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I chose the sleeve over bypass 4 years ago. I cannot say that is was wrong choice at that time in my life. I know WLS saved my life. Now, I am getting revised for múltiple reason including never getting to a healthy weight, GERD and a hernia plus my sleeve was never a sleeve. Sent from my SM-J727T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I don't think the question was aimed at long term wearing - but the extended time that our stomach is still subject to heal. I think I have decided againt it, but if you are a lapband or plication to sleeve revision that suffered damage, or you have had a leak, etc. OR PREGNANT - perhaps a bracelet that gives a contact number rather than the typical bracelet. Thing is I know everyone wants to be normal, but for now a new sleeve is sooo not normal. I can see several scenarios that a bracelet could save your life. Perhaps one of thedog collars, do drop under your clothing? My diabetes bracelet was actually an italian charm. I often wondered if anyone would even notice, lol. I would suggest you make an ICE on your phone that puts info on meds and such in a contact info note. I have always had that.

Im excited im having a revision from lapband to sleeve Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

I did the revision of band to bypass on 1/18/19 & so far I’m down 30lbs.

I'm not telling anyone because I'm a revision from lapband to sleeve.. and a lot of people in my life are extremely judgemental on how I spend my money and feel like I wasted all this money on a lapband, that it would be foolish to get another surgery that is "unecessary" they just don't get it. 8 years of this is enough.. I am telling my co workers because they are extremely supportive and a few very close friends, most are also revision patients that I met when I originally got my band..

I was in the same boat. Praying for sleep apnea but it turned out I didn't have it. Heck I "may" or "may not" have prayed fory doctor to find high blood pressure or that my labs came back with high blood sugar. Anything that the insurance would accept. Everything came back perfect... [emoji21] However since it was a revision LB to sleeve we were requesting, my doctor was able to show that since the band was not working I had gained back over 65% of what I lost putting my BMI at 37. My cholesterol is 279. My mother died from obesity related heart issues and diabetes at the age of 51 which is mainly why getting my health under control now it's so important to me. So with all that info my insurance finally approved it. Good luck! I wish you success in your endeavors. Here's my cyborg pic 🤣[emoji23]🤣 taken in May 2017. Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

We are in the same boat in many ways. I too and revision from band to sleeve and we are starting at the same BMI and I too will be glad to get this band out of me! Best of luck; I would like to stay in touch.

I chose Dr. Kelly also, I had surgery on Tuesday and leave TJ this morning. When I got here there was a girl that was leaving that had a revision and she looked amazing. Her revision was supposedly a tough one but she seemed to be at the same place as the rest of us 3 days out. I had no pain and very little nausea, I stopped taking the pain mess and anti nausea meds at day two. There were 5 of us done over the period of time that I was here and all have had the same experience. I chose Dr Kelly bc I felt comfortable with all of the phone conversations we had prior, he has American credentials that my own physicians checked out, he does not work with the brokers, I did not have to send any money before hand. Those were my main reasons, everyone's is going to be different. If you speak to Dr. Kelly remember that he does not work with brokers so if you are contacted besides anyone but Omar then you are not actually talking to Dr Kelly. The brokers are playing not so fair.

hi mimi, please tell me what it is like having a revision from lapband to sleeve? Do you have acid reflux or vomiting like I have with band? I have had the band for 15 years, it helped me lose weight and keep it off but I vomit all the time. I damaged my esophagus and I have to have it taken out. One doctor suggests sleeve and another mini GBP. WHich one is better?

Hi, I had my lap band placed in 2006 and I did great I went from 245 lbs to 134 lbs with eating right and lots of exercise. During that time I went through a divorce and moved back to California from Arizona, I enrolled back into College so that I could earn my degree in nursing. So with that said I stayed very busy met my new husband and started to put weight slowly back on, not much but enough to feel it. I joined the gym in January 2018 and dropped weight, toned up and put on muscle. I started to experience severe GERD to the point of vomiting while sleeping! I had not kept up with my lap band maintenance or adjustments in about 7-8 years. I decided it was time to consider removing the band after 3 trips to the ER within 3 months. I met a wonderful Bariatric doctor who suggested I consider and research a revision from the band to the gastric sleeve, now this was a surprise to me as I am 5'5 142 lbs and a size 2. He explained everything thoroughly, detailed and why medically this would be a great option, he did also give me the option of simply removing the band as he felt the issues I was having was that after 13 years my body was "rejecting the foreign object" thus the lap band plus I also had a large hard bump where the port was located due to my slimmer torso. After researching the pros and cons I decided to go for the revision, which was done 5/20/19, my doctor did the removal of the band and sleeve all in one procedure (3.5 hours) I felt this would be best as I did NOT want to have to go under twice. I had NO issue with my insurance due to the reason and medical documentation to support the revision. So far so good, I will say the one thing my doctor told me (which I have learned)is forget everything you learned and lived with with your Band the sleeve is a whole new ball game! I was only on liquids for 2 days post op, protein shakes started on day 2 as well with jello and broth, 10 days post op I started on eggs, beans, yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna salad and have had no issue. I drink a lot of water up to 1 gallon a day and that I must say has changed as I now have to sip (not chug) throughout the day. Lots of sugar free popsicles, watermelon and sugar free jello have been my best friends when I feel I need to hydrate. I've also started to go back to the gym as of day 11 post op (once I got my doctors ok) NO weights, midline or core workouts only treadmill, stair climber and spin class (modified) for an hour each day and let me tell you this has helped tremendously with the swelling and gas! My advice would be to get another medical opinion and get and stay as active as possible. It's a lifestyle change and a daily battle (for me). Hope this help :)

My surgery was on Wednesday the 2nd. I had a revision from band to sleeve. I woke up in some pain but the anesthesiologist gave me a block in one of my nerves in my tummy and that was great. I had a revision from a band so I think that's where a lot of my pain came from, having to remove the port, band and scar tissue. I slept a lot day 1, first night would have been ok if the nurses didn't keep coming into the room. I got up and walked every couple of hours because the gas pains were pretty bad, it feels like someone sitting on your chest and back, very uncomfortable. I don't even really feel like I was in too much pain, maybe a 4/5, it was mostly discomfort. I didn't get nauseous until I was about to leave the hospital, I did throw up a tiny bit of mucus but I felt better after I got some meds for the nausea. My rid home sucked because there were a bunch of bumps but once I was laying on the couch I felt better. Picked up some chicken Soup from a local Mexican restaurant and strained it so could get something in me besides water and ice. It was delicious! I slept on on night 2, I have an adjustable bed so I slept at an angle with pillows all around me. I was scared I was going to roll over onto my tummy. Days 3 and 4 were good, minimal pain, got up and shower and that felt good. My diaphragm was definitely swollen pretty bad, still is a little bloated. Last night was a little rough for me, I didn't sleep good and I woke up in some pain, I might have pushed it too much yesterday. Today has been ok, took another shower and got really tired. I wanted to go back to work tomorrow but I think I'm just going to work from home, my drive it pretty far and I don't think I'm ready for that. It has been hard getting in liquids, today I've had a Protein drink, water, chicken noodle soup broth, and a Popsicle. I need to get out of the house so I'm going to go to the store for my full liquid diet this evening. Good luck!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I know exactly how you feel. Once the dr unfilled my band that was giving me so many problems I gained 25lbs before I got sleeved. But that just showed me that I really do need this tool to help keep me on track. My revision was on the 2nd and I couldn't be happier. It's a struggle but we can get over this hump. You can do it! Good luck and keep us updated on your journey. We all understand this struggle. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you for sharing I was revised on band to bypass on 9/18. I find myself not hungry as well I was hoping this feeling go away once i get off liquids. My mouth stays dry as well did you experience that? Congratulations on your success. I would to be able to reach out to you through my journey if that's ok? Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

Allergan, maker of the Lap-Band® and many other medical devices, made the bariatric headlines on October 30, 2012, when a news article (click the link below to read it) revealed that they’re considering selling the Lap-Band® part of their business. I don’t have all the details behind the story, but I do have plenty of opinions about it, so I’m sharing those opinions with you in this article. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL3E8LU46K20121030 BIG NEWS IN THE BAND WORLD On October 30, 2012, a Reuters article revealed that Allergan is considering selling the Lap-Band® to another medical device company due to declining sales of the band. Not surprisingly, this news has caused some excitement in the bariatric surgery community. When I first read the article, my immediate thought was that I don't have enough information to make it the subject of an article of my own. I'm still missing a lot of information, but have plenty of opinions about it (which can come as no surprise to you), so I've decided to give you my opinions with you in this article from today’s special edition of the Bandwagon® on the Road e-newsletter. ALLERGAN PEDDLES THE BAND I have a hard time drawing any conclusions (pro or con) about the band itself based on the Reuters report. The decline in Lap-Band® sales could be the result of management or other business problems rather than due to a problem with the band itself. It's highly unlikely that Allergan will ever reveal the whole story to anyone but their team of attorneys and board of directors. So, what could this hot news story mean? As you read on, please remember: these are only personal opinions from an ex-bandster who’s fairly well-informed but not a medical professional and in no way associated with Allergan or any other medical device or other company in the world of bariatric surgery. For what it’s worth, here’s my take on the story. The US economy is in tough shape, the popularity of bariatric surgery in general is leveling off, and insurance coverage for bariatric surgery is still a challenge. Allergan is not alone in this - Johnson & Johnson must face the same challenge in marketing the Realize™ Band. The story of what's really behind all this is clouded by the reactions of the media and of band-bashers who sing the "I told you so" song because they assume (without any credible basis at this point) that Allergan's decision is related to the safety and/or efficacy of the band. SO, WHAT’S THE REAL STORY? All the other bariatric surgery procedures now performed in the USA can have serious complications and failure rates, but it's easier to point the finger of blame at a single manufacturer of a medical device than it is to blame the thousands of surgeons who are doing bariatric procedures that don't happen to use a medical device. The FDA isn't looking over the shoulders of all those surgeons the way it scrutinizes Allergan or Johnson & Johnson. When Dr. John Doe stops doing bariatric surgery and goes back to yanking out gall bladders, no one leads a parade down Main Street waving banners about the dangers of the procedures Dr. Doe was doing. Except in rare cases (such as the sad story of my original surgeon), nobody's even discussing Dr. Doe's surgical expertise or behavior. It's an example of what I call the David & Goliath Syndrome. A big company like Allergan is an easy target thanks to its size and visibility. The general public may step on Dr. Doe's fingers but otherwise will kick him to the curb in eagerness to throw rocks at Allergan. One of the hurdles facing any manufacturer of an adjustable gastric band is that it is (in my opinion) the bariatric procedure that requires the most patient education, aftercare, and support. In the 5 years since I was banded, I have encountered plenty of evidence of bariatric clinics doing a great job of that, but I've also encountered clinics that are failing at it, to the detriment of their patients. Not because they're doing something wrong, per se, but because they're directed by a surgeon (or team of surgeons) who was trained to think of surgery of any nature as an in-and-out deal. They're used to seeing the patient 3 times: a pre-op visit; in the operating room (with an unconscious patient); one post-op visit; and never again unless the patient experiences a complication that requires more surgery. That's fine when the surgery involves removing a gall bladder or a mole or a wisdom tooth, but it's a set-up for failure with band patients. The bariatric surgeon who vetted Bandwagon told me several years ago that the band manufacturers make few demands on the surgeons or clinics that buy their products because they don't want to marginalize the customers who don't follow the manufacturer's advice but have acceptable patient outcomes. Avoiding marginalization of customers is a smart business decision but a poor medical decision, and I think it's a mistake for us to view surgeons only as super-wealthy, super-powered medical demi-gods anointed by a Supreme Being and the ASMBS. They're also customers, and just like you and me when we're shopping for a new car, they're looking for a product that has reliable quality and performance at a price they can live with. They are business people who want to make money (to pay their staff, their malpractice insurance premiums, their colossal student loans, and their kids' college funds). Sure they want to practice the art (and science) of medicine, but they can't do that very well if they can't pay their bills. Finally, keep in mind that someone, somewhere is going to end up with the Lap-Band in some form. It is highly unlikely that Lap-Band® research & development, its technology and FDA approval, to say nothing of the existing customer base, will drop to the bottom of the bariatric pond and never be seen again. Both Allergan and the new owner will legally and ethically have to stand behind their product, with the details of that worked out to the last detail by teams of expensive attorneys and insurance companies. Even surgeons who stop doing band surgery to concentrate on other procedures will still have the basic skill and knowledge to provide fills and other aftercare to their band patients. Although I lost my beloved band in April 2012, I do not regret having Lap-Band® surgery and if I were starting my WLS journey today, I would ask my surgeon's opinion about the Allergan decision and also ask how (or if) it will affect his/her practice. The answers to those questions would be towards the top of a long list of questions I'd be asking before deciding to have surgery. And if I still had my band, I'd be asking my surgeon the same questions so that I could go forward with some degree of comfort (if not 100% satisfaction) that I'd have someone to turn to should I need band help in the future. I most certainly would not be rushing off to make an appointment with the Speedy Weight Loss Surgery Revision Center, or at least not until I'd done plenty of homework on the procedures offered by the quacks at Speedy. Trading in a car just because it's 2 years old has never made sense to me, and if it isn’t broke, why fix it? Although my journey from Lap-Band® to vertical sleeve gastrectomy ended up taking 6 months, I'm still nagged about it by a little doubting voice, especially when my sleeve is giving me trouble. Should I have chosen the sleeve, or not? Should I have risked the return to morbid obesity, or gamble on more surgery? There are no easy answers to questions like that. If there were a cure for obesity, I'd be first in line for it, but until that cure is invented, I'm making the best of what I've got.

My dr said as soon as you felt like it. I waited a week. Michelle Post op revision band to bypass 9-28-17 Sw 276 Day of surgery 252 Cw 248 Goal Healthy BMI 154.

Im your weight and height but im a revision on may 2 any suggestions

My two cents on the Shirley issue, she was a band to sleeve revision and had her sleeve done by Dr Pompa long before she was the main US coordinator for Betancourt/Dr.Almanza. Also she was definitely NOT fired. She QUIT! This is NOT hearsay from my part for sure! Thanks Stoongal for the FACTS!!!

I am not going to get caught up in all this political mess. I will say this, I would love to personally sue a certain someone for telling me false things about Jerusaleum Clinic. To scare me to death about my daughters health just so you thought I would change my surgery to the doctor you are now working for....shame on you! That being said, my story goes like this.........In Feb. of 2009, my daughter and I both had lap band surgery by Dr. Almanza. No problems.......In Jan. 2010 daughter was revised and I had to have my band removed because of errosion. April 2010 (just last week) my husband and I had a sleeve. All these procedures were done by Almanza. I find him and his clinic to be both professional. We have never had an infection or complications. I thank my stars everyday that there is a healthy option to obesity surgery for those of us that do not have insurance coverage. I know how hard it is doing the research...please don't listen to all this garbage about Almanza........I think he is great. Surgery sleeve Dr. Almanza April 14, 2010

Melody, Your 5 pounds is probably a combo of water retention from the salt in restaurant food and when I work out more than usual my body retains water for a few days too. I bet it goes away in a couple of days. Stacie-- What about the sleeve if you have to have revision? That is my backup plan. Bob-- Good luck with the panni, I would like to do some CS but A) I'm scared of the pain, :biggrin: I cant take off work and most of all C) NO MONEY. I am kind of irritated that, after losing all this weight I am not more happy with my body. I guess I thought I was going to get my 20 year old body back. SHEESH!

Hello everybody! I hope everyone had a great holiday. I had a good Christmas and good times with the family. I ate well but we had the wii so I worked a good portion. I know why dancers and Michael Jackson stay so thin I have been reflecting on the New Year. I see my new surgeon on January 3. I am sure port revision surgery is coming down the pipe, but I will see--not to stressed about it. I am glad so my fills will not be painful. I also approach my one year bandiversary on January 14, 2010. Okay I know you all are going to beat me up--go ahead because I probably need it. I am pleased with my weight loss, but cannot help but be bummed that my goal of losing 100lbs by my anniversary post-surgery probably will not be achieved. The 100lbs I have lost includes pre-op weight loss. This week I am actually doing my pre-op diet just to re-discipline myself and really focus. I am hungry and have a headache--withdrawals. Mom is doing somewhat better, so I do not have to go as much, but I still we be glad when she is more self-sufficient. Any Happy New Year to all.

Hi All, My Dr's office submitted my paperwork to my insurance company Blue Shield last Monday. They came back requesting more info pre and post weight/BMI? We finally understood they were asking for my info pre and post lap band. I had it placed in 2006 and removed in 2009/2010. I removed it since it just didn't work and we wanted to start a family. My question is do any of you have any experience with insurance companies denying based upon past failures? I don't feel this should even be an issue for them and not sure why they ate linking into it,so any insight would be great thanks. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

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 have a pocket accidentally made by my surgeon in 2013 & he treated me for reflux & ulcers which i dont have its the damage to small intestine, its like a hook/pocket & makes me nausea & vomiting several times daily, this damage was done yo small intestine. Im hoping gor a fast revision approval plus i had a staple dangling that was removed oct 9th ,2015 while having upper endoscopy done be g ore more damage was done..i ferl lost.

I have long been a fan of the MGB, but had no insurance that would cover it. My dr. told me that after the Sleeve, nothing else could be done. How is it that you can revise to the MGB?

I have not been fated to have a revision. But I'm fearing that's where things are heading. Mickally: what kind of meds did you try ? How long did you have issues before they revised you? How much weight have you lost? Padraigma613: do u know why you gained the weight back? Was it because the stomach acid mimicked hunger and you ate more or is there another reason?? What was done for your Gerd?