BeautyLocs40

Thanks for your kind words, JLMet. Another poster on this site who's also gone through a revision said my experience is neither normal nor acceptable, and I should definitely check back in with my dietician. I'll give her a call tomorrow. In the interim, I'm going to take a page from your book and stop weighing myself every day.

Hi again, Kimberly-- Thank you so much for your follow-up. In spite of your current challenges, you've made amazing and inspiring progress. I hope you feel proud of yourself. My best wishes as you continue to heal your relationship with food. Continue to take good care! Bridgett

I'm two months post a revision from a band to a bypass. I'd lost 30 pound, but for the last month have been stalled. Now my weight has started to creep up, and I'm eight pounds heavier than I was a few weeks ago. I'm walking and averaging about 700 calories a day, mostly Protein, and admit to be pretty confused by this. My recovery hasn't been smooth - lots of issues with vomiting and stomach sickness. I'm terrified I've failed and that I've lost all the weight I'm going to lose. It was a lot to put my body and mind through to not be successful.

Hi, Lauren-- Thanks so much for your comment. When I had the scope, the doctor said it wasn't uncommon for a stricture to recur, but he didn't say it might take more than one procedure to clear it. I'm still experiencing fullness in my esophagus and often have to fight the urge to vomit. This may sound strange, but I find it comforting to know my symptoms aren't normal! I'll contact the dietician on Monday and tell her I'm still having problems. Thanks, again!

Hi, Kimberly-- I'm so glad you found this site, and I hope others having your challenges find and respond to your post. While I'm not one of them, I felt compelled to comment because I was recently revised from a lap band to a bypass and am having quite a bit anxiety around food and eating. As a result, two months after my surgery, most of my meals are still Protein drinks or soup. My anxiety is the result of a rough recovery following surgery and lots of ongoing vomiting and stomach issues. I'm very apprehensive about eating because I don't know what's going to make me throw up or sick. Fortunately, I'm aware of this and working with a therapist and my doctors to get past it. Would you consider seeing a therapist? Do you know when you lost your appetite or if it was related to a specific event? Could you at least stomach Protein shakes or teas or even smoothies while you're getting to the bottom of your eating issues? Does your insurance company employ a nurse practioner or some other professional you can speak with about your challenges and who can help you connect with another doctor covered by your plan? While those "friends" shouldn't be your primary concern, a therapist or support group might also help you to deal with any feelings of betrayal or loneliness, which could also be impacting your appetite. I wish you all the best, Kimberly. Please take care of yourself! Regards, Bridgett

Hi, bacon-- My revision was February 17, and I spent three days in the hospital. Challenges getting in fluids and extreme grogginess extended my hospital stay by one day. Throughout my recovery, I've had, and continue to have, difficulty getting in fluids and foods. Two weeks ago, I had a scope that revealed a stricture, which was inhibiting my ability to keep down Protein shakes and Water let alone anything pureed. It was cleared, but I continue to throw up and experience inconsistencies with even the softest of foods. My recovery is harrowing from my perspective, but I was able to return to work after three weeks, one week sooner than I'd planned. I was banded in 2009 and lost 40 pounds. Since the revision in February, I've lost 30. I'm also off of two of my blood pressure medications and taking half of the antidepressants I used to, results I never achieved with the band. In spite of this, however, I have regrets. The constant vomiting and feeling of fullness in my esophagus is like still having a band. I have a lot of anxiety around eating and have all but stopped doing it. I also have unpredictable stomach pains and explosive bowel movements. In summary, if I had the revision to do over again, I don't know that I would. Good luck with your decision!

Hello-- I was revised on Tuesday and have experienced some humbling episodes during my recovery. I was hospitalized a day longer than anticipated because I didn't become fully alert from the anastesia until Thursday. I also couldn't get in enough of the liquids to satisfy my doctor I wouldn't become dehydrated shortly after leaving the hospital. Friday, I started to experience some of the most intense gas pains I've had in life! They persists in spite of multiple and satisfying bowel movements. Yesterday, I tried some cream-based chicken Soup, which did not agree with me. I started vomiting at 7 PM and didn't finish until 2 AM today! Admittedly, I have had at least two, "what have you done, you foolish girl?" moments, but all-in-all, my enthusiasm about having another chance to reach a more ideal and healthy weight hasn't been diminished. From reading posts on this and other sites, I know how embarrassed many of us feel about not being successful with our first (or even second) WLS attempt and some of us may even be carrying a bit of shame. My own conflicted feelings kept me from telling my only sister what I was having done until we were in the hospital, and I was being prepped for surgery. Up to that point, I'd told her I was being re-banded; she'd been through that with me and knew what to expect. Last night, though, when I was so sick and actually a bit frightened, I realized that by being covert in my actions, I hadn't put in place an adequate post-surgery care plan. All that vomiting and moving from the bed to the bathroom and back again left me exhausted, and I needed help. If you've done what I did and been withholding toward your loved ones, please be sure it doesn't come at the expense of your post-surgery needs. Now, as for pre-surgery weight loss, I've got nothing! All I had to do was five pounds, and I just made it. I relied on Meal Replacements and soup. Best to all! BL

Hi, I was revised from band to bypass last Tuesday and have been having regular movements, two- to three-times-a-day since Saturday. I haven't had to rely on softeners or laxatives, the consistency is normal, and I don't experience any discomfort. Good luck with your decision! BL

Hi, lesliesnavely-- I was initially considering a sleeve and did quite a bit of research before my doctor told me the RNY would be a better choice given the GERD. Have you checked out the band to sleeve forum on this site? It's a very active group, and I think you'll get a lot of insight. All of the procedures carry some complications, but it seems former bandsters that have been revised to the sleeve have good success. Good luck!

Hi, Marieze-- My revision is scheduled for Tuesday, so I can be only somewhat helpful. I was banded in 2009, lost 50 pounds, and stalled. I've managed to keep off all but 10 pounds, but I'm still about 130 pounds overweight. I, too, considered the sleeve, but an unexpected side effect of having the band removed was horrific GERD complete with vomiting. My surgeon said the sleeve could make things worse, and recommended the bypass. Admittedly, I'm a bit scared about having my insides re-worked, but it is the "gold standard", and given my lack of success with the band, I suppose I should go big or go home, right? Anyway, I can answer the following questions based on where I am to date in the process: A. Do I have to jump through all the hoops again with the psychologist, nutritionist etc. if I do this? I want to move quickly if I do this. If you want your insurance to pay for your surgery, yes, you will have to jump through the hoops. I had to do a six month, medically-supervised weight loss program, get clearance from my psychopharmacologist and social worker in addition to seeing the program's psychiatrist. I've been at this since December 2013. B. Having just had 2 surgeries in October do I have to get all new blood work etc? This depends on the hospital's policy. The one I'm going to considers blood work current so long as it was drawn within six months. C. Do most bypass patients spend 2 night in the hospital I've been told to expect two nights in the hospital. D. In revision, how long did you have to do all liquids? I have to do seven days prior to surgery and then three weeks after. E. Post-op....how long liquids until puree's then finally solids? The nutritionist advances each patient's diet based on their recovery and progress. I don't know exactly. F. Do you find it daunting Vitamins for the rest of your life? Are they expensive? This is one of the things that scares me about the bypass. Some of the regular prescription pills I've been taking have been switched from once a day to twice a day in addition to the new supplements. I find it challenging to remember to take pills more than once a day. It will be truly daunting for me to change my habits. As to cost, a friend who had the bypass three years ago told me about costco supplements. They are cheaper than other retailers and of good quality. I've been able to get everything I need without spending a mint. Another friend finds her supplements at Walmart. I can't answer your remaining questions. Perhaps someone who currently lives the bypass will respond to your post. Good luck with your decision. Regards, Bridgett

Hi, Jschultes Over the course of many years of working with behaviorists and nutritionists, I've picked up a few practices that work for me most of the time. When I'm dealing with a lot of stress, I remind myself to stay in the moment because it's all that exist. Then I try to focus on only what I can do in that moment. I find these help me to prioritize and give me a sense of calm. If I'm still feeling stressed and am tempted to turn to food, I try to get a sense of why I want to eat what I want to eat. If it's ice cream, for example, what I want is the comfort and satisfaction that comes from the cool, sweet, fatty characteristics of ice cream. I then think of what other food is better aligned with my health and fitness goals, but also has similar characteristics. Also, J, remember no food is bad or off limits; you can choose to eat whatever you want, and you are in charge of your choices. If you find yourself drawn to something that isn't the best choice, try saying, "I'm not going to eat that today. Maybe tomorrow or next week, but not today." When I do this, I'm reminded that I'm in charge of my choices, and if the day comes that I do choose to eat something less than healthy, I've thought about it, and I'm in control, not the food. I hope this helps just a little. Hang in, and be kind to yourself. Remember you're in charge, and try to be mindful of your choices. Best!

Does anyone know if band to bypass patients lose more or faster than band to sleeve?

Happy Birthday, Sharie24, and congratulations on your incredible success!

Hi, kjd612-- I've heard this, too, but I have yet to hear an explanation as to why. Did your surgeon explain beyond telling you revised patients typically lose less? B~

You know, LaurieArnold, you're right. I've given way too much power to the insurance companies. This process is about me.

My insurance company approved my band removal and request for a sleeve in July. When my removal was scheduled, I received a letter from them saying the surgery hadn't been authorized. I spoke with the insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office, and she said the authorization had expired and simply needed to be renewed. She didn't think it was a big deal until I told her as of September, BCN had changed its contract to read bariatric surgery is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit and asked her under which contract the renewal would be considered. She said she didn't know. A couple of weeks later, I called her back and she told me BCN had once again approved both surgeries. I had the band removed yesterday, but have to wait until February for the sleeve. Admittedly, I'm concerned the insurance company is going to change its mind again, and I'll end up tens-of-thousands of dollars in debt. Does anyone know the origins of the once-in-a-lifetime benefit regulation and if it applies to any other surgery? Just seems punitive.

In 2009, I had a lap band inserted, a procedure that was covered by my insurance carrier, Blue Care Network. Five years later, I've lost and maintained a loss of 40 pounds. Still significantly overweight, in December, I started steps to get my band revised to a sleeve. Prior to beginning in earnest, I contacted my insurance company (BCN) and was told that a revision wouldn't be covered because WLS was a once-in-a-lifetime benefit. I called back and spoke to someone else at the insurance company and was told that wasn't the case. So long as the procedure was deemed medically necessary by my surgeon, the insurance company would consider covering it. I called a third time; spoke to another person who told me the same thing. Finally, I contacted the benefits management company retained by my employer and asked them to get a definitive answer. Once again, I'm told it's not a one-time benefit. About a month ago, BCN agreed to cover both the removal of my band and revision to a sleeve. Last week, however, I received a benefits update from BCN. Effective September 1, WLS is now a once-in-a-lifetime benefit. I've been approved and have no real worries about the decision being overturned, but I am concerned about the trend of insurance companies placing this limitation on WLS. If a patient needed multiple procedures to manage other chronic conditions, would they encounter similar barriers? I fully understand that the band, sleeve, and bypass are tools, and it's up to us to make the life-style changes necessary to be successful, but as we've learned, some tools aren't as effective as others for many people. I'm very interested to hear your thoughts. From my perspective, the once-in-a-lifetime stipulation seems to be punitive toward those of us with weight challenges. Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but to me it's like saying, "You were given the ultimate opportunity to shed your fat ass, and you failed - AGAIN - so no more chances for you!" What do you think? Am I over-reacting or is this further confirmation of general acceptance to discriminate against fat people?

I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds, 40 of which I've kept off. Though I still have restriction, I haven't been able to drop anymore weight. I regret not being more successful with the band. Having surgery to lose weight is an extreme measure, and when I chose it, I wasn't expecting to fail. On the other hand, I'm very grateful for my band because it's helped me maintain my weight for the past five years. Without it, I'm certain I'd be quite a bit heavier than I am today.

A friend of mine is encouraging me to revise to a sleeve. She got one about a year ago and has had very good results.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories. The similarities remind me that I'm not alone.

Hi, Mrsinto-- Thanks so much for your concern and comments. I see a therapist and work with a behavior counselor who specializes in weight-related issues, both independent of my doctor's office. Admittedly, I have a lot of bad feelings about myself, which I'm sure has contributed to my lack of success. It's validating to connect with people who can empathize with what I'm experiencing. Thanks, again! I wish you all the best on your journey.

Hi, What a blessing to find this thread! I haven't been on Lapband Talk in a couple of years in part because I have had such little success with my band. On the day of my surgery in February 2009, I was 325. Today, I weigh 300. I am devastated, sad, and embarrassed by having lost so little weight and still being so large. I, like, Juan, told people that I was having surgery. To still appear mammoth causes me great shame. As I write this, all I want to do is cry. In spite of periods of real hopelessness, I haven't stopped trying. Today, I sent an email to my surgeon's office asking for an appointment. I didn't have the courage to call. In all honesty, I still feel hopeless; I do not believe it's possible for me to reduce my weight. Perhaps I can find some hope in seeing the doctor and continuing to work on changing bad habits.