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Dr. Long did my band to bypass conversion. He's awesome, as is Brian Wallace (nurse practitioner). I had a really positive experience at Sibley - the nurses were very helpful and very patient, very on top of things. Hope to see you at one of the support group meetings! I went to my first one this past Thursday.

Just got a call from surgical scheduling, arrival time is 6:15 am, they will start shortly thereafter. I'm the first one of the day. Please say a prayer everything goes well and doctor is able to so the revision. So excited and nervous. Thank you all!

I was scheduled for surgery tomorrow and just got a call from my Dr. saying medicare decided to to cover it. He tried to talk me into a R&Y Bypass, but I'm not doing that. Good luck to everyone else, my journey here is over!

I apologize if this is too much information, but I need to figure out how to end this horrible constipation I'm experiencing. I'm in my 5th week after gastric bypass and I'm just starting small amounts of food. I am not taking any pain meds, nor have I after day 3 of the surgery, but I am taking all my vitamins, which includes Bariatric Advantage soft chew multivitamins (2 a day) and Celebrate's Iron + C and Calcium Citrate softchews (1 each per day). I drink two Premier Protein drinks and day (60 grams of protein total) and approximately drink 60 ounces of water. The foods I have been eating are unsweetened applesauce, cottage cheese, and mashed potatoes. It takes four days for me to feel like I need to go and then it is MISERABLE. I am chockerblocked to the max. I have had to resort to laxatives and enemas because taking Colace and drinking Smooth Move tea regularly is NOT working. The laxatives only work some of the time and they cause bad cramping. Has anyone else suffered like this and what has worked? Are my vitamins causing this horrific experience and has anyone found a better type of vitamin that helps with constipation? Is it my protein intake? I feel as if I'm drinking enough water.... would love to know if others have experienced this and how it was solved. Thanks!

Everyone brings up really valid points. The answer is that there is no right or wrong answer. You have to do what you feel is best for you. Personally, I started out thinking I was going to get the lap-band. After attending the initial seminar I changed my mind to bypass, The key for me with RNY is the malabsorption and the suppressed cravings. This surgery has worked out really well for me so far ( almost 4 months post op -down 86 lbs. since surgery). Whichever surgery you choose will be the right choice for you! Good luck!!

Yea it's just my dr is all for gastric bypass he does the lap band but he thinks gastric is better. In the end it's my decision I'm just worried he will give me crap about it n try to change my mind. I just can't get a over my nervousness everything that goes along with the bypass. It doesn't really matter what you go with because in the end it's all about if you are ready to commit to the life style change that comes with it. I'm ready to do that.

I am 5 days post sugary, gastric bypass. It is NOT easy. I finally today am feeling a little bit better. I keep telling myself that this period is going to be HELL but follow the program and it will be ok. I had to meditate through the pain at times. Tomorrow I am going to begin with a 2000 step walk. I was feeling low today also but then I got a recipe book in the mail that really lifted my spirits. The food in it looks amazing. Really good looking stuff but prepared in a high Protein low calorie way. I have NOT read the entire book yet but I know the future will look brighter. I have not yet had a chance to read it but I did thumb through it. A GREAT looking pizza recipe in there and I can't wait to try it. Book is: recipes for after weight loss surgery, revised and updated by Margaret Furtado. There are so many amazing looking recipes in there. Pizza, Humus, Sausage and Lentil Soup, Latkes, crab cakes, stroganoff. Looks amazing and the book is loaded with pictures and lots of wonderful looking stuff. I am actually excited and it lifted my spirits. One example recipe is below. AGAIN, I have not read the entire book so I am not sure at what stage I can start this but it is promising. I was miserable but 5 days after surgery I am finally feeling better. Sharing one of the recipes in the book. Pita Pizza: 284 calories. 25.6 grams protein. Makes 4. 4 small 4 inch whole wheat pita breads. 1 can 6 0z, low sodium tomato paste 1 teaspoon dry oregano 1 teaspoon dry basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme 4 tablespoons grated parm cheese 1 cup cooked boneless skinless chicken breast cut into small cubes. Or, chicken italian sausage, or ground meat. 1/2 cup fresh slices mushrooms 1 can, 2.5 oz sliced black olives 3/4 cup (85g) shredded part skim mozzarella cheese Oven 375. Lightly spray a sheet pan with cooking spray. Put on all toppings and bake aprox 15 minutes. Picture of the pizzas look AMAZING. NOW, I have to say I have not read the entire book yet so I am not sure when this recipe can be used but it is good to know that down the road a healthy pizza is possible. Looking through this book raised my spirits. John

Hi I'm 23 post op gastric bypass and looking for a bypass buddy. Having trouble keeping foods down. Help! 23 days that is

I’m leaning very heavily towards the gastric sleeve, mainly due to reduced risk and less issues with vitamin deficiency. I would love some feedback from y’all who have had either procedure. Pros and cons that are maybe not listed on some of the articles I’ve read etc. No better reference than personal experience!

My surgery for revision band to bypass is scheduled for Nov 16th also and I'm not looking forward to starting this liquid diet on Monday. Smh I've had the nectar sample pack for months now and have yet to try one. ????

Hello, I met with a surgeon for an initial consult last week. Before I met with him I was confident that I'd be going the band route. He's really pushing me toward bypass. Said only 4% of his surgeries are bands anymore. I know there are potentially more long term side effects and the results are slower, so i'm not going into it blid, but I just don't know about the bypass route. How do you all feel? How did you make the decision for a lap band and do you regret not going the bypass route? I'm still leaning toward the band. Thoughts?

I think it's hard for him to accept since some people, myself included, have had Medicare & Medicaid pay for VSG. They can put whatever information they wish on the internet, but those of us who have had this surgery paid for know it's not accurate. When I contacted Medicare initially about WLS, I was told they cover gastric bypass. I opted for that surgery and only found out through my surgeon that the sleeve is covered.

So at this point I have started to research MTF's. I live in the Charleston, SC area and looking for an MTF that does the Sleeve. I've heard of one person going to Columbia, SC and having theirs done at Fort Jackson/Moncrief Army Community Hospital and possibly someone using Beaufort. I'm looking for any advice on these two facilities or will by PCM even consider referring me to either. If I can't figure out something soon I may have to resort to Gastric Bypass at MUSC in Charleston. I had a very serious slip with the LapBand and I won't consider doing it again. I really need this surgery ASAP I'm gaining weight like mad and need help!!!

I have not vomited since my sleeve revision either, however, those (2) times that I ate too much I felt VERY nauseous. I have only ate things that are not on my diet (1) time and that was yesterday while me and my wife were out of town shopping. I had a bowl of Lobster bisque for dinner and a half piece of gourmet white chocolate as a snack for lunch. (I didn't eat any lunch because we had dinner reservations at 5pm). I did not beat myself up over eating it because I have been on a liquid/puree diet for over a month now. What seems weird to me is that even if I don't feel full after I eat my 4oz of Protein, as soon as I have Water (30 minutes after eating) its like I feel overly full (nauseous). Very different from the band. I personally do not have any scales at my house so I don't weigh myself very often. However, all my clothes are getting looser so I pray that I am indeed losing weight. I know I should be keeping a food diary but have not started one yet. I may have to after that lobster bisque and chocolate yesterday lol . I DO KNOW that I can not eat the same things as I did with my band or I will definitely start gaining weight. With the band, I could only eat horrible food choices because healthy food simply would not to through my band. Many times even water or any other liquid would not go through the band. When I had my band I always bragged like I was on a Jenny Craig commercial. "I lost 194 pounds eating Reese Cups" lol I hope this all works out for both of us.

I had surgery in 2006 and lost 280 pounds over all over the course of six years… In the past three years I gained back 90 pounds… Last year I had an endoscopy and upper G.I. and they discovered I had a hiatal hernia and some staple adhesions… And recommended a revision… The surgeon I went to told me that he could leave the new smaller stomach and they now remove the excess old stomach… They no longer leave your stomach in there or he doesn't… And doing my research I understood a revision patient usually loses 2 to 3 pounds a month… My doctor said when he got in there… He found a fistula which was a complication from the first surgery which most likely cause my weight gain… A week after surgery… Today I got on the scale and I lost 13 pounds… Was totally shocked and not expecting that so I am wondering since I had that fistula this new revision is kickstarting my weight loss and I will see great success question? Anyone that had a revision care to share their weight-loss story with me after the revision Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I picked, and my doctor agreed with me. I never considered lap-band as an option as I did not want to have to deal with the fills, etc., because my surgeon is a two hour drive away. So I was looking at sleeve vs. bypass and I just felt more comfortable with the sleeve so that's what I did. I'm one year and one week post-op and have lost 126 pounds so far and still losing slowly. I'm happy with my choice and would make it again in a heartbeat.

I wanted the sleeve because the bypass scared me. I had the bypass because my surgeon said it was the best option for me and I would lose the most weight. I heard of people getting the sleeve and then having the revision later if they did not lose enough weight. I was having none of that. One surgery only for me, lol. I am so happy with my decision. I have not had any complications and my recovery was a breeze. I know several people who had the sleeve and wish they did the bypass. Bypass 3/27/17 Starting weight 395 Surgery weight 341 Current weight. 255 Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am so relieved I posted this and you shared your experiences. Wow how similar. This makes me feel SO much better. I'm going to do it. I just really needed to know this has happened with good results. In regards to the surgery, when we first met he and I discussed that the sleeve was what I really needed to do because I am on oxygen. It would be less risk because I am at "moderate risk" right now. Then after the EGD he found some things and thought he would need to do bypass, but he would let me know. Well, no one ever did let me know. I found out the way I said. Anyway, no biggie to that. But I haven't asked him if he can select another hospital. I think I may do that. If not, again his reviews are great so that's the most important part. Again, thank you so much. I am nervous enough about everything and really don't like adding on the fear of being at others mercy and not feeling at ease. But hell, welcome to the healthcare system, right? [emoji19] HW: 404 lbs. 5/22/20 preop: 377 lbs. 8/29/20 CW: 328.4 9/2/20 Surgery Date

Hi! I had a revision of my sleeve (VSG) to RNY on 8/29/22 for a hiatal hernia repair and severe acid reflux. Since then I feel like I’m doing okay and no longer have any acid reflux symptoms. My only concern is every time I drink something cold to room temperature my stomach hurts really bad. I can sip on warm bone broth and that doesn’t seem to bother me much. I know I’m just out of surgery and healing but should I still be feeling pain in my stomach almost two weeks out? Any insight as to why this is happening would be greatly appreciated! 😊

@FloraBama congratulations to you and glad to hear you are doing well. I'm about less than 30 minutes from having the same revision done as well in MX!!! Sent from my LG-LS980 using the BariatricPal App

Simple answer - I'm picky. I "interviewed" 3 surgeons before deciding on one. I had scheduled four consults, but after the third one I knew I had found my man lol. The first two surgeons I saw, were very easy to talk to, didn't require me to "jump through hoops" and didn't require a pre-op diet. They made it sound easy as pie, which of course, in a way you want it to be. Then I saw Mr. Crosthwaite. Whilst he wasn't the most personable man in the world, he seemed more than competant. He explained the pros and cons in detail. He told me why he went into this line of work. He told me that he'd prefer if I saw a therapist, that I MUST exercise and that I'd be required to do a pre op diet. And he explained why all of that had to be done. While it made it a bit harder to do, in the long run, I felt there was a reason behind it and it was for my own benefit. I'm not saying Mr. Nottle isn't a good surgeon. I'm sure he is and I've heard nothing but good things about his work. I guess I just needed something different. A revision surgery, in my case, is where they go in and replace the band with a new one. Mine slipped a few months back. I paid nothing out of pocket to have it replaced.

I know this is an old thread, but I also had my band removed by Wade Barker on 1/08/10. He put it in March 2006. I 've been having pain and after tests found out I had gall stones and a hiatal hernia. Dr. Barker charged me $5000 to revise my band to the sleeve. My insurance paid for the gall bladder removal and hernia repair. I am SO GLAD to have the band out and think it contributed to my hernia.

Shoot, today I have a tiny red patch below the incision and just a little itchy as if I'm allergic to the tube. Me and my friends are keeping eagle-eyes on it. If it gets any redder or warm, I have an emergency round of antibiotics at home (thanks, Donali!) I know my own body better than any doctor, and it feels exactly like an allergy. I'm taking two Benedryl tablets right now, and my friend is going to track the time and incision to see if the redness goes away. But why have I gone 6 months with no redness or irritaton? And isn't it strange/odd/coincidental that the wound closed up for 2 days with no leaking, and during that time it got red? As if the liquid needs to come out or the tube gets pissed? Sonia, none of my posts are meant to scare anyone. I live on this board for answers. These people have saved my life. I'm actually glad to go through all these problems if it means someone else won't have to suffer one day. I don't mind being an experiment! We're all glad you're researching beforehand. It's important to know that there are risks involved. But please know that even after all I've been through, I'd be banded again in a heartbeat. As far as my problem being unusual, yes, that's true. But even so, you have to add my possible "rejection" into the list of potential problems. Maybe erosion is only 1% nationwide, but if you add up all the infections, slippages, port revisions, rejections, etc., that risk goes up. But lots of stuff can be corrected without removing the band. I didn't know who Lindsey Lohan was, so I checked her out. That's a total compliment! She's hot! I better post a new pic of me soon, cuz my avatar is that one special pic that is really cute but doesn't look like me. That's why I keep it there! And NO, I'm not kidding about my port being missing. I need to call Dr. Kuri's office and see if they know what happened to it. Maybe Inamed received it but here's why I say it's lost: Craig Arthur at Inamed needed the serial number, so he called Lopez's office since the serial number should be in my medical file. Inamed was unable to get the information from Lopez (scary, huh?) I didn't chase it any further though. Then when Kuri took out my port, I was under the impression he had to send it to Inamed. But if Kuri sent it to Inamed, then why is Craig Arthur having trouble getting the serial number? Hmmm.... I've heard "rumors" that Mexican doctors use cheaper ports, and that issue was addressed to Inamed just recently. They stand firm by Lopez. As far as I'm aware, I have an Inamed band. Even if China or Japan made a new band, how would one tell the difference between the the fake and the real one? All valid concerns. Shelly, I always get so excited when you jump in. Thanks for showing up!

I started my journey at 278 pounds which was my highest weight ever. I am not really sure exactly how I got there but it is what it is. I never really thought I was that big, I was just kind of in a huge denial of my actual self. I originally went to a seminar in July of 2006 to learn about the bypass. The nurse coordinator and my mother had worked together way back when so she has know me forever. I was convinced to come to the meeting when I saw how great she had looked and that she had a bypass in 1997. At that meeting I learned about the Lapband which I had never even heard of before. I got my info and thought about it but decided to try dieting one last time. I lost 30 pounds that I promtly regained. In Decmeber of 06 I gathered my doctors documentation and had my consult. I could have had my surgery in January but opted to wait until Feb. I had my UGI and psych eval done and I was ready to go. Day of surgery. I was scared out of my mind. I had never had surgery before and I could not get myself to calm down. I kissed my kids and held them tight. Once I went through preop and was lying on the bed I finally got some meds to calm down. I remember being pushed to the OR room and it felt like I was flying there. They transferred me to the bed and the next thing I remember was being pushed to my room leaving the postop area. I have been told that when I woke up in the OR I felt up and down my body and exclained "Holy shit, I am fucking alive" This whole past year has been the hardest journey of my life but the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have struggled with head hunger, emotional eating, plateaus, and frustrations, but it has taught me that I can survive. I have gained a new confidence about myself. I know I am worth more than i ever thought was possible. I know I can be a good wife and mother. I know that even if bad things happen, I can and will overcome them. With the loss of these 85 pounds I have gained a whole new sense of self. I always said that weight loss would never change me but it has. It has opened up a whole new world that I never really knew existed. It has challenged my thoughts of how my life was and showed me just what it could be. Instead of the facade I put on daily I have now gained the confidence to finally truely be myself. I can't wait to find what my second year of banding has in store for me.

The first doctor I went to told me not to get the lapband because someone as big as me could not lose the kind of weight that I needed to loose (200 lbs exactly). He said the LB was for someone needing to lose 40 or 50 lbs. I was so discouraged - I really didn't want to do gastric bypass because the band just seemed so right for me. He discouraged me so much that I didn't pursue the lapband for another 18 months. I am so glad to read about you all doing so well. It reaffirms that I can do it. Imagine if I had done this 18 months ago? I'd be on here with you all writing my success story! 7 weeks banded 25 lbs lost! I'm on my way. Stay tuned - Success Story, June 2010?