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I had a band to sleeve revision almost 6 months ago. As for pain post op, I was in less pain, though the band was my first ever surgery. I took pain meds for three days then. For the sleeve I didn't take anything after the first night. Although I did stay in the hospital 2 days due to nausea. And I did have some nausea weeks 2-4. As for restriction. It is so much different than with the band. A few bites with the band and I'd be in pain, but then I could eat anything. I never found my sweet spot. With the sleeve, no pain from being stuck, just an uncomfortable feeling if I ate to much. I'm much happier with the sleeve I'm a slow loser, not terribly, but slower than a lot of people on here. Like I said I'm almost 6 months out and including my pre op im just under 50lbs lost. Would I go back to the band, hell no, or would I ever recommend it to anyone, no way. The band is horrible and I don't know why it's still used. Do I regret having the sleeve, not a bit, only that I didn't revise sooner, maybe I would not have gained back everything I lost with the band [emoji20].

He is my choice for my revision surgery when I need one. When the band "expires" i am all over going to him to have a conversion surgery.

OK, so my husband has jumped through all the hoops and has received approval for the sleeve. His date is May 2! Yay for him! Now, I was just submitted yesterday for a band-to-sleeve revision. I am praying I am approved too. Assuming I AM approved and the doctor's office doesn't drop any more last minute surprises at me (that's another story!), do you think our surgeries spaced out 2-3 weeks apart is a good amount of time? Will hubby feel up to taking care of me by then? Time is of the essence right now. My daughter is getting married in August and I have to buy a dress and travel out of state! I need to start losing weight ASAP lol!

I also have this Mediblue through medicare and i was wondering if this is who you had when they approved your sleeve? I have this now in NY but they are withdrawing as of 12/31/13 and Im hoping to get everything done before this!!! I need a band to sleeve revision due to complications from the band Keeping my fingers crossed...congrats on your whole journey

Wow! Congrats! I wish my insurance paid for my TT and lipo. My apron isn't big enuf to cause any medical problems however. And the lipo is just for show, I guess. I got an estimate from a cosmetic surgeon about 9 mths ago when I was about 25 lbs from goal (now I'm 26 lbs again from goal, have lost 18 lbs since my band to sleeve revision) and she estimated: $6,500 for the TT, $2500 for the under the chin lip (I have a blob of fat that never goes away), and $4000 for back fat lip. If I get 2 in the same day (she won't do all 3), I can get 50% off the cheaper one. I can't even dream of the day when I'll have that kind of money... Good luck and again, congrats!

@ccjll: First of all, I'm so happy you were seen quickly and before damage had been done. And I'm thrilled to learn action was taken immediately to get you out of pain and back to normal. Your post is important and I agree should be read by all. I'm not sure what forum this is under but you might be doing everybody a favor by reposting it in Fills and Adjustments? Just a thought... I totally agree that fast weight drop is too high a price to pay for those who love to keep their bands tight. I just shake my head at the lapband blogs I read when the blogger describes loving being too tight to do anything but Protein shakes, or PBing with each meal but "hey, that's ok", or the daily vomiting. This all leads to (at the least) band failure/revision surgery or worse, damage to one's body. Glad you are babying your band and out of pain. What a relief, right?

Hello, has anyone had revision from sleeve to bypass? Was it hard to get insurance to cover it?

Day 3 or 4, I felt really good with the exception of stomach muscular pain (like overworked ab muscles). After 7 years lap band, I had the band to sleeve revision which may be why for my speedy recovery. Decided to add this: I did have trouble feeling hungry and that bothered me, but after day 16 when my stomach swelling went down, the fake hunger feelings dropped off. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

BCBS wants me to do 6 mos supervised diet before approving band-to-sleeve revision. We are appealing it, of course since I did a nutrition program through work and had 3 sessions with a nutritionist even before my obligatory session with a dietician. Also, there is medical necessity argument for removing band due to gastritis and port pain. Still, this is discouraging. I feel like because I worked hard to lose 80 lbs in the last 3 years and my BMI is now 35, they are going to deny me. Do they want me to regain the weight and become diabetic again? It would be easy to do. My band has had the Fluid removed and I'm so stressed that it would be easy to binge. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I'm in the same boat, sort of. I was sleeved 2 years ago and immediately had severe GERD with the worst symptoms when my stomach was empty, so my weight loss was slow and I've regained the little I lost. I was supposed to be having revision to bypass in April, but that was postponed due to the pandemic. At this point, I'm just waiting until they can start scheduling surgeries again, hopefully by the end of June. My surgeon said my weight loss should be closer to 50-60 lbs, which I think I'd be happy with. I have regretted going for the sleeve since day one and am hoping that bypass alleviates some of GERD symptoms.

I know this is easier said than done, but try not to panic over bumps in the road. What looks or feels catastrophic today is probably not as bad as it seems. That’s what my mom used to say when I was growing up and despondent about something (which was often, especially during adolescence). I was strangely comforted by her words because I knew (and she frequently reminded me) that Mom had seen some pretty bad stuff in her life. It's easy to "awfulize" things when you have a pain, symptom or experience you didn't expect and can't explain. You're sure that's something's wrong. You haven't lost weight in three days, or you found hair clogging your shower drain, or you puked up your dinner. Don't let fear cloud your thinking. You will wear yourself to a frazzle if every event becomes a crisis. This applies to many aspects of your life. It's extremely difficult to make a good decision when you're in a panic. Your vomiting might be related to WLS, but it could also be the result of a garden-variety intestinal bug. Your teenaged daughter's failure to return your phone call could be because she was in a terrible car accident, or it could be because her cell-phone battery died. So ask yourself: Is this an emergency? Is it life-threatening, disabling, or just inconvenient? What will happen if I don't do something about it right now? Can I deal with this myself, or do I need help? What kind of help (medical, emotional, spiritual, financial)? Who can help me (my surgeon, therapist, best friend, minister)? Be careful how you choose your helper(s). I know you love your sister, who might tell you that everyone in her family has been sick with a bug since you saw them (and their germs) on Sunday, but she probably can’t accurately tell you whether your symptoms are related to your WLS. Is whatever you fear might be wrong really, truly the very worst thing you could hear? I’ve survived some scary and disappointing stuff during my WLS journey. I’ll probably never forget hearing my surgeon say, “Jean, your band has to go,” and “Jean, I removed your band but I wasn’t able to do your sleeve revision today because of a stricture in your esophagus.” I’ve also gotten bad news about friends who are fellow WLS patients. I mean really, really bad news, when death was reaching out its evil hands to take my friend away forever. In my own life, nothing can top losing a parent. “Jean, your mother died today,” is (so far) the worst bad news I’ve ever heard. A cancer diagnosis, the death of my husband, or the loss of my home to a tornado (entirely possible where I live) would also be mighty devastating. But if I dwelled on those possibilities, I’d spend the rest of my life in anxious misery, and I’m pretty sure that’s not what God has in mind for me. I'm not saying that your struggles aren't important. They are. But it will be easier for you to handle them if you do it with a clear mind and a calm heart. So take a deep breath. And when in doubt, call your surgeon.

I'm paying $5500 for my revision with Dr. Garcia

My insurance will cover the revision. However, my doctor won't even consider sending to my insurance since my bmi isn't over 40, it's 35 with no comorbities. I have gone to another dr same issue. So off to Mexico I go!

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

Bruce, You and only you know the struggles you have had. You have a right to stop that. this is discpline, but it is a chance to stop the yo yo stuff. I have been pretty healthy, but going to 200 at 5.2, I could not live with any more to depress me nor alter the way I wanted to live my life. (my daughter got married in July, I went from 145-200 following knee surgery and now I have to look at fat mother of the bride pictures for the rest of my life!) this was my pattern for years, surgeries and other trama's. I opted for self pay, even though I have had 7 knee surgeries, total replacement, revisions, etc. The weight had to come off, mostly for my poor knee, but I ended up finding out right before surgery I had gallstones,so that came out, and a hiatal hernis, which took a bit to graft while in surgery for the band. I believe if I had wanted to wait for a COE, (Center of Expertise) hospital,( not in Santa Barbara area) mine would have been covered. Still even with people saying "why?" there will always be those and they do not live in your body. I wish you the chance to change your life, I am thrilled, still on the healing phase, learning how different my intake is now, but the more I read and experience my banded stomach I am excited to learn better habits. I support you doing what you know is best. Debra

As a sleeve only patient, may I ask why you are waiting later in the year to have the sleeve revision done? I personally would be concerned with the amount of scarring that would be involved (not to mention the pain of being cut on three times instead of two).

ok so i am new to this so forgive me if i dont do or say something correctly.. I am currently banded but going in on the 16th March to have it removed and a sleeve revision done later in the year but I am so worried I am doing the wrong thing, I have been following a lot of posts over the last year and doing lots of research but i guess what I am asking for is the reassurance that the sleeve is so much better than the band.. would love to hear from others that had the revision and why?? cheers

I added you to my friend's list, and sent you a comment on your profile with the link to my blog on here for you to peruse. The hair loss thing is temporary. The post-op liquid diet is max 2-4 weeks, and full liquids include pudding, yogurt, oatmeal/hot cereals (thinned out), Protein shakes with milk, so it's only temporary as well. Gastrographin is a contrast Fluid that is used for leak detection and it's colorless and flavorless, it actually tastes like flat unsweetened sprite (in my opinion), kind of like when you get a soda and the syrup level is low so it's all icky tasting, it's not horrible and it's a small amount. I only had drains because I had a leak repair post-vsg revision from the band they are more cumbersome than anything, not painful, just annoying. Urinary catheter never had one. Dumping is pretty uncommon. A lot of us that experience issues with sugar, or high fat have been able to pinpoint it down to high milk fat. My issue is butter cream frosting, and fondant. Other than that I can pound back the Reese's Peanut Butter cups without issue LOL. One good "lie" about VSG surgery you can use is, "I'm having ulcer surgery". It's post-op is really similar to VSG, lots of liquids, lots of sipping to let the stomach heal. The first 2 weeks are typically the most difficult. Exhaustion, and fatigue are common due to lack of calories, and general recovering from major surgery. The more walking, sipping fluids the better. Best wishes in your research.

I'm sorry that your going through this,I'd hope that things can be resolved but the reality is that it probably Won't. I'd get the band removed rather than risk more complications. Reflux, and aspiration are NOT NORMAL. And you don't HAVE to have ANY other WLS, just because your surgeon does a particular surgery. And yes I know about the emotional roller coaster ride you'll be on if you choose not to revise. BUT I believe your STRONG enough to do what is needed. Don't risk your health further. I've copied some literature about slips. Complications associated with adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity: a surgeon’s guide Anterior slip results from upward migration of the anterior wall of the stomach through the band. This can be due to insufficient anterior fixation and disruption of the fixation sutures. The second cause may be related to increased pressure in the pouch due to early solid food, vomiting, overeating or early (< 4 wk) band fill Posterior slip is defined as a herniation of the posterior wall of the stomach through the band. This is usually related to the surgical technique but is less frequent now with adoption of the pars flaccida approach instead of the perigastric approach In both types of slip, the patient usually presents with dysphagia, vomiting, regurgitation and food intolerance. The diagnosis is made by upper gastrointestinal series. Complications related to band slip include gastric perforation, necrosis of the slipped stomach (type-V prolapse), upper gastrointestinal bleeding and aspiration pneumonia. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

August 13th revision lapband to bypass

I have watched this site for several months now and it has been so so helpful. I had my band to sleeve revision ( after a slip, and then non-functioning port). Had another hernia that they had to repair as well. Today it has been a week and I am down 11 pounds and feel great although I have over done a bit. You all have been very helpful even to those of us who kinda stay in the shadows most of the time-- Thanks!

Sorry - I didn't have a revision so I don't know the guidelines for a revision. I was also self-pay since my insurance policy does not cover any WLS. Hopefully my response will bump this & someone with insurance experience can chime in.

I have I had my sleeve done on April 8th it was a lapband to sleeve revision plus a hiatal hernia repair I woke with an NG tube it was awful but you won't have that. The hospital is nice very clean not as high tech as American hospitals I felt save and can tell you he does a lot of surgeries about 12 a day. It's goes pretty fast and before you know it, it's over and your new life begins. Just make sure you follow the preop diet or you'll be sick

My coordinator has scheduled my dtr's revision from band to sleeve with a Dr Juan Arellano. We are having issues trying to find/get info on this surgeon. We would feel much better if we had info that would allow us to make a more informed decision.We would greatly appreciate anything any of you could tell us. This is too serious not to go into the surgery informed. Thank you so much. A concerned/nervous mom & dtr.

I agree. I'd love to find just one band patient that has had their band for 10 years without complications, another surgery, a 2nd band, or the ever popular "band issues". I was able to find 1 band patient on OH that had her band for almost 9 years, she is on her 2nd band, and now is going in for a revision to the sleeve. She just "lived" with the band issues because she thought it was a fair trade off to lose the majority of her weight. For me, it's not about doing well, or losing _____% of my excess weight. It boils down to quality of life. Not being able to eat a good, healthy balanced diet because certain foods would not go down, or the ever lovely puking on the same food I ate the day before without issue. For me, that is not a high and pleasurable quality of life. Not to mention all of the maintenance, in and out for fills and unfills trying to find the sweet spot. The stats on revisions for sleeve patients that have been documented at 5-7 years out is between 3-5% vs. 25% with the band. For me, that speaks volumes. We all know someone or several that have done well with each WLS option. Unfortunately, I know way more people that have complications or "band issues" than I know true success stories. It is a personal choice. You have to weigh all the pros and cons. Look at the big picture, and then proceed. My mom has a band, and is almost 3 years out. She pukes 2-4 times weekly. Lives on mushy, soft solids, can't eat lettuce or bread, and forget chicken. She's had over 20 fills/unfills trying to find the sweet spot, and still at almost 3 years out she has 40 pounds to goal. BUT, per the stats, she's considered a success. I just hope she doesn't screw up her stomach tissue along the way by just "dealing/living" with band issues. On the other hand, my younger brother has a band also and is about 15 months out, he's lost over 100lbs and doesn't have any of the band issues with the exception of eating certain foods. Unfortunately, he hates getting the fills at this point so he's on a forced diet because they can't get the fill right on him either. If I wanted to diet, I wouldn't have gone through WLS to begin with. Think twice, cut once.