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It's so reassuring to read threads like this one. I had Lapband in 2009, revision surgery in 2010, then had it removed in 2012. I have since regained the 90 pounds I lost with the Lapband and just anxiously awaiting my sleeve!

I was banded in July 2008. My weight was 370 pounds. I did excellent with my band and was down to 195 pounds by Dec 2011 (Mainly on slider foods and horrible food choices). I was at my goal and decided to go to my surgeon to ask for a slight unfill because I did not want to keep losing weight. (I was looking anorexic) My surgeon became concerned that I may have a slippage so we had it checked out. When I did the barium swallow test, we found that my band was WAY too tight (4.7cc in a 14cc band). Just the slightest whisper of Fluid was going through the band and my esophagus was dilated. He did a complete unfill in my band for 3 months to give my esophagus a rest. I gained weight at an alarming rate (10 pounds in the 1st 7 days) I was back up to 235 pounds by the time we started adding .5cc back to the band every 2 months. I never, ever got my good restriction back. I had a complete unfill again May 2013 and was up to 294 pounds by Sept of 2013. I had my sleeve revision Nov 7th 2013. I will be 3 weeks out tomorrow. I am doing the puree and soft foods step right now. I am not sure if it is because I was so used to not being able to eat anything with my band, but I feel like I can eat far too much at this point. I hope this changes once I get to go back to solid foods. Any comments on how your feeling of being full was better after the puree stage will be much appreciated

Has anyone had a revision from sleeve to a duodenal switch with GEHA insurance? I’m having terrible GERD. I had the sleeve 6 years ago and have been on nexium ever since. My GERD is getting worse. So I’m thinking about starting the process of having a revision. Not sure if GEHA would cover it or even where to start with the process.

I'm new to this site. Here's my story. It's rather long so I'll try to keep it short. In June of '07 I was banded - self-pay. I lost about 50 pounds, putting me about 60 pounds shy of my goal weight. Then, at the end of '08 I got pregnant, got unfilled and had a baby in '09. Later, when I finished nursing him after about six months, I went back in to get a fill. The doc couldn't find my port. He said it had flipped and scheduled me for a port revision. Well, the port hadn't flipped at all, it had shifted. IF he had he done a xray to find it , I could have avoided surgery and not had to pay two thousand dollars. So, then after that, I went back, had it filled and then had the worst reflux/heartburn ever - doc said it was too tight - took out a little - no luck - then got nausea and vomiting. The doc looked at it on fluoroscope -said it's a small slip and unfilled me and told me to come back in a month to look at it again. Went back later and no change- so Doc says it has to come out and that it can't be filled. The funny thing is he just recently hired a doctor who specializes in revisions so he would be glad to take out my band and give me some other kind of surgery. Of course, it would cost several thousand dollars more. Since I was having no problems at all with my unfilled band, I decided to wait until the summer (I'm a teacher.), when I would have more time to deal with this. After the mistake with the "port revision" I was skeptical and went for a second opinion to see if I could keep my band. So, I scheduled an appt with a different doc and about a week before my appt with him, I started having tight restricition and reflux, even though my band is unfilled and I haven't had any problems for about a year. He told me that I have a "massive" hiatal hernia and that it needs to be fixed. So, tomorrow the doctor will be removing the band, fixing the hernia, giving me a plication and putting the band back on. He said the plication would greatly reduce the chance of any slips and he'd be able to do it laproscopically. And, it's all covered by insurance because it's a hernia repair. I'm excited by the chance to start losing weight again. I've been unfilled for so long it will be nice to have restriction again. I'm also interested to see if I can eat and then just get full without the burping and food getting stuck or having to cough it up. But - I am worried about the lack of long-term studies on this surgery. I'm worried that if I have gastro problems later I will have a hard time finding a doctor that will want to deal with my folded up stomach and the scar tissue? I'm worried about the pain from this procedure. Is there any pain during or after eating after healing - say - after about 4 weeks? I'm also worried about constricting my stomach too much, possible blocking blood flow - first with the stitches and then with the band. The doc seems very excited about this, though - the plication with the band. He was the one who suggested the plication - not me - I was just happy that I was going to get to keep my band. He assured me that it is safe - and reversible, if necessary. I don't care if it's reversible or not - I just want permanent weight loss - with no complications. How is it possible that this is reversible?!? I can see being able to reverse it soon after the surgery - but once the scar tissue forms, it has to be very difficult - if not impossible to reverse. -Anne

I am really scared too and my surgery date #1 of 2 major surgeries planned is June 1st. Dr. is doing a revision of a faulty rny I've had for 13 years and fixing a hiatal hernia it caused, and in #2 surgery doing a sleeve, possibly later a DS. I am scared if I don't have the surgery and I'm scared if I do!! Anyone having surgery in May or June interested in being a surgery buddy with me? I'm nice, really!! My surgery date is June 1 2017 no the 07-18-2016 show on the profile as it took 3 appeals to get insurance to cover. Karen State of WA

Here is what I kept from another poster about this subject. Makes me happy I choose the sleeve, although I did consider other options. Went in for a band but doc suggested VSG. What? Never heard of that. Did my research and as my title states...love my sleeve, no regrets. "I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning. 1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer. 2) RNY - 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. This process is called adaptation, and it happens with intestinal bypass surgeries. 3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity. 4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me 5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with Vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight. 6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. Pouch or stoma dilation, strictures, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, ulcers, 7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years. 8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise. 9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of Cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion. The big scare for me is medication restrictions for life. NSAIDS and steroids are a NO GO for life with a RNY pouch. I realize that I may never be diagnosed with a condition or disease that requires steroid use, but it is possible. I want the best long term results with the least amount of complications. Malabsorption is not anything to play with in my mind, and I was not willing to take that risk. I lost all my weight in my ticker with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve, and I did it in 10.5 months. The 115lbs fell off the first 6.5 months, and then the rest I lost as I was getting into maintenance over another 4 months.. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues for nearly a year at this point. I want to add that every WLS regardless of your choice will require discipline. Only a percentage of RNY patients dump on sugar/fat, pouches and stomas stretch, then you have the medication restrictions. I'm not trying to convince you, but these were my concerns when I knew I had to revise from the band. Again, this is not me, but I couldn't have said it better. Again, I love my sleeve and have no regrets. Best wishes to you in what ever you decide is right for you!

@@Lina123 I hope and pray that you get the support you need...we all need to be supported by those who are closest to us...it makes a huge difference. Thank you for replying to the topic. I'm sorry to hear about your issue w/GERD. My surgeon discussed the possible complications and concerns with me going with the sleeve, especially after reviewing the results of my Upper GI, and I finally made my decision to go with the RNY-Gastric Bypass. I have dealt with GERD for way too long and I'm ready to be rid of the nagging feelings associated with it. However, I'm also nervous about too much weight loss after having the RNY procedure, but also ask myself what is too much? Lol. I'm scheduled for surgery on Feb. 8th and I'm hoping that the loss will taper off at a "normal weight" and I am finally able to have a normal and healthy body composition. I look forward to discussing the weight-loss and maintenance plans with the Dietitian in a few weeks. As far as revisions, this has been a hot topic on this site and I'm sure if you search under the Gastric Bypass sections, you will find some answers. I wish you the best.

This is refreshing to read. I have a HH. They are repairing my hernia at the same time as my sleeve. Praying for relief. My surgeon did warn me that it could get worse and revision to a bypass may be in my future. Indeed, it is refreshing to hear. I wish you the best Cindy. I just choose not to take the chance…RNY it is for me and repair of the HH simultaneously.

Like I said I have never had a problem in 9 years. I had a revision 2 weeks ago and have completely different insurance then in 2005. Of course each policy is different but I, personally, find it unlikely that most insurances will not cover these medical costs. When you do have to get new insurance you should certainly check your coverage but this has been my experience. Also, not many people have the same insurance for the rest of their life.

I really appreciate all your responses. I am just going to have the band removed and not get a revision. Researched the sleeve but same complications like vomiting, burping, gas, etc., as banding minus port pain and maybe infection. Have a head start with weight I lost 7 years ago and way I have been eating for many years, so been educated.

There is a lot going on with your post so I am only going to try to touch on a few points. First, I am only an expert in ME and I realize that my comments do not apply to everyone so take it with a grain of salt. My background: Second, I was overweight (but not obese) as a teen, got to about 220 by my late 20s (I remember because I was pregnant and strictly ordered to gain NO weight during pregnancy. Back in those days 220 was considered HUGE for a 5'5" woman, times have changed a bit on that). My weight stayed in the mid 200s for most of the decade of my 30s. I had a lapband when I was 37 - I weighed 272 - my lifetime high at that point. I lost some weight, but didn't do well overall. I got to my lifetime high weight of about 350 with a lapband and no fill Band was removed in 2011; revised to sleeve in December of 2011 at 308 pounds I got to my goal of 158 by Feb 2013 and maintaining... During my overweight, obese and morbidly obese years I tried every diet under the sun, went to YEARS of counseling as the thinking at that time that overweight was essentially a mental or character flaw. Counseling helped with some stuff, but I clearly just got heavier and heavier...I was diagnosed with a zillion medical conditions: fibermyalgia, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatty liver and according to my family, a less happy personality. Oh, PCOS was thrown out there too, but i was never formerly diagnosed. Fears: I was terrified of gastric bypass in 2001 which is why i picked the band. I can admit now, but didn't then that I had huge denial. Somehow in my mind, the band wasn't really bariatric surgery.. it was just this little thing I did to try to lose weight. I was deeply committed, but did not have the support and frankly picked the wrong procedure for me based on that fear and denial. I really didn't understand the SHIFT required from me for long term success. I was a basket case over my decision to revise to the sleeve. I think my list looked alot like yours... but I think i can summarize the fear like this: "what if i go through hell and I fail AGAIN and am still obese? i don't know if I can go through that again..." by the time I was sleeved, i was so "over" food as entertainment because my over indulgence was literally KILLING me. When I was banded, i was in complete denial on that point. I highly recommend that you face your worries over not enjoying food in your presurgery timeframe as this is a very tough topic - even for those of us that were relatively speaking "over it" Truth of the matter is that years out, you can eat pretty normally... but the first year or so, you really do eat tiny portions and a sensitive person won't like that in social settings. And in the years out, just because you "can" eat normally doesn't mean you "should" in order to maintain your losses. Education on obesity: This is a huge topic but obesity is a disease state and i think it is really important to understand the grip it has on you physically. There is a good reason that for people who have gotten quite heavy, the chances of maintaining a significant weight loss without surgery is about 2%. That isn't because we are all neurotic messes - it is because your body changes! I saw a "weight loss" expert counselor who was convinced I had deep dark secrets I was repressing - I had a crappy childhood and there were no secrets there! After years and years of counseling there were no secrets left but she thought I was lying. It was this forum here that made me realize there was something else - like I was FREAKING HUNGRY 24/7 - this is related to understanding the disease process of obesity. Other health stuff: At some point presleeve i decided that alot of my diagnosis were irrelevant (especially the ones that couldn't be treated like fibermyalgia). I decided to focus on the primary problem which was my weight. It was a good call because most (not all) my health problems disappeared when i lost weight and became very active. sometimes i think all those medical diagnosis can be ... paralyzing. It is almost like focusing on the leaf on a tree instead of the bigger forest fire heading my way... Age: On the one hand, your youth is a real advantage in the weight loss world. I could lose weight pretty easily in my 20s/30s, just could keep it off. By my late 40s, I couldn't even lose weight anymore on all sorts of crazy diets and programs.... in the end, that is what forced my hand to getting the sleeve actually. On the downside, one advantage i had in my late 40s was to be more selfish/focused on myself. My kids were older, they could buy their own Snacks and keep them hidden from me etc. When kids were little and wanted to do normal things like go to restaurants, have treats and stuff - it was killer for me as that junk food stuff is like a sirens call... BTW, I never put my one "heavier" (not obese) kid on a diet. He did slim down over the last several years. i feel a great deal of shame realizing that it was ME providing the diet and lifestyle that was making him chunky. I thank the stars everyday that i was able to model these changes for him while it was still time for him to learn from it. I should also share that he confided that he never "feels full" which is exactly how I was pre sleeve so I do wonder if there is some sort of imbalance genetically in some of us! I think you should go for it, but i highly recommend a strong support system (both professional help like nutritionalist and in your personal life), get really educated on life post surgery, seek counseling and support for your fears. You can do this and I hope you get a chance to enjoy your 30s, 40s and many decades to follow without carrying around essentially the weight of a grown man around on your body! It is hard for me to imagine how I even functioned at 300-350# when I look back. It takes a lot of strength both physically and emotionally to do that. i should also share that i am 51 and looking at hip replacement probably 20-30 years before is typical. Cause? Most likely the DECADES of being morbidly obese. I want you to avoid those kind of problems that can show up even after you lose the weight.

I am scheduled for a revision from VSG to RNY with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez at Oasis of Hope hospital in Tijuana in October. I’d love some feedback and experiences with either the surgeon and/or hospital. Nervous but excited! Thank you!

I understand completely. I have a revision on May 23. I really thought I was alone and didn't talk about my problems with the band to anyone. My kids know when I cant eat and I often have to leave the table and I have done it for so long that I am so looking forward to the sleeve. I know I have to get this thing out one way or the other.

Hi there! I had my band in 2007 and I am through with the band as well. As far as revisions, insurance will cover the sleeve if you have an problem with your band pretty easily. I am not sure about coverage if nothing is wrong. I read that if you have not lost significant weight, they will consider a revision. All insurance policies are completely different though. You can call or go online to see what your coverage is. Most people have the revision surgery in one operatation. That is how mine will be and I believe most on the forum. Sometimes, if there is too much damage from erosion or scar tissue, they have to perform the surgery in two operations. My doctor performed an endoscope to make sure it was safe to do everything at once. Good luck and I really hope you get approval for your sleeve. Bands are such a pain! I can't wait to get rid of mine!

Much of my depression was based on a pervasive sense of self-hatred for being so fat. (I was an obese low-carber.) Even after trying everything, including a Lap-band, I was getting fatter every year. My blood pressure was creeping up. Fasting blood glucose readings were creeping up, too. My ankles were swelling. My liver enzymes were not so great, and my kidney function was affected by stone formation. My left knee was going, and my hips were constantly sore. I was clumsy, and was always getting bruises. I needed physical therapy for my left shoulder. Felt 85, not 55. Insurance covered my revision, but based on results over the last 5 months, I would self-pay with no hesitation. The sleeve gave me my life and sanity back. Even if doctors found out that the sleeve resulted in growing a second nose on the side of the face, I would buy extra Kleenex and move on with my life. I weigh less than I have weighed since I was 18, and I feel 20 years younger. Come what may, I made the right decision for me.

To be fair, you're mostly asking people who've already had it done, so they probably didn't think it was too soon. The first Duodenal (which I'm assuming would have included the first VSG) switch was performed in 1988. Prior to that - gastrectomies had been in use for a very long time, just not for weightloss. The first gastrectomy for cancer was done in 1881 (Billroth - and not a "sleeve" per se, but still gastrectomy). Removal of the greater curvature of the stomach for reasons other than weightloss really aren't new at all. It's just the "as a bariatric procedure" that's new (well, if you count having been performed for > 20 years as new). I think this is majority true, but certainly has exceptions (your use of "typically" is well noted). For those not familiar with these or the difference, Billroth I connects to the duodenum, Billroth II connects to the jejunum - which is performed depends on how much/exactly what has to be removed. When I was first researching the sleeve (with the help of a friend who is a very good surgeon and an even better researcher), removal of the fundus and greater curvature of the stomach was done for gastric cancer (retaining the pylorus and pyloric valve, removing the fundus and some amount of the greater curvature) around 1950. I think cancers of the gastric fundus are generally treated through a sleeve procedure, unless the cardia is also affected (but by no means am I sure). I'm a band revision, and honestly - I never believed it would be with me forever. I was banded earlier than most, and even then I knew that chances were it would come out at one point. I hoped it might, but never trusted. Even 6 or 7 years ago it was very carefully stated that it was intended to be a permanent implant, but... And the band isn't causing a high rate of physical complications (things like erosion are still fairly low stats), it's just mechanically failing a lot. It's also one of the only procedures out there that can mechanically fail. With what's available right now, my firm opinion is that the VSG is the way to go IF you are a personality that can be responsible for a restrictive procedure. Maybe it's too soon, I guess more time can always tell something new. But I think it has been used long enough to be a calculated, well-researched risk. A much better risk than sitting around waiting for the next greatest thing, which probably will be brand new, so then you'd be waiting another 10 - 20 years to start seeingthe mid-long term research coming out...

That's right. So strange. I had the most difficult time getting treatment because how often they occurred. "Too soon for another prescription for antibiotics..." Etc. Over 1 yr. 2 months now, not one UTI (I would've had 3 or 4 in that time frame pre-revision. I have no idea why the sleeve gave me constant UTIs. Never heard of it nor read about it so at the time, I didn't think it was connected. I honestly didn't think it was the sleeve until a couple of months after my revision, I was like... Wait, what happened to my constant UTIs? So glad there is someone else out there that can identify with me.

I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy in August of 2015 and have lost 90 pounds, going from squeezing into a size 14 / XL to wearing a size 2/4 and S or XS. I surpassed my goal weight, and have had very minimal negative side effects. My endocrinologist had recommended the VSG to me because other women my age and size with PCOS have benefitted from it, and said that some had gone to Mexico because the costs were so high in Los Angeles (I was quoted $29,000 to $35K, vs $4200 for the same surgery a couple of hours drive away in Mexico). My BMI was under 35 so insurance would not pay for anything. I started researching surgeons in Tijuana and reading reviews from patients, and felt confident with Dr. Garcia. I wrote to several of his patients who'd posted about their experiences for more insight. I'm very pleased. Wow congrats! I'm researching at this point to get a revision. And I live in the inland empire.

I wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like you've been doing well. Agree with what others have said about just focusing on Water and Protein to stay healthy. From a BMI perspective you are still registering in the overweight category, so I doubt you have anything worry about from a health perspective. Obviously I don't know your body type (as in you could be a professional weightlifter for all I know), but assuming you're not, you enter BMI "normal" range at 184 (assuming you're 6' as someone mentioned earlier - I'm on the phone app and can't see that data). You aren't underweight by BMI until you are 136lbs. I'm not saying you should live and die by BMI, just illustrating it to help put your mind at ease. I have the same issue. It's been hard for me to stop losing. I'm way past even my revised goal. I feel like I'm eating all the time, but it's hard to get a lot of calories in on my surgeons plan (which is probably why he doesn't encourage us to count calories). But even at 144 lbs at 5'8", I'm still just kind of in the middle of the normal BMI range, so I'm sure I'm not at any risk. But I would prefer the weight loss to stop. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@CowgirlJane what was your success with the band? I was very successful 100% EWL until kids and complications. I struggle with a fear that as a band revision patient I will not be as successful…. I see these older posts about "slow losing" and I worry that I have damaged my esophagus and I will not feel the restriction. This, despite my surgeon and GI doctor performing testing and assuring me that "there is no reason not to get the sleeve"! I had a nightmare about it last night - surgery is at end of June!

My recovery from revision surgery was very easy. I was I was 45 when I got the band - 52 for revision. It was done in 1 surgery and I did not have the gas pain like I did with the band surgery. I was expecting the recovery to be long & painful and was pleasantly surprised how easy it was

Ditto what AZHiker said. I'm back on keto with exception of fat %. I use vinaigrettes for salads and some salad dressings that straddle line between low carb and low fat. I use spray butter instead of butter, avocado mayo mixed with low fat mayo or greek yogurt and I use sparingly. Instead of full fat heavy cream, I opt for a splash fat free 1/2 and 1/2 )or vanilla protein drink). On rare occasions if overall carbs are low, I will use 1 TBSP of heavy cream in something but that is rare. I use fat free cream cheese, etc. - I think you get the picture. On top of this, since my calories are between 700-800 a day I still can be in ketosis sometimes partly from lower calories & part from low carbs. I notice when I stick to this, I lose weight faster. If I do some of the 'low glycemic carbs' like oatmeal, sweet baked potato, beans, I notice slow down in loss but I've had these items sparingly.. My surgeon is a keto fan after full healing when he lets his us start eating "regular food" . On the ongoing nutrition plan I just received, they had the macros as follows: 800 calories with 40% of total calories from protein, 30% from fat, and 30% from carbohydrates this should help increase your rate of weight loss. I can understand 800 cals & biggest % being protein but I was a bit surprised by 30% from fat part although I know they mean healthy kinds of fat like avocado, etc. Here is what plan says about fat: Limit fats to 2-3 servings a day; avoid unhealthy fats such as cream, lard, butter. 1 serving of fat should = 5g fat. Some examples include: 1 tsp. oil, 1 Tbsp. regular salad dressing, 2 Tbsp. reduced-fat salad dressings, 1/8 avocado, 6 almonds, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter. In looking at sample meal plans, I will revise it for me by removing some of the bigger carbs that the list has like once a day having oatmeal or 1 pc whole wheat toast as I need to keep overall carbs down to lose more quickly.

Dear Robin: I know you don't want to hear this, :tongue: but wait til you get to your goal. Inthe mean time, try the Enell bra for exercise (trust me- I am a 42 G-I know all about the bounce factor!!!). :cheers2: I work with surgeons on a daily basis, and I know how they think.:huggie: One thing they do not like to do is have to cut across scar lines because the vasculature has been altered, and the healing will be less optimal. You do NOT want to have a revised scar under your bra line that never heals, not to mention around your areolas!!!! Keep me posted on your progress, because I am headed for a lift and BR the minute I reach my goal-which is probably still a year away. PS: Now that I am banded, I can joke about the irony of going to the PS for a BR and being told (very diplomatically, of course) that I was too fat for fat surgery.:w00t:

As far as I understand a replacement would be if you had it completely removed and a new one put in. A revision is fixing things like slips. If you have your insurance book it should tell you right in there.

Hi neon, how are you feeling now? How is your achalasia? I have a sleeve and developed achalasia last year. I'm having a Heller Myotomy and revision to gastric bypass on 9/13. My surgeon said I would likely have really horrible and uncontrollable reflux if I didn't revise to a bypass, and I still have about 100lbs to lose from my initial surgery (I was over 400# to begin with). Curious to know more about your achalasia diagnosis and if you're able to eat better now that you've been healing for a few months.