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I think the same thing when I read some peoples posts. Many are OBSESSED with every calorie, every carb, every gm of Protein they put in their mouths. I was so tired off dieting, its why I had wls in the 1st place. If I have to diet for the rest of my life then ur right, why bother taking out 85% of my stomach? I started with the lapband almost 4 yrs ago. Lost 104 lbs and was 9 lbs from goal. Loved my band. Until my frequent vomiting caused it to slip. Then I hated my band. Everything I ate either hurt or made me vomit. Even after having it totally unfilled and gaining 30 lbs in 18 mths, I still vomited often. It was my choice. To either have it out and do it myself or have it out with another wls. I already proved I can't be trusted with keeping the weignt off myself. I decided against RNY because of the side effects (knew Id never be able to stick with the diet 100% of the time to avoid dumping). That left the sleeve. I was worried that taking 85% of my stomach was crazy. God put it in there for a reason. But the risk was worth it to me. 12 wks ago I got my revision, all at the same time. It took my dr an exgra 30 minutes to dig my band outa my stomach. Post op recovery wasn't easy. Very painful. Weightloss has been slow, really slow. I knew it would be cuz I started at 174. But its ridiculously slow. Could I speed up the loss by watching every bite I put into my mouth? Probly. But that's the reason I got wls in the 1st place. I'm never dieting again. I eat whatever I want (in very tiny portions, however) except ice cream (major tummy troubles)). I eat bread, rice, Pasta, and potatoes. While I can only eat 4-6 fries, if u told me I could never have them again Id be really sad. As I said I'm losing really slowly, but I'm happy. Happy to not count everything that goes into my mouth. So, should u get the sleeve or not? Can't tell u that. I can say that there r some of us that don't diet and still manage to lose. How can u not? Losing 85% of ur stomach, ur bound to lose. While yes, u can regain eating sliders (things that go right thru, don't stick), the probability is lower than regaining without the sleeve. So, is it worth it to me to long for a full Thanksgiving dinner but only be able to eat 8 bites of dinner? Absolutely. I do occasioanlly mourn the AMOUNT of food I can eat, I. Don't mlurn WHAT I eat. In fact, its quit empowering. Its amazing how little it takes to keep u alive. Good luck with ur decision.

Dr.Ponce is in Mexico, and I am a revision. I went in to have the revision June 26th but left with just the band removed due to erosion. Where at in Phoenix are you?

At first I was jealous. Didn't matter if they were fat-I wish I didn't care like them, or they were thin-damn, why can't I eat like that? But then it sort of turned into awe. Awe that I used to eat like that, awe that the calories didn't matter to me at one time. I am totally unfilled now (waiting for revision surgery) and ate at Ruby Tuesday last weekend. Checked the menu on line and stuck to my choice (7oz steak and mashed potato under 700 cal). The server brought us biscuits and I had a half of one. I did eat the whole dinner and was amazed at the ferocity with which I devoured that food. I have been going a little crazy and have gained between 4 and 5 pounds. Though I did lose 10 in a week when I could not get anything, not even a shake down, and I know that was NOT good loss. I am amazed that without the band, how easily i am falling back into old habits. Been stepping up exercise and walking in an effort to stay in some control. It is shocking that almost all the Entrees on that Ruby Tuesday menu were 1400+ calories. Even the turkey burger....

Just wondering...........you 've had the band almost 6 yrs. and are only down 15 pounds. Why would you not want to revise???

Hi there and congratulations on your WLS success. Yes, any tattoos in the "weight loss zone" will be impacted. Could you have your tattoo artist revise or cover up once you're at goal and had the plastic surgery?

My parents who are both banded did research him for six montjs he was a colleage of the doc who did their bands ... Complications from others werent heard of till after i was banded and started meeting ppl who had been banded by him.. Ive had 3 port revisions and it is now flippef again and to top it off it was sideways in september when i got a fill they were unaware my hose had a kink and in march whilr exercising i felt it flip back and there was saline stuck in th kink and it went up into my band and made me so tight nothing would go threw ive been fightin to get healthy ever sincd.. Needless to say i dont see him anymore i see dr malley in kc now,and he has offered to fix my band but my insurance wony cover it

Unless they are bought in by the original surgeon to consult surgeons seldom touch another surgeons work, the liability it too high. They would lose their malpractice insurance. When you see a surgeon for a second opinion you have to sign all sorts of agreements A few years ago our contractor was arrested ( ended up getting 30 years in prison for child abuse, his wife got 24 years) a theory for another time and another thread. He was a good carpenter who did excellent work but the day the police came for him the central chimney was halfway knocked out, all the siding was off one side of out house and five of the seven Windows where completely out and the only the studs and framing where done on the 2nd floor dormer. We had paid $35,000 of the $50,000 total and they probably spent close to $35,000 on salaries and building supplies. We had to hire other contractors to finish and everyone of then insisted on partially deconstructing the house to inspect it before they would work on it. We ended up suspending $85,000 for $40,000 in improvements. Doctors have a lot more invested in their careers they don't take risks. As for the OP, I am hoping that Runaround Sue will research her options and realize she has the tool and doesn't need a revision.

He will consult with me regarding nutrition but not regarding a revision. His representative said they will only do revisions if you live in Dallas. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

He will consult with me regarding nutrition but not regarding a revision. His representative said they will only do revisions if you live in Dallas. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App I'm willing to bet they didn't disclose that little tidbit when they were signing you up for self pay surgery either! I'm sorry, that sucks. Have you tried any of the other Dallas surgeons? I know you are out of state, but we have lower prices here than many places. I used Nicholson Clinic for my sleeve (not a revision). I know they do revisions, maybe check with them? Ps You have every right to pursue this with medical professionals. Some of the newly-sleeved like to preach. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

hi mimi, please tell me what it is like having a revision from lapband to sleeve? Do you have acid reflux or vomiting like I have with band? I have had the band for 15 years, it helped me lose weight and keep it off but I vomit all the time. I damaged my esophagus and I have to have it taken out. One doctor suggests sleeve and another mini GBP. WHich one is better?

Hi, I had my lap band placed in 2006 and I did great I went from 245 lbs to 134 lbs with eating right and lots of exercise. During that time I went through a divorce and moved back to California from Arizona, I enrolled back into College so that I could earn my degree in nursing. So with that said I stayed very busy met my new husband and started to put weight slowly back on, not much but enough to feel it. I joined the gym in January 2018 and dropped weight, toned up and put on muscle. I started to experience severe GERD to the point of vomiting while sleeping! I had not kept up with my lap band maintenance or adjustments in about 7-8 years. I decided it was time to consider removing the band after 3 trips to the ER within 3 months. I met a wonderful Bariatric doctor who suggested I consider and research a revision from the band to the gastric sleeve, now this was a surprise to me as I am 5'5 142 lbs and a size 2. He explained everything thoroughly, detailed and why medically this would be a great option, he did also give me the option of simply removing the band as he felt the issues I was having was that after 13 years my body was "rejecting the foreign object" thus the lap band plus I also had a large hard bump where the port was located due to my slimmer torso. After researching the pros and cons I decided to go for the revision, which was done 5/20/19, my doctor did the removal of the band and sleeve all in one procedure (3.5 hours) I felt this would be best as I did NOT want to have to go under twice. I had NO issue with my insurance due to the reason and medical documentation to support the revision. So far so good, I will say the one thing my doctor told me (which I have learned)is forget everything you learned and lived with with your Band the sleeve is a whole new ball game! I was only on liquids for 2 days post op, protein shakes started on day 2 as well with jello and broth, 10 days post op I started on eggs, beans, yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna salad and have had no issue. I drink a lot of water up to 1 gallon a day and that I must say has changed as I now have to sip (not chug) throughout the day. Lots of sugar free popsicles, watermelon and sugar free jello have been my best friends when I feel I need to hydrate. I've also started to go back to the gym as of day 11 post op (once I got my doctors ok) NO weights, midline or core workouts only treadmill, stair climber and spin class (modified) for an hour each day and let me tell you this has helped tremendously with the swelling and gas! My advice would be to get another medical opinion and get and stay as active as possible. It's a lifestyle change and a daily battle (for me). Hope this help :)

It will do both. From my first surgery I lost 150lbs. I was happy with the weight I had lost. Still had a lot more to go but the heartburn was such a hinderance. Nothing like walking in the treadmill and eating tums at the same time just to get through :). I am feeling so blessed to have found a surgeon that specialized in revisions and took me seriously. 5 days post op and no reflux!

I am so sorry about all of your problems! I am ready to kiss my band good-bye to from endless complications. I haven't had reflux problems, but I would like to know if anyone has had problems with this after revision. Good luck and I hope healing is in your near future.

I am scheduled for band to sleeve revision on Jan. 23! I start my liquid diet (Barissentials) on Monday Not looking forward to that, but 2 weeks is minor in the grand scheme!! Sending blessings to all of us January sleevers and am glad there are so many of us to support each other!

I had the band removed in oct 2013. Dr Castro will not do revisions in all in one surgery because he wants the scar tissue to heal. He says he gets better results that way. It didn't matter to me cuz I was still doing my whole approval process. Anyway I was afraid since the band and the sleeve were both restrictive devises I would have the same issues. Well I was sleeved on March 31 and I feel the difference immediately. I have never felt restriction like this! I love it. I am between purée and full liquids now. With purée a few bites and I am full... Like all you can eat buffet full. With full liquids I can only get in 4oz. I haven't felt this good physically in about 2 years. I am down 15 pounds since my surgery date and hopefully more when I weight in tomorrow. If 15 pounds down feel this good can't imagine how 50 or 100 will feel!

My surgeon tells you the risks and benefits of all 3, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then makes you decide. After you've given him your response, if you ask, he'll tell you what he thinks is the best option but he wants the decision and therefore ultimately the responsibility to be made by the patient. But ultimately it is a very personal decision. How much do you need to lose? What are your health problems? How old are you? What are YOU comfortable with long term? I am a band that revised to RNY. If I knew then what I know now I would have started with RNY, but that's me. You can have success with any of the 3 surgeries if you are committed to making the lifestyle changes required....you can also fail with all 3, in fact it's reasonably easy to do so. Keep doing your research, ask questions. Talk to people that have had all 3 surgeries, if you can, talk to people that have had problems with the surgeries so you can see the good as well as the bad. Good luck!!!

I revised after 10 years with the band. During the soft food phases you really don't feel much restriction. In fact, the first 6 weeks, eat by the measuring cup and scale because this surgery causes some temporary nerve damage and you may not be able "feel" a full tummy in those early weeks.

@@Travelmego Yes you can revise from the sleeve to the Rny Gastric Bypass, but why would anyone want to have a surgery going in thinking they want to revise? One bariatric surgery is difficult enough and with every revision the complications skyrocket. It's always better to choose the best surgery for ourselves by making that decision with looking at all of the pros and cons of each one and getting suggestions from our bariatric surgeon. I am revising from the sleeve to the bypass due to extreme GERD issues which is causing a lot of other health issues for me. I wish I could just stay sleeved but I can't, it would kill me eventually. That is the only reason any good surgeon would revise someone, for medically necessary reasons.

I am sorry you got denied. I would still try to appeal...also just a thought, most companies have open enrollment starting in November for January 1st. Could it be possible there is a different plan that might be offered by your employer that you could change to? I would contact your HR Rep and maybe see about this. I would still do the removal, especially if you are having issues, then maybe (fingers crossed) you could get the revision through an updated plan??? My employer, or husbands, is with UHC. My lap band was covered with UHC with a different employer. It was very easy, just had to show 5 years of weight and co morbidities if needed, which I had. Was approved the first time, no hoops. No NUT to deal with or anything. I was sure trying to get the revision I was going to run into issues. Still with UHC but with a different employer. But it was approved the first time, still just needed to show the 5 year weight history, co morbidities, etc. Just found out I was approved for removal and to get either the sleeve or RNY. Still not sure which one I am going with, so surgeon advised of both to them. Scheduled for surgery 12/4. I wish everyone could have it that easy. I thought for sure I was going to be rejected. Some how the stars lined up and pushed me through. But I really hope maybe some plan change etc could be done to get you approved for next year? I would not give up hope and really talk to someone in your companies HR to see what is written in for the plan. Like someone else said, each company is different. I used to work for UHC as a rep for the companies, and most don't know that it is their employer that actually sets the plan limits. Some employers are self insured, meaning that all UHC does is manage the plan and your employer pays all the medical cost to a certain point, like hitting max out of pocket, then UCH pays. Then there are other employers that are fully insured, meaning UCH (or any health insurance for that matter) pays all the claims and they have control over what is approved or not. So a lot of it depends on your employer. Wish I could offer more help than that, but hopefully that gives you a little more something to work on. Best of luck to you!!!

ive been dealing the UHC since May now waiting to see if they are going to pay for my revision but after talking to them today they said #1 my bmi is only 30 and #2 my insurance will only cover 1 bariatric surgery for lifetime. It's still at the insurance waiting patiently to find out. i guess what i'm needing to know if anyone with UHC had a revision with a bmi less then 35 and UHC cover it???

I'm new too, from Milton. Looking to do a band to rny revision. Anybody know how long the wait times are?

I don't have it but live in MD & have CareFirst BCBS of MD. I went online & read the actual medical policy detailing procedures covered, requirements & guidelines. I meet the criteria but only as of March 25th of this year when it was revised to include sleeve for patients w/BMI<50. (Prior to that date CareFirst MD only approved if BMI was 50 or greater).

so, if he can determine that it IS a hernia before you go in - couldn't he bill the insurance company for the hernia repair and throw the port revision in for free while he is in there? He could at least bill the insurance company this way if he opens you up and finds that it is a hernia....

It’s my 5 month surgiversary today!! Best decision I have ever made! I have lost 81 pounds in total, 68 post surgery. Not only do I feel so much healthier but there are so many non scale victories too. Only real downside has been losing so much hair but I would still have gone ahead with the surgery. I set my goal weight to 165 pounds because I actually don’t know how I would look at that weight as an adult. I may revise it when I get there, but it feels pretty good to be so much closer to that goal. I really hope you’re all doing well and are happy to have had the surgery. I’d love to hear about your journeys to date, the good and even the not so good 😊. Below is a before picture and one taken yesterday. I hated being in photos so I didn’t take one just before surgery but I now wish I had.

Kat, thank you so much for your card! I LOL'd when I read your note..."I knew you when you were just a Denny's waitress!" Honey, I will always be a Denny's waitress. You can take the girl out of Denny's...you know the rest! I just got the FINAL OK from my chair to send my diss to the editor. I sent her my revisions last Sat...and got the thumbs up that I am completely approved and ready for the editor! WOOHOO! Have a nice night! xoxoxo