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Hello, I am probably going to have a band revision done at sometime this year due to a hital hernia (my first dr. stated in her paper work I did not have one before the surgery and now 3 years later I have one) and my current LB doctor would like to do a revision and fix the hernia and maybe reposition the band....has anyone had this done at all? I had such a hard time trying to find a new doctor as my old one left to open up a new center in Chicago...sometimes I regret my decision to have the surgery if I knew then what I know now about other LB doctors not wanting to take on new patients....what happens when you move/or your doctor leaves the practice? Thanks!

Has anyone had bypass surgery in this hospital? I'm eager to get it done. 57, 245, 5 9 . Been on every diet known to man up and down weight loss all my life. So frustrated with my managed care health care here. They couldn't care less about meeting my needs. Tired of the merry go round !!! Any information would be great!! Tom

I agree with the above statements due to my diabetics and history of upset stomach I choose the bypass and I do not regret it, I only wanted to have one surgury without any revisions as well as it is the gold standard , I could not risk any additional surgery , as well as time off from work so I wanted to get it right on the first go around and with insurance ever so changing I was not going to risk a denial when my insurance covered a 100%. Good luck .

There is a place called Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians. It is affiliated with St. Mark's Hospital. That is where I attended my class and am waiting for insurance approval. I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield through Wyoming. They seem to be great doctors. Four of my co-workers have had the gastric bypass done through this office and were very pleased. I am selecting Dr. McKinlay, however, there are two other doctors but Dr. McKinlay has been doing it the longest. Good luck on your journey!

Fill Centers USA - Weight Loss Surgery - Bariatric Surgery - Gastric Bypass Surgery - Lap Band Surgery Information and Support is their website, but just went and found it not working... did yesterday! oh, well, maybe down for site maintenance. Fill Centers require the provider charge: (going from memory) $299 for the first visit and includes fill $1?? maybe 125 or 150 or 199 - can't remember for all other subsequent visits and includes a fill Fluro costs like $80 extra, no matter if it's first or subsequent visit. Any time you need an 'unfill adjustment' if you notify fillcentersusa w/in a week, or 3 days, it's FREE as long as you go back w/in 3 weeks (or something like that) and if you need just a visit w/o adjustments, it's $75. I will post a thread on how my first visit with them goes. Have your friend call Highland Family Practice and see how much an adjustment is w/ Dr. Muse... maybe a better rate is used if not going thru fillcentersusa. Maybe not! He can always go thru the fillcentersusa if prices are too high. Good luck!

I'm glad you've told your BF. Hopefully between her/him and your family they will be a strong support. Along with this forum too! I'm sure that your hospital has support groups for face to face meetings as well. Unfortunately, the one at my hospital meets on Monday and it conflicts with a class I'm taking, but I have found much support here, and it's easier to be candid when you aren't face to face! ha My Mom was the same way, but I also watched her yo-yo her whole life and that is one of my goals of having this tool. She currently has lost and kept it off and I am proud of her, but she and I both know I need more. I had those same fears, and to be honest I was one of thhose judgemental people.... My friend got gastric bypass a year ago and I 100% thought she was taking "the easy way out" but that's for close minded people and I learned real quick going through this process that there isn't anything easy about it. It is hard work and your success will proves your commitment to that! I only have a 1 day liquid diet the day before-THANK GOD! I have been reading about these 2 week diets and I have no idea how they do it!! I would think I would have a problem being weak. But I also have thought maybe I should try a few days of liquids to get used to the weeks of liquids post op. Let us know how your consultation goes!

thanks for your response. I see this forum is about the lapband. Is their a similar forum for gastric bypass surgery?

I'm in the same boat as the previous commentors here.... I have diabetes, and was all for getting the sleeve... untill my doctor advised against it due to my reflux. He even advised me that he had two patients on tube feeding due to extrem GERD after their sleeves, and that as soon as they were well enough, he would have to do a full revision to a bypass. He also advised that the bypass would most likely help get rid of my diabetes, which given the comorbidities that go with diabetes, is a huge plus. Diabetes is the begining of a cascade of other issues like high cholesterol, kidney failure, high blood pressure, increased risk of cancer,Atherosclerosis, and so on. Diabetes was my deciding factor in getting WLS. Hope this helps you.

I am just shocked once again about the recent string of Lopez' patients that are popping up with complications. Port infections = Someone contacted me this morning who had this problem. Port revisions = Myself, Donali, and others out there I am sure. Band erosions = I think the last count I remember there were 7 from last year. Incisions infections = Too many to count including myself. Life-threatening issues = One that I know of most recently. These are just a few of the complications I am aware of. Not to mention erroneous information being distributed by Lopez and his staff. Sigh!! IT just goes to show you to be extremely careful with regards to going to Mexico or any doctor for that matter but to be extremely scrutinizing of Mexico doctors because there is NO recourse if you are facing more surgeries or out more money for health care. SIGH!!

That's one of my favorites! Lol Most people in my life know about my lap band and upcoming revision, but in the rare occasions where I would have to explain scars to someone new (like maybe a new boyfriend) that I wasn't ready to spill my secrets too, I always went with "Tijuana knife fight." Got a giggle and ended the discussion!

Hi all ... my name is wardah I'm from Australia Melbourne I have been over weight since young age at 28 I had my first wls lapbanding which was a great success at that time... two years later hitting my goal weight my first band was leaking then I had the second that had slept and caused infection that needed to be removed immediately 3rd band was put in had bit of success with it then I had started to get severe heart burns that not coming from stomach but the esophagus [emoji33][emoji33] after a few scans done it appears that due to a very tight band I had what they called a stretched esophagus where all my food is sitting and coming up ... long story short my doctor strongly recommended that I have the Bypass done asap removing the band with out given alot of information about post op I'm getting mixed msgs some people had great success some had Nothing but bad luck I really have no clue what I'm getting myself into but yet have no choice if someone that had a rny can give me something to read and learn about it thanks a million [emoji4] [emoji4] Sent from my SM-N950F using BariatricPal mobile app

I will be getting my revision!!! Yeah!! 9:30 is the scheduled time. Can't wait to start a new journey!

One question I would ask your surgeon since you are an athlete is about nutrition post-surgery. My understanding of a difference between bypass and sleeve is a difference in nutrient absorption. Best of luck with your decision and thank you for your service!

Today I just started my 2 weeks liquid diet and my surgery is April 23rd. Question? My friend had bypass done in February and she told me that was ate hard boiled egg whites (no yolk) throughout the 2 week liquid diet. She said her surgery was fine and the doctor said everything looked good. Has anyone else tried egg whites or other alternatives?

Hi, I was kind of in the same situation. I have 100 lbs to lose and I am only 26. My doctor said the Vertical Sleeve would be better but Tricare doesn't cover it. He said that There's a point when the lapbanders get "stuck" and stop losing weight as they used to lose in the beginning. I don't know if that's true or not. He also said Gastric bypass could be a better option than the band but I have met a few people that after losing ALL the extra weight, they gained it back, and that scares me! So I politely said no and that my only interest was the band. Because, worse case scenario, if something goes wrong at least they can remove the band and that's it. Taking a portion of your stomach or "re-tubing" it it's more invasive and there's more room for a mistake and if in the future you want it reverse, you can't. It's a personal choice, do your research and do whatever you think will be better for yourself. Doctors are wrong sometimes, your inner voice is never wrong

hi this is my first day on this sight but I just found this and copied it for you Join Date: Jul 2003 Age: 45 Posts: 6,484 Abbreviations and What They Mean Weight-loss surgery, band-specific, and general medical terms: PB: "productive burp" -- what happens when something eaten can't go down due to restriction has to come back up NSV: Non-scale victory -- a weight-loss achievement that has little to do with numbers WLS: Weight-loss surgery MO: Morbid Obesity (or morbidly obese) BMI: Body Mass Index GBP: Gastric bypass surgery RNY: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (the most popular type of bariatric surgery) DS: Duodenal switch (another type of bariatric surgery) BP: blood pressure PCP: Primary care physician GP: General practitioner NP: Nurse practitioner PA: Physician's assistant BC: Birth control (or BCP: birth-control pills) OTC: Over the counter (i.e., non-prescription medications) NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (a class of painkillers--which includes ibuprofen--bandsters should try to avoid because they can add to ulcer risk). AF: "Aunt Flo" -- menstrual period GERD: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease #/#/# in signatures: weight pre-surgery/current weight/goal weight And some general abbreviations used here and elsewhere on the web, not related to banding or weight loss: LBT: LapBandTalk.com -- this wonderful place on the web! OH: Obesityhelp.com -- another support site, with message forums BIL, SIL, ILs: Brother-in-law, sister-in-law, in-laws BTW: By the way DH: darling (or dear, or danged, or use your imagination) husband DW: darling... wife DD, DS: darling... daughter, son IMHO: In my humble opinion (and its cousin, IMNSHO: in my not so humble opinion) IIRC: If I recall correctly ISO: In search of LOL: laugh out loud OMG: Oh my God OT: Off-topic ROTFLMAO: Rolling on the floor laughing my a** off! TMI: Too much information WRT: With regard to WTF: What the f...? WTG: Way to go! YMMV: Your mileage may vary

Besides there is documentation for gastric bypass. the sleeve is not as drastic as it is

Hi there, I am going through the process of band to sleve revision. I am excited but very nervous about surgery this time. I am a adoptive mom of two beautiful boys and I just feel nervous. I have been banded since 12/09 and have only lost about 45 lbs. my sister had a very bad time with her band and finally had to have it removed. I haven't had any major concerns with my band like she had. I have never had heartburn or my band break like her. We just can't find a sweet spot for me and my band. I am worried that I may have a lot of heartburn with the sleeve even though I haven't really had any to speak of with the bad. I just want better results. What are some of the possible side effects from band to sleeve revision, and have any of you experienced them?

I actually posted this in another forum, but realized it would have been a better fit here, so thought I'd introduce myself. Hi there! I'm new here to the site. My name is Kari and I'm 30 years old from Michigan. I've been researching WLS for the last year and officially started this process this past January 2013. Initially, I started out thinking I was going to have the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass, however after meeting my surgeon for the first time and going over my labs, it was discovered that I am very anemic and he felt that the RNY would not be a good option for me as in the long-term it will cause me more health problems than what it's worth. I completely trust his judgment, therefore I will be going with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy! (And in all honesty, I feel better about this choice for some reason). Thankfully we have been blessed with great health insurance through my husband's employer, and they cover the surgery, no questions asked, no pre-approval. I just have to do everything my bariatric program requires, and I'm good to go. Next week I do my psych evaluation, and the following week I will do my exercise consultation. Sometime after that I will meet with a cardiac doctor to get surgery clearance, and have another visit with my surgeon. On that day I will also get to schedule my surgery. I'm excited and nervous, and I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions along the way! My highest weight ever was 320 lbs. My starting weight for this process was 311 and my current weight is 294. I look forward to getting to know many of you here! Thanks for allowing me to introduce myself! - Kari

I'm getting so frustrated. I've been to the surgeon, nutritionist and exercise therapist 3 times. I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever get a surgery date My insurance is Triwest through the military. Starting to get upset. I'm waiting to have gastric bypass.

I don't think anyone here can answer what your insurance carrier considers a revision. You are going to have to contact them directly. Perhaps you can phrase the question in a way which doesn't reveal you already had the band. "If I were to choose a band and then later, say, like 3 years from now, revise to the sleeve, would that procedure be covered, too?"

So I am have my first appt with my doctor at the end of the moth to discuss gastric sleeve. I previously had a lapband but had to get it removed about three years ago. Would my sleeve be considered a revision or a stand alone procedure? My first surgery was self pay but I am needing my insurance to pay for this one. I'm worried if they consider it a revision that the insurance may not pay. Now I'm worried :-/

I've heard that slips are caused by over eating or by vomitting a lot ... I've never had one so I have no idea. Im sorry about your predicament. Have you been able to keep the weight off during your revisions? Best of luck!

Hi KTK. My husband and I have had the lap band for 2 years now. We have a friend that had the Gastric Bypass a year and a half ago. She lost her first 100 lbs faster than us, however she has had many complications. We have had absolutely no complications and over time, we have lost more weight. Both surgeries are very effective however there are people that have not been successful with either one. The Lap Band and the Gastic bypass are only tools. You get out them what you put in to it. I chose the Lap band because I felt re arranging my insides was a bit much. The Lap Band is adjustable and reversable and it has worked great for both of us. Feel free to contact me if you think of any questions. I love giving the advise that helped my husband and I. We are both half the size we use to be =-). Good Luck. Once you start see the results, it become an easy life style to adapt to.

I have started the process of getting bariatric surgery. I am in month 2 of going to the nutrition meetings required by my insurance. I never really thought this would happen for me. I have been thinking of having the surgery in an abstract way for years. I always said that if I won the lottery I would do it in a heartbeat. I found out a month ago that my insurance covers the surgery if they find it medically necessary. I am type 2 diabetic, high blood pressure, higher than my doctor would like cholesterol, and I have extremely bad sciatica issues from a car accident when I was 14. It seems like every time I go to the doctor I get some new medication to add to the 13 pills I already take a day. I also have anxiety issues that I take medication for and I am currently trying to quit smoking. I know that is a lot to take one but I am a goal setter and a goal keeper. 5 years ago in 2009, I was depressed, I mean extremely depressed. My friend that I have known since I was 13 told me she worried that I was dead on the floor and my cats were eating my body. She was joking of course but, I didn't really talk to anyone for 6 months. I stopped wanting to leave my house, I had no motivation to take a bath, no motivation to do anything but lay on my couch and wish I was dead. I finally pin pointed the reason for my depression as I was stuck in a job I hated with no real way to get out because I had no high school diploma. I made a plan and a 5 year goal and a 10 year goal, I decided to get my GED at 35 and go to college. I bought books and started studying for the GED test. I came to a point where I knew I needed help because math is not my friend. I went to my local GED prep classes to get help. The process took a week to see where I was with my English and math skills. I kept taking test after test until I took the practice test and I was told that I could take the real test the following week. I passed my first try. I entered college in the fall of 2010. I will graduate next May with 2 degrees, I will graduate from the Honors Program at my school, I am a member of the Honors Society, and I have carried a 3.5 GPA the entire time I have been in school. That was my 5 year goal. To get my GED, go to college and get a degree, find a job with good insurance so I could try to get the surgery. I think I did well so far. LOL Anyway, the second phase of my ten year plan was to get into shape and get my health where it should be. I was diagnosed with diabetes at 33. Only because I had shingles for the second time in my life and I went in for a physical. Sorry this first post is so long but, I feel like if I get support now the next 7 months will fly by. I hope to have the surgery next summer. The point is that I make and keep goals. That is something I have been bad at most of my life but, I know that I must keep this goal in order to live a long and healthier life. It will also help with my favorite passtime of throwing pottery on the wheel. Its one of the talents I found while in school. I never knew I was talented or creative in anyway before I went to college and now I make beautiful art pieces with just my hands, some clay, and a kiln. It is my zen place, the one place where I am completely in the moment and not worrying about everything. It gives me peace. Now I found out that my insurance provided by my state through Medicaid expansion, because I am a poor college student that moved back in with my dad at 35 so I could concentrate on school. I do work, but I work for my school and it is part time so I get the Medicaid because I am poor. I always said if I had health insurance that covered it I would jump at the chance to get it. Well here is my chance and I am going full steam ahead with it. I will be attending my local support group that is part of the program I am working; I have been having a hard time with the exercise portion of the program though. I have long standing back issues and I really have to be careful what I do because I get this horrible burning pain that shoots down my leg sometimes just from normal walking. Plus I can't afford a gym membership right now. I did look into my local rec center and it seems they have pool exercise 3 times a week which I am going to try next week. I am not sure which surgery my surgeon will recommend for me but I am pretty sure I will ask for the bypass because of the remission of diabetes. I have been reading all about it in medical journals and I even tried to join the Cleveland Clinic study on the subject but I didn't have insurance before and they would not take me. I really am only worried about my health. I have seen what this obesity can do to a body from my mother who was 518 pounds at 53 and we had to put her into a nursing facility because she could no longer take care of herself anymore. Her story is sad, but it has a sort of happy ending in that, for her the surgery was a success and she is now living in an apartment on her own and able to take care of her own needs. Anyway, I am Naomi and I will be posting here. (If your read that whole thing I am really sorry, I tend to be long winded.)