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How is everything going now? I am 3 1/2 months out from my sleeve and for the first time in my life, I started having HORRIBLE gerd symptoms 2 days ago. I'm uncomfortable during the day, but at night is when I'm in agony. I'm on 40mg of Omeprazole for 6 months because of the surgery, so I'm shocked this is happening. I made a post titled "Is this GERD?" because I literally have never felt anything like this before and it's freaking me out. I'm scared that if GERD is starting 3 1/2 months out from surgery, I'm going to have to be miserable for years before I can be approved for a revision. And I thought bypass was kind of the gold standard for eliminating GERD, and now I'm nervous having read a few threads on here about people getting the bypass and developing GERD after, or getting it because of GERD and it not going away.

It really depends on what the causes of reflux are. For the vast majority it's diet related so that's why the surgery helps reflux for the majority who change up their diet. But then there are others who have reflux for other reasons where it gets less predictable. Generally people know if the cause is diet. One of the big reasons I took the advice of my second opinions is that they concurred that if any low odds complications arose I could always revise to bypass.

Oh my Goodness I think I have to revise my goal for this challenge: I currently weigh 209.8 so my new goal for New Year's Day 2013 is to be well on my way into the 100's................................196 pounds!! Woohoo!!

I had a lap band for 11 years also and starting having major issues with it the last two years. I lost 80 pounds and regained half of it. When I got it removed they discovered it had slipped up around my esophagus and caused a hiatal hernia. My surgeon removed the band, fixed the hernia and revised it to a gastric bypass all in one surgery. That was only a bit more than five months ago and I already weigh less than the lowest weight I got after my band. So far I have been pleased with the decision and haven't regretted it--other than wishing I had gone with the bypass in the first place! Good luck to you!

Gastric band - been there, done that. Stopped working and I never felt full. So last year after my weight went back up I decided to have the revision and get the sleeve bit due to the build up of scar tissue (surgery was May 2010), surgeon ran out of time to do the VSG safely. So had to wait until 11/30/20 and finally all was completed. I was told he might have to do the bypass and I prayed so hard that didn't happen. I'm 65 and glad I did it. Sent from my SM-J337V using BariatricPal mobile app

@Barbwired Having reflux after the sleeve is a bit of a coin toss. Some get it. Some don't. Before being sleeved, I had a discussion with my doctor about reflux potential and they always gave me a non-commital answer with a cautionary warning. Ultimately, my doctor and I felt that my reflux was largely related to dietary practices, a general state of obesity, and a small hiatal hernia that I had. A friend of mine had really bad reflux with the lap band to the point she had Barrett's esophagus. Her surgeon actually recommended the sleeve and she's had NO ISSUES with reflux after it. Me, I started getting heartburn within a month of having the sleeve. I immediately started taking Nexium, which took care of the heartburn. Flash forward to about a year. I was waking up with a sore throat that I knew was reflux. It kept getting worse and while I have never woken up choking, I knew the reflux was a problem. I tried every home remedy and every reflux supplement I could find. I modified my eating and behavior to reduce reflux. I sleep on a wedge. When the reflux is at its worst, my wedge can be at about 45°. It's not sleeping "sitting up", but pretty darn close. I saw a gastroenterologist and told him that I wasn't interested in revision to bypass. He offered me a choice between Stretta and Linx. I was in the process of scheduling Stretta when COVID hit. Today, my reflux isn't really that bad. I'm not 100% sure why it's been better, but I'm not looking that gift horse in the mouth. I sleep on my lower wedge and am comfortable with that. I do not eat after 7pm. If I do, I will generally go to bed later than usual or make sure I've had a whole glass of water before bed (flush out the sleeve). I take my Nexium religiously every morning and I take digestive enzymes with my evening meal (THAT seems to have made a BIG difference in my reflux). I have prescription Carafate, but haven't needed it for about 2 months. Best of luck.

I also have a lot of difficulties with the doctors finding my port. I always have fills under fluoro at the hospital and it still takes them like 5-10 tries before they get it. It is very frustrating!!! My port is tilted and a revision may be necessary but for now I am filled just right so things are good. The drs and I finally discovered that I need to be standing for them to access my port! The things we go through for a fill!!:rolleyes2:

I would love to hear more success stories. I see/read more of the negative than the positive. 7 years this month and needing a revision. Surgery is in 2 days. Not sure if it's the old band or something is damaged inside. I will find out this Friday morning. Doc wants a decision from me if I want a new Realize band (if there are no issues) or to go unbanded. All the negative stories, and my own issues have me leaning very far to the latter.

Hi Lapbandster...I did have a slip and needed surgery to revise it, but it was due to extreme vomiting and not the band at all. I would suggest to anyone to either a) carry prescription strength anti nausea drugs (my PCP makes sure I have a recent prescription at all times because I travel and get to the Dr when you start vomiting. For me, I was travelling in a foreign country when it started and slipped all in 1 day of extreme vomiting. Other than that...the band has been GREAT!

I'm having the revision from the sleeve to the bypass due to serious reflux and a hiatal hernia. I had the sleeve 3 years ago and I still have restrictions on how much I can eat so it's still working very well but the bypass does help you lose a little more weight so if I lose another 20 pounds I'll be happy. My surgery date is on Oct 15th. Sent from my SM-J337P using BariatricPal mobile app

n 2009 I had the LapBand, in 2013 I had it removed due to issues. I decided to get the Vertical Sleeve Gastrostomy. After many issues, I saw a surgeon today, She said my issues may never end. I have two choices. To stay as is it, and deal, or try. Or to revise to Bypass and possibly have some improvement, OR remain the same. She mentioned because this would be my 3rd surgery, I have a HIGH chance of complications. I am just wondering if anyone has had all 3 procedures?! At this point it isn't about weight loss, HOWEVER, I want to, but its about my general health and my quality of life. Thank you in advance for your input. -Rxtine

band to sleeve revision here. I wouldnt call myself a vegetarian by no means. A good Ribeye is heaven on a plate. I know our diet is mostly Protein and some veggie for the most part. Does anyone here use nuts or seeds as your protein vs having a piece of chicken or meat? I want to follow a paleo/primal diet but is all the veggies too high in carbs for us and too low in protein if Im eating so many veggies. I read Dr Weiner A Pound of Cure which for his wls patients he is more plant based and so is Jonathan Bailor, The Calorie Myth. More into the superfoods, etc but no counting calories. Anyone follow this type of diet?

My question is, are you having a lap band, sleeve, or the gastric bypass? When they did a revision from lap band to gastric bypass. I had a drainage ball put into my left side. I did have some complications with that drainage ball and my doctor put me on some medication as well. Anyhow, everyone is different so everyone heals in a different rate and every surgery is different as well. With that being said, I'm only speaking from my experience and to let you know I'm still in the healing process. I just had my surgery on June 21st, I'm still in the liquid phase and getting ready to transition to soft foods next Wednesday. I wish you the best of luck on your new journey and New Life because so far this is been hard but very rewarding. I'm now 19lb (178lb current weight) lighter and in just the weeks and I feel amazing, I can feel my health improving slowly. So back to the point, as for healing time I think one week the minimum and three the max. Perhaps, you may be different, perhaps you only need a few days. I say one week minimum because you'll be bloated with air and it will be very hard to come out for the first few days unless you walk consistently to help pass that gas. A little tip of advise; you will need to make sure you buy some chewable Gas-X that helps wonders, get a pillow for when you need to cough because you will coughing and sneezing at some point. Also try to concentrate on your water and protein intake, so far I haven't had any problems with that. And be on top of your vitamins or you will lose a lot of hair. If you have any questions feel free to ask because I'm still going through it. Best of luck to you. Sent from my LG-K540 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello Everyone, So my surgery date is March 25th, starting to feel some anxiety towards the whole thing! I'm a revision from lap band to RNY had the band 7 months it has slipped I've lost nothing on it followed the diet been getting sick having acid relux and feeling terrible. So I'm happy to get the band out I'm just so nervous I'm doing the pre op diet once again having a really hard time with it this time the first time not to bad but this time I'm having the 2 Protein drinks a day then eating the one small meal at night I'm starving all the time. And all I'm thinking about is food.. I hate this. I'm also reading all over these forums and getting myself all worked up that it's not going to work for me that I am going to fail yet another procedure (yes I feel I am the one who failed not the band). I'm afraid that I'm not informed enough that some how I will end up failing this procedure I'm trying to wrap my head around everything it's all just so overwhelming. I've done my research didn't have to go through the 6 month thing because of my band but I'm kind of freaking out a bit. I think I really feel like I'm failing on the pre op diet so I will fail on the post op it;'s so hard my band in unfilled and I'm so hungry but then I still get sick sometimes depending on what I eat! Any words of wisdom PLEASE

I just had my revision surgery on September 1st. GERD is Acid Reflux, and I got it pretty badly after the sleeve. It was my only complication, but in the end it was worth it to me to get the bypass. I had a very easy recovery and am very happy with my choice. Once I was far enough out from my sleeve surgery I was able to drink wine, low-calorie mixers with hard alcohol, and occasionally beer. I think you have to figure out what works for you, and stay diligent not to let it contribute to regain or become a habit. Even though we can live pretty normal food and drink lives, we have to be more diligent than others not to slip into old habits (for some of us, habits we have had our whole lives). It can feel like an uphill battle, but I can't tell you how good it feels to not feel panicked about your weight every day. Whatever you decide, good luck!

I am not a veteran (almost 8 months from RNY and only have 5 pounds left to a normal BMI). I can eat anything I want but with that being said the following make me feel really ill afterwards so I avoid: Any and all fried foods, ice cream (but I can eat Dark chocolate candy-think the ice cream goes down to easy and then I feel terrible ) white carbs (I can eat whole grains in very small portions). I stick to the following foods that make me feel awesome! Fish and a veg, steak and a veg, pork and a veg and eggs. I LOVE a my RNY! I had lapband previously (was a successful lapbander but my band eroded so had the revision) wish I had done the RNY first lol

I had the band removed and was revised to the sleeve by Dr. Aceves and had no problems (unlike the band). I love the sleeve and don't regret my decision.

I have numerous reason for choosing the sleeve. 1. The risk for malabsorption was unacceptable. I have cvid which already causes a Protein deficiency. 2. Because of my cvid (common variable immune deficiency) I have a very high chance of stomach cancer. Having a left over stomach that isn't easily accessible to scope (think every couple months) would be asking for trouble. 3. because the RNY leaves the stomach in the body, it doesn't decrease the ghrelin hormone like the sleeve does. Decreasing my hunger is a big thing for me. Another side effect of cvid is stomach issues. I'm used to having diarrhea. I'm afraid that if I have the RNY I will still be constantly hungry, but because the pouch is so small I'll eat the WRONG things (like chocolate) and because I'm used to dumping syndrome it won't deter me. 4. Rerouting my whole system just freaks me out 5. The sleeve has nearly comparable weight loss stats (and if u look at the 2+ year studies it actually has more) 6. the sleeve also changes how the guts bile acids bind to a receptor called fxr. In the absence of fxr weight loss occurs. So aside from restrictive and hormonal changes the sleeve causes a change in your metabolism. That's huge for me! 7. I don't like the idea that I might not be able to absorb needed medications 8. If I find the sleeve doesn't help, I can revise it to add the malabsorption part. I suggest writing out a pro/cons list and going with what feels right to you. Good luck!!

I’m doing a revision/conversation from band to sleeve on the 10th. I’m starting to get anxious thinking of anesthesia and pain and worst to me is having to stay overnight. Anyone else feeling nervous???

Many folks that select VSG either don’t reach goal, do not get resolution of diabetes long term, or develop GERD and end up revising to gastric bypass. I recommend RNY so you don’t have to have a second WLS down the road. Good luck!

Was a band to sleeve revision on 5/13 - Band erosion - only removed the band. New Surgeon and sleeve scheduled for 9/23. Scared and excited!

Surgeons have to obtain "informed consent" prior to operating on anyone. If you're confused or have questions, you have not been adequately informed and you needs to find out more information and ask questions. Once you feel informed about all the options available to you, research the one or two that you are leaning towards. Ask yourself what type of eater you are. Do you eat all day? Do you eat huge portions? Do you crave cakes, candy, ice-cream, etc.? Are you a junk food eater? Do you eat a healthy diet but eat too much healthy food? Also consider how you feel about having a band and port inside your body. It did not bother me but others are freaked out about having a foreign material in their bodies. If that is the case for THEM, the band is not their surgery of choice. The band and the sleeve (VSG) are both restrictive procedures so they limit the amount of food you can eat. However, if you're a person who loves candy and ice-cream, etc., and grazes on Snacks like this all day, it's VERY easy for those foods to slide right down either of these procedures and you can stop losing and easily gain. The bypass procedure (RNY) and Duodenal Switch (DS) procedures use restriction AND malabsorption to achieve weight loss. With less than 100 pounds to lose, DS would normally not be a consideration for you. RNY creates restriction of how much food you can eat by creating a small pouch for a stomach. The malabsorption happens by cutting out part of the intestine. This causes less calories of the food you eat to be used by your body. Of course, if you don't follow the post-op eating plan, it is possible to stretch out that new stomach (pouch) over time and gain wieght. I had the band surgery in early 2006 and it was not a good surgery for me. I had the band removed and, at the same time, revised to VSG (the sleeve). Had this been an option for me when I had the band, I would have gotten VSG then. Bypass would not be a good surgery for me but it might be the perfect one for you. Some people freak out thinking their intestines are going to removed. That is not true. You have small and large intestines that are MANY feet long. Ask your MD/surgeon to SHOW you how much small intestine is removed during surgery. The VSG (sleeve) procedure removes 60-85% of your stomach. That freaks some people out. I look at it like I had a defective stomach that was huge and never allowed me to feel full. Now, I eat small portions of food, feel full, and lose weight. Decide what type of eater you are USE the advice of the health care professionals to help YOU make the decision on what surgery is best for you.

I am also having a revision from sleeve to RNY. my diet and stay in hospital for both surgery's is the same 2 day pre op diet and 2 day hospital

HI, Im scheduled Feb 1st for a revision from a sleeve I had just shy of a year ago! I am so excited!

Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend we on the same boat.. Same surgery date and preop date......that means we need to eat an amazing meal today and tomorrow lolz Hey! Are you having bypass in February? We are starting a closed/secret group on Facebook and would LOVE to have you join us. 2 years ago I had a sleeve done, but due to complications they are revising me from sleeve to bypass. I had an AMAZING group on Facebook that all had the same surgery that month. We were going through the same things whether it was venting one day, sharing milestones, and made lasting friendships! Since it's a secret group there is some hoops to go through to get added (sorry, Facebook makes it harder) The good thing is that it's completely secret meaning none of your friends can know see posts or ever know you're in it This makes it a safe place for us because I know for some it's not something they want to share. Here's how to join: 1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/lanaepetersen and send me a friend request 2. I will accept the friend request, then send you an invite to the group. 3. After you are added to the group I'll unfriend