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If you’ve been married as long as I have (we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary), you’ll probably know what I mean when I say that at times, my relationship with my husband is a love-hate thing. The hate is provoked by stupid little things, like: why must an adult male in good health and in possession of all his faculties spit toothpaste on the bathroom mirror every single day of his life? Ten minutes after wanting to throttle him for that, I catch a glimpse of him cuddling a tiny kitten and my heart melts. He has truly been there for me through thick and thin (more thick than thin) and I can’t imagine life without him, but the next time I walk into the bathroom and see the Colgate version of a Jackson Pollock painting on the mirror, my husband’s life will hang by a thread, at least for a few moments. I also have a love-hate relationship with my band at times. I resent it because it prevents me from eating mindlessly. I love it for the very same reason, but when I’m tired or hurried or distracted, the effort to eat carefully seems enormous. Why can’t my band just do its job and leave me the heck alone? I’m by no means a lazy person but there are days when living with an adjustable gastric band is a lot of work. It’s certainly not a spectator sport – to win this game, you have to jump right in and get busy, and it’s not over when the cheers fade away…it starts all over again the next day, and the next day, for the rest of your life. Like me and the stupid bathroom mirror. Happily Ever After? I think that many people have bariatric surgery believing or hoping that it will solve everything, that they’ll never have to struggle with their food or eating again. Most of the time, that’s not the happy ending to their story. Their story has a different ending that could be happier if they adjust their thinking to it. Is the burden of good eating choices too heavy? If surgery helps you lose all the excess weight, shouldn’t it help you maintain that weight loss without another thought for the rest of your life? Dream on. I’ve seen a lot of bandsters (including the short blonde one in that bathroom mirror) crash into the Forever Wall, kind of like hitting the “seven-year itch” in a marriage. We prepare for band surgery with all the hope and care of a bride and groom planning a wedding – what we’ll wear, what we’ll eat, what music we’ll dance to. We enjoy a romantic honeymoon with the band, things go great for a while, and then things get harder and harder. At that point, you can fall in love with another bariatric procedure, believing that a revision to gastric bypass or whatever will hand you the key to happily-ever-after. Or you can stick with the partner you’ve already got, survive some tough times, and come out of it all the stronger. My friend Tami send me these wise comments: “Your comparison of WLS to marriage made me chuckle. One time my daughter asked me whether I’d ever divorce her dad (sometimes he can be such an ass!). I said, “Absolutely not. He’s family. You sometimes can’t stand your brother, but you can’t divorce him.” Now, if there was a serious “complication” in my marriage, like abuse, I’d have to reconsider my options. And that’s exactly how I feel about my band. It’s part of me, and as long as it doesn’t abuse me with serious complications, we’ll stick together. And just like my husband, I have to respect my band, take care of it, and learn from mistakes.” To Have & To Hold – til it’s no fun any more? I’ve survived some complications with my band that I suppose you could classify as on the low side of serious: a band slip, and a flipped port. Since the actions my surgeon and I took in response to these complications were swift (in the case of the slip) and sensible (in the case of the port flip), neither one of them ever endangered me – not in terms of my health, and not in terms of my quality of life. In fact, they seemed quite minor to me compared to other problems that my fellow humans face every day – a terminal cancer diagnosis; a fatal automobile accident; a crippling disease; the loss of a partner; parent or child – that except for the occasional moment of frustration or angry, “Why me, God?”, I just kept trudging onward. Perhaps another person with a different world-view and/or different expectations would consider a band slip grounds for divorce. I can’t criticize people who choose divorce, whether it involves their spouse or their band. Only I can decide what’s acceptable and tolerable for me, and others must decide that for themselves. But if you walk down the church aisle three minutes before your wedding begins thinking, “If I don’t like marriage, I can always get a divorce,” perhaps you don’t belong in the church in that fancy get-up in front of all your family and friends after all. At this (fairly advanced) stage of my life, I’m convinced that God or the universe throws nails on the road before me as a way to get my attention, make me stop and get my bearings, make me enjoy the scenery and make me appreciate how far I’ve traveled so far. So I do my best to learn what I can from each challenging situation with the gastric band that’s complaining or my husband who’s vigorously brushing his teeth or the dog who’s chewing on a chair leg. For all I know, my greatest goal in life is to be a champion cleaner of bathroom mirrors!

You are quite the inspiration lady! I love reading your posts....so right to the point! I am having band/revision to VSG next Friday and your posts have been my salvation! Thank you for continuing to share your journey with all of us and I will keep you and your beautiful family in my thoughts and prayers. You are still soooo tiny....even pregnant!

I also have the band as on May 7th I will be having a revision to the bypass. I don't weigh much more than you. I found out I have Barrett's esophagus and I cannot do the sleeve. I was told in most cases the bypass cures acid reflux. Anyhow, I've wrapped my head around it. Side note, this is my 3rd wls surgery. I had an a Molina band that didn't adjust ( first band used) It tightened up on me and I couldn't keep food down. I went from 310 to 119, size 2. I had it revised to the adjustable band on 2007. I had foot surgery and gained about 30ish lbs. this year. I had no real issues with band but I went to talk to wls surgeon anyways and found out my esophagus was turning into a stomach and that contributed to the weight gain and then found out with scope biopsy I have Barrett's, precancerous cells. The band has to come out I know I need a tool so if bypass is what I have to do so be it. I would love to keep on touch with both of y'all. I don't understand this site fully, but if u know how add me. . Wednesday at 7, go time

Well...I lost my insurance. I had my surgery on December 6, 2013. I have had a lot of issues with my band. I had to go back into surgery on January 14 do to having to have a Port Revision done. My stitch came undone. Thank god it happened when it did, while I still had insurance. Well ...I lost my insurance. Love Obama!! NOT! Anyway..Not sure how Im suppose to get my fills and still get the medical care that I need. I know the fills are going to be costly. Im just at a loss.. Iv only had one fill. And another surgery. Was suppose to get my 2nd fill on March 4th. Well...Now what? Anyone else gone thru this? I feel so defeated. Lapbandchic73

Sorry to hear about your weight gain after pregnancy! That is something I fear when my husband and I discuss starting a family. As for the bypass after the sleeve... I was still loosing weight with the sleeve when I had to be revised to the bypass. I am still losing weight but since I'm 200 pounds down and 8 pounds to go to hit my goal it not coming off as fast as it did when I had more to loose. I lost over 40 pounds in the last 5 months since my bypass surgery so I shouldn't be complaining but I really want to hit my goal!!! I was very scared of getting the bypass and having my intense moved around. Very against it and tried everything I could to avoid it but honestly it's not as scary as I thought and really helped with my acid reflux. It dosnt feel much different then having the sleeve except for the dumping syndrome. Haha sounds worse then it is but when I tried drinking orange juice I had horrible stomach cramps and diarrhea for about 15 to 20 minutes. But I'm thankful because now I know oj has a lot of sugar and to stay away!!! It's really just a friendly reminder to stay away from all sugar. Not as scary as it sounds and is the best weight loss option out there. Wish I would have just went for the bypass to begin with!! Let me know what happens and if you do have the bypass! Sending prayers your way!!

My name is Jamie and I started my weight loss journey many years ago but my surgery journey started in February 2010. I was 330 pounds at 27 years old. I was always a healthy person but after 4 knee surgeries I gained over 100 pounds and tried EVERYTHING to try to loose the weight. When I hit 330 I knew it would end up being life or death. I attended a bariatric surgery meeting at my mothers suggestion. After meeting with my surgeon and discussing all options with my husband we decided on the lap band. (Man was that a mistake) I had the lap band surgery in May 2010 and it only took me 3 weeks to recover!! I thought I had done enough research to prepare my self but I was very wrong. Eating was hard and I was seeing the Dr almost every 4 to 6 weeks for 3 years trying to figure out where the perfect fill was. After 3 frustrating years of throwing up and learning how to cheat with the band we decided it was time to revise the band. I decided to do the a sleeve, it seemed like a safer and less invasive surgery. I was very excited to start this new journey after seeing co workers have great success with it. I had my revision to the sleeve May 2013. The recovery was much harder then the recovery from the band and I think it was due to doing the band removal and the sleeve revision at the same time. After 6 weeks I was as good as new and dropping weight at a nice pace. I was very excited to eat right and exercise because I was actually loosing weight!!! After the first 3 months I began to get really painful chest pains. Being a person that never had to deal with acid reflux, GERD or heartburn I didn't know what the pain was from. I went back to my Dr and he began seeing me every 2 - 4 weeks and we tried every acid reflux, hernia, heartburn and GERD medication we could. By the time I was 10 months out I was in such bad pain and no medication would help my Dr decided we needed to revise my sleeve to the full bypass to eliminate the acid from being created in my stomach. I am very unhappy with this decision so I went to 3 other doctors that specialize in acid reflux and weight loss surgery and sadly they all agreed with my surgeons prognosis. We began the insurance approval process and it was a little harder to get the bypass surgery approved this time since I am 178 pounds and they didn't see a reason for the surgery. Last Tuesday the pain got so bad I ended up in the ER for 6 hours as they tried to figure out how to make the pain stop. The prognosis was esophagus spasms so I had to be put on a liquid diet since eating hurt. Finally my insurance approved the surgery and my doctor is rushing the surgery date due to the severity of this issue. My revision to bypass is scheduled for May 13 2014 and I am completely freaking out!!!! This is not a surgery I want and I am concerned that I am going to have all the bypass side effects I really never wanted to have! I know the surgery is inevitable and the only way to get rid of this intolerable pain for good! I am coming top grips with it and feel more assured that this will work since I did seek other opinions from multiple specialists. I am telling my story because I really need help from others out there that may gave went thru the same issues I am and what did you do to resolve it? What should I expect to be different from the sleeve to the bypass? Please help! I am really scared and really don't want to have to go thru this again!!

I will be having a revision at 32 BMI next month and am worried I will have a slow weight loss... I am 236 at 5'10". Id like to hear about your weight loss after revision...

APPEAL APPEAL APPEAL.... if you are denied you have every right to appeal up to 3x w/ BCBS and most of the time they will take the appeal b/c they know you are willing to fight for it!! Get your PCP and bariatric surgeon to help w/ that process IF you are denied!! I wish you the very best I am fighting w/ BCBS now for my bypass (not a revision though) !!! Sending positive thoughts!!

I had gb on 12/14 then a revision to repair a leak 12/20. I've been feeling pretty well but there are some days where I can't stomach my Protein shakes and overall don't feel well. It's like a yuck feeling vs I need to go to the E.R. Is that normal? Has anyone else experienced this?

Even though I’m self pay revision, I’m still going through all the appointments like cardio, endocrinologist, Nutritionist, etc. Then I’ll schedule a date.

hello, I was self pay revision from lapband to bypass. My BMI was around 32 (up from 25 when my lapband was unfilled 6 months earlier). The Dr (not my original lapband surgeon) who helped me when I had the complication and required a complete unfill would only take the band out and revise in two stages. I wanted to find a Dr to do it in one stage. So the surgeon I ultimately chose did make me do the psych eval (which was very easy). Also for me personally (because I mentioned my binge eating problems) insisted I also start seeing an eating disorder counselor. Also saw the nutritionist one time and had an ekg and bloodwork. During the appt I thought I wanted a sleeve, but because the damage the band caused to my esophagus he recommended bypass. At first I thought no way, but after thinking it through (and getting a third opinion!) I decided to do the bypass. My initial visit was March 11 and scheduled for surgery April 26 (but due to my conflict it was moved to May 1). Hope this helps Stella

Hello, all.... After extensive research, I've decided to revise from band to sleeve in Mexico. I was banded in 2005, and want to know about the issues with scar tissue. I have read some posts here where some people had a lot of scar tissue, but the surgeon completed the revision. While other surgeons didn't complete the revision because of scar tissue. For those of you who had your band over 10 years, and revised to sleeve, what was your experience with the scar tissue? Does it develop because of he length of time the band is in place? Or does it develop based on the person's body? Any insight is appreciated.

My revision fro lap and to bypass is scheduled for Deceber 28.I am going to try Injury.I also hate sugary protein drinks.

I am very fortunate to have a great support system with my family. When I first got home my husband would ask me, "Do you mind if I eat this?" My answer to him was, "Just because I had weight loss surgery, doesn't mean you can't eat things." My biggest problem is I have been averaging a 50 to 60 hour work week for most of this year. I returned to work full time on 11/11 and have yet put in a 40 hour work week. This makes it difficult to exercise. I have had to plan and take food with me. In the past I would get in the office around 8 a.m. and sometimes not leave until 10 p.m. or later. I didn't know when I left that morning that I would be there. Prior to surgery, I would buy something from the vending machine. I knew that this would be an obstacle for me after surgery, and knew that the long hours would still be happening so I made sure to plan for it. Life gets in the way of lot of things. You have to make the best of it or learn from previous times so you make a better choice the next time. Laura, you have done a fantastic job this past year and I know you will continue into year two. I know for me I will have to plan for awhile until these good habits become automatic. Even with that I will need to examine and make sure that I stay on the path with the best decisions. Since I am a revision patient, I look at this as a second opportunity and want to make the most of it. I believe that by not following the rules and thinking I knew more about what I could eat contributed to my situation. It is time to put the pride away and listen to someone else who has helped others be successful with their weight loss surgery.

A recent study was released showing that bariatric surgery is no riskier than any other routine surgery. Large-Scale Analysis Finds Bariatric Surgery Relatively Safe People have this idea that the band is somehow "safe" and all other bariatric surgery is "dangerous" but this is a misconception. There is a risk to all surgeries, even the band, but bariatric surgery is pretty safe comparatively. It's not dying on the operating table that you have to worry about. If your husband wouldn't worry about something happening to you if you got your appendix out, he shouldn't worry about this. As for having more scar tissue, they'll cut away most of the stomach so you'll actually be losing some of your scar tissue. OTOH, doing a sleeve on a scarred stomach will increase your risk of leaks a bit so you should be very careful. Also, depending on where the scar tissue is, the surgeon may prefer to do RnY on you. It's something you should talk to him about. There are a lot of "what ifs" involved in a revision so you want to be prepared for them.

That's great that your hubby is so supportive! It truly is nice to have your best friend helping you along, that I know. My husband isn't banded nor has he had WLS but, he does need to lose weight and when I'm ON he's ON, if you know what I mean. He does better managing his eating when I'm managing mine. When I got my lapband he actually lost about 30 pounds just eating less because instead of two steaks, we cooked one with me taking a piece so he was eating less. Worked! Now you know for sure....to make sure your husband gets that upper GI. I should have demanded mine sooner than I did. I never should have actually had the revision surgery but, of course back then no one told me that so many bandsters that had to have revision ended up losing it in the end. Oh wellsky! Are you talking about the OTHER lapband group that formed after so much trouble was on the LBTTalk website or the Obesity dot com one? I don't care for the format on OB at all...they don't have catagories like this one. I think Alex and his crew (assuming he has one) have done an awesome job organizing these sites for sure. It's makes it easier to navigate. I do hope more will come but, it's fun chatting with you I can't remember my name on the LBT site it's been a while since I've been there. I was a moderator there but, mainly I answered any of the "new" posts because I never did learn how to put strikes on a members account or block them. Working full time plus made that hard but, I felt I was contributing by helping the newbies with their questions and welcoming them I truly appreciate your offer to help with questions. I'll be taking you up on that for sure! When is your next appointment?

Even though I feel like doing this, I don't think I have. I have responded to post that Dody has made several times saying things such as "when bypass fails, and it will" or stating that people over 60 who have bypass have a life expectency of 2 years, or that you have to be cut "wide open" to have bypass" to which she ignores. If you looked at some of the things she has said, it's enough to make the Pope lose some religion, and yes, I am fed up with it. I guess that really is my problem, maybe you are right. I will go look for a remedy for that. :speechles And I had my band for over 3 years. I was already revised to bypass in November. I always thought I would never consider it either till I was faced with the decision. The rest is just a rant, not directed to anyone in particuliar. I want you all to see beyond what you are seeing. I know some people get it, but just be happy with what you have and live and let live. No matter how many storys there are about someones brothers sisters wifes cousins bypass, there are just as many storys about the band. There are hundreds of thousands of people who are successful with bypass (which is more than just RNY), same as there are successful people with the band. One of my favorite cyber friends is Robin (aka Coffeewench), she has had her band well over 6 years I think, and did the lap band commericials you see on TV. She is the definition of lapband success. I have no hard feelings against my band, it served me well. It did not cause the medical condition that caused it to come out. But just because my band had to come out doesn't mean it will happen to everyone. And just because I had a DS bypass doesn't mean I am retarded and living life on the edge, putting filters in my panties (never heard of this) and offending everyone with my farts and poops. As fat people, we have lived with enough discrimination our entire lives. It's a shame we still discriminate against each other depending on what surgery we've had. Just because someone doesn't have a band doesn't mean they are unintelligent, stinky and shriveled. I eat like a normal person (because I have the DS), which means sugar if I want it, because DS'ers don't dump, I don't have a pouch, so I don't get blockages and ulcers. I eat more now than I did with the band. And I love being able to eat a sandwhich and eggs again. I am happy. And really, thats all that matters. That each of us is happy and hopefully satisfied with our choices.

I am having revision from sleeve to bypass. My information was submitted to Federal BCBS yesterday. My date is tentative for 10/7 or 10/14. I am excited and nervous. I am a bit more nervous about revision than I was sleeve. I will have a 2 week prop diet using bariatric advantage. I heard its a bit nasty so not looking forward to that.

I cannot believe I can wear a size 6 (28) designer jeans. In all my life I never was under a 12 or 14. I do have a big problem however. 9 years ago I had a breast lift. It was sort of a gift to myself after my divorce and 24 yrs of marriage, 3 kids, breast feeding, and gaining, losing weight 100 times. The surgeon said if he did not put in an implant i would be flat on top. I said ok, but just wanted to fill out the bra I was wearing which was a D cup. I weighed 220 at the time at 5'9". He said I was a big person and my breasts would go well with the rest of my body (still planning on a D cup). Well, when he was done I somehow ended up a 44 DDD!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now down to a 38 DD, but needless to say I have a very difficult time buying blouses and dresses are out of the question. I have to stick with stretch knits for the most part and I feel like I look a bit like Dolly Parton now. I have no money for a revision so I am stuck with this problem. I wear a size M top, but like I said if they are not stretch I probably cannot button them.

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???

Good luck everyone with your upcoming surgeries! May God bless you with fast recoveries and smooth sailing. My revision from lap band to sleeve is Nov. 5 and can't wait yo get this lap band out. The lap band was a nightmare. I can't wait to get the sleeve!

can i ask what made you get a revision?

So I had MGB 8months ago. I have been getting bouts of diarrhea and after insisting to speak to the doctor over the phone (since my appointment is not until end of feb), doctor thinks it might be IBS. I'm down to 114lbs and most probably this weight loss will continue so now doctor is recommending revision to RNY!!!! This is crazy.. has anyone been through this before?? If I will have to go under the knife again I would prefer to get a total reversal but doctor thinks a reversal is not an option!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi can you tell me what MGB means and also a revision? Thank you and well done on your weight loss [emoji3]

Hi there, So i had a lapband put in in 2009, had inital success with it for the first 4years, then the problems started... Food kept getting stuck despite having fill taken out, i had CONSTANT SEVERE left shoulder tip pain, and left side stomach pain to the point it hurt to breathe and i couldn't function etc! I Lost around 50kilos in the time i had the band! i was happy til i was in constant pain and vomiting all the time! I couldn't even get greek youghurt down in the end. I started to gain weight back because i could only eat crap & slider foods. It was so frustrating! I decided although i was apprehensive to have my band removed (in November 2017) and im currently back to my pre banded weight almost! Im crushed! i have a 2 year old son who i struggle to keep up with & want to be a fit, healthy, happy Mumma to him! SO....... I've had a consult with Dr Brendan Ryan in sydney to discuss my options for revision! I originally leant towards a Sleeve, BUT in my research & medical advice i now see that RNY or MGB is best for me success wise & for maximum weight loss! So iv chosen MGB & im suddenly frightened! Is this op going to work for me, will I WORK WITH IT & BE SUCCESSFUL!? Will i have complications, & massive vitamin deficiencies, what about future pregnancies (Dr said i could have a baby again but have to be monitored closely etc) What about having a social drink etc (i rarely drink but like to let my hair down a few times a year) I think im overthinking but im also a worrier & scared im making the wrong choice..... Those who have had revision from Band to MGB please share your stories, Pros & cons, Success with MGB etc I need to know these are all normal thoughts?????