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It varies by facility. Here at Eglin, my revision took 3 months to get done, and I did NOT have to jump through any of the normal hoops, like the psych or nut evals. However, I had to have more labs done, and had to get some extra stuff done due to being a revision. I've seen other MTFs require these appointments, the basic seem to be(marked with an * are ones I had to do as a revision) : Labs*, eKg*, endoscopy (I did not have this one), psych and nut eval, chest xray*, informational seminar (typically the very first appointment). Some require a manometry (up in the Northern region is the only place I've read about this requirement. In the Pacific NW (Oregon, Washington area MTFs) they require a 6 month supervised diet/weigh in, with multiple nut visits, but that could have changed. With my band, I had a civilian place it and it was covered by Tricare Prime 100% with zero out of pocket. I had a psych eval, 3 nut visits, labs, chest xray, eKg, psych eval. I'm really sorry that you are having to go through all of this Heather. I am not surprised that Tricare isn't picking up the VSG(as we've heard they were going to do so since 2009, 1 October comes and goes without changes in their bariatric profile of approved surgeries) since Medicare is still NOT fully covering it with all of their plans.

Hey Melissa, What is your BMI? The requirements are BMI 35 with at least 2 co-morbidities, or BMI of 40 without co-morbidities. The sleeve is covered at military hospitals on post/base, but not by civilian surgeons Dr. Nick Nicholson Dr. Wade Barker Dr. David Kim Are the 3 surgeons I researched for my revision when I was trying to get my revision from band to sleeve covered and approved and was looking at self-pay options. All of my family is in D/FW Texas so I would be close to family/friends if I had to go that route. I'm not sure what area of Texas you are in, but there are some great surgeons in San Antonio and Houston. If you need anything, feel free to contact me. I've gone round and round with Tricare for 2 years now on the sleeve so I'm fairly well-versed.

*Not a doctor, just personal experience plus asking doctors a lot of questions* Not everything is food related after surgery, especially if you are diligently tracking and seeing a dietitian. The temporary weight loss/gain could be: 1. Dehydration causing water retention (noticed reduced urination? May need electrolyte supplementation) 2. Disruption of normal lymphatic activities because of surgery (excess fluid still in circulation, puffy or swollen anywhere?) 3. Slight level of constipation (still have waste that has not vacated despite amount of trips to the bathroom) 4. Inflammation after surgery (edema of the abdomen because of the laparoscopic procedure-usually immediate and not super common) 4. Return to your maintenance weight after temporary drop (happened to me in the first 2 months- 2 weeks post revision I hit 10-12 lbs lower than my maintenance weight then went back to normal) 5. Hormonal response (menses/menopause - I ALWAYS gain before my cycle ) 6. Incorrect scale/discrepancy of scales used (I always weighed different amounts on doctor’s scales vs mine) 8. A combination of things Please let us know what the surgeon says!

Some of the Facebook groups are odd The strangest response I got was someone questioning why my surgeon would do a revision for GERD when I didn't need to lose more weight. And someone else questioning my dietitian for not having me on moderate carbs instead of keto. She's been my dietitian for 2.5 years since I was pre op VSG. Thank you

I had a revision for GERD/hiatal hernia repair/esophageal dysmotility 7/13. The goal with my revision was to continue maintaining my weight. I had been in maintenance for 7 months the day of my revision. I was 144 pounds the day of my revision. At two weeks post op my weight was down to 133. I met with my dietitian who gave me a goal of 600-800 calories a day initially and to work towards getting back to 1200. She gave me meal plans for puree and soft foods Week 3 I had gained back to 137. I was alarmed but thought maybe the initial weight loss was just water weight and it would even out. However it didn't stop. Week 4 I was back up to 139 and this week (week 5) 141. My fear is that if this continues i will be heavier than the day of my revision. I am not constipated and am having regular bowel movements thanks to miralax. I asked in a revision "support" group on Facebook but got mostly blame filled posts telling me to go back to my dietitian and that I must be eating too much or ridiculous suggestions to ask my doctor for phentermine. I am diligent about weighing and measuring food and tracking what I eat. I was successfully maintaining my weight post sleeve so it is infuriating to be gaining weight while eating less. I am still struggling with esophageal dysmotility and vomiting due to that. I can't get over 800 calories a day because of it and am weak and tired. I did see my gastroenterologist this week and was told I need a esophageal manometry done but we have to wait until I am fully healed from the bypass. I am still eating soft foods. I have a follow up with my surgeon next week. I want to add that I am not interested in losing more weight. I can't physically eat more and I do not buy into the idea that eating too little would cause weight gain. I just want to maintain my weight. I am really trying to eat as much as my dietitian has suggested but it's hard.

Hey Krestel, Have you had surgery yet? I'm having RNY revision surgery on July 16th and can't wait for it to be done. My reflux is so much worse than it was before I had sleeve surgery on October 25th 2016 . Hopefully you are doing great. Have an awesome day. Allie in SC (South Carolina)

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

Hi Heather.I'm Leslie. I had a major slip with my band also and thought I'd tell you a little about my experience in case it might help you with your decision... My insurance didn't cover the sleeve surgery when I had my slip and my doc wasn't doing cash payments for it so I talked at length with him about waiting it out (he was pretty sure they'd come around eventually) or replacing the band. Now, I am kind of and instant gratification kind of gal (probably obvious lol) and at first I thought I'd just go ahead and have the band replaced. But, I hadn't been all that happy with it and was plateauing, etc. Long story short I decided to wait for the revision. Even though I had to wait a year from the slip to get this surgery I am so very happy I did it!!! Now, had you asked me about 6 months into the waiting game I would have cried (ok, I did-and a lot lol) and gotten mad (did that a lot too lol) about the whole thing...the "mind game" has always been my biggest struggle and throughout my year waiting for insurance, etc. I gained all but about 15 pounds back of the close 80 I had lost with the band. Talk about depressing...I tell you this not to scare/worry you about gaining it back but to tell you that I do feel that waiting for this surgery was the right thing for me/my body. I feel better not having the band in me and I feel better when I eat/drink. July 7 was my one month surgiversary and I have lost 28 pounds. Of course I wish it was more (another mental struggle for me) but I am super happy that I am on the way back down and am trying to stay off the scale and just enjoy feeling better. Btw, my doc does the band removal surgery separate from the sleeve gastrectomy so I had to wait about three months in between removal and sleeve. Getting the band out was a piece of cake. I went back to work the next day for a 1/2 day and then was back to work full time the day after that. I felt like my sleeve surgery was also a piece of cake. I was walking like crazy the day after and the nurses were so encouraging and were even trying to guess how many laps I'd do each day...the whole experience was awesome. My doc had to leave me a little bit bigger at the top because of all the damage and scarring the band had caused but I'm not worrying about that (ok, trying not to lol). I feel great, am working out, and have had no problems so far. Whatever you decide...best of luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A quick background - I had a lapband slip diagnosed in June. EGD confirmation in July. Band removed in September. And last week my insurance denied my revision to a sleeve. I have a background in the insurance industry so I'm not completely at a loss, but... My surgeon had a wonderful lady who knew the revision process inside and out, who quit just a few weeks ago. Their new lady is, well... new... and I'm her first revision case. Uh oh. So I'm kind of having to be my own advocate, because she just doesn't know. The reasons for my denial were: Failure to submit proof of a mechanical failure Failure to document proof of adherence to the prescribed diet and exercise requirements. The revision is covered, otherwise. I don't have to worry about exclusions. But I need to figure out how to prove those two points. Mechanical failure - my insurance company (Cigna) does include a slip in their definition of mechanical failure, and both my x-ray and EGD report were provided. Does anyone have any other ideas how we can document or prove mechanical failure other than those two things? I'm not sure what else I can give them, unless I have the surgeon himself write a letter confirming it. First, lap-band doesn't have a prescribed diet. It's a restrictive procedure. I'm not sure I can prove compliance with a prescribed diet when there really isn't one. I have no way to document portion enforcement. The best I can think of is to gather medical records from doctor's visits (other than my surgeon's office), that demonstrate a steady loss or maintenance until when I had my daughter (I gained in my last trimester, then lost all but about 10, then gained about 20 - right around the time I started showing symptoms of what ended up being a slip). But even with a slipped band/lack of major restriction, I maintained for about 2 years. My surgeon's office wasn't sure these records would do the trick. I know I have OB records that will weigh me in at least 150 lbs down from when I first had the lapband put in. Anyone experienced denial on these same two provisions? Would you mind sharing what types of information & documentation you provided? Thanks all... I'm an instant gratification kind of girl, and this blows.

I think I missed Want2BMeAgain ... I've asked on the floor but no one seems to know who I am talking about so perhaps I missed her? There are 2 other women here today - one for a sleeve from Alaska and one for a revision -- they had not heard about VST ... they have now! Have also met Soon2BSkinny - she was up walking around this morning when we got here. She seems to be doing well. I think it's great to get to know people from here!

Hi Everyone, I noticed these are old ..question I had the sleeve done in 2015 I am trying to get a revision done to bypass I had an endoscopy and I have ulcerations and hiatal hernia in which the surgeon said he can do both will Cigna cover this? if not I want to pay for it myself do they do plans?

I'm in a panic right now I had the lap band in 2012 and started having problems, so I started looking into a revision to bypass. I completed all the required steps the insurance requires (dietitian meetings, Psych eval, stress test, EGD). EGD even showed that my band had prolapsed. Everything was pointing to in the direction I needed to get an approval. Fast forward 3 weeks - I get a letter from the insurance that my claim was denied!!! WHAAAT?!?! I called the doctor's office in a panic.....They said the next step is for them to do a peer to peer with them (which is what they do for people that get denied). I do remember that I was told that revisions usually take 2 rounds of approvals. Maybe that's what this means? Anyway - has anybody gone through this as well? I have United Healthcare. Do they typically approve after the peer to peer? I don't understand why I wasn't approved to begin with. I'm eating tums like they're candy at this point! (because of my issues, not because of the stress of not being approved LOL) UGH!!!!

I have united healthcare and am revisioning from lapband to sleeve on 2/20 I am wondering if your medical group has a lot of experience with revisions, mine did and told me they knew “all the right things to say” and got approval. Hopefully your group will fight for you with the insurance company and all will work out for you... I know you are probably as anxious as I am to get the lapband out! Best wishes!

I was band to bypass revision. Done because the band was no longer working, because studies show that over the long term the band causes a lot of damage and also reflux.

Thank you for showing your amazing progress. I am in the process of getting a revision and this photo is making me feel excited. Also you look Amazing!

Would these women bat an eye if they needed an artificial hip replacement or a pacemaker. Those are foreign objects and the band is made of the same material (or very similar). Lind2times -- PBing is productive burping (aka vomiting but doesn't quite feel completely like it since it is only from your pouch). It can happen when you overeat or have something stuck that was not chewed well. Sliming is when you have an excess of saliva that comes up. I am 3 years out, had a slip and needed a revision, and I still love my band even if it can be very fickle. You are doing great researching, keep reading and learning.

Hi there, I am about to have a band to sleeve revision (lapbands are not what they told us it would be). Tiffykins posted a link that was very helpful to me when I was researching that had articles and posts from people two-five years out. I wish I knew what the title was for you to search it. I am sure if you messaged her, she will give you the info. I would do some more reseach before you give up. The way I see it, if they are already in there cutting the band out, they might as well give me a smaller stomach! Good luck and hang in there~

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.

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.

Hi everyone! I'm Heather and I'm a lapbander that is considering revision to VGS. I've been banded since 12/07 and have a possible (probable) slip. I had a CT scan July 1 and go for the results on the 14th. My doctor and I have discussed (briefly) revision to the VGS as opposed to repositioning my band. This was all done prior to my CT scan so I don't know how bad my slip is. He is 100% sure I've slipped and since I spent the entire month of June barely eating anything solid, and most days not even being able to tolerate liquids, I'd tend to agree with him. Since he removed 5cc on the 29th I've been able to eat normally for the first time in nearly 2 years and have gained 10 pounds! I am down about 72 pounds since being banded. I've been less, but have been re-gaining over the last year even as I fight to keep my weight in check. I'm happiest under 200 but have not been there in the last 12 months. I'm hoping if I revise to the sleeve I will be able to finally get to my goal weight (160ish) and not have to keep fighting myself all the time. The band was the only reason I have no re-gained to my highest weight, it's been just enough to slow my gain but I'm tired of not eating until 3pm, not being able to drink much earlier in the day, throwing up, having complications like a month of not knowing if I can eat from day to day etc... BUT I'm scared of the revision. It's such a major surgery. The fear is the main reason I shied away from RNY before getting my band. Now I have those same fears with the added concerns of what happens to my body after the band and port are removed. I look forward to reading more of your posts, and hope you'll share anything you want with me to help me make this decision as informed as I can be.

So here's my story... Banded since November 2008. Lost 76 pounds (254 to 178, size 18/20 to size 10). Alot of the weight was lost when I was too tight to get/keep much down. No significant loss in the last 2 years. I get recurrent fevers every 6 months or so, for which I've had numerous tests for -- they thought I might have an auto immune disease but all testing was negative—my surgeon thinks it might possibly be my body rejecting the band, but we don’t really know. Fevers lasted about 24-48 hours then I was back to normal! ...and then my pouch got dilated. I was completely unfilled in December 2011. It has corrected itself, but I’m still gaining. I really started gaining last March when I was getting really bad heartburn and was way too tight (I believe my dilation started then...), at first it was a small gain. Since the unfill, I have gained 25 pounds in 4 months. Ugh... So—I saw my surgeon today and I start my 90 day program for the sleeve next Tuesday. Two surgeries--I will be getting my band out by the end of the month. I am concerned about insurance approval because I'm afraid they only consider it a revision when it’s done in one surgery and my BMI is under 40. But I’m ok with two-step process because of the leak issues…which I'm also scared to death of. The insurance person at my surgeon’s office doesn’t seem to think my low BMI will be an issue since I had the band (I still have the same insurance that covered my band placement if that matters). The policy isn’t very clear to me when I read it (is it only revision in one surgery…that is the question…???): Repeat Bariatric Surgery: Aetna considers medically necessary surgery to correct complications from bariatric surgery, such as obstruction, stricture, erosion, or band slippage. Aetna considers repeat bariatric surgery medically necessary for members whose initial bariatric surgery was medically necessary (i.e., who met medical necessity criteria for their initial bariatric surgery), and who meet either of the following medical necessity criteria: Conversion to a RYGB or BPD/DS may be considered medically necessary for members who have not had adequate success (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or Revision of a primary bariatric surgery procedure that has failed due to dilation of the gastric pouch is considered medically necessary if the primary procedure was successful in inducing weight loss prior to the pouch dilation, and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or Replacement of an adjustable band due to complications (e.g., port leakage, slippage) that cannot be corrected with band manipulation or adjustments. I so didn’t want to be here again. I cannot regain all my weight. My body hurts already with where I’m at right now. If everything goes as planned, my 90 day program will be up Jul 9 and I’ll be sleeved at the end of July. Wow-this is moving quickly. I knew I wanted to do it, but was scared to pull the trigger...I just really decided to go for it when I saw that I gained another 7 pounds at the dr. office this morning. Been reading for a couple months...looking forward to posting here (I used to be on lapbandtalk.com). Crystal

What you are describing about your feelings is normal and the result of the numerous emotional and physical adjustments that your body has to make post op. People generally don't embrace the concept of change readily, but if you want to be successful with weight loss, you really do need to modify your relationship with food and make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. There are just too many weight related medical issues which over time present and then begin to slowly erode your health. Your mood will improve over time as you make these adjustments. Realize that some people actually will experience a kind of "mourning" process similar to grieving as they revise their relationship with food. I looked at having my band placed as an opportunity to regain some of my health; what you have to give up for successful weight loss is returned to you many times over with the health benefits you receive. Wine, and all alcohol beverages are empty calories, so you need to be careful and limit your consumption. I was advised to wait an entire year post op to have any alcoholic beverages...I did wait for 6 months, but have only had Jello shots once. My next glass of wine will be for my birthday next year...beyond the 1 year waiting time. Best wishes...

So mine is a little different- I met the guy I’m talking to about 3yrs ago when I was 330lbs at 5’7” (170cm). I didn’t see him much from nov. 2019 (VSG dec 2019 and RNY revision for gerd aug 2020) to Sept. 2021 (155lbs) (I was either on medical leave or working a bunch because of Covid). Anyway, I was super nervous about being seen naked or intimacy related things because of skin and scars (I have a midline scar from sternum to pubic bone). He told me that it’s not the outside that he cares about it’s what’s on the inside because the outside doesn’t always stay the same. And while I’m still super self conscious about the loose skin and scars he makes feel okay with just being myself around him.

Good Morning.... I'm having revision surgery from Lapband to Sleeve at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Originally, I was going to have my surgery in Manchester but do to the band removal I was referred to Lebanon. My surgery is set for July 26th and I have started my pre-op diet. Enjoy bike week! I hope the rain holds back! Tomorrow looks like it's going to be nice.

My tipping point: My mom started having weight-related health problems at a young age - late 40's - (she developed high BP, Type2 diabetes, eventually congestive heart failure) and died at age 74. In fact, she was hospitalized for heart issues, and in the same hospital as I was when I was giving birth to my youngest child at age 41! She didn't even live to see my daughter's first birthday. Anyway, long story short, a year after my mom died, I was 80 pounds overweight and saw myself going down the same exact path. This was all 12 years ago; got a Lapband, lost the weight and just recently got a VSG revision because of a hernia and GERD. Losing weight has changed me in so many ways, not the least of which is freeing me from my "living to eat" mentality. I still enjoy food but I know at the end of the day, it's just a meal. All my best to you - it's the start of something wonderful for you!