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I would suggest that you keep your mind open - to the problems that can happen but also to the wonderful things that will happen! Educate yourself for sure, but remember that there are a lot people who have had some issues - I myself had a port revision - but I love my band, I wouldn't change anything. Only you and your surgeon can decide what is best for you Good luck!

I appreciate the updates. I just had revision on 11/17.

I had my revision surgery on 9/8, and the gas pain was insane. It took three days for it to subside. Shortly after that, I had a sharp pain near one of my incisions, which has finally started to go away as of yesterday. I have lost 13 lbs, and I feel pretty good. I plan to keep this thread updated for people who are thinking of revising.

Does gastric dilatation limit the success of sleeve gastrectomy as a sole operation for morbid obesity? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16469218 Research Study http://www.weightlosstriumph.com/does-gastric-dilation-limit-the-success-of-sleeve-gastrectomy.html further discussion of research results Great news! This research indicates that dilataion (stomach streching) does not necessarily lead to weight gain. In fact, most of the research that I've done (scientifically based) parallels the results of this study. The reason I've researched this topic is because my capacity has increased after one year post op and sometimes wonder if my stomach is dilated. I don't think my eating behaviors caused dilatation because I can only remember 3-4 times that I ate to the point of discomfort in the past year. Even if my stomach is dilated, I can still keep the weight off. The surgery did its job by helping me lose over 150 pounds and now I have to put my effort into overdrive during the maintenance phase. For me, this maintenance phase is actually harder than the weight loss phase because it is less structured and I really have to watch my portions because my stomach can hold so much more than before. The article recommends revision surgery through bypass or duodenal switch if the stomach becomes dilated. However, according to Dr. Weiner (well known bariatric surgeon, search on youtube for his videos), most patients that undergo this revision only lose an average of 15-25 pounds afterward. He often notices (during the revision surgery) that many patients DO NOT even have a dilated stomach. FYI: Dilation (stretching) does happen, but mostly to larger sleeves. You are going to have many people tell you that it just can't happen, they are wrong. This seems to have a great deal to do with how much of the fundus is cut out. The remaining fundus can stretch up to four times it's original size. Research shows that about 50% of the ghrelin is still produced in our bodies. I can also attest to the fact that my hunger and cravings are about at 40% compared to before surgery. I've read that most sleeves hold about 2 ounces after surgery but will eventually hold 4-6 ounces. This means that it is normal for the sleeve to enlarge 2-3 times its original size over time, despite not overeating. Really, what counts is NOT the size of our stomach, but what we put in it. I've seen patients regain weight no matter what their sleeve size. It's interesting to note that I've lost much more weight than those that boast at meetings that they are full after a few tablespoons. Even if your capacity has increased, the key is to stay positive! You can and will be successful! Further info: http://myaceinhand.blogspot.com/2012/01/bougie-size.html

I am ignorant to this subject so I was curious as to why a hernia would warrant weight loss surgery; or even a revision. from what I am reading (or maybe I am reading/comprehending incorrectly). But I see a lot of people saying “I am having a revision because of GERD & a hernia.” or could it be they are having a revision & a hernia just at the same time?

I had the band implanted in March 2001; removed Sept of this year - so 10 years! My band did slip, and other then the fact that I weigh more now then when I weighed when I was banded, I guess I am not too much worse for it, stomach scar tissue aside. There is alot of info out there about how poorly the band performs, but we tend to not want to hear it. I went back through my paperwork and I had a brochure from Bioenterics stating that the lapband was a "temporary device" and would probably need removing. I didn't remember reading that. Looking further, i found a copy of a statement THAT I HAD SIGNED, saying that I understood that the band was not a permanent device and would likely need removal at some point. I have no memory of this, but there was my signature! I guess we put filters on what we want to know and remember. My BIGGEST fear of the sleeve is that "we" are doing that again. I hear very few negatives and I that is exactly how it was with the band in 2001. Sure, we knew about erosions, but that only happened to people who kept their band too tight (who knew that ALL the bands made during that time were probably too tight for most people!). Sure, Slips happened, but that was only to those people who "didn't follow the rules". There was alot of blaming of the people that these things happened to - it was a way of deflecting the real risks I guess. I read a sleeve related post where somebody actually made the statements that "leaks only happen if you cheat on the post op diet" - and I couldn't help but think... sheesh, here we go again. Minimize real and serious risks by blaming the victim when they do happen. I am also very skeptical of certain reported results with weight loss procedures because they do not match my actual experience of people I know. I know several people who had gastric bypass 5-10 years ago and they had very high complication rates. I know only one person who was banded 10+ years ago and still has maintained her weight loss. If she had her band removed, not sure she would tell since she makes her living in a band-only surgical practice. Even a few well known surgeons have had their bands removed! I am normally a very optimistic person, but on the subject of weight loss surgery, well, I guess I think a little skepticism is healthy. Reading forums is very informational, but it is also a poor way to know how things go over the long haul. People tend to move on after awhile AND people who were never successful tend to post less hen the ones who have done well. It tends to bias the impression you get. anyway, I am glad my band is gone, and I do plan to revise to the sleeve, but I do wish there was another path that actually works.

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.

Congratulations! Hope surgery went well. How are you feeling? Sent from my SM-G531H using the BariatricPal App I just started the process of having a revision. How id your journey going? Sent from my SM-G531H using the BariatricPal App

Usually the first line of action is to remove all of your fill for about a month and see if it slips back into place. This does happen... it's not just a pipe-dream. Second option would be that the doctor could reposition your Band. If you had an older edition Band, he or she could also offer you the option of replacing your Band with one of the newer models. Third option would be to remove your Band and do no revision surgery (other WLS). Fourth option would be to remove your Band and revise to a different surgery. A lot of people who were successful with the Band but have erosion or slippage issues like the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy as it's a restriction only operation. Others decide to go with the more traditional RNY or DS. The choice would be yours, though. You and your doctor could discuss the options.

My port flipped about 6mnths after my intial surgery n Jan 2010. My surgeon would flip it manually. My surgeon left, and I got a new surgeon who did port revision surgery--he flipped up and moved it to a more accessible area. I was unfilled for the surgery. Like another OP said, my weight loss slowed down some. Hope everything works out okay for you.

I have not revised yet, but the ones that I know that did not have a lot of damage from the band, and had a good Dr. recovered quickly. If you have a lot of internal damage that the band has caused that can definitly prolong the recovery process! :-(

Hi everyone, I just received my insurance approval for the sleeve on Friday. I am really struggling with the decision to go forward or not. I have a good friend and her and I decided to do this journey together so we could support each other. She had a lap band years ago that failed so she was doing a revision to the sleeve. Her insurance approved hers sooner than me (different surgeon too) so she wound up going in on Oct 16 to have hers done. Well, I am sorry to report that the poor thing is STILL in the hospital, almost 1 month later! She was in the ICU for 2 weeks of that time and nearly died. She had a bowel perforation, 2 esphoghus tears, leaks, ICU delirium, and massive infections. The doctors have said that when she is able to be released she is going to require extensive physical therapy due to the weakness from being bedridden. Sitting here watching this unfold has been terrifying and needless to say, has me thinking "hell no". I am so confused 😔

I don't think your doing anything wrong. Some people just loose slower than others, and its hard to stop comparing yourself to others. I do it all the time on this site. When I was revised I first started to loose weight slow then it sped up like at rapid rate and slowed right back down. This cycle continues for me, but everybody's story is different. That's awesome you are down 23 pounds! Rock on, you got this. Keep up the good work.

I have been banded since Feb 2004 with a 135.5 pound weight loss within 11 months' time praise the Lord. Anyway now my band has slipped and I am scheduled for revision surgery this Friday and have not heard back from BCBC of MA for approval on the revision. They are who covered the first surgery to get the lapband so I am praying they will cover the revision. Any of you had slippage and had to do revision? If so if you have this insurance did they cover for revision surgery? I am praying they will.... Thanks for any prayers from you all on this....

I would have to agree with the above topic. I have had my sleeve balloon dilated 3 times between Dec 2012 and August 2013 as a last ditch effort (well in addition to two hiatal hernia repairs and a lychees of adhesions procedure) prior to revising to the gastric bypass. I had lost all of my weight 100+ pounds and still then some and have never had one single actual hunger pain. My stomach as my doctor refers to it now is the size of a shrunken walnut and I am on TPN for malnutrition. The balloon dilations however were very welcome procedures as at the time I was unable to keep anything down due to the strictures of the esophagus.

Best wishes to you I was revised from band to sleeve on May 20th. You will be fine.

Same problem with me, everything was going good and they have made me jump through hoops and I am waiting for the final chance for RNY revision

My band to sleeve revision is scheduled for 3/2 and I'm going to have to pay my $750 deductible plus the 15% coinsurance. I'm going to be out of pocket about $3,500. But all worth it for me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my band for 4 years. Never found a sweet spot, had fills then extreme pain, then it was back for unfill the next day, and only lost 32 the whole 4 years! Then my dr. quit and moved away. I was forced to find another Dr. That was the best thing to ever happen to me. The new Dr. found out during my first fill that my band was leaking and possibly eroding into my stomach. After having a scope on my tummy one day, He did the removal of the band and revision to the sleeve, the next day. In that process the Dr found my band wasn't even buckled. I had the surgery on a Wednesday, and went home on Thursday. I have had no problems what so ever. I have lost 32 lbs since my surgery 3 months ago. I love love love my sleeve. I go for my 3 month check up tomorrow. Thats my story..... Jeri

Dang! I'm not sure what the total billed amount will be to insurance at this point, but my out of pocket costs will likely be more than $10k. $1,000 copay, then insurance will pay 80% up to a max of $10,000. I'm a revision, so have to spend the night. Expecting the total bill to be over $30k...

Hello, I am not a band to sleeve revisionist, but HERE is a whole sub-forum dedicated to the topic. I'm confident you will find what you are looking for there. For what it is worth, I have lost 100% of my excess weight with the sleeve. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/394-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

I definitely know the pain. I was banded in 2009 and was at my goal weight for over 9 years and feeling great. My band slipped and the Dr. removed all of the fill. I had gained over 40 pounds in about 4 months...just like you. Same thing, I could NOT get the weight off. I ended up getting approved for a lap band to gastric sleeve revision. I had that done last week. Have you spoken to your surgeon/insurance about getting the sleeve or something else? Its so horrible to not have to worry about your weight for almost a decade and then feel like, in a matter of months, you're getting back to the person you thought was gone forever. I sure hope you can find some answers. Please keep me posted.

Hi there. Just wanted to pipe in because I'm also a patient of Dr. Idhe, but just for the gastro stuff. I know he's a very good doctor, but I think he's fairly new to the bariatric surgery scene. You need to ask him plenty of questions during your consult, especially about how many sleeves he's performed, if he's had any leaks, and what his complication rate is. I used Dr. Wade Barker for my revision from band to sleeve (he also put in my band in 2006). He was a general laproscopic surgeon for years before starting his bariatric practice and has done thousands of WLS since. I highly recommend him. There are lots of bariatric surgeons in the DFW area that are very experienced - I'm sure you see their commercials and billboards everywhere. With such great choices so close, I just urge you to get all the info you can and make an informed decision. Nothing against Dr. Idhe - I think he's a great guy - I just wanted to offer my thoughts and wish you the best in the future.

Hello New Friends, My name is Sara. I got the band in 2003 in Mexico and liked it too tight. I lived on liquids and tiny amounts of food, which caused sliming and puking every day for years. I lost 100 lbs in the first year and slowly regained it all with liquid calories. My band was so tight and I ate a quantity of food that caused esophegial stretching. So my lower esophogus has become a pouch that stores food until it makes its' way through the band. I have now had all fill removed and the gastro surgeon in my doc's medical group wants to remove the band but he says I would not succeed with a sleeve revision because the ways I cheated with the band (liquid calories) I can also cheat with the sleeve-- mochas, wine coolers, ice ream, etc. So he will not approve me for further surgery. Also, of that hundred pounds I've lost 70 lbs again, by using Alli daily for 3 years, so my BMI is too low for insurance to pay for WLS for me. Do you agree I am not a good candidate for the sleeve? I am having an upper endoscopy in a few weeks to see if there's any tumors or cancerous disease process in the esophagus. Then the surgeon wants to remove the band and thats it. No more surgeries for me, according to the surgeon. Do you agree? I'm thinking about going back down to Tijuana in 6 months, so my anatomy has time to rest after the band's removal. I'd like to give it another shot to do it right with the sleeve. Eat protien first, then veggies. No abusing liquid calories. I'm ready to try to obey all the sleeve rules for success if my stretched esopgegus can tolerate and not sabotage my new sleeve. What do you think? Please be frank. I need the truth, even if it's ging to sting when I hear it. Thanks, Sara

Barb, Nice to know his price has come down. When I checked 2 yrs ago it was 11k-sleeve w/revision......10k no revision. Dr. Ariel Ortiz did my band on 4/15/03. Is his charming mother still driving patients from test to test the day before surgery??