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Hi Runner1, I am a patient of Dr. Jayaseelan. I am currently going through the approval process and have not gotten a surgery date yet. This will be a revision surgery for me, as I have recently experienced some complications with the Lap-Band (banded in 2006) and am looking forward to this alternative procedure. I will update when I know more.

In my opinion, if you don't have acid reflux OR diabetes, they are both probably good choices. If you have those condistions, current evidence is that bypass is a better choice. My BMI was 52 when i revised to the sleeve and I have gotten to a normal weight/size and maintained for a few years now. The challenge in making this decision is that the sleeve has been around along time but not well studied for LONG term results. It appears to work "about" as well as the bypass, but the long term data just isn't there. At a high BMI, many surgeons nudge you toward the bypass because there is a clearer, well documented long term results history documented. I had my own reasons for choosing the sleeve and I think some of it was my bias against the bypass based on personal experience. I have known 3 bypass patients close enough to see them from pre surgery, through maintenance and they all "Scared me" 1. Died. but to be honest, she died because she was a diabetic who became an alcoholic drug addict after losing all that weight. It was absolutely terrible - in her 40s and died in her sleep. This was about 10 years ago. Lets be honest, that had nothing to do with bypass vs sleeve. 2. Horrible horrible recovery. But, this was mid 1990s. It only recently occured to me that her surgery was "open" not laproscopic. At the time, I thought the horrible recovery was due to the "rerouting" but I bet it had more to do with it being open surgery 3. The surgery and weight loss really aged her. She looked terrible post weight loss and never got to a normal weight. Again, to be fair, I don't know the reasons. This is someone I worked with about 5-6 years ago. She may have had other health problems and frankly most bypass patients I have seen pictures of or have met since then look great. I recognize my own biases and my views have changed. Now, 4 years post sleeve I tell everyone that I think they are both good procedures. I think they are both excellent choices versus remaining morbidly obese and suffering the increasing health issues over time. The bypass has more documented history, many more studies, and resolves reflux problems. Sleeve has been amazing for me, and many others too... but there are no 20 year studies either.

Thank you for your welcome! Glad to hear that you and your husband have visited my small country. I live up north near Haifa, if you happened to have visited. In any case, I was initially banded in 1997 - LAP Band, early model, when support was non-existent. I began at 127 kg and went down to 51 kg within about 18 months. I experienced reflux and other symptoms that showed something was wrong but really had nobody to pinpoint the reason. In retrospect, I now know that I had experienced minor slippage and later major slippage of my band. Three years ago I had my band completely open and with the lack of restriction went from 55 kg to +-100 kg. I waited a while before finding a surgeon who I felt I could trust and jumped on the bandwagon once more for revision surgery after learning about Inamed's new AP system band. March 10 I was banded with an AP large band and had a 2 cc fill upon surgery. I'm on a liquid diet and am very keen on following post-op diet to the letter, especially since I'm anxious about a repeat slippage. I've joined this forum because I realize that we know so much more than all the MD's out there and can really help each other reach our goals and maintain good health. How are you and hubby doing since you've been banded? What kind of bands do you have? Would be happy to hear your stories. Best regards, Nava :wub:

What a difference a day makes. I feel so much better today. I can even move my arms a little. Funny how your perspective changes. Yesterday I couldn't hold my own water or feed myself. Today, I can sort of do both. I feel like there will be hope, yesterday I was question my decision big time. I'm falling a sleep as I type this, but I think I'm doing pretty well. This is a very hard procedure. I don't know how Frangi managed this by herself. I'm not supposed to sit up straight, so getting up and down is very challenging. I have 6 drains instead of 3 and I have a pain pump again. I guess the ps did a pretty extensive revision of my tummy tuckl I went back to the docs today and I got to see my arms today and the scar only went about half way down my arm and it looked so so much better. Well if I can answer any questions for anyone bring them on. I am trying to used the laptop in my recliner chair and I'm falling asleep again. I'll check in later.

Shalee: Looking back, I see that I didn't answer all your questions. Sitting is hard, my butt is numb and sore at the same time. I can't sit straight up, I have to be reclining or lying down for 10 to 14 days. My butt seems very large and the right side is a lot bigger than the left. It is nice and round and my legs look much better. The anchor revision isn't too much more painful. Doc did a lot of revision of original scar too. I hope that you have a pain pump. It is helpful and I'm glad that I have it. I think that my stomach will look wonderful when all the swelling goes down, etc. My knees which had lipo already look better than they did. The thighs are smooth, but a lot larger than when I went in. I'm sure I'll be told that this is all normal. My arms are gettin alot more mobile and I can find myself now, but it will be a while before I can get dressed by myself. Took the wraps off for my shower today and the wings are gone. The arms look pretty good. I don't think I'll mind the scar too much. Overall, this has been a very hard set of procedures and I'm not sure if the results will have been worth the pain, time out of my life, money, etc. for the results I will have to with hold final judgment, till the final results are more apparent and I'm feeling better. I'm feeling very emotional and tearful, which can be part of the process, especially when you have to go off your hormones. I'm sure that 7 hours of anestesia don't help, either. I will try and post some pictures later today. Shalee and Renewed: I wish you the best with your upcoming surgeries. I think that your are going to be extremely happy with your TT and breast surgeries. It is worth it all for those procedures!

There was an bunch of skin cutting with my surgery. A TT typically is hip bone to hip bone with maybe a vertical incision. I had a 360 around me with a vertical incision. Plus my arms plus a revision to my breasts. 8 feet plus in incisions all together. Ouch, ouch, ouch

After debating, do I put a thread on here or not, apparently I’ve decided it’s a good idea, so here it is. I’m scheduled for my plastic surgery April 6th. I’m having a lower body lift, a 360 incision and a vertical incision, a mons lift too. I’m having my arms done, and a revision to a breast reduction surgery from years ago. I’m not getting implants. I’m seeing Dr. Kurtis Martin. His staff has been amazing. He makes me feel very confident in his skills. This will take 7 hours of surgery and I’m maxing out the amount of time he will work on one person. It’s good, because I don’t think I’ll need other surgeries. I was kind of apple shaped and didn’t carry a lot of weight on my legs (relatively speaking) so I’m not having leg work done. However the way he places the incision on/around my hips there will be some improvement with my legs. I’m guessing there’s 20-25 pounds of skin that’s coming off. I’m basing that on the estimates the two surgeons I saw gave me. One said 15 with a wink, the other said 30. I’m going with Doctor 15. Doctor 30 was super eager to cut me as much as possible and wanted to give me the works. Dr. 15 asked me what I wanted and even made me defend the vertical incision decision. As much as I’d like to get my neck done, there’s no money for that now. Maybe later if I strike it rich. I was shooting for dropping more weight before surgery and I hope I still will, by my weight loss has stalled. I exercise regularly and hard, so I know it’s about eating fewer calories. But the good news is I’m pretty buff under the skin! I’ll be able to show off my muscles this summer. I will have my port revised too, btw. Being unfilled doesn’t sound appealing to me, but I know I’ll work through it. And I don’t know that I’ll be posting pictures of my half naked body. As grateful as I am to those who have gone before me who have posted their pictures, it’s just not in the cards for me. Oh, and let me answer this before it gets asked. I do feel like if I waited one more year I’d probably have all my weight off. However, right now I have a job that will pay for the panniculectomy, and generous benefits for time off. A year from now I probably will not be able to take off for 4-6 weeks. I base that on the fact I’m finishing my MBA the end of March and I’m going to be looking for something new this summer/fall. Surgery now is the best fit for the schedule. Yeah, you saw right, I’ve been in school since 2005. I got my undergrad then my graduate degree while losing a bunch of weight. It was absolutely deliberate. I'm absolutely that awesome.

The tummy tuck hurts 10 times more than my breast reduction 7 years ago or the revision he just did.

Thought after seeing the de-hiss, it might be helpful to see how the tummy is coming along. The incision line has a few red spots but it's coming along well. I think the scar will lighten up nicely. It's so hard to put these pictures up. But here goes. The first one is before my first tummy tuck and the next one is before the revision and the last pix is after the anchor revision.

Was banded 3/13/2013, my tentative band to sleeve revision date is September 22nd, or 24th! So excited to get this thing OUT of me!!

Because I was a band to sleeve revision I had to go 15 days on each phase. Talk about I was about to puke at the thought of broth at day 14, lol. It was so so hard but I stuck to it. I did not want to risk messing up anything and having to take another trip back to Mexico. I hate flying so just flying there to have the surgery was enough for me. It gets better, stay strong

This is EXACTLY how I feel I know there are no guarantees with anything and that its going to take alot of work but thats how it is with the band too...Dont get me wrong, i did GREAT with the band in the beginning, lost over 100lbs. but I was also MISERABLE most of the time! It was so painful from the port site to just the eating process! I have been having ALOT of issues with the band so i was just recently told that i am going to need to have the band removed and the dr suggested i have a revision to the sleeve...which i was already considering but i was just SO nervous of the leaking complication part i know there is a risk for any kind of surgery but this part really makes me stress!!! Anyway, i have had a few friends that have had the revision and are doing great so i made the decision to go through with the revision I have had ALL of my pretesting done and now i'm just waiting for the last consult with the M.D. so he can look over my EGD to make sure there is no band erosion that way he will most likely do it as a one step surgery. The worst part of all of this waiting is that i had to get alot of my fluid taken out and i'm just packing on the lbs while i wait! Either way, just do what u think is right for YOU and GOOD LUCK throughout ur journey

Ok, I'm jumping in with a few thoughts. First, I'm a revision from band to sleeve 5/20/13. I had my band for 6 yrs, suffering from band complications for 4 yrs. until I was able to get this revision (reason is a long story). Anyhoo, for me....the outcome I am having with my sleeve is what I had expected the band to do for me but did not. I have healed well, weight coming off slowly, but surely and eating items that used to stick in my band aren't a problem. Now, all that said...I do look at this as a 2nd chance for me to be totally committed to a lifestyle change. I think that having the band prior to this allowed me to skip through the "food grieving" stage that happens after WLS. I have only experienced dumping as stomach cramping (and it has only happened 2x) and my sleeve helps me feel "full," which never truly happened w/ the band. And that feeling is difficult to explain, but seriously....full is full and lasts for a mighty long time. I am determined to make better eating choices but I am not giving up everything...just working on moderation. For example, I have love for dark chocolate and have been able to do a square about once a week. Well...recently a friend gave me a bag of dark chocolate salted caramels. I figured I would do a ball once in a while. WRONG! Those things are KRYPTONITE!!!! So, no caramels for me...no will power in relation to those. Making those type of decisions have been vital to my success. So, the revision question....that's really up to you and how you want to live life. For me, as many say..."I'd do it all again." I love all the blessings it has brought to my life at this moment. I have not been this size/weight in 20+ yrs. My goal is to live a long, happy, healthy life. Best of Luck

Are you having to pay for this out of pocket? I really want to get a revision too but it's a matter of money. I wish I had known about the sleeve from the very beginning.

Thank you for all the well wishes. I am anxious to get this done. I have been totally unfilled for almost 3 weeks now. I have been able to eat just about anything for the past 2 weeks. I haven't gained but a pound or so. I'm happy for that. We will be leaving for Mexicali tomorrow. We plan on meeting a driver on the US side of the border at 1:00, Saturday afternoon. They are letting me have all of the tests done on Saturday. That way, we have all day Sunday to do some sightseeing. That should be fun. I have surgery on Monday, and should be out on Thursday morning. I am a little concerned about the long drive home (Seattle area). We plan on going slow and stopping every hour or two. Denise, the revision from lapband to sleeve is costing me $12,500. My insurance won't cover it. Since I've already had the TT done, this should be it for me. Cheryl

Hi, I've been reading the sleeve threads for awhile now. I've enjoyed reading about the experiences of all of you. I have a date for my revision. I will get my sleeve on October 20th. I will be going to Mexico and having it done by Dr. Aceves. I have been very pleased with the personal attention given me by Nina the Patient Coordinator. I got the band in March of 2006. I have had great success! I went down from 200 lbs to 125 lbs (low of 115 lbs). My problem is similar to WASaBubblebutt. I am currently on 3 weeks of liquids in order for the doctor to do everything at the same time. He wants to make sure I don't have a slip or any swelling at the time of surgery. I would love to hear from others who have used Dr. Aceves. I'd especially like to hear from those who have been revised from band to sleeve. (But, would love to hear the experiences of anyone who has gotten a sleeve.) What was the surgery like? Pain? Drains? Time in surgery? What you ate after surgery? Did you fear a leak? Nina says that they have never had a patient with a leak. That's reassuring. I have so many questions!! We will be driving from the Seattle area to Mexico. We will stop every hour on the return so I can walk around. What do you think of this? Will it be too uncomfortable? Soon to be a sleeved sister, :cool2: Cheryl

I chose a sleeve because I am still in my 30s and malabsorption seemed like a really bad idea to me. Thought I would just be upping my chance for a barrage of health issues down the road. Add the fact that I have lost large amounts of weight in the past all on my own and a husband who only reluctantly supported the sleeve and was down right opposed to a bypass, and sleeve it was. Also, I don't want to be "skinny." I don't have the face for it--the thought of looking bony (for myself--not others) repulses me. Now I am one of the lucky ones that is dealing with GERD from their sleeve. Medications do very little for me and are not a long term solution. I may be forced to get a revision and it still terrifies me. I do not want my intestines messed with. but it is what it is. Should I have gone with the bypass to begin with? Maybe. I might have not had GERD but my mother has numerous GERD related issues--so I could have seen it coming. Not to mention I am only 3.5 months out and back to my creamer in my coffee ways. Plus, I did purge in my 20s. And the 100s of pounds I have lost on my own--I've gained them back, Time will tell--but to answer your question. FEAR. I was educated on the outcomes but I am afraid of a bypass.

I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and they got rid of the 6 month wait right when I went through the process to be submitted (dec 10). Before that time my friend had a revision from a band to sleeve and after 3 denials did get approved and didn't have to do the 6 month wait. Be sure to call because requirements change and you may not be aware. I was approved very quickly. Within a few days of submitting and approved the first time. I was very surprised. Good Luck

@@Fatty McFatster sorry you had problems with your band in my "biased" opinion - the sleeve is the greatest!!! having revision surgery shows your determination you are brave enough to go through MORE surgery you want to get it right/successful with weight loss you are starting all over most of the rules with lapband are same/similar to sleeve??? you are a winner, but i'll save you a seat on the "loosers" bench!!! good luck speedy recovery kathy

Yes, I'm tricare south but they approved for band removal/ RNY revision due to major complications... I think it's all about what the doctors write in the letter....

If your insurance covers VSG, but your surgeon does not have admission rights at any network hospitals, you can ask your insurance for an exception. They may pay for you to get it done at that hospital. It's worth asking. Be sure you choose your surgeon with care. Revisions are no joke, and you want a surgeon who's been vetted and is experienced with good outcomes. Obesityhelp.com is a good first resource for that IME. A DS (duodenal switch) is not like an RNY, BTW. Your pyloric valve remains intact, and you don't have a pouch, you have a stomach. A DS involves the same stomach reduction as a VSG, but they do re-route your intestines. It's the heavy duty WLS. VSG is often stage 1 of 2 for DS patients.

Why do you have to have a revision?

I had my lapband placed in 2009. Lost almost all of my weight (111 lbs) and then it slipped. They defilled me to see if it would fix itself. It didn't. I was told it wasn't surgical and that "it was all up to me" now - the lapband was done with it's job. After a year, and 30 extra lbs, I decided to revise to the sleeve. My insurance paid for it cuz it was a lapband complication. Had my sleeve revision in July. It took my dr an extra 30 minutes to dig my band outa my stomach. Not sure what would've happened if it had stayed in there any longer. So happy with my sleeve. It's going pretty slow (lost 22 lbs in 3 mths). I knew it would come off slower cuz I started lower (174), and I'm only 23 lbs from my goal of 130. I've only vomited once since being sleeved (vs almost everyday- even while totally unfilled with the band) No more pain while eating either. My dr doesn't recommend the band to anyone anymore. He fixes more complication than sees those with none. While I'm thankful that my band allowed me to lose over 100 lbs, I'm also thankful that its out and I'm on my way back down. Good luck with ur decision! Marci

(7) years ago, Oliak did my lap band procedure. Initially I had a (50) pound successful weight loss. But the distance and numerous saline adjustments weren't working for me. I've had many problems with getting "stuck" and vomiting food that was too dense or fibrous. Foods that are supposed to be good for you and able to satiate your appetite. It became a vicious cycle. I am now with another bariatric surgeon named Dr. Quebbemann, trying to get approval for a revision but having problems with my insurance wanting to cover only the band removal but not the gastric sleeve. Very frustrating. From what I remember, Oliak wasn't a warm and fuzzy type of Dr. Most of them aren't, I suppose. I am not familiar with Owens. Is he in the same area as Oliak? My new surgeon is based in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills. He works with Dr. Braverman and I am disappointed that although I voluntarily cancelled my operation the day before, (supposes to be Jan. 16, 2014) neither of them have contacted me to speak about my circumstances. (insurance issues). I thought this was supposed to be a "team" effort. Not the case when the surgeon's office notifies me that only Part of the surgery is going to be paid for by my insurance the DAY BEFORE scheduled surgery. Not cool at all.

Wow! This entire strand has brought me to tears. I can relate to each of you. I had revision surgery last week on the 25th. I feel swollen as well, I'm so anxious to start losing weight and secretly scared of failing again. The scars are not pretty but when I think about looking at the old scars prior to revion surgery they had faded are were barely noticeable so I'm sure this time will be no different. I'm interested in knowing how weight loss progress goes for you ladies. Its hard to others that have went from band to sleeve....hope its okay if I send ya send request and follow some of your post. I need all the positive feedback I can get. I just keep praying and asking God to give me the patience and strength I need to take it one day at a time and be happy in the moment. I've been using moist heat for the aches and its helped tremendously. Doc gave me liquid hydrocodone but I haven't taken it since Saturday.... Like I said that heat works wonders. I am trying to get back on my walking regimen as quickly as possible.