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I was banded in 2003 in TJ. At my highest weight of 310 (I am 5'7"). The band worked great for me - I lost a total of 170 lbs and went from a size 32 to a 6. I got some plastics done (TT, BA, Lipo and face lift) Really loved my new body and most importantly I was no longer obsessed with food. I ran a marathon, started swimming and walking. This continued for 6 years! Then I lost my saiety - and was able to eat more and more. I tried to stay with the program but it wasn't working. Went back to TJ and OCC says - stretched pouch. Took out all my fill (gained 10 lbs) got a bit of fill back - nothing. We did this 3 times - resulting in a total of 30 lbs...plus a few more I managed to pack on...I started beating myself up - why couldn't I do this..I had been so successful. My clothes didn't fit..my tummy tuck hurt...Holy Heck fire...Back I went to OCC and we talked about revisions - Plication seems to be my best bet - lower BMI - didn't want to cut anything out..So I start the second leg of this journey on July 1st- hopefully I will lose the 38 lbs to get back to my lowest weight and use this new tool to help guide me back to where I want to be..

Does anyone else have this problem? I still have to sleep elevated slightly, or I get reflux. Also, after I eat or drink, I get like a "bubble" in my chest right below my throat. It growls, but I can't burp. Normal? Freakish? Also, weight loss is definitely slower this time around...but I feel better than I did post band. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Revision has gotta happen.

There are several MTF's that perform the VSG. My husband is active duty Air Force, and I had my band to sleeve revision at Eglin AFB. I know there are a couple of MTF's in OK and TX that are performing the VSG. You're best bet would be to call the general surgery clinic for the MTF's that are close to you, and find out what options are available. If you have Prime, you have to stay within 100 miles of your home base. If you have Tricare Standard, you could go see a civilian and pay the out of pocket expense scheduled by Tricare and the surgeon.

Interesting that we have similar timeframes! How was the revision. Is there anything I should know in advance.

Aloha, I am in San Diego tomorrow and going to Mexico tomorrow for my sleeve. I've had the lapband for 6 years now. I was told that I have to do a test in the morning first to make sure my band hasn't eroded. If it has they won't do the revision. I am very nervous. I had an upper GI endoscopy 2 months ago and my GI doctor from Utah didn't see that my band was eroded. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, was there symptoms?

I just had my band revised to a sleeve. I am day 3 post op and soooooo nauseous 🤢 I can barely eat and my belly is so upset. I threw up yesterday, that was awful. Today I managed a few sips of the protein drink and a few sips of water. I feel like I am never going to feel better. Please tell me it gets better Ughhhhh

Hello everyone my name is Ellie and I am about to get a sleeve on September 29! This was all very sudden and unexpected unlike some folks who have researched this for many years and gone through a long qualifying process, I have stumbled onto this procedure through a very roundabout way and in a matter of weeks I was approved. I am 37 years old and I weigh 270lbs at 5.8", I am hypothyroidic, I have sleep apnea and I'm prediabetic at this time. A Little history: In 2007 I weighed 273 pounds! I had mild sleep apnea but aside from that I was relatively healthy. I had the Lap band procedure done mostly because I did not like the way I looked. But the band yielded very little results, despite 13 fills and unfills to adjust, I never achieved an ideal restriction and was always hungry the weight that I did lose was because I was starving and working out and then I plateaued at about 245 pounds. Then I got pregnant in 2009 I decided to take all liquid out of the band (complete unfill) so that I could eat tons of vegetables and fruits. Funnily enough during the pregnancy and the one that followed I actually lost weight!? I guess something to do with the baby and the restriction I felt because the baby was pushing against the the band. At birth I was 214lbs. But as soon as my children came out in 2010 and 2013, even as I breast-fed, I was completely ravenous and the pounds returned at an alarming rate. So I have found myself right back to where I started at 270 pounds. Only this time mother nature has not been so kind... I am prediabetic and my sleep apnea has returned with a vengeance! On a day to day bases I ache and hurt like an old rickety roller coaster! I feel like I am walking through Jell-O all the time everything has just slowed down. Even so, being busy with a three-year-old and a five-year-old and being a full-time working mom I put myself in last place and have not focused much on trying to lose the weight. It's basically been, whatever I need to do to make it to the next day! I have ignored the aching that my body feels on a day-to-day basis and how hard it has become living and getting around at this weight. I have ignored the emotional and social impact of my weight, or maybe ignored is not the best word, more like drowned out with more food. And I experience some of what most mothers will relate to, I don't want to be in pictures with my children because I feel like I ruin the pictures with my presence. But even all this did not bring me to a decision to refill my lapband or do anything about it until a few weeks ago... In unrelated events I twisted funnily and managed to cause harm to my port. I was in severe pain like having stitches after running but the pain never went away. So due to that event, I finally went back to see my bariatric surgeon and upon further examination I was told that my port had ripped out of my muscles and was now flipped. Great! It was then that my surgeon told me that my options were to repair the port and try the band again or do something different. He recommended I try the sleeve because if I was initially unsuccessful with the band chances of me being successful the second time around were slim to none. I had heard about the sleeve before but never really in-depth. I also have gallstones and have had two attacks which I feel is not enough to warrant surgery but my surgeons seem to think differently. They say the gallbladder wall has thickened and that it is a matter of if and not when I will need to have it removed I hate surgery I do terrible with general anesthesia it takes me hours and hours of tortured nauseated foggy horrible sickness and pain to come out of it. And there is nothing I want more than to avoid having to go through another surgery. However My surgeon sent me to other surgeon who specializes in lap band revision who said he could perform all three surgeries at one time!! He would take out the Lapband remove my gallbladder and perform the gastric sleeve. And we are close to maxing out our yearly insurance maximum out of pocket, so if approved these procedures will be completely at no cost to me!! If I have to go under the knife anyways, I reason, I might as well get as much stuff done at one time, so that I don't have to go under the knife several times. I have not had too much time to do research on the sleeve or get emotionally prepared for the journey ahead but I have spent the past few weeks ferociously researching and ferociously reading up on it and doing a lot of soul-searching realizing that given my Freewill to eat, I am killing myself by being morbidly obese. My doctor submitted the proposal for surgeries to my insurance and I prepared for a long wait. However a week later I found myself getting approved by my insurance and my doctors office saying September 29 is available so start your diet now!! WOA????? No time for food funerals, no time for that last binge, no time to take a cruise which I love to do because of all the deliciousness, and no time to deliberate too long. I do have an option of doing it at the next available date in November but that would be very close to holidays and who knows what other circumstances could arise to prevent me from having the surgery at that time. It seems like all the factors have aligned together perfectly... my job is willing to let me go for that period of time the surgery will cost me nothing I can do three in one surgeries and I can have it relatively soon so that I don't have an agonizing time to wait and stress about it. It's like it's now or never. Most reviews I've read have people saying they wish they had done it sooner. I have already started my pre-op diet which means I would've only been on it for 10 days versus 12 like most people. And unlike most people rather than being on full liquids I have been placed on a South Beach supercharged phase 1 diet that includes lean meats, low-fat dairy and vegetables. I am finally wrapping my brain around what is about to take place mentally emotionally and physically. I have stocked up on many things and thanks to all you wonderful sharing caring people that have taken time to share your journey I have had a chance to very quickly catch up on all the information that I will need to be successful. But I'm so scared and so nervous not even about the liquid diet following surgery , (although, my coworker who got the sleeve weeks ago says that she is hungry all the time), or anything like that but of the surgery itself of being under Anastasia, of the pain I will feel when I wake up, and I wonder if I will miss the stomach that God gave me with which I was born...I'm sure all these things have crossed your mind too. And because my Lapband failed I fear that if this procedure does not work for me and I shall be that one anomaly for whom this did not work, there is not much else to be done. And since this is so life altering and Permanent, I don't know where to go from there if it does not work out for me. I know...I know...not thoughts I should be thinking .., but I'm being candid and sharing from the deepest parts of my heart the secret fears that I have, I would never admit to anyone. Any words of encouragement advice, solidarity, anything will be so very much appreciated at this time! Like many of you my weight loss journey is a very personal and private one and I don't have much support from the few friends with whom I have shared this information. I am sorry this has been long, but the welcome letter encouraged that we share details about our experience and I hope that Sharing this much will give you a more in-depth insight into my personal journey struggles and fears. Sending you blessings and green lights, Ellie

So my mom had lapband October 2006. I had lap band November 2009. She has lost like 65lbs total. Well she was down to a size 14, and became severely anemic and was told to either have a blood transfusion or gain weight. So she took all her fill out, gained 20lbs, and hasn't taken it back off. Back when she was a size 14 she was working out pretty much every day and eating a lot better. Well now she's going to see a revision specialist to talk about getting bypass. Even though she wouldn't let me get the bypass or the sleeve, told me she wouldn't support me, nor pay for it. Now she eats candy all day/every day, doesn't work out, nothing. She wouldn't even play wii Fit w/ me. A lady in her office had bypass and has lost like 95lbs, but she also lost some of her hair and has sagging skin. What can I say to convince my mom this is stupid and she's not giving her lapband a chance? Besides saying exactly that, because I tried that. She smirked and ignored me.

So I had a sleeve to bypass revision on 3/11. I am so lucky I had it when I did because of this virus. Anyway, I was worried because with my sleeve I lost 118 in a year and heard with the revisions it is much slower. Like everyone else, I want my excess weight gone as quickly as possible. Well, I am happy to to say I’ve lost 18lbs in 4 weeks. It’s a little slower than it was with my sleeve, but still, 18 POUNDS!!! I already can see the difference and I’m back in size 12’s. The only issue I’ve had is with my pain pump incision. I seem to have an abscess under it but that isn’t related to weight loss. I’m really happy with my progress so far. So I’m posting this for anyone who is worried about weight loss being hard after a revision. It’s not. I’m happy to say I’m a loser again!! I’m feeling much more restriction with my bypass. I’m also making healthier choices this time around whereas last time I ate whatever the hell I wanted and I know that’s why I had a regain. I learned nothing about how to eat healthier. I’m eating things like broiled vegetables and tilapia and salmon which I thought I wouldn’t like but holy crap is it good! I feel so good this time around, like I’m going to keep it off this time because I’ve actually learned from my first failure. So, my fears are subsiding and I feel fantastic. No worries at all. YAY!!! Take care fellow losers!!

I am a 49 year old female with a BMI of 35, high blood pressure. For years I have been wanting a lapband but neither my insurance nor my husbands would cover it. Since the kids are now out of school my husband said if you really want this then do it. I talked with a surgeon in my city and then went to Houston to see one that my friend had used. I was all ready to get it scheduled and then when he heard that I wanted to lose 50-60 pounds he said, no I'm not going to do it because you will not lose that much weight and you will be wanting a revision in less than 5 years. He wanted me to do the sleeve and I said no and he still wouldn't do the lapband. Now I am a self pay and this is a real good surgeon. So after crying all the way home I started thinking why would he say this to me if its not true. I believe that you can search these forums and find the responses that you want to find, I always mostly read to good about lapband. I have to say that I can't find too much negative about the sleeve. My only problem is that I am so scared of complications since I am a selfpay. I don't want my family to have financial problems because of me. My husband says whatever I want to do he is behind me but added that he really doesn't think I am big enough to have the surgery, just exercise and follow my diet. Oh of course, I hadn't even thought about that. Anyway, I read these forums daily and just can't decide what to do, its not the money, its not having to deal with eating small portions, its just being scared of a leak. I just want to cry every morning when I get dressed cause I look so fat.

I am exactly 2 months postop today from my band to sleeve revision. I am down 42 lbs and am at my lowest weight in years...lower than I ever got w/that band I feel great and can't wait for another 2 months to pass!!! For anyone considering revising from that band, I can't say loud enough.. THE SLEEVE IS SO MUCH BETTER!!! Erika

Hello all! I'm getting my lap band removed on April 14 (after having it for almost 8 years). No revision surgery. Any of you who had the same, could you please share your recovery experiences? I was planning on going back to work on the 20th. Thanks!!

@@baoros - I feel your pain! I have lost 66lbs in 13months since surgery and lost 40 presurgery. All you CAN do is make sure you are on plan and if you are not change what you're eating. Change things up. Our bodies get used to what we do so change food and exercise up. Just keep plugging along. I have not exercised and I should start but I haven't done it yet, my bad. I don't like to complain too much because I have not exercised. Sometimes I wish I had gone with the gastric bypass. But I didn't and I don't really have the money to do a revision and I really wonder if that would help anyway. I am still losing but its very slow. I keep worrying about running out the honey moon period and still have weight to lose. Hang in there. I'm sure you'll get more replies. Think positive thoughts. You didn't mention your age so if you are older that might make a difference plus you have thyroid issues and I would think that would affect your weight loss too. You mentioned being tired. Are you taking Vitamins, are you eating enough? I had very deep exhaustion that lasted about 6 months. Its gotten a lot better but my energy is not what I would like it to be. Exercise, I'm sure would help that. Anyway...Maybe you could let us know more on your food and if you exercise...

I am having stomach and abdominal discomfort in that area, which feels in a way like cramping. I've been having this for months. I actually want to go to the hospital to get it removed its really bad. I spoke with the doctor he said I should have an appointment but he doesnt want to get rid of it.. This seems strange if anything. Anyone have any advice? This seems really confusing. Would there be any steps I could take before I get rid of it?

I received a gastric sleeve back in June of 2016 so I'm coming up on my 5 year anniversary. I at one time weighed nearly 500 pounds and got the surgery at 380 as I lost 120 pounds on my own prior to surgery. I was down all the way to 160 pounds. My doctor even said I could stand to gain a few pounds. Problem is, I gained more than a few. I currently weigh about 330 pounds now. I have developed a hernia that will probably need to be surgically repaired. Given that, I'm considering a revision. Can a hernia be repaired while doing a revision? Has anyone gone from a sleeve to bypass? What are the differences you experienced with a sleeve vs bypass? I will also add I'm in the process of seeing a psychiatrist. I've learned I have social anxiety and the weight loss wasn't a cure for that anxiety. I'm almost looking at it as a do over and continuing therapy after surgery. Anybody have success doing a revision?

I had a revision from sleeve to a bypass and a hiatal hernia repair at the same time and so "yes" they repair hernia's at the same time. In fact I had the initial hernia repair while having the sleeve which failed and had to be repaired during the bypass - doing great after bypass. I lost more weight after the bypass as the body doesn't absorb as much and it is definitely a different "feel" than the sleeve was. The restriction is completely different for me. Foods again changed in flavor and things I liked after the sleeve, I no longer like after bypass. I am not one on those that throw up from overeating and am able to tolerate everything and so I have to be careful and "watch what I eat". The experience is different for everyone. If I eat too much it is more painful then it was with the sleeve and I don't know if it is because of the hernia repair that I can't throw up but it hurts extremely hard. Recovery seemed easier and maybe it's because I had been through it before? Fluids are much easier for me to drink. I too have an anxiety disorder and no the surgery does not fix that. I work with a psychologist continuously on my issues for the anxiety along with other issues I am dealing with and so yes you will need to continue therapy. Good luck in your journey. You got this!

LOL agreed fellow New Yorker!! Some people just don't know how to answer the question. And ironically enough, although I do not 100% the answer to your question, I'm having my surgery next week for a revision sleeve to bypass. maybe we can stay in touch?! What i can tell you though, is when i had the sleeve I could barely drink the recommended 64oz daily. I would try to sip every 10 minutes but it was soooo uncomfortable. It would take me an entire day like this to even hit my fluid intake.

I've prided myself on losing 100 lbs eating whatever I want, just a few bites. Well, after my band to sleeve revision 4 mths ago, I've only lost 22 lbs (knew I'd lose slower, started at 174). So I guess I'm gunna have to reevaluate my intake. Counting carbs would be miserable. I was on Atkins induction for 4 weeks last Feb. I would've killed my mom for a cookie I think counting calories would be a better choice for me. Occasionally I count on myfitnesspal and I'm usually under 1200. Guess I hafta stay under 1000 to take off the last 20 lbs. Those last 20 r the hardest of all. for sure. My goal is to maintain until after the holidays. Then I will take it seriously and lose the last 20. Hubby gained 40 lbs over the last 8 mths or so and he's doing the same thing (no, he hasn't had wls, just does Atkins).

Many hbariatric dr are not performing the lapband anymore. And those who had the lapband with little or no success are doing a revision to the sleeve.

I'm getting the band removed rather than revised because I've had problems with slippage before. I've emptied than refilled twice and I was faced with removal or revision. I refuse to put myself through the emotional toll again and there would be a possibility that slippage may occur even after revision. I also fell that my body is negating the band. [/quote [b]I think you hit the nail on the head with that one phrase EMOTIONAL TOLL..... our intuition is often negated by those that are supposed to be helping us ( the doctors) They so often make us feel like were crazy (were not) band problems DO occur, it's documented. and for that reason REVISIONS occur. DON'T BLAME YOURSELF!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.[/b] I WISH YOU LUCKY in your new journey

I was revised from a sleeve to a RNY for GERD.

I’ve had the RNY 18 years ago and my depression improved with the weight loss. Some of the meds I was taking dropped off but I’ve been on other meds for decades. Recently had a revision to DS and my moods have been up even under extreme stress. I’m hoping that I will be able to decrease some of my meds as my body shrinks. The surgery is totally worth it. Ping if you have any questions.

SO my journey with lab band started in 2009..I then weighted 255 lbs and am now 125. ANYWAY I had two revisions since and finally yesterday had it taken out also learned this thing cut into my stomach and created a hole that thankfully got fixed. Am I thankful even though it was a sick and very painful journey? its sick but i am. Even though I wasn't able to eat much mostly lived on Ensure had a hard time with holding liquids down also.I now have to learn all over again how to live a normal life. I got used to vomiting pains acid reflux low energy etc. But am super excited to start over with fresh veggies in my hand and gym membership. Not yet but in a few weeks once I recover: -)

I just had my revision from sleeve to RNY yesterday. Surgeon said all went well and I am home. Have no problem with fluids but now just started drinking protein which is ok. I am keeping a log of everything I drink. I am having a lot of back pain. But I know how hard the operating table is and hospital beds suck. And it’s so hard for me to get comfortable here at home. I am In a big arm chair with an ottoman and a heating pad on my back but nothing is helping really. I already know I won’t be able to sleep in my bed so the chair it’ll be. I have Tylenol with code in which is taking the edge off. I am also peeing sooooo much which is annoying but it helps with me walking more I guess lol