 Gene1970 JRoybal Slimwithin DuranFan1969 -- Dr. Christopher Hart, Atlanta New Orleans Lady -- Dr. James Redmann, Slidell / Covington, La SweetSusie1 -- Dr. James Davidson NJHANIBAL rherrera Kiloalphatango - Australia Wolf3749 - Dr. Patterson, Portland OR ZoobDude - Dr. Lopez seltyl June 14, 2012 Ssilian -- Dr. Anthony Terracina, VA Karma84 Finding Myself -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico Goofycathy -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico thinmymind -- Dr. Kelly Estrovan - Dr. Bauman in Charlotte NC Pdubbaya23 - June 15, 2012 TLC223 HolyCow1234 Territravel -- June 16, 2012 june16 -- Dr. Jorge Daes, Columbia, SA June 18, 2012 ChrissyDeex3 VeronicaH Pteri -- Dr. Srinivasan at Emory innerme Naturals -- mommieof3 Kymwalla houstonmama jerseygirl June 19, 2012 Sunshine25 -- DFW area DadTo2 -- Dr. Nicholson, Dallas, TX Littlebits Zoobdude -- Dr. Almanza Lehg520 - Dr. Kristin Noonan Katrina8l Katelynrose mz.yournotbigenough erin6573 Janelle Johnson June 20, 2012 Ready! Set! Brandy Riggen nmg4unj5 JRoybal - Dr. Garcia jonamarie2012 June 21, 2012 Angie_Musgrave Skinnytata - Dr Le at Kaiser South San Francisco MDZNCSLIM June 23, 2012 MirandaK -- Dr. Almanza, Mexico June 25, 2012 Looking Ahead Ready Rudy Artichokes -- Dr. Lautz Brigham & Women’s in Boston Jubjub07 -- Dr. Aceves anais02 -- Dr. Garcia Skane10 -- Dr. Garcia Janedeaux3 Lose4good2012 -- Dr. Billy (may use spider surgical tool) aled carolinagirlz 136HereICome- Lawerance hospital in NY ChristianMomma7 CRichard1107 SMP1126 Mariec1 Tam1965 carolinagirlz June 26, 2012 locoladi Trista1975 -- Dr. Almanza-reyes, Mexico JTmoas s.ledbetter17 -- Dr. Edwards and Lane – mcg. Nardelkn cherryseven chuckles -- Dr. Keith Gersin Misslorlor MsPerry 1920-Zeta tumblersmom glocks90 suzilouise rudekitty ShrinkingBellyKelly loulou123 dullkey20 June 27, 2012 herewegoagain Edward Mun -revision GivingItMyAll pkehrer mcsleevy - Dr. Sherman Yu in Houston, Tx Joyce Ellis-joy686 - revision MoreganK Praldous - Saranac lake NY Dr.Hill Carlashooter- Aworkinprogress - spider single incision with Dr. Robert Marema Ris26 kymwalla lsmith cajugirlbecky June 28, 2012 kkm23 -- Dallas Iwannabslim -- Dr. Jaime Ponce – sleeve revision Sleevertobe Mina05pit - Philadephia, PA Apricot111 ready4change79 June 29, 2012 EileenFrances -- Dr. Subhash Kini Robin33 -- Costa Rica tonibugg -- Dr. Rod Juarez SunnyCox - Dr. Kelly in Mexico TinaP - Dr Rodriguez June 30, 2012 lil lee -- Dr. Aceves in Mexicali Mrslittle -- Dr. Alvarez

I had my band for 7 years and was able to revise to at sleeve last month....did your band erode into your stomach?? What caused you to desire revision surgery?? I desired mines to be removed because I wasn't losing any weight with it....had it for 7 years and lost 40 pounds to gain it back again...then my weight started to creep up.... I honestly never heard of any film....I know my doc said I had lots of scar tissue because my band was so old....my procedure took 2 hrs, instead of the 45 min a typical sleeve procedure take... If you dont understand or dont feel comfortable with him get a second opinion BEFORE having the procedure done...

Hello, I am scheduled with Dr. Neil Floch on August 27th for a band to sleeve revision!!!!

I have UHC and they are MORE than impossible!!!! I have had to hire Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy to handle my appeal because UHC denied my revision! I'm so sick and tired of messing with insurance companies!!!!

Hi Folks, A brief synopsis of my situation. I was banded in 2007 at 210 pounds (self pay) The band was always problematic for me and I lost a great deal of weight because of the huge amount of discomfort I suffered. My goal weight was 120 pounds and I reached it and actually dipped below that to 115 because my band was too tight. Fills were difficult and expensive to schedule so I suffered. In June of this year (2012) I went to the hospital for a fill because the previous fills seemed to have no effect. It was discovered that the band was cracked at the juncture point and had partially opened and slipped down over the bottom portion of my stomach. Emergency surgery was performed and it was removed June 1, 2012. I cried and cried because even though the band was extremely uncomfortable for me for most of the 4.5 years that it was in, it was still my best friend and had allowed me a quality of life never before enjoyed due to my weight loss. My doctor told me that I needed some time to recover due to extensive scarring before they could perform a revision. I told my doctor that I did not want to regain the weight again before I could have the surgery. He assured me that this would not be the case. The records say that a revsion would be considered after a 4 kilo weight gain. Needless to say since I started back on a regular diet of solid foods I have gained 6 kilos (about a pound a week.) I am daily fighting the impulse to eat everything in sight and feel that with help and hope on the horizon that I can stave off weight gain but am also terrified that they will penalize me and say that they will not perform the surgery because I have my weight "under control." Has anybody had any issues with revision because they have not gained weight rapidly since having the band removed. I know all this sounds crazy but my emotions are all over the place and I am terrified of returning to my previous level of obesity. The only reason that I am holding on and able to exercise control is because I know that it is for a limited time only (October 9th) but if I am refused based on the fact that I "appear" to have it under control, I know that the hopelessness will crush me and I will return to the comfort of overeating. I would appreciate any and all feedback on this matter.

It's not a guarantee you won't get gerd after getting the sleeve. That being said I also had heartburn at the end stages of both my pregnancies and the occasional heartburn after eating certain foods or overeating right before bed. It never occurred when I was thin so I determined that the cause was the abdominal pressure. I have not had any reflux or heartburn since my surgery, not to say it won't happen in the future but so far so good. Talk to your Dr. in depth about your concerns and ask him/her how many revisions they've had to do because of gerd so you can make the most educated decision you can.

This is all sounding very familiar! I had discomfort, really bad heartburn and vomiting for over a year. The pain got so severe one day I was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, and a few hours later had my gallbladder removed. I had a few gallstones. I felt great immediately afterwards, and the heartburn which plagued my every day, was gone! However.... 2 weeks later, the previous discomfort started to return. I assumed it was just healing. After the pain spread round to my back, and i was having problems eating, I had a barium swallow, and it was clear something was wrong with the band. The camera swallow (gastroscopy) confirmed, I had quite severe band erosion. The band was visible on the inside of my stomach. I had to have the band removed a few days later. Prior to this all happening, I never had any problems with the band. It was an excellent tool to weight loss. I miss it! I am considering options for revision. (Sleeve v's Bypass)

Like I said before, I LOVE to know the pros and cons! Thank you so much for all that great information. I have a much better idea of what to expect now thanks to these posts. Initially, you'll have to eat small bites, and chew to mush, but not because of the pouch/stoma combination like what you have with the band. It's simply because of the swelling and trauma your stomach endures after being sleeved. But, it doesn't last forever. I eat normal sized bites and chew like a normal person and have since being about 7-8 months out. I never did the pencil eraser sized bite thing, but I did chew to mush. Digestion begins in the mouth, it prepares the stomach to accept food so it's important to chew well. As for pain post-op, it was minimal, except for the incision where they removed my port. I had a flipped port that had migrated so my port area was full of scar tissue and adhesions. I still have sensitivity in that area even at nearly 29 months post-revision. The gas pains are the same, the sipping post-op is the most often reported side-effect of sleeve surgery regardless if a patient is a revision patient or a virgin sleeve. Food can get stuck if you eat too fast, or don't chew well enough. I've never had a true stuck episode like I did with the band. Personally, I think the band helps us beat the eating curve with the sleeve. The key to sleeve eating is 1) measure your portions by volume 2) chew well 3) do not eat and drink simultaneously 4) and stop looking for this elusive full feeling, undereating your sleeve will give you 2 things a) keep you from overeating keep you within your dietary guideline for calorie/protein/carb intake I do not eat until full or stuffed because it leads to that "one last bite" syndrome and inevitably that one last bite is going to come up. I puked enough with the band so I have zero desire to do it with the sleeve. I did it a couple of times early out. I didn't get a full signal for months, and even then it was and still is a single hiccup. I don't rely on a full signal to tell me to stop eating. Finding satiety is the key for me to stay successful. As time progresses, the sleeve matures to maximum capacity, and your capacity will change so learning to measure food, not eat until full or stuffed has served me very well in maintenance by keeping me from overeating even though I can eat double the amounts I could today from what I could eat at 2-3 months out. There are no foods that I can not eat. Scrambled eggs still sit extremely heavy in my stomach, but poached, deviled, egg salad, hard-boiled eggs all work fine. Pork chops for whatever reason are heavy as well. We quit eating pork products 2 years ago after my husband's last deployment so I don't miss them at all. Best wishes with your revision. Getting rid of the band was the best thing I ever did for myself and my life. I've had an amazing 2 years post-op, and look forward to my future.

I am self-pay also and I have researched revisions in Mexico. Dr. Aceves has always come up as one of the best and I am seriously considering him. If I had the funds I would have already done it!

So I found out about a month ago that I'm going to need surgical correction for my band that slips with any sort of fill. I don't want a reposition of the band, I think I want to go for a sleeve. When I was banded, I had 100 lbs to lose. I lost 90 of them with the band, and have gained back about 20-25 with this slip business. Anyway, I find myself incredibly sad about this whole process. As in, I was doing fine with the band, had a bit if reflux, but was managing it ok. This need for surgical correction basically came out of the blue, and now I'm trying to wrap my head around all of this. I feel like I'm mourning myself. Mourning the person that I was for an oh so short period of time. As in, I see/hear things that reminded me of the me last summer that was happy with my body for the first time in my whole entire life. This weekend, I drove by the Victoria's Secret store that I spend $300 (!!!) at this past summer, when I was at my low for a couple of months, to restock my entire undies drawer. Never in my life have I had such a great undies wardrobe. They all matched! Now, of course, none of those things fit me and I'm back to wearing one bra all week until I can get to the weekend and wear a sports bra while my one bra goes through the wash. Back to shitty Wal-mart underwear. Anyway, driving by that VS this weekend nearly sent me into tears. And then, me being me, I snowball the whole thing. So I'm self pay, which means I paid for my band out of pocket, and will pay for revision out of pocket. So I paid $10K the first time around, looking at $15K-$20k this time. Will I screw us out of being able to get the bigger house that we want to raise our kids in? Will I screw my kids out of their college funds? Then, I proceed with the mourning....find myself thinking about something while I'm driving, and suddenly I'm in tears. God forbid there are complications after surgery....I've actually researched bankruptcy options. Am I crazy? For anyone wondering, I plan to start counseling in the next week or two. Do you know what I'm talking about? Did anyone go through this mourning period?

Hi All, I've been watching this site for awhile now and have decided to look into getting the sleeve done. Both my wife and I were banded two years ago and she has done amazingly well, but I on the other hand have not. I am looking to possibly do a revision to sleeve, but wanted to know if anyone had a good local surgeon recommendation they could give me. We live in Olympia, but I would be willing to drive anywhere in the state. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time, Clive

It took me close to a year to get the courage to revise from a band to a sleeve. I had all the same fears... fear of reflux, fear of failing AGAIN, fear of horrible complications and it not being "reversible". I am just a few months out, but feeling very confident this was the right decision. I am not saying it is easy, but I love that i am not hungry all the time. When I eat a meal, it is not just a pouch that fills, it is your whole stomach and to me I feel pretty normal, just eat small quantities. I never felt normal with the band. I think people who have been through a band first find some of the "challenges" with the sleeve to be a piece of cake by comparison. The main thing that was harder with the sleeve was the exhaustion/recovery during the first 6 weeks post surgery. I don't remember anything like that after being banded. I have a long way to go on my weight loss journey, but so far, hands down, 1000% better then the lapband.

I have not revised yet, but the ones that I know that did not have a lot of damage from the band, and had a good Dr. recovered quickly. If you have a lot of internal damage that the band has caused that can definitly prolong the recovery process! :-(

I had my first band placed in me in 2008. It slipped after I lost 85 pounds and was crawling into a kayak on vacation. My band was pretty messed up so the doctors decided they couldn't replace it when they took it out. I waited 4 months and decided I could not stand gaining weight. So I had a new band in November 2009. Since then I have not had much success in losing any more weight. I just lost 14 pounds a few months ago and then I just gained 5 pounds! My doctor today told me that she thought my band was not working for me and would I be open to a revision and getting the sleeve? I am still trying to decide whether or not to go with it or not. My biggest fear is the pain after the surgery. The thought of having my stomach sliced up and stapled back together gives me the shivers. I am also wondering what damage my band did to my stomach. What if the band has attached itself to my stomach? I had two bands put in and one taken out and I thought it was basically pain free. I didn't take pain meds when I got home from the hospital and I was in for only 24 hours. I have enjoyed reading the posts related to former banders. It sounds so much better than having to deal with food getting stuck! I could not find the "sweet spot" in my second band. I was either too tight or little or no restriction. My first band was a dream because I found my "sweet spot" but having the second band didn't work that way. I appreciate all your feedback and your experiences. It will help me decide to go forward with the sleeve. I have been told today that Blue Cross PPO will cover it. My next step is to schedule the psychiatric evaluation. Talked it over with my husband and mom tonight and both were very supportive. They know I struggle with my weight. My doctor today told me I will probably have the weight battle all my life and the sleeve may be my answer to get under 200 pounds. I am also interested in the recovery time after the surgery. With the band, I was in the hospital overnight. I think I was off work a week with the first band and only a couple of days with the second band. The second time around I realized how easy it was. I made too much out of it the first time around.

It is relative to each patient. The best he could give you would be averages, and I don't think a lot of surgeons are yet tracking AGB - VSG revisions yet. It would be nice if he had some current data to give you. There are also a lot of variables. For example, length of time banded may play a role, as does success while banded, and reasons for that success (e.g. did you actually change behaviors in a positive way, or did you just irp up everything you tried to shove down as though you were eating pre-op). The statistics also vary for AGB -> VSG "all in one" procedures (removal and revision at the same time) compared to requiring a waiting period (so do the rates for complications). My surgeon's statistics are currently about 80% EWL with a virgin sleeve. 70% - 80% EWL with his mandated waiting period between revision procedures. 60% - 75% EWL simultaneous procedures. (Complication rates from simultaneous procedures to stayed procedures ran about 20% less, respectively). I know it's been beat to death, but remember it really is a tool. Weight loss will happen if you work with your tool. Weight loss will not be automatic. Not with this procedure, anyway.

My storie is almost exactly like cowgirljane's.I had my band for 7 years and it was empty for 5.Started getting way to tight for no reason and had to be removed. My dr is very experienced and he didnt think I was higher risk.A lot of his patients here are band to sleeve revisions. We are all fine. Good luck and I must confess I had to be very strong to do this surgery,I was petrified and thought it would kill me.I had to just go ahead and be brave. When you are ready you will to. xxo

I had my revision Dec 28 .I am still on full liquids.I suggest strained Soups.Applesauce at this point is a Nono.... Are you adding Protein powder to your drinks/shakes,cream of wheat? It is too early for you to be eating any solids..,be careful.

My other captain aboard my vessel just received a phone call saying that his aunt is having surgery today. She has gotten banded 4 years ago and the last couple of days shes been feeling real funny and weak. Finally she collapsed twice before the ambulance arrived. She was also spitting up blood. Upon CT scan a hole was found caused by erosion from the lapband. So as of now they put a stent in and some clamps to help it heal. I told him to tell his family now would the perfect time to do the band to sleeve revision. If they dont see an improvement. I almost did choose the lapband until the seminar showed me the sleeve. And from that point on knew it was the way to go

After nearly 4 years of having my band, I was told by my surgeon that we need to take it out. I was told this just a week and a half ago, on the 9th. My removal, with possible sleeve revision will take place on the 4th. I spent the entire day yesterday at Kaiser. Blood work the day before, EKG, chest x-ray, meet w/my surgeon, 3 hour orientation class, etc. Today was admitted via hone and paid my co-pay for surgery. I only have the phone call with the pre-op medical history doc on Tuesday AM. I start my 2 week, 800cal/day, Protein only diet on Monday. I'm hardly eating at this point so not too worried about it. Only issue is right now it's junk that I'm eating, b/c it goes down and doesn't take it's time sitting in my throat. When I first posted in the introduction section, I was pretty angry. I went in to the band with high hopes, have worked to make it work for me and I expected it to be the tool that I needed to get the weight off and keep it off. I feel as if I've been sold a bill of goods. Still. But am sort of in a better place. I'm not keeping this surgery as much of a secret as I did with the band. Not that I'm telling everyone but I'm not NOT telling either. I've been pretty teary-eyed today. I think it's sinking in, maybe I'm even grieving for what I had hoped to be able to do with the band. I am honestly scared this time. Worried if I'll be okay. Heal well, etc. Anyway. Getting it done and I'll see what happens!

I can definitely identify with you. My band doctor told me that a revision would be very risky. I had an EGD done and an upper GI both reports are being sent to my revision surgeon. If you are not at PEACE with an inexperienced surgeon, then follow your heart. Rather Mexico or the US be at peace with your decision. I am actually going to another state because the surgeon does revisions frequently unlike any bariatric surgeon in my state. Seems to me the coordination of your surgery is difficult (clue)! :-).

I was a revision from lapband to sleeve on the 3rd. I feel good! I'm down 16lbs. Still a little sore and bruised on my largest incision. I think also because the lapband was removed, I have swelling around the port area. I'm in the same boat, trying to get in my liquids...boy is that hard! Also, trying to keep up with taking my vitamins. Sometimes I miss eating...lol. My family had a get together over the weekend and BBQ'ed hotdogs and hamburgers...smelled SO good...but I was content drinking my protein shake. Cheers to Our Weight Loss April Sleevers!

I've heard SO many people on here talk about band failures and complications. And what's more...once you decide to have a revision surgery from band to sleeve, the damage from the band can complicate the sleeve and cause more problems. Just something to think about. (I'm not just saying random thoughts. These are actual incidents I've heard from people.) Many problems. At five weeks, I'm feeling great and looking forward to my smaller self!

My doctor's former nurse had a revision from band to sleeve early on, maybe 9 yrs ago. Hers was a 36 and she said she thinks she'd have been more sucessful had hers been smaller. She likes what she was seeing with a 32, she was also a nurse for another doctor here in Dallas, he did a 30 and she said there were problems more often with that size.

Thanks for the post, CaptDerel! I did entertain getting the lap band very shortly when I first started researching weight loss surgeries but all of the erosion and slippage stories scared me into definitely getting the vertical sleeve. I hope that your acquaintance's Aunt gets well and recovers fine. I think a sleeve revision may be a good idea but only the doctor knows i guess.

Hey Down: I had my revision done 4 months ago, and I'm still ecstatic. I don't know what your history with the Crap-band is, but mine was miserable. Now, with the sleeve, I can eat things like peeled apple, cooked broccoli, and white-meat chicken. Having a Band first helps one adapt easier to the eating style required by the sleeve. And I've lost more with the sleeve than I did with the Band. The feeling of fullness is different, as is hunger. With the Band, my stomach used to rumble. Now, I get a cold, tight feeling, and that's my hunger signal. Tip #1: Use the blasted baby spoon that the doctor will tell you to use. I still use it. I carry one in my purse to use in restaurants. Bite size matters. Tip #2: Don't buy too many new-sized clothes at one time. I buzzed through 18s and currently wear a 16. Tip #3: Follow your doctor's orders to the letter. We revisions are 30% more prone to leaks. Do what he or she says. Without. Fail. Some people on this board brag about eating popcorn and pizza within a week after surgery. They are morons. Tip #4: Get used to looking at yourself in the mirror. You won't believe the changes.