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I was diagnosed with a slip and waited almost two years before having revision surgery. I don't know, I guess I hoped it would fix itself? I have to say, even though I'm just five days out from revision surgery, having my band fixed is amazing. I feel so much better and eating goes SO much more smoothly. Don't hesitate with that slipped band, have it fixed. You will be happy you did.

Hi Birdy18, I went through this before when I initially got the lap-band. I have to agree with EmyWemy...it is weird when you try some of your "favorite" foods again, you may realize they may not be your favorite's anymore. Also, keep in the back of your head that you will eventually be able to eat with your family again. You may just make some different choices. Now that I am scheduled for lap-band to vsg revision on September 17th, I have to go throug this whole thing all over again. :0) Looking forward to reading more of your blogs!!! It sounds like you are doing great!

About 8 1/2 years ago, I finally got to the point where I was tired of being fat and started looking into having bariatric surgery. I researched everything I could find, and I thought that the Lap-Band was the best fit for me. At the time, the only options available to me were Lap-Band and RNY bypass. VSG was not very common in the United States at the time, and was not covered by most insurance plans. As a comparative light-weight (I was in the high 30s BMI, and just barely had a BMI of 40 the day of surgery), I thought that the lap-band was the perfect solution. At the time, it was being heavily advertised as "the next big thing" in bariatrics, with a projected success rate that rivaled or exceeded the RNY bypass at 5 years out, and was "fully reversible." So, I got approved by insurance. Everything started out well. Even though I was a "light-weight," once I had decent restriction, I was losing weight at a steady pace. And the restriction? Well, the common practice then was to make the band so tight that you were physically limited in the amounts and types of foods you could eat. We were encouraged to only be able to eat 1/4-1/2 cup of food at a time. The downside to this restriction? Severe acid reflux. My surgeon didn't think anything of it, and gave me the option of taking proton pump inhibitors or coming in to reduce the amount of Fluid. But when you've been fat your entire life, and you FINALLY have the dream of being thin within reach, what's a little acid reflux? Obviously, I chose the proton pump inhibitor. Eventually, that didn't even control the acid. I couldn't eat or drink within 4-5 hours of bed. I was sleeping propped up on a steep foam wedge with another pillow or two on top of it. And I was still waking up choking on stomach acid. Eventually, what broke the camel's back was that my chest was constantly hurting throughout the day, I had a nagging cough, and my voice was noticeably hoarse. I drove the 7 hours to see the doctor to have an emergency unfill. My acid reflux improved, but I was still having severe shoulder pain periodically and athough I'd reached my goal weight and lost 100% of my excess weight, I slowly began to gain weight. A few months after being unfilled, I received a job offer and moved across the country. My new job was in a tiny town several hours from the closest bariatric surgeon. Of course, even though I was gaining weight, I was much smaller than I started out. The weight gain continued, though. Eventually, I decided to find a new surgeon and get back on track for fills. At the first appointment, he looked at the band under fluoroscopy and said that it needed to be removed or replaced/repositioned, as I'd apparently been living for quite some time with a MASSIVE slip. He was surprised that I hadn't needed emergency intervention, since he said that even with most of the fill gone, I only had a space the size of a pencil eraser for food to pass from the upper chamber to the lower. At that point, I was interested in revising to the sleeve, but unfortunately, I was told that my insurance at the time probably wouldn't cover it. So, I got a new band. And the only thing that improved was that I didn't have reflux or shoulder pain. I couldn't obtain good restriction, and I was afraid to even attempt it because I was 7 hours from my surgeon. My weight just kept climbing and climbing. At the beginning of this year, I had a major issue. I made the mistake of trying to eat a raw carrot. I'd eaten them regulary. I chewed well. It still got stuck, and I suffered through a severe episode of PBing and sliming while at work. After that, my reflux came back with a vengeance, to the point where I had to have all of the fluid removed from my band. The Upper GI Series showed no slippage, so apparently I just can't tolerate the restriction anymore (even though I didn't have much in the first place). Eight years after my original surgery and 4 years after my replacement surgery, here I am. I'm only 10 pounds from my original pre-surgery weight. I finally decided that I'd had enough. It was time for either revision to another surgery or just yanking the damned thing out entirely. What's the point of having it if it isn't doing me any good? Without restriction, it's useless, and my body simply won't tolerate restriction from the band anymore. So, after 7 months of jumping through hoops, insurance denials, appeals, and finally resorting to a peer-to-peer appeal, I am approved for a revision. I'm getting this damned thing removed! I don't have my surgery date yet, but the end is in sight! I'd originally been interested in the sleeve, but after consulting with my new surgeon and doing a lot of research, I decided the best route would be RNY bypass, due to my metabolism issues and lack of long-term data for the VSG as a stand-alone surgery. I am so sick of this journey and I want it to be over. I'm sick of trying to do things "the hard way." We're so conditioned to think that something has to be difficult in order for it to be worthwhile. I've tried doing it the difficult way, and sure, I lost weight temporarily. I also got tooth and vocal chord damage, issues with my vagus nerve, vigilance about knowing where all the bathrooms are in a building, and my metabolism got shot to hell (even more than it already was with PCOS). So here's to me finally getting back on the loser's bench and getting on with my life. All I can say is that this has been a long, hard, embarrassing journey, and I'm glad it's finally coming to an end. For those of you who've had long-term success with the band, my hat is off to you, and I hope that you never get put in my position. For those of you who are just looking into the band as an option, all I can ask is that you consider my story and really put some thought into what you are doing. As much as it's reversibility is advertised, this isn't a simple surgery where you can just have it removed if it doesn't work and everything is just like you never had it. If you're in a position where it has to be removed, you're likely to have lasting damage to your stomach, damage to your esophagus or vocal chords, adhesions, scar tissue around your stomach or where the port was located, etc. So please, research, talk to people, network, and KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GETTING INTO. There is no "good as new" after this surgery.

I had to have my port revised after it flipped. I wasn't as far out as you - only about 3 months. Two fills and a slight unfill later, things are working great!

I am excited to share that I received my approval for revision surgery from UHC in less than a week. I completed the 6 month diet requirement along with many other pokes and probes. I will keep you all posted on my surgery date and subsequent progress. Stay encouraged!!

You will be sure to hear from some of those who have had their band removed and had revision surgery to the RNY or gastric sleeve. What do your upper GI's show? Are you too tight when you say you have restriction? How many cc's are in your band when you have restriction? It could be you are too tight then and need to have less fill. I hope you are able to resolve this issue.

The excitement for my approaching surgery day is really building! :biggrin: I'm down to one lecture and 3 exams, I have to finish some work in a research lab that I work in (oddly enough, we do bio-medical research dealing with obesity and anorexia), and also revise a paper for my class. But all I want to do is think about my surgery, prepare for that, get packed in my apartment since I have to move out while healing from surgery. (No worries, I have help to move so that I won't have to lift anything over the recommendation of 15 lbs.:thumbup:) I know I have to focus but, it's just soo hard! The little scientist in me is soo eager to hear other people's stories...a lot of people have been talking about the noises their stomachs are making, which are caused by the stomach acids and/or liquids that are in the stomach, normal stomach growling is where your stomach makes a peristoltic wave to push the chyme (food and stomach acid mixed) to the bottom of the stomach to the pyloric sphyncter to allow an ounce at a time thru to the intestines. So think, you have just put a band around the top portion of your stomach, the liquids, gas from surgery, and stomach acid are mixing, churning, and trying to make the normal peristoltic wave that it would do, but the band is probably interfering with that, no worries, I'd say that once you get back onto the normal foods, the sounds should subside because it's less liquid to slosh around in there and make noises with. But, realize now that I am no Phd or MD just a biologist who works very closely with the human physiology in research. Now that I have that out of my system, again I'm really excited! I really would like to be one of those people who loses it really rapidly and in like 5 mos have like an insane amount of weight but at the same time, I don't want the excess skin.....Guess I'll just have to wait and see! I'm like a 4 yr old at Christmas! Can't wait to wake up and tear into my presents! This year my present is being healthy!:biggrin:

The excitement for my approaching surgery day is really building! :thumbup: I'm down to one lecture and 3 exams, I have to finish some work in a research lab that I work in (oddly enough, we do bio-medical research dealing with obesity and anorexia), and also revise a paper for my class. But all I want to do is think about my surgery, prepare for that, get packed in my apartment since I have to move out while healing from surgery. (No worries, I have help to move so that I won't have to lift anything over the recommendation of 15 lbs.:wink:) I know I have to focus but, it's just soo hard! The little scientist in me is soo eager to hear other people's stories...a lot of people have been talking about the noises their stomachs are making, which are caused by the stomach acids and/or liquids that are in the stomach, normal stomach growling is where your stomach makes a peristoltic wave to push the chyme (food and stomach acid mixed) to the bottom of the stomach to the pyloric sphyncter to allow an ounce at a time thru to the intestines. So think, you have just put a band around the top portion of your stomach, the liquids, gas from surgery, and stomach acid are mixing, churning, and trying to make the normal peristoltic wave that it would do, but the band is probably interfering with that, no worries, I'd say that once you get back onto the normal foods, the sounds should subside because it's less liquid to slosh around in there and make noises with. But, realize now that I am no Phd or MD just a biologist who works very closely with the human physiology in research. :biggrin: Now that I have that out of my system, again I'm really excited! I really would like to be one of those people who loses it really rapidly and in like 5 mos have like an insane amount of weight but at the same time, I don't want the excess skin.....Guess I'll just have to wait and see! I'm like a 4 yr old at Christmas! Can't wait to wake up and tear into my presents! This year my present is being healthy!:blushing:

I have to admit to being very confused as to what type of revision this is? I am also wondering what is being done that will help with the reflux.

1998: Went to Sweden for a Gastric Band (Disaster... but I did not know until....) Woke up with a 10 inch scar on my stomach. What? Why? Never got a real answer 1999: Band was to be maintained in Washington State. The Drs said there was something wrong. I felt a lot of discomfort and could not eat anything. 2000: Band removed (I think) and RNY performed. Medical notes mention the band was wrapped up and twisted in scar tissue. I only read that years later. 2000 to 2010: I did not follow any instructions, rarely took my vitamins, never monitored vitamins. I was an idiot. Ended up with Osteoporosis and needed iron transfusions. Actually had to go for a blood transfusion in 2009. Oh... and a fractured pelvis. 2010 - 2019: Worked on learning to eat better, take better care of myself. Went to see a therapist about my issues and made some small and big changes. Began an off and on relationship with the gym, kayaking, paddle boarding. Became healthier, reversed the osteoporosis and brought my iron up to good levels. I struggle with my weight. Up and down, 209 high, 175 low. Back and forth. Driving me insane. Too many clothes in my closet in three different sizes. A friend, an 82 year old woman, told me about Dr. Lopez in Guadalajara and how he completed a revision for her. She finally lost that final 50 pounds. She looks fantastic and feels great. I met two other people who had Gastric Sleeve surgeries with Dr. Lopez. I made an appointment and now I am scheduled for a revision. It will cost around $6,500 dollars. I am really working hard in scraping the money up together. Gave up going out and doing anything the last three months and will whip out the charge card (4% extra). I am excited and I have been working hard, reading books, watching videos, recording everything I eat. Testing out protein shakes and working on smaller portions. I will have had 6 weeks of this before I begin the 2 week pre surgical diet. I have been working out four days a week in the gym. I am strong and happy. I feel beautiful, having once weighed much, much more than I do. I have no pain, and no physical or medical problems such a High BP or Diabetes. I just want to settle on ONE SIZE and feel a little more comfortable on my bike. Oh.... and get off those stupid pills for Acid Reflux. I swear, I am going to do that and Dr. Lopez will help me. I am crossing my fingers. So, I am 62 years old and I weigh 199.999999 pounds (Ha, just made it under 200 this morning). I hope to be at my goal weight of 145 by this time next year. Heck, I will settle for more. Just want to fit in to my "skinny" wardrobe (175lbs) and give away the rest. My closet broke this year!

So in 2009 I had lap band. Lost 25 pounds. November of 2011 I developed severe pain and other issues . Doctor removed the lap band stating that I developed a sudden allergy to the silicone. March 28th of this year I had gastric bypass. To date I have lost 80 pounds. Best decision I have ever made! I hated the band. Was either too tight or not tight enough. Not much weight loss either. My husband had the lap band in 2010. Due to not losing weight he got it removed and had the bypass 3 weeks ago. He's lost 30 pounds in the first two weeks. I'm so happy that I did this revision!!!

Fortunately I didn't have to do a pre-op diet either to get approved. I have Aetna, but I'm also a revision patient and I was able to demonstrate complications and why the previous WLS failed. A week from Monday, I leave for my surgery.

Hi everyone, I haven't been on here in sooooo very long but recently I found out that my band has slipped and i have to go back in to have it corrected on 1/28. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect. My Dr says it's basically the same procedure all over again, same surgery minus the port scar, same diet but she couldn't tell me about continued weight loss. I'm just wondering if anyone has continued to loose after revision surgery. I was banded on 12/21/06 and at my best had lost 80lbs but have since gained back about 15 due to poor eating habits due to the slippage. Any insight as to what I could expect would be greatly appreciated. I am alittle apprehensive about this surgery but I know it needs to be done. Thanks in advance

I started at around the same level as you, 292 at surgery, after having lost and maintained around 50lb several years before while my wife was going thru this. I lost about 33lb the first month, 14-15 each of the next couple months, and then about 10lb per month thereafter until I hit goal at about 190lb (actual goal was mid teens body fat %, the scale weight goal moved around some as I lost to account for the inevitable loss of some lean body mass.) Overall, the journey has been smooth sailing - some constipation issues early on (pretty much any of the WLS procedures will have some sort of GI issues simply from the change in dietary habits,) and I'm just now successfully cutting back and weaning off of the PPIs for reflux (most people seem to get off of them within a few weeks, but YMMV.) Threat of complications is always on one's mind when going into these procedures and that is where there are some significant differences. While the bands tend to be simpler and quicker to install, they have a lot more complications down the road (on the order of 25% of the bands are ultimately removed due to poor weight loss or regain performance or to structural damage done to the stomach - there is a reason why most of these forums have boards dedicated to band revisions.) The sleeve, on the other hand can have some initial surgical complications by way of leaks or kinks/strictures in the stomach (and we're talking under 1% here,) they are overall rather trouble free as time progresses. Someone on one of these boards posted a great comparison from their surgeon: he told them that if they were to call him in five years time complaining of nausea, vomiting or other digestive distress, if they had a band he would tell them to go to the emergency room, but if they had a sleeve, he would tell them that they ate some bad fish. Long term, the success of any of these WLS procedures comes down to a combination of personal efforts to adopt the lifestyle changes needed to maintain your weight once you have lost it, and the compatibility between you and the procedure. One may experience regain problems with any of these procedures (the DS to a lesser extent, but still possible,) but getting put back into the hospital for surgical complications months or years down the road is very uncommon except with the bands. Long term nutritional issues are going to be similar with both the bands and sleeve as both restrict the amount that you can consume which puts a premium on adopting healthy dietary habits and staying on top of whatever supplements are needed to flesh things out; supplementation is less of an issue than with the RNY and DS which have malabsorptive components that need to be compensated for (heck, most Americans are somewhat malnourished and should be supplementing some simply due to the crappy average American diet, so the sleeve and bands aren't a real big change from pre-op in that regard.) Good luck and welcome to the club (whichever one you join,)

Hard to believe I had my patient advocate submit for my band to sleeve revision surgery today and I got a call a half hour later saying that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of AZ had already approved it! She said that it was hands down the quickest approval she has ever seen. Now I have to set a date.

Hi Dale, and congrats on getting the ball rolling with your pre-op stuff. * How many more appointments will i have before surgery - I can't help you there, but I would contact Jane_J here on the forum. She's in the UK, and I think she is familiar with NHS. Here is her profile Link: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum - View Profile: Jane_J * Is all these appointments necessary It depends. Every program is different, every surgeon has different requirements. I had a lot of pre-op testing, but no sleep study. A lot of appts with a nutritionist and 2 psych evals. It's all about the type of program offered, and some is completely related to insurance requirements. * How are your emotions pre and post op I was fine pre-op. I had a band first, and it was misery. I was so ready to get it out of my body that I was elated when surgery date rolled around. Post-op, as a woman, I was a raging lunatic some days emotionally. I hated everyone then I'd love everyone in the next minute. When we drop weight fast, all the estrogen that is stored in our fat cells releases into our system. We can get a little batcrazy. But, it gets better LOL. * How long till you are up on your feet again I didn't have a typical recovery due to me being a revision patient and complications. * Is there a limit what i could lose Yes, if you don't change your eating habits, and continually make unhealthy, fatty, carb loaded choices, then you can limit your own success. The sleeve only does so much. It's our responsibility to make the necessary changes for a lifetime success. * Does your mindset change post op Yes, my entire relationship with food has changed. My core personality has not changed. I was confident, outgoing when I was fat. I enjoy a life without limitations that are related to obesity. But, for the most part, I am the same woman I was 150lbs heavier. * How long did it take to adapt yourself to new eating habits not long, the fact that I lost all of my hunger made it pretty simple to be honest. I actually had to set alerts on my IPhone to remind me to eat every few hours or I'd go all day and not eat. I still do it occasionally on accident. * Does the NHS have much to do with yourselves post op Sorry, I can't help you with this one either. Best wishes with your appointments. Be patients, it's really a fabulous surgery, and stay positive. Keep us all updated on your progress.

I was sleeved this past wed afternoon so today is my 4th day. The first afternoon home, i focused on just sipping any fluid that tasted good..tea, water, broth and g2. I also walked 2 loops around my house each hour. Went to bed and only slept until 2am then dozed and sipped in the recliner till morning. Mid morning i revved up and started on my goals for fluid, protein, fat, carbs and walking. I met all goals but fat yesterday. ...plus walking the same loops. I took a 2 hour nap in the pm. I went to bed at 930 last night and slept until 6 this morning! Magnificent! Wedged pillows and slept on my side which was really wonderful..back feels better. I am headed to normal at a fast clip and think it is because i followed the preop diet so surgery was uneventful, i worked in the hospital to constantly keep fluid moving, i walked the hall several times a day, i came home with a plan and supplies ready (alone by the way) and now at home i log everything and set goals. I do not feel that success just happens. You have to plan for it, revise the plan as needed and decide to do what is necessary to reach the goal. Advanced planning is key with this process. By the time i made a decision to go the surgery route, i had researched and read websites for months and knew this is not an easy route to go. It is tons of work to coordinate all the appointments and manage all the nutrition requirements. I tried to not get caught up in recipes and souping up my shakes. I started changing my relationship with food months before surgery. I want to yes..enjoy food, but treat it as nourishment for the body that will allow me to enjoy friends, family, activities and the joys of living life as a normal sized, normal eating person does rather than everything centering around food and wheni get my next bite. I will follow the plan until i reach goal and hope to not venture out into carb land until i am maintenance. I was firm in my decision with surgery so did not become afraid even when finally on the surgery table. I of course hoped everything went according to plan but i did not dwell on thoughts of complications...immediately refocus on success and "see" youself in that new body doing those activities you plan to experience very soon! I sincerely wish you complete and total success!

I was banded 13 days ago. I had single incision. My port is right next to my belly button as well. I can feel it, OMG. I'm not too worried about it because I know I may be eligible for revision surgery if it's too noticeable once I lose the weight. Honestly I don't care, I'm just SO happy to be banded. My advice, don't worry about it when it become a problem worry about it.

Best wishes in your research. If you'd like, add me as a friend, and you can peruse my blog. I have tons of research links, articles, dietary guidelines, and my own story of band to sleeve revision in there. The sleeve is truly the best decision I ever made. It's so much easier than the band, and really works like the band is advertised to work, but fails miserably on delivering.

Welcome Texas friend, My revision from the band to VSG is in two weeks. This forum is so great for researching and getting advice. I would also suggest Youtube, as there are many happy VSGers on there with great advice. I am so happy to be kissing my band goodbye soon. Good luck with your new journey.

I just finished day 3 of my 14 day pre-op liquid diet. I have lost 7 pounds the first 3 days. I won't be able to get my Optifast until tomorrow. I've been drinking Boost Protien and Muscle Milk. The Optifast is so expensive, but that's what my surgeon requires. I will have a revision from band to sleeve on May 14, 2013.

If you have good rapport with your doctor and they are willing to manage your aftercare and advise you if you have issues, then it seems reasonable to go to your doc. Especially if it is less hassle to go to him and/or cheaper. Make sure he has Allergan/ Johnson & Johnson fill guidelines, so they are not too aggressive, or not aggressive enough. Fills are pretty straightforward. I went to a local walk-in urgent care to have an emergency unfill done because my doc was out of town. I'd called ahead and talked to the doctor and she'd dealt with Mediports all of the time and I had complete faith in her. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again if I needed to. My follow-up doc keeps my records and will always give me the 'fill juice' when I need it because my perspective is this: eventually my band is going to go south and I am going to need him to help me with some sort of revision/etc. I need him on my side. So, I'll pay the price so he can be my advocate in the ER. Its your call. I do not think you should stick with a group of doctors just because they did your surgery if there are more convenient options for you.

You may need to be assertive/aggressive with your surgeon. Ask how many times will be dilate before he do a revision. If his answer is unacceptable tell him so,.

*** Reflux in Bariatric Patients http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21165778 Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are related to the final shape of the sleeve as depicted by radiology. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3505545/ Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux can be Reduced by Changes in Surgical Technique http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21955743 Gastroesophageal reflux after sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21130052 Effect of sleeve gastrectomy on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/gerd-after-the-vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-gastric-sleeve.html GERD after the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) http://www.txtabs.org/pres/2013/16-Kennedy.pdf The Sleeve Gastrectomy: reasons for failure, indication for revision and options “Increase in gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and erosive esophagitis 1 year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in obese adults” Tao et al . Surg Endosc 2012 http://www.txtabs.org/pres/2013/03-Matin.pdf Reflux in Sleeve Gastrectomy. How Much Hiatal Hernia Repair? http://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/laparoscopic-sleeve-gastrectomy-does-not-worsen-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-symptoms-in-morbidly-obese-patients/ Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Does Not Worsen Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in Morbidly Obese Patients http://www.doctorweight.com/bariatricsurgery/narrowingstomach/antirefluxsleevegastroplasty/ At the same time, it is known that 30% of patients complain of heartburn after the procedure, necessitating administration of omeprazole (a drug reducing gastric acid production). This is because the original sleeve gastrectomy procedure destroys the valve mechanism of the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, converting it into a direct tube. If a sleeve gastrectomy is performed as the first stage of gastric bypass, then after the second stage (gastrojejunal bypass) the heartburn disappears. But if a sleeve gastrectomy is planned as a sole operation, then persistent heartburn might be a serious problem for the patient. http://www.soard.org/article/S1550-7289(11)00068-2/abstract Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550728910006842 Effect of sleeve gastrectomy on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review http://www.bmj.sk/2010/11104-11.pdf Complicated course after sleeve gastrectomy for obesity http://www.wlsdocs.com/weight-loss-surgery/sleeve-gastrectomy-dallas-texas.php Sleeve Gastrectomy Dallas, Texas http://www.bmi-india.com/acid-reflux-and-bariatric-surgery-part-two/ Acid reflux and bariatric surgery: Part 2

Our school allows for zoom classes only for covid. I’m going to wear a mask as always as well I am vaccinated. However, they are making a big deal about me wanting to go to class online via zoom versus in person. I have my surgery next Wednesday, when do you think I could realistically ride in a car for 30 minutes each way and sit in a 1 hr 45 minute class? My surgery is a laparoscopic revision