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Hi, I'm waiting on my insurance to approve my band to RNY revision. They have approved my port revision (three months ago - which I had to wait on pre-existing condition clause) until now to have. I was banded April 11, 2008 by Dr. John Bagnato, Albany GA. Assessment day I was at 271, with a pre-op diet I went into Surgery at 259 pounds. By my first fill I was down about twenty pounds - or perhaps I should say attempt at a first fill - my port had flipped. So I had to schedule revision surgery, which I had in July. I think lost an average of 15 pounds a month. I found out right after my revision surgery my husband was having an affair - emotionally I was a wreck but I think it gave me a push. By November I was down to 214 (my lowest weight). I worked out, followed all the rules - strictly and even ran in a 5k. My marriage continued to deteriorate and by December I asked for a divorce. We separated in February. I ended up moving to my hometown in Florida (four hours away) in March. It never dawned on me the impact of moving to another state would have on my health due to my band. I ended up getting sick and had to get an unfill a few months after moving to Florida. I went back to Georgia for one fill which I had to have removed due to esophagous spasms. When my divorce was final in October 2009 I lost my benefits. I quit my job when I left and it took me four months to find a job (and it didn't offer benefits). But with two small children to feed I didn't feel I had much choice. So no doctor, no follow-up. I tried to find a doctor in Florida to see me, closer than four hours away. No one would take me. I tried everything. I finally found a doctor in Pensacola that would see me. He was able to put in 1cc (I have a 10cc band) in November 2010. I went back in March for my second fill and he couldn't access my port. By the way my port is in my chest, stitched to my left breast muscle). He said it has to be moved. We filed the insurance and they denied me due to pre-existing condition (June 2010 is when my insurance took effect, so I had to wait until June 2011 for anything related to my band). In May I started having port pains and reflux issued - I had an upper GI done. I have mobility issues in my esophogus and some erosion...so I'm told that the band has to come out. I had an appointment Wednesday of this week with him. He confirmed it and we discussed alternatives. I had been reseraching the RNY for a few weeks (once he told me bye bye band)...so now I'm waiting on insurance approval. I'm curious how many of us are out there? and if it is specific to the doctor or type of band? Is there a specific timeline when the failures/complications begins. For the longest time I blamed myself - thought I'd done something wrong. It appears after getting back on LBT (after a two year departure), I'm not the only one. I really hope this RNY site takes off...looking forward to talking to everyone...

Well I'm running out of options. MTF's are not willing to work with patients that do not neatly fit into their program. I've contacted the largest programs in the county and none will take out of area patients. Now I'm researching MTF's closer to me. The Naval Base in Jacksonville, 4 hours away will not work with patients that do not live in the area and they do not do revisions. My only two options now are Fort Gordon (146 miles) and Fort Jackson (111miles). I never thought I would say this but GO ARMY! Just waiting to hear back.....not knowing is tough!

Rt that was the same thing I’m wondering I had the revision from sleeve to rny because of severe gerd

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

1. What are/were your biggest challenges during the weight loss process? (insurance, medication, surgery, maintenance etc): Insurance, especially when they stopped covering lap band adjustments That was one of the main reasons I went ahead with the band to sleeve revision. I just couldn't afford $300 per 0.2cc adjustment, sometimes 2 in one week. It was just too expensive for me. 2. What would you like to have different to solve the problems that you need to face? And why? (new weight loss medication, new surgery approaches, more support groups, new insurance plan etc.): Better insurance plans for WLS patients. Although I know they are aware of how detrimental being overweight is, and I am grateful they cover WLS more now... I still feel that they don't cover enough of the additional things (i.e. fills/adjustments, removing extra skin, therapy, post-op shakes for just the liquid phase of healing) that one needs to further maintain their health. It's like helping an addict for one hospital stay and then putting them out on the street with no further help. Some may make it, and others will slide again. If the insurance companies can keep the WLS patients healthy, they would further save on all the future medical problems of those patients. 3. How much money do you spend for weight loss every year? (food, exercise, support groups, medications etc): Over $2K per year but now that I got the revision to sleeve, it'll be less money spent since I don't have to do lapband adjustments but just routine check ups (doctor check ups, Vitamins and other supplements, meds like PPI, Protein powders). 4. How did you learn about the surgery/medications that you had/used/are using? My bariatric center gave me lots of handouts and a book on everything that I need for the revision surgery (band to sleeve). We also had a nutrition class. I also read a lot on the forums (mainly experiences that others feel that are not usually in a book), and read many scientific and clinical studies.

I got pregnant post sleeve at 38. I had my sleeve when i was 37. I got pregnant 1 year post op. My gyn thought it would take longer. It didn't. I would not recommend it unless you are close or at goal. I have had so many issues post pregnancy and I am going in for revision. Be sure to try to wait the recommended time.

If you're having surgery as a self-pay, you don't have to worry about the BMI. WASA had a revision when she was at (even a little below) her goal weight. The lower your weight, the easier it usually is for the surgeon so you're good to go.

Yes Elisabeth, that was really helpful! I guess I hadn't given my BMI much thought.. It is now 35. I am 197lbs and 5'3". Could this compromise the possibility of a revision?? I would like to lose another 60lbs or so. As for my surgeon and nutritionist, yah.. You got the idea lol I should have known better at the beginning when my surgeon asked me which surgery he did on me and whenhe had done it, when I was there for my final consult pre op. Then for my second fill he asked me if I had a fill yet and how much I had in my band. Yikes! What was I thinking:( Thanks again for your reply, I really appreciate it!! ~Kerri

Mine is below my right breast and about two inches down. Right now, the darn thing is flipped and I have to go for port revision, but this surgery is still worth it!

Did you have slippage,hernia or band erosion in order to get revision approval?

Dear MamaM, I see your doc is in Fresno. What was the cost of your revision? I just assumed I had to go back to Tijuana to get a good price. I'd love to only have to drive from the Bay Area to Frenso! Thank you in advance for sharing your costs. Sara

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.

Thanks so much for the info! I too started wanting lap band, but after hearing and reading the huge number conplications and revisions chose the sleeve. I'm hoping it's covered, I don't really want to go the route of gastric bypass. I kinda like my intestines the way they are. I would love the codes when you get time.

I am being revised Band to Bypass and have been dreading the pre-op diet. I was 3 days out when all elective surgeries got cancelled due to Covid. I had followed the diet well and was rescheduled. Date of the reschedule was coming up, was on the shakes and doing ok, only slipped once... again 3-4 days out was re-reschudled due to Covid. I am due to go in tomorrow. I really struggled this time, Firstly I missed the start day for the shakes (I work in government and between drought, fires and Covid I barely know what day it is), then I got in my head and have only successfully managed to do 4-5 days VLCD. The VLCD I was given was: Brekky: shake, Lunch: shake or bar + Salad, Dinner: Shake + Veg. My diet has been Brekky: Shake or bar (if I remember), Dinner: Salad. Im just super worried about starting late. I was 123kg a week ago, 117kg ealier in the week and 120kg this morning (that time of the month due tomorrow for my op - Yay for me) ... I just needed to get that off my chest as it's really been stressing me out

Not sure about food but, I used vitamin e oil after my sleeve with good results. This is what I plan to do since my recent revision once incisions are healed enough as well. The oil is pricey. I just get the bit e vitamins and cut one end of the gel capsule to apply. Much less expensive this way.

I thought that might be the case. Try going back to focusing on protein and cut out sliders. Go and see your surgeon and discuss with him/her how to proceed. You may need a fill or infill. I had the same issues and was told by my surgeon that he didn’t think I would be able to get my band to “ work” again. Apparently they have discovered that they have a limited lifespan and after a while they cause serious issues like oesophageal failure. I was suffering bad reflux with a limited amount of fill but was still hungry and putting on weight. I revised to RNY in Jan and am very happy. I have lost all my excess weight and my diet is now far healthier than with the band.

As I have been reading the posts the past few months I saw how first time Sleevers had issues with certain foods. As someone who had revision surgery- I'm not having any issues. I waited a few months before trying things - I had my first cupcake for my sons birthday - no issues. ( I was only able to eat 1/2). Had my first popcorn at the movies - no issues ( split a small with my son- no butter) last night I had my first Subway sandwich- 6 inch flatbread. Had no problems ( took me 45 min to eat it and I was stuffed the rest of the night). I'm curious as to others- have any food issues since the revision? I have no plans to make this the norm for me, I knew that his birthday week I was going to be the 1 week I splurged ( still lost 2 pounds- before the subway sandwich)

Yep. It definitely makes me more nervous. Thanks for your insightful question, though. :huh2: Does anyone who has actually revised have any input?

I'm going to be really honest here. I had a band and many problems with it and due to those problems I revised to a sleeve. Even with band problems we still have to watch food choices. If you lost 20# in all that time maybe restriction alone isn't going to cut it for you. A sleeve is just another restrictive procedure. Sounds like you might want to consider bypass for a few reasons. If your reflux is due to the band then removing the band will help. If your reflux is not due to the band than a sleeve could make it worse. Bypass will fix the weight issue as well as reflux.

Honestly, at this point, I'm beginning to wonder why I did this. I mean, I'm thrilled with the weight loss so far...80lbs in 11 months. But, with all of the problems I've been having and the thought of possible erosion being in the back of my mind at all times, I'm just not sure. I never really thought up front about what I'd do financially if the band had to be removed and now that's a very real possibility. I am still paying off the original surgery because my insurance only paid half. There's no way I can afford to have this thing taken out, much less have revision surgery too. My insurance changed 3 months after I was banded and the new insurance considers everything band-related to be pre-existing so refuse to pay anything. So I'm seriously stuck. I've been having these pains in my stomach around the band area for a while now and have no idea what it could be and I couldn't get an appointment to see my doctor until September. Once I see him and have tests done (no telling how much those will cost me!) I'll know what I'm facing. Meanwhile, all I can do is try not to think the worst and that's pretty much impossible. :cursing:

Well I have a confession.... I'm glad!! He's real, real conservative and we butted heads from time to time. So if you're real conservative, we shouldn't talk politics. LOL I've always been one of those people who doesn't tan easily (or at all) and I burn bad and then do the disgusting peel. So my heart goes out to you. At least during the peel state, if you burned that bad, you'll probably be getting some good drugs and it won't be too unpleasant. Hydration has always been the key to feeling better after a sunburn. Man, I'm thinking of you. I had my sleeve revision 6 days ago. It is rougher than I thought it would be, but it is doable and each day you see an improvement of some sort. I have been surprised at how much this site helped me during the first days. If you have a question, there's somebody who has been there and glad to share their experience. I thought I'd feel too bad to be on the computer. But it's a godsend and please know that we really are all wondering about you and wishing you well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

not many surgeons will place lapbands anymore - too many people have had complications with them years after surgery and had to revise to sleeve or bypass. So I agree revising to something else is a better option for you.

Thank you all so very much for sharing your stories! The Sleeve was a surprise for me only a month ago. I'd heard about it. Have friends who've revised to it but didn't have a lot knowledge of it. Only knew my band needed to come out and this is what my surgeon was offering me. I'm a few days out from my removal/revision surgery now and actually excited about the possibilities of my WL again. I'd lost that after my 1st year w/the band. The last 3 years have been a struggle. I had given up and just hoped to NOT gain, let alone lose anything. These stories help. THANK YOU!

Agreed. I’d speak with Dr. Keshishian regarding a revision to the DS. He’d give you a fair opinion.

Hi, Dr. Aceves is the doctor that you want for this surgery. He has had the MOST experience in this field of revisions. And he would NEVER let you go home unless he thought you were ready to get on a plane and fly home. They give you more than enough pain meds if you need anything. I did not have a revision, but had a close friend who did and she had no problems at all when it was time to go home. I had the sleeve to start with and honestly I only had one day in the hospital out of the 4 days that I was in the hospital that I didn't feel real good. You will find nothing but GREAT things about Dr. Aceves. He is so very kind, and caring along with being a highly skilled surgeon. If you have any more questions about him, feel free to send me an E-mail. I will try to answer anything you want to know. Hugs, Suzanne