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Wait .... what? I've never heard of the plication before. Now I'm a little jealous because my band has decided that it hates me. I've been considering revision surgery because of the issues.

I had my revision on Monday. I came home late Wednesday night. I am hungry. I have been straining the creamed Soups and every time I eat them I have diarrhea. My incisions still hurt, I'm just blah. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I wanted to share this story of inspiration with you. I am sure it will lift your spirit as much as it does mine! Fabiola Apollon is familiar with the setbacks and success of weight loss. She was not a first time winner, nor a second or third, for that matter. However, she is a woman of great spirit, and her determination finally won the battle with a gastric sleeve revision, spirituality, and dedication. Please read Fabiola's story of faith, patience, and perseverance over obesity here: http://www.mybariatriclife.org/gastric-sleeve-revision-patient-story/

It depends on two things: first, what your health plan's guidelines are for revision from band to sleeve (they all differ). And second, each surgeon may have requirements of their own for revisions. Call your health plan and ask for a copy of their guidelines for revision of bariatric surgery. Good luck!

I am also getting a revision from the band, but going with sleeve. My insurance requires me to go thru the 6 months of supervised visits again. It sounds like a lot, but I'm already halfway through! Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

I love your story!! Gives me so much hope. Im having my mini gastric bypass on April 19...revised from a gastric band. Im terrified!!! Im so afraid of what my social life will be. Will i ever be able to go out socialising with friends at restaurants again? My band has caused so many problems over the years. I havent eaten a full portion of food since 2009 so im used to small meals. Have you been able to eat normal foods yet? My main motivation for surgery is knee pain. ..did you find it just disappeared as you list the weight? Congratulations! Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App Thank you both very much!!!

I love your story!! Gives me so much hope. Im having my mini gastric bypass on April 19...revised from a gastric band. Im terrified!!! Im so afraid of what my social life will be. Will i ever be able to go out socialising with friends at restaurants again? My band has caused so many problems over the years. I havent eaten a full portion of food since 2009 so im used to small meals. Have you been able to eat normal foods yet? My main motivation for surgery is knee pain. ..did you find it just disappeared as you list the weight? Congratulations! Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App

Love your story Imagine 1! I travel a lot too and have been a bit concerned about travel after i have my 'mini bypass'. I gave had a babd fir 6 years which is about to be revised and it was far more scary travelling with a gastric band. I travelled with the special syringes in case i needed an emergency empty. The surgeon warned me tgat the increased pressure in the banded stomach when flying made it dangerous to fly with fill in place. Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App

I agree! I was banded in 2007 and revised in 2009 from a slip. I had no idea how much havoc the band was causing internally. I converted to the sleeve March 15th, but also needed a hiatal hernia repair. The band adhered to my liver and had to be dissected to be removed. Even though the Doctor removed most of the significant scar tissue under the band I still have the narrow passage because they couldn't take it all. Hopefully it will stretch over time. I have some aching around my back but it subsides when I rest. I do have a seroma over my incision site which should resolve as well. On Protein shakes now and feeling ok, no hunger or desire to eat. Otherwise I am feeling great. I would recommend converting without reservation. Good Luck!

Yes I remember your a revision too! And our weight loss is the same! Isn't that good to know! Sometimes I feel like the The tortoise in the race with the hare. I'm 5'4", female current weight 216, I can almost touch Onederland, but it will take me about 2 more months to get there. How about you? Catherine

Hi there! I'm right with you with the scared part! I'm beyond scared! I have no idea what to do! Maybe if you'd like we can friend each other on fb and help one another! I haven't talked to anyone having a revision yet. What is the Omega loop?

April 19th for my GP..omega loop/mini bypass. Very scared about life afterwards. I'm having a revision from gastric band to bypass. Anyone else afraid of the unkown?? Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App

This pretty much sounds like my story. I was banded in 2009, starting weight around 190 and I lost about 60 pounds before I had my son in 2013. I got almost all of my baby weight off but just got stuck around 148. I started having serious problems with my band over the last year. I went days without being able to get anything down, not even Water. I had a few unfills and fills and continued to feel crappy without loosing weight. I finally had to make an appointment with a new dr to see what my options were and decided that I wanted the revision to the sleeve. He did an EGD and found that my band was prolapsed and I had a hernia. I know I need this tool to loose and maintain. I had revision surgery on 3/2, by surgery day I had crept back up to 170 since I was unfilled when he did the EGD. I'm 3 weeks post op and feel great now. I've lost 12 pounds so far and I'm happy with that. I'm looking forward to the rest of my journey and getting back down to my ideal/healthy weight. I'm looking forward to no more fills/unfills and pains from the band. Plus I can't feel that crazy contraption anymore and that's nice. You have to do what's best for you and your health.

hi, just found out my surgery date is 4/11. I am having a revision from lapband. Good Luck to all.

My surgeon is one of the most awesome human beings I've ever met. I am not exaggerating. To echo VSGAnn2014, my doctor never rushes you, will sit as long as necessary to make you understand and will let you ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Prior to surgery we had a long discussion about procedures . . . he laid everything out clearly and did not push me to a particular proceedure, but made it clear he had definite opinions. After surgery, when I had concerns about my rate of loss, he sat with me and went over food, activity level, etc. At one point, he asked if I understood a point he was making (it was a fairly scientific point) when I said yes, with hesitation, he told me it was his job to sit there all day with me until I understood, so I should be honest with him. He's friends with my primary care doctor and does not hesitate to get her on the phone when issues arise or just to keep her in the loop on my progress. He saw me through my VSG, my gallbladder removal, a blood cholesterol issue and now a fairly significant issue with GERD which may require a revision. He lets me cry on his shoulder when my issues become overwhelming and he cried when I walked into his office at my one year follow up appointment and handed him the medal from my first half marathon which I ran 2 days before. I am thankful every single day that this man is in my life and grateful for the life he helped me to achieve. My one piece of advice to newbies is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with and will give you the level of support YOU need. If your first choice doesn't offer that, find someone else!

I was banded about 10 years ago. Had two more surgeries to repair slips. Finally had band to sleeve revision on March 1st. Spent one night in hospital. Almost no pain, just some mild discomfort, the worst day being day 3. Was off work about 10 days. I've had zero problems or issues. Have lost about 25 pounds since surgery. Wish I never had that band. It caused me years of reflux and grief. So far, the sleeve has been "easy". Good luck!

Hi BigBen I have seen posts from all over this blue planet so I think all will be welcome. I am working on a surgery date in Sept. I would love to do it earlier but my job can't spare me til then. I first started this journey with a sleeve in mind. The thought of them dettaching and re-attaching my organ parts was too scary. I am now seriously considering the bypass even though it will cost more (I am self-pay). I keep reading about people having to revise to the bypass after a sleeve for various reasons. Being self-pay will put me in debt for quite some time so another surgery is not an option. I have also been concerned about reflux that seems to be very common with the sleeve. I don't think I would want to risk battling that my whole life. I realize that there is actually more risk of complications with a bypass but I am hoping my surgeon, who has an excellent track record, will minimize this. However, if you do decide on a bypass I would not count on dumping to keep you on track. I was hoping for the same help but I have been reading that there is only a small percentage of people that actually experience dumping. Finally, I am 5'8" 336 lbs with a BMI of 51 and since bypass has a slight advantage in 1st year for weightloss it is looking like an option that better works for me. Having said all that...I will of course take the advice of my surgeon and do whichever he thinks is the best fit for me. Good luck in your Journey BigBen. Hopefully see you around here more sharing your success stories. Sent from my LG-E980 using the BariatricPal App

Just a quick update on my revision..... YES it is the best decision I have made to get that lapband yanked. I FEEL NORMAL.....i am in one-derland i have not been there in 30 years. I have lost 62# in 71\2 months. I have had cpap issues, still have to use it. my general health is good, i have structural problems, weight loss only improves it. I am exercising regularly. I have plateaued, so i am doubling down logging my food with FITNESS PAL, Protein watch and carb count. My attitude has vastly improved. It is interesting that i believe my voice was not heard, as a fatter heavier person, i did not think i could or should be heard. I believe the farther in the background i could be the better. Anyone else experience these sort of things. Sent from my LG-H740 using the BariatricPal App

For my band I had to have a letter of medical necessity, a psych eval, and a nutrition eval. I was just wondering if you had to go through all of this over again in order for you to have your revision.

I only weigh 110lbs because I revised from band to sleeve, but now I have a stricture (3months post op). Last night my surgeon did emergency dialation but said if it doesn't work he will have to do a bypass. When will this nightmare end? Is there anyone out there with the same problem?

Interesting thing, I never had heartburn until I got lap band... Especially the last few years it's been bad had to empty my band twice completely and heartburn got better after emptying. Heartburn is the main reason I revising to bypass but also I feel that sleeve is such a hype right now like lap band was back in the day, plus sleeve is not good for those that are prone to heartburn, I don't want to go through another revision in the future. Hope you are feeling more at peace about your surgery, I can't wait to have a date. Right now I am waiting for approval for insurance... It will be a week on Friday... It's like watching Water boil.... But I already have my appointments set up for surgery clearance in middle of April so if everything goes well I am thinking end of April beginning of May I should have my surgery. Can't wait for s new beginning.....

I'm having the revision from band to bypass on 3/28. The bypass eliminates the reflux. I can't wait to know longer have so much heartburn. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Cat. We are so close. Lap band revision . Sleeved Oct 9. Down 46 pounds. Congrats on your weight loss. Sent from my SM-N915V using the BariatricPal App

I'm a Lap-Band WLS post-op. Sounds a bit like AA. Obesity is a disease, and fighting it is a life-long fight, that will never go away for me. Not only do I have a Lap-Band, but I’ve done more Lap-Band WLS procedures than anyone in the world. I started doing them in Brisbane, Australia in 1996, and still do them, every week, at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, where I’ve worked the last 10 years. I perform all of the other bariatric operations and a lot of revision surgery, but I still love doing the Lap-Band, because it’s safe, and it works. I’ve had my own Lap-Band for 16 years. I’ve lost 120 lbs and kept it off. I was on 12 medications for obesity-related diseases and am now on three-one BP med, aspirin, and a Statin, which is sensible for anyone my age, 59. I weigh less than I did when I was 16 and playing high school rugby. So, what have I learned from all this? Here are a few insights and tips that I’ve accrued over the years. 13 Things To Know About Living With the Lap-Band 1. Lap-Band and Other WLS Procedures. The Lap-Band can work as well as any bariatric operation, if it’s done right, and managed properly. It is by no means a lesser operation. It does, however, need you and your surgeon to work, and keep working. 2. Follow-up With Your Surgeon. It’s a two-way street. You have had your Lap-Band placed, which is usually a gentle, safe surgery that takes about 30 minutes, as a same day procedure. After surgery, you have to come regularly to have it adjusted, and your surgeon has to listen to you. I encourage my patients to come in for an appointment once a month for about 18 months, and in that time, they will normally get seven to eight adjustments. After that, it’s usually four times a year for a couple of years, then annually, or whenever the patient needs an adjustment. We have an open door policy for adjustments. Your doctor has to listen to you. 3. Lap-Band and Hunger. The aim of the adjustment is to control hunger. If you tell me you’re more hungry, if you’re eating after dinner at night while you watch TV, if you wake up starving in the morning, then your Lap-Band is loose. You don’t need to see a dietician, you don’t need to go to the gym, and you don’t need to change your diet. You need your band tightened a little. 4. What the Lap-Band Does. Having a Lap-Band is not about restricting yourself or not eating. It’s about eating a lot less, feeling satisfied, and not being hungry after you eat. The aim of a Lap-Band adjustment is to reduce hunger, to reduce the urge to eat, and secondarily, to allow you to get full and satisfied quicker. When your Band is doing this, it’s quite tight. 5. First Law of the Lap-Band. Which brings us to the first law of living with a Lap-Band. Like Newton’s first law, it’s absolute, and it’s true...you can’t live with a tight, well-adjusted band as if you don’t have one. It will beat you every time. Every. Single. Time. 6. How to Eat With a Lap-Band. With a Lap-Band, you have to eat slower than you ever thought. It takes about 20 seconds for the esophagus to push a piece of food into the stomach. You have to eat at that rate, or food will get stuck, it will hurt, and you will have an uncontrollable reflex to vomit, to get that stuck piece of food out. I am lucky enough to be married to a great woman, Chris Ren, the Chief of Bariatric Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. She’s a size 6 on a bad day. She doesn't eat much. Lucky her. With my Lap-Band, I eat about the same, or a little less than Chris. If I eat quicker than her, food gets stuck. For certain. Every time. So, mostly I don’t. If I’m excited, say watching the Giants beat the Cowboys, and I forget and gulp a couple of bites of my dinner, she rolls her eyes at me. I shrug, say It’s Eli, baby, and go to the bathroom. It’s how it is, and how it always will be. 7. Eat Slower. I just don’t understand the whole I can’t eat this or that, especially about vegetables and salad. It is always, always, about eating slowly. If you work out the slow eating thing, and you keep your band adjusted, you will not regain weight. 8. Be in the Moment When Eating. The next law of living with the Lap-Band is to be in the moment. If you’re in a nice restaurant with friends, or on a date, have a cocktail and relax. Order food you know you can eat easily - Oysters, soup, risotto, steak or tuna tartare, flaky fish, salmon, veal, stews. Order Sashimi, not rolls. Try tomatoes, lentils, beets or arugula. Have thin pasta, not rigatoni or lasagna. Have the pasta a little overcooked, not al dente. Get an 8 oz filet rare, and eat half of it. Don’t eat the bread!! Push food around the plate. Focus on eating slowly. Stop when you’ve had enough. Don’t mind leaving food on the plate (or take the rest home for another meal). Tell your dinner companions, if they ask, that you’re watching what you’re eating. Don’t rush. Have a glass of wine. It will relax you, and your esophagus. Have two if everyone else is. Above all else, enjoy yourself. Make it not about the food, but the experience. 9. The Lap-Band is About Moderation. Don’t obsess about what you choose to eat. Everything in moderation, like our grandmas told us. Skinny girls eat what they want. They just don’t eat a lot of it. I eat less than my wife, but I eat what I feel like eating. Have a scoop of ice cream every now and then. Have a slice of pizza. When did a slice ever hurt anyone? It's when you eat a pint of ice cream or a whole pizza pie that it’s a problem. Let the Lap-Band help you. All it asks of you is that you eat slowly. If it’s adjusted correctly, you’ll only want a slice, not a pie. 10. How to Take a Break. There’s no harm in having a break for a week or two. If you’re going on a trip to Paris, or Tuscany, and you’ve been waiting your whole life to try all the restaurants you’ve read about, and are nervous, loosen it before you go. Relax, enjoy the moment, then come back and get retightened. But make sure you get retightened, or you will regain weight. 11. Keep Your Adjustment. Everyone who empties their Lap-Band so they can eat “healthier” regains weight. A lot of weight. As sure as the sun rises in the morning. You can eat as healthy as you want if you eat slowly. 12. Eat According to Your Band and Time of Day. The power of the Lap-Band varies by time of day. It’s because the esophagus’s ability to push food is weaker in the morning. Have a cup of coffee, a little yogurt, a soft boiled egg, slowly. It’s looser at night because the esophagus is pumping strongly. Adjust your Lap-Band to deal with the evenings, so you're not hungry after dinner, then adapt to having less in the morning. Emotions affect your Band. It’s the stress hormones affecting your esophagus. If you’re overtired, angry, sad about something or just plain frazzled, stop for a bit before you eat. Sit down, calm down, then eat your meal slowly. Put your knife and fork down between bites. Put the sandwich down between bites. Go slow. Wait until you’ve calmed down. 13. Stay Connected to Your Surgeon. The final thing I’ve learned is to stay in touch with your doctor. If you start getting hungry again, get a fill. Don’t be embarrassed that you haven’t been for a year or two. If you’re getting hungry, if you’re gaining weight, go back. The Lap-Band works. You can’t live with a Lap-Band WLS as if you don’t have it!

My story is similar and I'm in the process of deciding whether or not to do the revision surgery. My band was successful at first and I lost about 60 pounds in 9 months. Then the problems started and I got really sick with a terrible sinus infection and coughing up the post-nasal drip caused my band to slip. Yes, it was some pretty violent coughing! At that point, the Fluid had to come out and it's been a struggle for 18 months ever since. The acid reflux, vomiting, and overall discomfort made me crazy. I got to the point where I couldn't eat anything. A few weeks ago, I visited the doctor and when he checked the band, it was so skewed that not even the barium was going through! No wonder I was dehydrated and sick. We talked about getting me qualified for the revision surgery. He said he can remove the band and do the bypass at one time. The part my husband doesn't understand is that when I don't feel well and when I can't eat anything, I don't feel like exercising. I take the dog for 2 one-mile walks a day. but I don't also feel like going to the gym or even running around and running errands. I have no energy more than I have any energy. I know the bypass isn't a panacea and won't cure all of my problems...and I know I have to still eat right and exercise.. but for those of you who have made the switch, do you find it less challenging than the band? Thanks in advance.