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Could you send it my way also Kit? I'm another looking at a revision. Have to do SOMETHING. I can't believe I'm back up exactly where I was when I got banded 8/05. The hopelessness is suffocating. I haven't seen any Penni updates. Are there some threads I'm missing? Did she disappear along w/ LaMadam & Vines? Kare

yeah, i hear you about insidious extras. i'm renting a one-way car that's being picked up at scripps, then one of my best friends is staying the last night with me in my room and then taking me home. the car's going to run me about $75 plus gas ($25 of that is enterprise dinging me for the one-way of it all). so, the only extra expense i'll have is the one-way rental, its gas, and my friend's gas to and fro (she said not to worry about it, as if). pacific bariatric gives us private rooms with full private baths and allows a guest to stay in the room the whole time for free, so nobody has to pay for a hotel if they don't want to (the hospital provides a fold-out guest bed, sheets and towels). you have to attend a mandatory 90-minute seminar, in which one of the surgeons gives a talk about what to expect, and you're given paperwork (lots of medical history) that must be filled out and faxed back to them before they schedule your consult. oh, and they need your labs, etc., from kaiser, too (wenda's a pro and can tell you all about how it works). pacific bariatric does their own psych evaluation. all the pre-surgery stuff is done in one day down there: consult, psych evaluation and internal medicine. then, a surgery date. in the seminar, they said three days in the hospital. scroll down to see the seminar dates. the closest are anaheim and riverside. i drove to bakersfield, because i want everything done NOW NOW NOW NOW: Gastric Bypass Surgery Steps - Weight loss surgery from Pacific Bariatric

that's really the best thing to do. I researched both the bypass and the sleeve for quite awhile. I was almost certain I didn't want the bypass but scared the sleeve wouldn't give me weight loss either. But this forum has soooo many ppl post sleeve who have done such a great job at losing weight. They are very very inspirational.

Congrats on all of your progress post-sleeve! I had my revision first thing yesterday morning. Procedure only took an hour because there was no scarring around the band. I was home by 11am. I took a 2 hr nap when I got home. I managed about 20 oz of Water and 3/4 can of reduced sodium with one scoop of unjury chicken Protein. Had a little discomfort from the gas bloat. Today has been awesome! No gas pain. Minimal pain around the largest incision placed where my port used to be. I have 5 incisions. I've met my Fluid and protein goals. Lots of walking. Hubby and I can't believe how great I feel. Cheers! Deb

I was always wanting the bypass...but my surgeon wanted me to have the sleeve..I reluctently agreed as he was the professional...but in the same day he asked me to go for an Endoscopy..to see if I had reflux as Im taking "omeprozole"...Last week I had the Endoscopy and glad I did..as it showed not only having a hole of about 2cm....I had a Hiatus Hernia and full reflux. An hour later my surgeon came in......he said right you will now have a full bypass...due to what I found in the results...im happy so happy..I finally got what I knew was best for me..and it will get rid of my reflux and repair the hole too. So those who suffer reflux must be better to have the bypass..seeing from the notes Ive read on here and my own experience. Id never have a Band..no way...the bypass I feel will give me back a certain control Ive never had before...rather than food controlling me!

I wanted the sleeve but my insurance wouldn't cover it. The surgeon said I would lose more weight with the bypass anyway. I don't regret it, but wonder about why I couldn't have the sleeve.

FAB---U------LUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your very creative revision of the song! Kathleen

If your dr thinks you may have an autoimmune disease, you should start with a Rheumatologist. Your internist should be able to refer you to one. I am not sure about waiting or not waiting until after the surgery to do this. If you are started on some type of biologic you will have to stop it prior to the surgery and then after the surgery at your surgeons discretion. I will definitely do that but I think it's best to do it after surgery and after everything is calmed down a little bit with me. I couldn't get my surgery scheduled in time to take classes as a full-time nursing student this semester so I have to take a whole semester off as a break. I'm halfway through and it's not the end of the world but also not ideal. The good part is, I'll have this whole semester to get my health back in shape and will be completely free for doctor's appointments galore! I am also glad I get to have some down time while I adjust to another surgery and let me esophagus heal from the erosion caused by the first surgery. Maybe they will find something, that would be awesome..until then I'm crossing my fingers for a successful bypass!

your doing fine. my doctor says around 60 to 80 grams of Protein a day is enough, not like we had full bypass surgery. Keep up the good work and enjoy the new you.

Yes it is Federal Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Plan). I have it but since I just had Bypass surgery in October I have not looked into it. From what I was told, they won't even consider that type of surgery until you are at least 2 years Post Op.

Just had to share.... God is so good, I just heard from my surgeon that my insurance will be covering my second surgery for my revision! PRAISE THE LORD! I know I have pestered everyone to death asking for you to pray for me about this and I appreicate all your prayers and concerns. Please keep me in your prayer as I go through the surgery this Friday, 2/11/05 at 1 p.m. Just had to share.... God is so good! [/url] Brenda Fain

I had a sleeve done in August 2010. Had typical post surgery issues, but lost and kept off 100+. Had hernia surgery 2x but reflux and gerd required revision. 3 weeks bypass post op. Now back to beginning but with less weight loss, excess terrible gas, insomnia, and depression. Need someone to talk through ledge sitting and weepiness.

No, hun, you're not throwing anyone under the bus. I truly appreciate hearing this. I am terrified that I will be one of the people who fail and that's the last thing I want. I need to hear stories like this as a type of reality check. That being said, I do hope very much your sister finds a way to become healthy. Life is hard. Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12! HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

It was the right decision! You are going to do great. Do you mind if I ask how your sister gained 100lbs post surgery? Doesn't the small stomach size make it very difficult to overeat? I don't mean to sound ignorant at all, but I'm just unaware that's all. Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12! HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

I'm a revision. The sleeve is much, much better than the band. With the band there were so many foods I couldn't eat, chicken, turkey, salad, veggies.... I was always slimming & vomiting. No problems at all with the sleeve. I'm almost to goal and pray I can keep it off but am so happy to have the band out. What a waste of time & money. There's a section on this site for revisions. Check the posts out there. Good luck & congrats.

I mentioned before that Lexie, my only friend I've told about me getting bariatric surgery, told me that she heard the "sleeve" was better than the "band." My gastroenterologist said the same thing and wanted me to look into it and talk to the surgeon about the sleeve option. I mentioned it to the counselor today and she briefly said that she sees very few Gastric Bypass patients any more as most patients are choosing the band or the sleeve. She said it's been 50/50 on band vs. sleeve patients. She admitted that there's been more WL issues with the band patients (slower loss, not any loss, and band failure) in HER practice but she was quick to state that it doesn't mean that it isn't good and won't work. She simply said that in her practice there that the sleeved patients lose weight faster and have fewer WL issues apparently. She agreed with my gastro's advice in speaking with the surgeon and deciding what would be best for me. She told me to research both, have pros and cons, and analyze the options. Then have a list of questions for the surgeon when meeting with him. I planned to do that any way and I didn't get the feeling she was pushing sleeve. I think she was being very honest with me about her experience with both sets of patients which I appreciate. Here's my initial PRO/CON list for Sleeve and Band... (after I research more, I'll likely update and/or change and fix my list!) SLEEVE Pros: 1. One surgery, no "fills" (so I won't need to tote my toddler with me in for regular fills.) 2. Decrease in "ghrelin" hormone that induces hunger due to stomach portion removal 3. Faster weight loss (more immediate results) 4. No "bandster hell" 5. Much higher success rate associated with this procedure. 6. My friend and one of my dr's recommended this procedure and thought it might be the better option for me. Cons: 1. No way to fix or reverse at all 2. Staples may pop, cause leaking, or fail 3. No long term data including effects on pregnancies 4. There is still a possibility/likelihood that the sleeve will stretch out and may need revision later. 5. Hernias apparently more common with this procedure lately. 6. I haven't researched the dietary guidelines post op so I have no idea what the longterm eating management includes. (Maybe I'll research that next and do a post on the differences of that.) BAND Pros: 1. Reversible/removable 2. No removal of anything 3. Necessary dr appt followup (with fills) will cause constant analyzing of program/plan and communication with surgeon 4. As I need it, I can go in and get it adjusted tighter to meet my needs. 5. Two doctors recommended this procedure over sleeve or GB for me due to my medical history. Cons: 1. Possibility of infection of band OR port 2. Regular followup and fill appointments 3. Bandster Hell and the months it will take to get to Sweet Spot. 4. Possibility of necessary revision to sleeve or whatever..(have read several posts online of 3 and 4 year post banders going in for gastric bypass, sleeve, etc.) 5. May not solve my hunger issue. 6. Have heard from more than one person that as they got closer to goal- their port site or actual port became more visible- yikes! 7. Over fills.. this sort of worries me. I don't want to get overzealous and get over filled and then have to race back in to get unfilled and then wait weeks to get filled again. 8. The waiting between fills. I understand why it is set up that way but it doesn't mean I have to like it. This is just my preliminary thoughts on both. I'm not an expert, I haven't decided yet, and I don't even know if the surgeon will think I'm a candidate for the sleeve. I'm starting to consider it as an option though. I've got some research to do.

Hiya @ Fish495, need a friend? Ready,to step into this batting cage, my new friend. My,name on here is Frustr8,I am 72 years old, and I too wi'll be having an RnY bypass. I meet with Dr Needleman, my bariatric Surgeon 7/17/18, the Final step before I get my surgical date. I have been posting on Bariatric Pal 7 months, have learned a lot here, done a lot of studies, drowned my fears in tears long ago and am moving proudly forward. I am MotherHen/Bariatric Godmother to many on here, always happy to have helped others. Obese- I have been off and on obese since babyhood. Even in childhood when I fell within normal weight charts I was never that muscular, if you hugged me I felt "fluffy". Health conditions Arthritis since I was 25, before that I was considered double-jointed, people with that have. 85% chance of early onset arthritis. I have both kinds but happy to say RA has been dormant for a while.2 knee replacements, one in December 2014 the other in February of 2017 GERD severe enough I have been on Dexilant, an uncheap PPI, would cost $350 a month if I didn't have insurance Sleep Apnea and I sleep every night with a C Pap machine. Hereditary in my family, so I may not escape it after surgery, but many people do! I stand 5ft8in, down from a height of 6ft when I was young, you almost always lose height after menopause. Weight currently 321 lbs down from a lifetime high of 356 last October Diets I think I have tried each and every one known to mankind and womankind. If it is weird and offbeat either a family member or doctor has had me on it. Family I was an only child ,married 44 years to my late husband, on here called the Late Lamented, died 4th of July 2012. Had 3 children, oldest RD short for Rotten Daughter, she gets in touch with me infrequently,usually when she wants money or sympathy. Both grandmothers spoiled her unmercilly, still thinks the world owes her everything. Yes every family has one, it is to my everlasting shame I have given birth to mine. She is the mother of myb2 grand-girls Naomi 22 and Amy almost 21. RD will be 50 in January. My second child, were he living would be 42, he died in 2008 ai 31 of underdiagnosed cardiac condition and there is not a day,i still don't miss him. He was a wonderful young man, full of promise for the future, great to know And everyone who knew him wanted to be his friend. Walked into our local fleabag hospital under his own,power and 17 hours later he was dead. The attending doctor who,did little for him to save him and admitted I Don't Know Why He Died is still practicing in this community and my wonderful son is no longer living. Life is not fair, indeed,not as it should be. My youngest, my Tomkitten lives with me, incredibly,supportive of my Bariatric Plans and makes,up for his rotten sister in spades. Now that you k,ow a little more about me,I hope you will want to be friends. Oh yes, I live in Central Ohio, lived within 60 miles of here my entire life.😛 PS you are not garbage,neither am I. We all have a reason to,be,here! 😛

I too just had revision surgery to repair a posterior slip, but also had my gallbladder removed at the same time. I have had a lot more pain this time around. I talked to the dr. about it and he said it's to be expected. I know my situation is a little different from yours, but I thought it might help to hear it. I also had a lot of the shoulder pain from the abdominal gas they use this time, and I didn't have that the first time at all.

or just type in dr name in your browser and how many procedures he has done. like.......... dr blank, dallas texas, how many gastric revisions ........

Medical Policy Subject:Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity Policy #: SURG.00024Current Effective Date: 11/18/2010Status:RevisedLast Review Date: 11/18/2010 Description/ScopeClinically severe obesity is a result of persistent and uncontrollable weight gain that constitutes a present or potential threat to life. There are a variety of surgical procedures intended for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. This document addresses those procedures. Position StatementMedically Necessary: Gastric bypass and gastric restrictive procedures with a Roux-en-Y procedure up to 150 cm, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (for example, the Lap-Band® System or the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band), vertical banded gastroplasty, biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch, and sleeve gastrectomy (open or laparoscopic) are considered medically necessary for the treatment of clinically severe obesity for selected adults (18 years and older) who meet ALL the following criteria: BMI of 40 or greater, or BMI of 35 or greater with an obesity-related co-morbid condition including, but not limited to:diabetes mellitus; or cardiovascular disease; or hypertension; or life threatening cardio-pulmonary problems, (e.g., severe sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity related cardiomyopathy); AND [*]The individual must have actively participated in non-surgical methods of weight reduction; these efforts must be fully appraised by the physician requesting authorization for surgery; AND[*]The physician requesting authorization for the surgery must confirm the following: The individual's psychiatric profile is such that the candidate is able to understand, tolerate and comply with all phases of care and is committed to long-term follow-up requirements; and The candidate's post-operative expectations have been addressed; and The individual has undergone a preoperative medical consultation and is felt to be an acceptable surgical candidate; and The individual has undergone a preoperative mental health assessment and is felt to be an acceptable candidate; and The individual has received a thorough explanation of the risks, benefits, and uncertainties of the procedure; and The candidate's treatment plan includes pre- and post-operative dietary evaluations and nutritional counseling; and The candidate's treatment plan includes counseling regarding exercise, psychological issues and the availability of supportive resources when needed. <br clear="all">

I am a medical review nurse for insurance companies. I did all the leg work for approval for the sleeve. My BMI is 38% however I am on HCTZ for BP and on a medications for GERD and depression. I first called the insurance company for a copy of the medical policy.I have Arkansas BCBS. The policy requirements are Patients with morbid obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40; AND Have failed a structured weight loss program; AND Are well-motivated and understand the risks of the surgery and the restricted eating habits which follow the gastric restrictive or bypass surgery; AND Are over the age of 20. Body Mass Index of 36 – 39 Patients with Body Mass Index of 36 - 39 may be considered for coverage if they meet the other criteria above, and have high-risk co-morbid conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea as defined in the sleep apnea policy, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled hyperlipidemia) I then wrote a 4 page letter outlining my past attempts at weight loss, family history and statistics with references. I faxed it to the pre-auth team with directions to have review by the medical director....I called my PCPs office and had them fax my last 5 years of records, this occurred on a Monday. I called insurance company on Tuesday and verified the information was received. I then faxed my letter for pre-approval. I called and verified they received and stated I would be calling daily for updates. Within 2 days I was approved. SO please do your due diligence. Don't only rely on your physician but become your own advocate!

hii would just like to say that i am very impressed with your progress. I hope to achieve the same sucess once I am banded. I am currently awaiting tricare approval. I posted a message a few weeks ago talking about how I wasn't sure if I was getting the right surgery(I keep wondering if I should have applyed for gastric bypass). Only one person responded and she was very negative saying she had the same delima and ended up getting the lap band and was very unhappy. I just know that with a five year old and a one year old at my feet all the time the bypass would be to hard of a recovery for me. I really want to lose the weight. Im 5 2 and 216 pds. I would love to see the kind on results that you have seen I would love any advice you could give me. Thank you for keeping my hope alive. Gotta go my baby needs me.:party:

I have UHC (coca cola) and even though my plan states I am covered for the band or bypass they found my revision medically necessary and approved it. It was approved in less than one week and I had my revision on aug 21st.

Get rid of that band!! I had the band for 2 1/2 years, and I've had the sleeve now for 3 1/2 years now. There is no comparison. Just go and read all the band to sleeve revision stories and you'll find everyone is so much happier to be rid of the band and get sleeved. The sleeve works like the band was supposed to. I can eat anything I want, just smaller portions. If you choose a good surgeon who has done revision surgeries, there aren't high statistics for complications. Complications do happen, but they are rare.

When I went to attend the seminar put on by the WL Institute, I had already decided on the Lapband. Then, after listening to the surgeon talk about both, I was on the fence and was almost leaning more toward RNY. So, I made a list (I am a list-person) of pros and cons for both and really researched both, and read testimonials on both, and finally decided that the lapband, was indeed better for me. The pros and cons will be different for each person, but for me, I decided on the lapband because: ** It is reversible, if need be (the band can be unfilled or removed) ** Although the RNY has made great strides in safety, it is still a little more invasive than lapband & changes the body's "plumbing" more ** With bypass, I just didn't like the idea of how the body makes it's excretory "dump" after eating. Seems to me there were some other reasons I made this choice, but research it and read up on both - you will make a choice that is best for you. Good Luck!