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Hello All! I had Surgery on 10/18/23 😊 I am usually in Facebook support groups, but lately they are too busy being negative and quick to tear others down. So, I am here for new scenery. I also noted most the talk and experiences are VSG, and less RNY Gastric Bypass. They are always talking bad about Bypasses until they need a revision to Bypass from VSG. So far I am doing really great! there's some hard moments, such as post op pain, gas, and one episode of dumping. (I think i ate too fast. Eating and talking). I am down -22 lbs. I will be one month post op on November 18th!

I'm going to try and keep this from being too long, but there's so much to say!!! First I'll start with my newest NSVs. I'm officially in a size 18 clothes (from my original size 30), size 10 shoes (from my original size 11), size 6 1/2 ring (from my original size 10), 18" chain on a necklace (from my original 24" chain), and 2x jacket (from my original 4-5x). I can now comfortably fit on a massage table without fear of it creaking or breaking. I can now ride a bike because I'm within the weight limit. I now am able to hit my favorite thrift stores and walk out with seriously cute clothes that look nice, sit well on me, and actually fit comfortably!! My asthma is almost completely gone (I only have it when I get super sick now instead of all the time). My blood work came back and my hormone levels are almost in the normal range (I have PCOS) and my cysts that completely COVERED both ovaries are totally gone (without having taken any meds or done any hormone therapies!!) I did a 6 mile hike this past weekend with my son. I am completely pain free and am able to go full on beast mode with my workouts again. I can go up 5 flights of stairs before I need to stop and rest. Now for my new chapter in life and old dreams becoming new again. So years ago, I wanted to become a nurse. I completed all of the academics with a 4.0, aced all the labs, but couldn't do any of the clinicals because I couldn't do all the walking, I was 400 pounds, and my health/joints/back were way too bad. So I gave up on it. Then about 2 years later, I thought "well, maybe I can be a medical assistant. Surely THAT'S not as hard" and once again, I couldn't do the externship because I couldn't do the physical stuff. So I went into other areas for work, ballooned up to 421 pounds, worked remotely, and made good money. I loved what i did, but there was always a part of me that regretted not being able to go into the medical field. That was my heart's desire. So fast forward to now. I'm between jobs and miserable. I had to stop working because of all my complications from my first surgery. Now that I've been cleared, I can't get hired anywhere. So I decided that now is a great time to go back to my dream of working in the medical field. So on Sept 5th, I start school to become a certified pediatric oncology medical assistant. Most of my previous credits transfer over, so I only have about 6 months of academics to do and then the externship. Then I sit for my certification exam and then I get to finally FINALLY do what I've always wanted to do. By my 46th birthday next June, I should be right where I want to be, doing what I want to do, and hopefully at my goal weight. I'm sitting here in tears as I type this, because I thought this was something I would never see happen. I resigned myself to being morbidly obese, extremely unhealthy, and needing a cane to get around. I may not be at my goal weight (the weight comes off a lot slower with a revision, and also as your bmi gets smaller and you get closer to your goal) but I believe eventually I'll get there. But the things this surgery is giving to me, the dreams I can live out, the health and wellness and years of my life I'm getting back..... it was all worth it. The complications, the uncertainty, the pain and healing and stalls.... all completely worth it. We all start this journey wanting the numbers on the scale to go down. But there's SO MUCH MORE this surgery gives you. I will never, ever regret my decision. Never.

Is it worth it? HELL Yes!!! Would I do it again? YES!!! In a heartbeat!! What you are feeling is normal. Have I had problems? YES! 99% caused my me! Remember our band is a tool. We have to work at it too. The first think I tell pre ops is to do your research and do it for you nobody else. XOXO~Teresa 34 5'9 Divorced 3 Children~15/13/11 Gering, Nebraska Surgery: 5/14/02 Port Revision: 9/22/02 .80cc Used to be at 2cc 366/209/180-160<~~~Goal!!! Some day soon!!! Dr. Halloway & Dr. Forney Regional West Medical Center Scottsbluff, Nebraska

I would not recommend trying to do the clearances yet, as most of them have to be done within a certain time period before surgery. You never know if you're going to have a fight with insurance, like I did. I had to go back and forth with appeals for 3.5 months before I was approved for my revision, so if I'd tried to do my clearances early, I would have just had to do them all over again, since they all had to be done within 30 days prior to having surgery. Now, once you get your date, I would try to get them done ASAP, because there might be follow-up things that you have to do that may require some waiting (a sleep study, in my case). I only had 3 weeks notice, and I wasn't going to be able to get in to see my PCP for a week and a half, so I had to go to a new doctor for my lab tests. Luckily, I was able to get everything done in about 1.5-2 weeks (delayed a few days because my pulmonologist required me to go for the sleep study before she would clear me), so now I'm just waiting for everything to be forwarded to my surgeon's office on Monday.

This is a normal phenomenon in gastric bypass patients. It is called intestinal adaptation. Over the years, the small intestine of a person with a gastric bypass adapts to the malabsorption by increasing villi height and absorbing more calories. Enhanced caloric absorption = Weight regain (if you eat crap) It should be noted that those who strictly adhere to the "protein first" dietary mantra do not regain, even after 15 or 20 years out. However, consumption of sliders (crackers, chips, popcorn, etc.) spells trouble. I met someone who had gastric bypass in 2002. In 2011, during prolonged immobilization after fracturing her ankle, she regained 25 pounds in 6 weeks by grazing on potato chips. The weight regain was quizzically rapid. She got back on track and lost the weight, but her diet today consists strictly of lean meats and veggies. My point: once intestinal adaptation has occurred, a revision will not help if you consume snacky slider foods.

There are a few minor tweaks that are commonly done to bypasses to try to improve things, like band over bypass or stoma tightening procedures, but they overall don't seem to have a great success record. The best results revisionwise is to revise to the DS (duodenal switch) but that's a complex procedure for which maybe a half dozen or so surgeons around the country are qualified - you are in luck if you are in California or the NY/NJ area as that's where most of them are, otherwise count on travelling for that solution.

Some Drs in Mexico will bypass more of your intestine, and some will tighten your pouch. You are better off just eating dense protein than risking another surgery when you probably have scar tissue from the last one. Look at this Lady's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ZLTY6f9v_YrH7FqVUn7Mw You can't really revise from RNY, not safely anyway. RNY is a one shot thing. This lady has revised and tried to revise with nothing but problems. She always talks about revisions but doesn't focus much on food, well not as much as she should have.

HI, Add me to his list of happy sleevers. He did my revision about 4.5 months ago. I understand it is different for everyone but this was easier on me than my band surgery. Self paid in Florida for my band and self paid for the revision with Dr Aceves. Was very tired of puking with the band and all the side problems I had with my band. We do have insurance just doesn't cover WLS. Decided to email Dr Aceves and within 10 days had surgery. Flew out from Florida and back within the 4 days with NO problems. My husband did go with me. Currently living in Maui and have lost about 60% to my goal. IMHO, he is the best revision surgeon for me. I also love Dr Campos who works with him. Good Luck on whatever you decide.

It costs more for a revision, though. Call his office to see if there is a special price.

I was not a revision but I can say that my recovery was uneventful and I am really pleased with my weight loss. They really know their stuff there and the hospital was nice.

Only three more days to tolerate the pain and complication this (#)% lapband has caused for the last three years. The removal and revision to RNY is on 06/01/16 and I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!! I thank everyone who posts on this forum for providing the insights, traumas, and laughter that has helped me through the last stages of this process. Though I lurk more than I write, I have gotten so much great information from all of you, information I needed to make this a smoother transition. The next step will be tough, and I really hate pain, but reading the stories you've shared gives me comfort and hope. See you on the other side! Rosie

Like @@shedo82773 said, you will definitely want muscle repair along with the panni. If you have had children or are "apple" shaped (store most of your fat in your stomach), then it is highly likely that fat UNDERNEATH your muscle has stretched it out (just like fat under your skin stretches your skin out) and the only way to repair that is to surgically tighten it up. You will not get as good results with a panni alone if your muscle fascia is stretched out. @@WLSResources/ClothingExch Yes, that's me in the pictures I posted. Those are from one year post-sleeve and four years post-plastics. I actually am a rare case that had plastics BEFORE my sleeve. I had lost weight "on my own" and had plastics back in 2011. Unfortunately, I regained almost all the weight I'd lost by the summer of 2014, which is when I decided to have VSG. Luckily, my tummy tuck held up well through the weight regain and re-loss. My boobs, not so much. I'm going to have to have a revision for those eventually.

Hi there - great to see this new forum has been started for us! I am into my 4th day post op and am doing well - no pain or discomfort at all, but it is sure making me think alot more about my food choices and getting Water in, esp in these early days. I am a revision and had the surgery over 9 months after having my band removed following a severe erosion. My surgeon did a brilliant job, it took 4 hours to get it all finished because there lots of tidying up to do, but he was determined to give me an excellent result, and that's what I have got. Roll on the next weeks so that I learn how to drive this thing! Cheers Marion:thumbup:

My first entry here. No special story to speak of, My start weight is 235 at the hospital, which I went to Monterrey Mexico. Today, Dec 15th I'm down 21 pounds. I am on mushy foods, but I have to admit the only real mushies I've had is ground down tuna salad and Popeyes mashed potatoes with extra gravy. (yum by the way) I tried a mashed sweet potato with butter, sugar & cinnamon but it just wasn't happening, 2 bites was all I could manage. Did I mention I'm a revision from Lap-Band? Had it for 3 years, lost 60 pounds, gained 30 back...I'm going to try an egg tomorrow for breakfast...will keep my fingers crossed on that. I've not been having any problems getting in my fluids, and have been getting my 60 g of protien, but not without dread. Still looking for drinks that I can tolerate. Isopure is ok..tolerable. Also, I'm on GNC Wheybolic? something...ok I guess...I've just ordered some Unjury Chicken Soup, so really hope this is as good as the reviews are...Also trying the Calcet chews, and Biariatric Advantage chewables...I'm on Tums & Flinstones (can we say G R I T??) So here's to the future...stay tuned :001_tongue:

Wow. Wow. Pam, that was probably the best compliment of my life. You floored me and have me completely exposed and vulnerable, and I LIKE it! My goal has never been to frighten anyone or to prove I'm right. I believe one of my responsibilities while visiting Planet Earth is to incite thinking. I'd like to stand on the moon and scream down at Earth that people have choices and should "think" about what to believe before believing it. We aren't sheep. We can and should stray from the flock and dance to the beat of our own drums and figure life out independently instead of simply following what everyone else has done before us. Pam, you've defined DeLarlaism. Johnny, as far as numbers, I haven't collected nationwide statistics, nor do I care or need to. I have enough numbers from my very own personal Banded family. In addition, I know of at least 2 Lapband deaths that might have been avoided if the patients got medical attention instead of hoping symptoms would disappear. As far as the Bypass, I've received different stats by different surgeons, with some stating the mortality rate is as high as 10% of all bypass patients within two years of surgery. I don't make stuff up, I just ask around hoping for better, factual info. I've shared a table with about 40 banded people and have had about 30 bandsters in my home, many from this very website. Of my personal banded family, seven have eroded. One ended up in a coma after band-removal complications and was left with a 7 inch open wound and a colostomy bag. I know of 10 port revisions, 7 port infections/removals and countless other complications ranging from mild acid reflux to slippage requiring surgical intervention. My friends are significant to me, even if their numbers seem weak to you. Pam, this time it's not an evil grin. More like a snarl. Rachele, we're on the same page. Have fun but don't let anyone smack ya around! Maybe I can't get a port for Christmas, but I do have a lovely endoscopy scheduled. This is going to be rough because I have to liquid-fast and ignore the piles of homemade Christmas goodies on our community crap table. Too bad I couldn't do that really cool thing where I simply "changed my way of thinking" before having weight loss surgery. Gee, why didn't I think of that? (Pam, insert expression here.)

I've been searching the forums and can't see any posts about anybody having a revision of their sleeve. I had VSG 3/2013 and got down to 142 for 2 years, and then the weight has started creeping up again, and I'm now at 170. I've tried doing Protein shakes, but it's not slowing down. I had been drinking iced lattes, and I cut them out so I'm not drinking my calories. I still have some restriction, but my appetite is like before the surgery. It wasn't hungry pretty much ever for the first 2 1/2 years. I was sleeved my Dr Fernando Garcia (great experience), and because of my history of esophageal structure mine was done slightly bigger than most patients. If anyone could share their experiences I would really appreciate it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm post-op but my best piece of advice is to keep busy. Idle mind and hands seek snacks. Best of luck!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 254 GW: 175

If you're already staying away from sugar and carbs, you're ahead of the game. I think the bypass will definitely improve things drastically for you. The sleeve was never a viable option for you because of the GERD. I'm wishing you all kinds of luck, but I know you'll come through it ok. Don't be afraid of the revision. It's the easiest part of everything you've been through.

Hello, I also had my lapband slip last year after running a marathon:( I was in the hospital for 2 days miserable with a tube down my throat. I pulled out of this years marathon for fear it would slip again. I decided to have revision to sleeve this coming December and it can not come faster. I went to lapband Doctor and had gained 4 lbs. I thought I gained 40 when the doctor said you gained weight after 6 months check up. I weigh 210 lbs. and I cycle and run and I am frustrated with my weight. I am doing a 100 mile bike ride this month and shutting down hard workouts until after being sleeved. Good for you getting sleeved. I know how you felt with this foreign object inside. I think I may have scar tissue as a result. Wish you the best:)

Hi @@Tracytma well I'm not going to lie, for me it has been absolutely, 100% worth it! I'm a band to sleeve revision patient due to the band failing. I was banded in 2010, had it removed in August 2014. I was revised 12 months ago and i have not ever regretted that i made this decision. I have lost 154lbs in 12 months and I'm still losing ????. I have had a few challenges in the first 6 months, i could not eat meat or dairy and i developed GERD. At the 7 month point i was able to meat and dairy and now i can safely say that at 12 months my GERD is all but gone ( once in a very odd blue moon do i have to take meds for it). I have lymphoedema on both lower limbs and that is almost gone. Life is good!! I wish you all the very best in your weight loss journey xox.

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 was actually originally a sleeve patient and before surgery my insurance told me they wouldn't cover the sleeve so my only option was bypass. I was originally upset but now SO THANKFUL I got the bypass. Way better results and I NEED the restriction and dumping to keep me on track. I had heartburn prior to surgery and my surgeon warned that the sleeve may make it worse and if that were the case he'd have to revise me to bypass anyways. So glad I'm an RNY patient now - Kaylee Ann ~ Surgerversary 6/11/2012

I don't know enough about DS.In late December I got a revision from lapband to bypass...very happy with bypass so far but it is early. You need a highly skilled surgeon for these procedures.

I am getting my band on September 16! Yeah! My top weight is 236 and I want to lose about 80 pounds. I have sleep apnea and sleep with a CPAP, acid reflux, hypertension and pre-diabetes. My BMI is 36, so I was a candidate and got approved pretty quickly (in 8 days) from the time my doctor sent in my paperwork. I also sent letters from my primary care, GYN and Endocrinologist who stated all my co-morbidities and said Lap Band would be good for me. When I was 170 pounds, I did not have any of the co-morbids that I have now. I want to get to around 155. I am 5'7" tall and I will not be skinny by any means. I chose lap-band as opposed to bypass because of the amount of weight I need to lose and wanted it to be minimally invasive. When I went for my pre-op testing, the woman who did my EKG asked me if I was having a revision surgery because she said I didn't "look" large enough to be having bariatric surgery. I went to a support group and most of the people there were having bypass, so I was one of the "small ones". I have tried exercise and changing my eating habits but I am unable to tune into that full feeling. That is why banding is going to work for me. Speaking for us folks with BMI of 36 to 40 who may not look like we need surgery--we need help too! It will be just as difficult for me to lose 80 pounds as it is for someone to lose 180. I have been unable to lose more than 5 pounds and keep it off. I am so thankful for this surgery which helps people like us who really want to be healthier but can't do it alone. I have tried Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, SlimFast. You name it and I have tried it. I will be glad for the time when we will not be stigmatized for using surgery to help us to get to a healthy weight. Until then, I will hold my head up high, knowing that I am doing what I need to do to be healthy!

I'm being sleeved on dec 21st I in Houston. I also have a hernia and I'm a revision from a band that's 10 yrs old