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Well I don't know how tall you are but I am 5'3 and 280 pounds with 140 to lose and I am getting the sleeve its my first and hopefully last wls my insurance only allows one per lifetime. So we're not to far off weight wise. I would check out the band revision boards they have a better perspective

I am a revision from Band. I really researched both the Sleeve and Bypass before making a choice. You need to do the same and see which one you are comfortable with. Both are effective, it really comes down to your preference... unless your Dr says you arent a candidate for one or the other. No one should have to talk you into either. Do some research and make an informed decision. Have you consulted a surgeon? That first consultation would be a good place to start.

I had the sleeve in December of 2012 and lost over 100 pounds! Well over my goal weight. And that was before they revised me to the bypass for GERD reasons. I am still losing and have been put on TPN for weight gain, malabsorption, and malnutrition.

Congratulations on your weight loss, but at the same time, I'm sorry to hear it might be too much. I don't have experience in this realm, I just got my RNY a month ago, so these suggestions might be silly. As far as protein, I'm really liking the premier protein clear drink. I don't care too much for the "regular" ones after the RNY surgery. Other than that, are you sensitive to fat intake? Perhaps integrate more healthy fats like fatty fish, avocado and transfat-free butter alternatives? I've read that sometimes fatty foods cause dumping, but I am not far enough out yet to experience this (Or hopefully not to). If you did need to go for revision surgery, perhaps the doctor could bypass less of your intestines, so you could absorb more food? I'm not sure if that is even possible, but just a suggestion.

Welcome inneed! You have come to the right place for support. There are so many of us who have revised from band to sleeve. I said "us" because I am one of them. I am always open for interpretation if you have questions or are curious about anything. Wishing you well on your upcoming surgery!

Hey there! New to the forum, not new to the WLS world. Having an EGD tomorrow to check the status of my anasthemosis and to see if a revision is in order. (Truth: I am HOPING for a revision.) I am currently doing <1200 cals; +65 protein; <25 sugar; standard vitamins and calcium citrate. Anyone have a RnY revision ? Any EGD advice? I had one previously but it was during another (bigger) procedure so I don't know what the after was like. Thanks a million! Looking forward to getting to know you all. Tina

Not a VET but perhaps... TRIAL AND ERROR Go with the plan laid out for you by your Team and revise it if needed. Usually low cal will do it but also switching things up when you think you need to. Revision results are different from 1st time surgeries. Some say slower. But you can still achieve great results in the long run.

I am sorry to hear about your pain and possible gallstones. I understand your pain however, I had to have a port revision November 19th for pain that sounded just like that for months. I couldn't get comfortable no matter what I did and I just fidgeted constantly trying to find a better way to sit, stand or sleep. I wish you luck and I hope they can get this resolved for you so you can feel great :tongue2: Barbie

Hi everyone, I am recovering currently from my third surgery to do with my lapband. After my first band I had a lot of success losing weight, however it reached a point after about a year where I was unable to eat and was vomiting almost immediately every time I ate. I lost about 30kgs this way, but was (obviously) very miserable, exhausted an tired all the time vomiting up coffee ground-like blood and in and out of hospital. People thought I had an eating disorder and it affected my relationships, moods and ability to complete my job properly. The band was moving only when full so the first few attempts to find the issue were unsuccessful. Once we did an x-ray swallow with marshmallows to block the band and watched it move the issue became clear and I finally had a proper revision done about four years ago after starting full time work, and this was successful. However after the dramas of the last band I tended to panic if anything became 'caught' in the band (and still do) and tended to drink to flush the food through - after so many spontaneous vomits I was really worried about not keeping food down, and so I wasn't following the diet properly and my weight ballooned up again. About fourtheen months ago I realised the band wasn't working, even with 6ml in there I had no restruction. I knew there was probably a leak in my band, however due to personal circumstances which I won't get into here I wasn't able to deal with the issue at the time both emotionally and in terms of taking time off work. However, after seeing my weight ballooon higher than it was before the original surgery and becoming concerned that the band itself was perhaps a hazard to my health, last week I went in for a check up to confirm the band was leaking and was fast tracked into surgery to have my port replaced. I had this done on Thursday and am recovering well, although there's not much guideline on what to eat after this type of revision so I am stucking to Soups, soft scrambled eggs and low calorie drinks (mainly water). I am struggling a lot with feelings of self-loathing and disgust that I've let myself get to this point however I am trying not to focus on these as I know they won't help me to succeed. Has anyone got a similar struggle-story that might help me see the light at the end of hte tunnel? I am so frustrated with myself. Also any books someone can recommend would be welcome too. Sorry if this post is a bit rambly I just took some pain meds, usually I am quite articulate I promise. Just looking for any advice, a friendly face and maybe even some tough love.

Sorry to so late to respond. Just learning how to reply. Lol. Nevertheless one side did not heal properly and the inscision keeps opening like a sore. They didnt do the back fat so a revision needs to be redone. A belt lipectomy seems to be the only thing that can fix the problem. I also have a rash on the other side as well. Seems to me that if my cut had of been higher then i wouldnt be having this problem. So i am doing the waiting game. I feel thay i am going to get it. Thanks for the concern

I just had my revision surgery last week (exactly 7 days today). I had my band since 2009 and it slipped last year. When the dr went in, he found it embedded into my stomach and it took 30 minutes just to dig it out. Ouchy. I used to vomit almost daily with my band (even with it unfilled). Haven't vomited once (thanks God, the sheer pain of that thought fills me with anxiety). I'm expecting to lose the last 45 lbs and get to my goal of 130 in maybe 6-9 mths (at least I'm hoping it won't take a whole year - I know those last lbs can be stubborn tho) Good luck to you! You'll be so glad to be rid of your band...

Band removal follow up was today. All is well. My instructions are: do my best to maintain my weight and continue to exercise. While I do have a lot of scarring and adhesions I'm okay to finish my revision in 6 months. We're tentative for February 11, 2013. With the help of myfitnesspal and a bit of obsessing I was down 1/2 pound, woohoo!!!! The holidays should be interesting :/

Hi, I had to have revision surgery to re-stich my port after it flipped. I dont' know how it flipped, but it just came undone about 2 months after surgery.

I'm seven months out and never had restriction. I'm thinking my port had flipped from the get go. Was your port revised with local anesthesia or general?

Hi there and welcome! This is a great site for researching information about weight loss surgery, getting and giving support to others who are thinking about getting WLS or have already had this surgery and also venting when there just isn't anyone to share you concerns with. I am a RNY gastric bypass patient who is 7 months post op. This surgery was all about getting healthier for me. Weight loss was secondary as I was in a bit of trouble health wise. I currently have psoriatic arthritis, hypothyroidism and degenerative spine disease. Prior to surgery I had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, uncontrollable reflux/gerd and stage 3 kidney disease. The kidney disease is what pushed me to have this surgery. At my check in with my nephrologist in February, I was told that my kidney function was normal and I was no longer at risk. I chose bypass because I was informed it would resolve my reflux and the sleeve would make this worse. I had also done a lot of research and learned that the band was not an option given how many people have to have it revised to a bypass down the road. Immediately following surgery my diabetes and reflux were completely gone! Within 4 weeks post op my kidney function had improved and my cholesterol was normal. I was removed from all medications with the exception of hypothyroid replacement and a beta blocker used for the prevention of migraines. I was on a ton of medications. My recovery was text book. I followed all of the rules and continue to do so and I believe this is why I have been so successful. I am down over 90lbs with 53 to go. I would agree that the 10 day pre-op diet is challenging but very doable and it sets you up for success. For me the toughest part was the puréed diet. Ugh! I just did not tolerate blended meats and I don't tolerate Beans of any kind. They cause me to gag and vomit.during that stage I lived on Protein shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt and creamed Soups. This surgery was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. There was not ever one second that I regretted it. I can eat anything I want without getting sick. My body craves good protein and good carbs. My sugar addiction is completely gone. I love to get exercise when I used to hurt so bad that I could not move. This week I discovered that I can sit on the floor with both my legs crossed Indian style. Do you know how long it's been since I could do that? I can literally run up and down the stairs when I used to suffer just to get up a small flight. I look and feel fantastic. People that have not seen me for a while are shocked at how great I look. I used to hate shopping, now I love trying on new clothes. It is a blast! Insurance covered everything for me with the exception of co pays. It took 9 months to get through the process mostly because of the six month supervised diet. That time was critical to helping me build good behaviors. This surgery is NOT the easy way out, it requires hard work every single day. My new pouch is a tool I use to help make good nutrition possible. I wish you the best of luck. Please feel free to reach out, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Has anyone thought about switching from the band to a different weight loss surgery / method? Has the band been determined to be ineffective for anyone?

Thank you for the info. I have been thinking revision and going the bypass way too. I'm going to chat with my doc and try more fills. I feel the band is not working for me. Good luck to you both

I'm 5 years out from my band to sleeve revision. I lost 120lbs and ended up at a goal weight I never imagined. In the last 18 months regain has become a problem. I'm now 40lbs above goal. I'm considering revising to a DS but am working w my doctor to lose weight via upping Protein and reducing carbs. Has anyone successfully battled regain and gotten back to goal? Care to share what worked for you?

I had a pretty bad experience with my band and I am now HAPPILY sleeved! I had complication after complication with the band. Now with the sleeve, things are going great! I am losing weight and food doesn't have control over me anymore. You will love the sleeve! I was self pay for my lapband ($8000- Dr. Rodriguez). I had a 2800 co-pay for my revision (Dr. Nowzaradan).

I just got approved for my revision -- 1st available surgery date is Aug 31st -- however I am scheduled to go to a conference (in Vegas) the week of 9/13-15 -- is that doable??? (not worried about not being able to eat, as I can back my Protein drinks and instant Soup.) OR should I ask for a date after the conference?

It will be ok!!! It is so hard that's the reason we all got this to begin with, I had to have an unfill a few months back and it was so hard! I know exactly what you are going through, the hungry feeling is not fun at all!!! If I were you I would make sure to start and end every meal with fruits and veggies to help keep you feeling full longer. And just know even if you do gain you are going to get a revision soon and will lose it again!!! Hang in there! Sorry

I wonder if this is the original, non-adjustable band they started off with many years ago. They would staple off the majority of the stomach and put a band that was non adjustable and that was all the restriction someone would get, period. I don't know what the name of that band was but I can certainly see how that particular band would make a revision procedure quite difficult. Bands today are not too tricky to remove. The difficulty is with revisions from one procedure to another depending on scar tissue, type of procedure, etc.

I have been a big barrell of complications. The first of which was my port came up from the muscle back in April. I had revision surgery in August, and surprisingly enough it came up AGAIN. I have always had very very tight restriction, but instead of dealing with my doctor and discussing possibilities and solutions with him, I just continue what I am doing. I am not starving. I just eat VERY VERY little portions, but a few times throughout the day. I supplement myself with Ensure and yogurts. (I didn't mention that my doctor is extremely hard to get in touch with. When I finally do speak to him it is usually me yelling at him for the fact that it has taken me so long). Most recently I had pneumonia, which the doctors figured I had for a number of weeks without symptoms. That had a direct effect on my eating. I thought my band had slipped, but CT scan proved otherwise. With regard to what I eat. Well, today I had about 1.5 eggs with yolk for breakfast. For lunch I had a small arugula salad with goat cheese (but was only able to eat very little of it because my eggs sat in my stomach for so long). I had apple juice in between. Tonight I am having some tuna and salmon sashimi. That is a typical day for me. It is just some days, like yesterday, I can tolerate a lot more food. Then today my digestion is very very slow. I have gone days without eating, but that was months ago, when I was struggling with food challenges, coming to learn what my body can and cannot tolerate. I lose no weight when I don't eat. I just want to get through the next few pounds and have a slight unfill. I think that will help.

Last two visits to the fill doc didn't go so well. Needle couldn't go into the port...wrong position. It figures. My luck. I asked doc how often this happens. He tells me he has done hundreds of band surgeries and that I am the third to need a port fixed. It figures. My luck. Doc's office contacts insurance as necessary to see if they will pay for procedure. I'm STILL waiting. It figures. My luck. Do I sound a bit down? Perhaps so. I'm about to come up on my year anniversary with the band (Nov 07) and expected myself perhaps to be finishing up my last ten pounds. Instaead, I'm halfway. SO NOT FAIR..It figures. MY luck.

I honestly feel pretty damn good! I can def say I didn't feel this good after the band surgery at all. There were 5 of us done on Monday and I was last! As far as I know I was the only revision done. As soon as I got to my room, I was up to bathroom and took a cpl laps around the floor. Basically every time I got up to bathroom I would walk a few laps. Several of the nurses on that night said I didn't even look like I had surgery and praised me for being up and exercising. I crunched ice chips and sipped Water on and off through the night. By 8am the next day I was up walking for over a half hour. I was then taken down for swallow study and my dr came back up the elevator with me and said I could go home as soon as I drank some 1/2 apple juice+1/2 water in med cups. I haven't had any nausea and continue to tolerate fluids fairly easily as long as sipped slowly. I was the first to go home out of the 5 of us. I hope everyone else sleeved Monday October 29th is feeling better day by day!