Search the Community

I had the RNY in 2005. And as expected the pouch does tend to stretch over time. At the time in 2013 I chose to do band over bypass because I had loss some restriction. The D-Switch was not being done then and was the band only revision option in my area. It wasn't until last year that I was made aware the D-switch could be done. So I decided to have the band removed and do the d-switch with the intention of not continuing to gain more weight. Since the D-Switch I’ve been pretty stable but I was hoping to see more of a progression. The reason I made the post was in hopes to find someone in a similar situation. I am re-learning my body again. I’m not looking to do another surgery

Hi everyone!!! I am 44 and just had a revision from Band to Sleeve 11 weeks ago. I have been overweight since childhood, so my entire life. Long story short. I was banded in 2013, port flipped and was non-accessible. My new doctor an I decided a revision would be best since I had regained everything I had lost (60lbs) with the band. So I was sleeved 7/20/16, the loss is very slow. Im down 39lbs from the beginning of preop. I have a different mind set this time around, so I'm hoping for a great journey. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks so much Sue for your response. You bring up a good point and I have thought a little bit about that. I don't think that I can go at it alone. If I could of gone at it alone in the first place I wouldn't be fat to begin with right?? LOL!! It's like a never ending vicious cycle!! I wouldn't have to go through 3 surgeries. He said he would take the band out and do the revision at the same time. I don't know too much about the DS, but it's something to look into. But I am taking your advice to heart. I'm at a crossroads and I have a lot of thinking and decision making to do. With the help of God and my friends and family and with help from people on here like you I hope I can make the right decision. Jo Ann

I don't think that I could consider a surgery that many doctors are not willing to do anymore.. Hi, Jo Ann. I just wanted to clear that up real quick. It's not that the Dr's are not willing to do the DS, they are just not trained to do it. It is a more complicated surgery, and required more learning, which most surgeons are quite happy with the status Quo if they are making money with the RNY. For some people (myself included) the DS has many, many advantages over the RNY. I'm not trying to sell you my surgery, I just wanted to say before you decide please do some research on the pros and cons of both, RNY and the DS. The DS still has the highest rate of EWL and the lowest rate of regain. I don't regret revising from the band to the DS, not for a minute. Good luck, and I'm very sorry about your band. I know how it feels, I've been there. Rachele

Very good questions indeed. I don't know if I qualify to even respond to this, since I know many European Bandsters who have had theirs for some time (longer than me, I've had mine 5 yrs this upcoming month). There are also some Mexican Bandsters who are around with longer term band experiences, if not on this forum, then certainly on others. What's a "long" period of time? I don't know. Mine has stayed in (even though almost 5 ys ago, I had life-threatening illness after being banded) partially because no one knew much about the complications back in 2001. Rejection is always a possibility but so far apparently the Band and I have found some truce. I did have my port & tubing replaced 13 months ago but it was done surgically as usual (*shrug*) and I don't think there were signs of me rejecting the band, per se. However, my biggest concern is that after 5 years and 2 LapBand surgeries later, I've only gotten my BMI down to 30 or so. So technically I'm still listed as 'obese' according to BMI charts. That's hardly acceptable to me, and far more important, I still have more weight to use. So to answer your second question sometimes I wonder why " I " particularly went through this. Had I known a year ago that I still wasn't going to lose weight - then band rejection or not - instead of having my band port/tubing replaced - I would have been revised then (*sigh*) to another form of surgery. I wouldn't have gone through all I have done just to get down to this size. I'm VERY frustrated about that. Here's the irony - now that my BMI is down to 30 - I no longer qualify for a revision. So it's a tough position. So now I am undergoing series of tests to make sure the band is still OK. If the band has a defect or needs to be removed - then I would DEFINITELY need a revision to another surgery at the same time. Period. Or else I have to fight it out with the band. I can't lose any more weight with my band being under-restricted but at least it's there. - if I am unbanded and without a restriction, then I fear I will return to my former weight without a doubt. And so help me, I live in fear that I'd get even bigger. I'd be inconsolable. So it makes this a bit tough, but I'm not down yet. Happy Band (and UnBanded) Journeys to all, New Sho

Not sure from the title of your post whether or not you have GERD? If you do, the sleeve is likely not the best procedure for you. Check with your surgeon on this. The sleeve can make GERD worse resulting in a revision to bypass. It is the reason i had bypass, I had my heart set on the sleeve and then was told it was not the best solution for my health issues. I had my RNY over two years ago. I am 53. I had type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, severe gerd and worst of all stage 3 kidney disease. I also have psoriatic arthrits, Osteo arthritis and hypothyroid. Within 3 months my diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and severe gerd were completely GONE. My kidney disease was in remission and liver function went back to normal. Within 12 months my sleep apnea was gone. I was off all medications for those issues with the exception of my thyroid replacement and biologics for my Psoriatic arthritis. I of course now take calcium citrate, a multi Vitamin, Vitamin D, vitamin b1 and vitamin b12. It is alot less expensive for me, I lost all of my excess weight and other than my lousy back, I feel fantastic. Years younger......prior to losing my weight i felt like I was dying every day. Try not to worry, just educate yourself. Get on line, go to support groups, talk to those on forums like this. It will help you know everything you need to know to get healthy and stay healthy. Best of luck to you!

I went for my EGD last week due to all the GERD I have been experiencing for over 5 months which has got worse and no OTC or RX medication is touching it. Results of EGD: - Localized mild inflammation characterized by erythema and linear erosions was found in the prepyloric region of the stomach. Moderate bile reflux into sleeve. Chronic Gastritis. Doctor has me on RX Pepcid and I see him in 6 weeks to discuss revision to Bypass. Personally I wish I would have went with the bypass instead of the sleeve when I had my WLS. How was everyone's experience who had the revision to bypass that experience GERD. Was it gone after?

I am 45 year old male 5'10 /260 pounds with a failed band. Very apprehensive about revision surgery. I have cancelled my date twice and was ready to go June 7 but my doctor has to cancel and reschedule for June 23. Beginning to second guess this decision. I know several people that have had great success. Any advice is welcome!

Thank you everybody ! Your input meant alot . I called my insurance today they so cover baractric surgey and revision surgey it just up to my doctor's notes on what they do . my appointment has been moved to friday the 16 or 17 th not surs what day lol . I now going around getting my diet doctor notes who I have seen every month for 2 years and lost a grand total of 12 lbs in two years lol ya after I had the flu which thank god she documented . Also have to get proof of my gym memembership and my personal trainer notes that I had for one month . Notes from my denist about how years of threwing up is really start to destroy my teeth and notes from my obgyn about my prenancy diabeties and the other weight related issues and also blood work and see my primary care doctor. I also have my husbands insurance as a secondy insurance so maybe they might step up where my insurance won't . Sorry I feel like I am a pain with all the questions . I just went into the lap band without thinking or doing my homework . Which I regret so bad now ! I have been heavy for 20 years now all I what is to finally be free from this weight ! And tyi dye best of luck with your surgey !

I had lap band surgery 4.5 years ago. I'm hoping to revise to the sleeve. But in the past I was always hot. Probably since I've lost weight, I won't even think about wearing shorts unless it's more than 75 out. I am cold a lot. I still am hot in the summer, but I'm definitely colder than I used to be

I just downloaded the Baritastic app (thank you for suggesting it) - it is really great because it understands our needs. I am getting ready to have a revision of my sleeve in January (because I have had terrible GERD) and want to really do it right this time. This app has timers for time to take to eat and time in between meals and drinking, trackers, a journal, you can link your fitbit, it has information about the different surgeries, links to resources, recipes, and a link to forums. And it is free!

I feel your pain. I just got my denial today. I have BCBS of IL. I got a lap band in 2010 and was self pay. The band IS NOT for me. I should have gotten RNY from the start, but I was looking at the monetary bottom line, and the band was cheaper. I now have BCBS with bariatric benefits, yet they told me there isn't significant failure of the band to warrant a revision. I had an upper GI that shows the acid reflux is burning my esophagus, plus I have a dilated pouch with constant vomiting. HOW DO WE BEAT THE INSURANCE??????????????????

Dr spivey did my band as well....Dr Yu will be doing my revision in June

Hello everyone, my current employer's health insurance does not have any bariatric benefits, neither will the new health insurance for 2016. Any suggestions as to where I could get health care insurance? Other than Obamacare? I have a complication on my sleeve and I need revision. Thank you.

I only work with him in surgery not in the office. But having said that, I've only seen one port revision. I don't know what others do but he sews his in pretty securely. I guess anything can happen since everyone's body and tissue are different. I'm not nervous yet but will be the night before. Just ready to get on with it!

I haven't been on the boards for a little bit but I think this is a wonderful topic to have. I am currently a CMA going back to school for my RN. I am worried about how I will fit in the meals I need with school and clinicals. I have been told not to even think about trying to have a job for the next 2 years. I am sure I will be carrying lots of Protein shakes with me. I had my surgery in January so I do not have to worry about lifting restrictions anymore. I am more worried about eating to fast and getting stuck or not eating at all. I do forget unless I schedule my meals. I have also told everyone around me about my surgery. Sometimes I even tell the servers when I go out to eat. I got tired of getting the stink eye when I didn't eat much food or managers falling all over me because they assume I do not like the food. I figured my close friends and family will either be supportive or not. Right now I don't have any co-workers to tell but I would think being in a profession where you have to lift you would want to tell people you need assistance at least. I was not allowed to lift over 30 lbs for 3 months after surgery because my doctor did not want us to flip the port and have to have revision. laralen02---- lol I had to laugh at the cosmetic surgery and boob job comment. People can be so funny.

I had the lap band with plication in 2012. I started having problems aboit 6months ago and went to a different doctor. I told her I had the plication and she said "oh, I'm sure it didn't hold... The stitches most likely came out". I just had revision to bypass on 2/25. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Jules! I had much the same experience as you, I was banded in 2008 and spent the past several years throwing up daily, no fun! I too have a young child (turned 1 June 11th) and my pregnancy took a toll on my band. I had band revision in August and then band to bypass on May 21st. It has been like a rebirth. I feel like I have to work harder to keep myself on track because of the years of band habits but I has been great. No more gurgling and sliming, I feel normal again Miri

How much (or what pct) did you loos 2 weeks post op ? Felling stalled. Can't break under 240. Still on full liquids. 2 week check tomorrow. Band wt. 300. 5/1/08. Bmi 41 Sleeve . 252. 5/5/17. Bmi 34.2 Current. 240 5/17. Bmi 32.6 Lowest band. 236. 2010/ 32 Lowest Adult 225 / 1980 Bmi 30.7

Hi, I was just curious how long people have waited before being intimate with their partner after being sleeved? I has a band removal & revision to the gastric sleeve. My left side is definitely still sore & I worry how uncomfortable any movement (you know what I mean) will feel. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Fran

With revision, at least in my case, it would meaning giving me a new pouch, from my old stomach. I have heard of people having this done before, but I never really read up on it, because I guess I never thought it could happen to me.

Hello, everyone. My name is Nicole and I just found this forum website from a Google search. This is my first post, my introduction. I am 32 years old, I am a mom of three (12, 9, 7) and I am engaged to an amazing man. We live in Greensboro, NC. I had my RNY on July 30, 2007 and just this past week was the first I'd experienced any type of problems. I will get into that more here in a little bit. I had my RNY, as I stated above, in 2007, and I went into the surgery room weighing 257 lbs. My highest recorded weight was 315 lbs, and my lowest was 128 lbs. Right now I am hovering around 160 lbs. Since my RNY I have gone through a 12 year relationship/10 year marriage that was rather abusive, as well as a separation from that marriage, a new (and amazing) relationship, two moves (from PA to VA and then VA to NC), three knee surgeries, an emergency gall bladder removal surgery and just this past week an emergency perforated stomach ulcer surgery. Like I said above, this last week's incident was the first problem since having my surgery (aside from the occasional "dumping", vomiting, dehydration, etc.) and it was VERY scary. I was admitted to the local hospital, with what I thought was a heart attack because of the symptoms I was displaying, only to find that a ruptured ulcer produced a perforated stomach. I spent 7 days in the hospital, having gotten out just yesterday. My "pouch" was repaired, however I am back on the DYS 1 diet of pureed and soft foods, and I am being set up with a bariatric surgeon and his team (one that works with the surgeons who worked on my stomach last week) in the next 2 weeks because there is a good chance that I will have to have a revision done. I am on some medications right now, to continue the healing process, but the surgeons think that there is going to be no option other than the revision. Um, let's see ..... I truly have strayed from the "RNY way of life" with all of the craziness and stress that has gone on in my life, but after this past week I know that I have to get back in line. As I said above, in 2010 I had gotten down to 128 lbs (around a size 4) and while I really enjoyed it I just crept back up after the first knee surgery. It's going to be a while before I can get back into the gym, but that's my last worry right now. I just want to get better. I hope to meet a lot of nice people here, to offer advice and to get advice. Just because I'm 5 years post-op it doesn't mean I know it all, and I never claim to. I am posting two pictures along with this post - the first is my highest and lowest weights (2006 and then 2010) and then myself and my children, back in August, at my current size. I hope that everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving week and weekend. Nicole

Welcome. Most of us are "champeen" losers. Most of us have lost hundreds of pounds countless times in our lives. And clearly most of us suck at maintaining. Not only are we fighting our internal habits of a lifetime with food (addictions, using food as a drug, disordered eating behaviors, etc), but we also battle our metabolism and the neurohormones and gut hormones and insulin/glucagon, derangement that happens once obesity has set in. So we are walking time bombs. I would encourage you to spend time doing the head work. I would encourage working with a counselor and an RD. Please don't wing it. You only get one golden shot. After that, revisions become dicier and weight loss is usually slower plus you'll be out a lot of money. Please consider what kind of surgery you need. Do you need malabsorption in addition to restriction? Only you know this. Hope you post often.

Glad to hear you're doing so well ! ! ! I agree the band surgery was way more painful than the sleeve revision. My main issue is where the stupid port was, and it was surrounded by a bunch of scar tissue. Cheers to you, and hopefully the clears are keeping you entertained.

I do wish you the best of luck in whatever route you take, but in the end, the weight-loss starts with you. RNY, DS, the sleeve, Lapband; no matter what WLS method you choose, you have to be willing to make the lifestyle change, and it seems that you aren't ready or just don't want to. WLS to me is just a tool. Yes those who get RNY/DS lose quickly, but in the end it comes down to you to make the healthy choices, both food and exercise wise. Maybe the band isn't for you, but with your mindset and eating habits, another WLS may not get you to where you want to be either. None of them are a perfect answer; they're all tools to use to help you during the lifestyle change. While the malabsorption may help you more than the band could, still eating improperly will cause you to gain the weight back. I'd consider therapy or just talking to someone about your eating habits. You can't eat unhealthy and expect to lose weight just because you revise to DS or RNY. It's not that easy.