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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

i was banded in 2008 and lost 100% of my goal weight.... then my band slipped and i got down to a very skeletal weight before having the revision. i didn't know if is should have the revision because i don't need to lose any weight BUT i need help maintaining. i'm 2 weeks post-op and i don't follow the "normal" post-op diet because i can't really afford to lose a lot of weight so i eat as many calories as i can. hopefully i made the right choice!

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!

I had band to bypass revision surgery in March 2016. I had my band removed in December 2015. My insurance required a 90 day timeframe. It was as the previous person said - had to go through all the same testing as the first time around. But it was well worth it! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

I don't know how well the band worked for you, but mine wasn't so great - had it for 10 years of pretty lousy actually. I did take the time to contemplate how I contributed to "failure" and one mistake I vowed to never make again was to blame myself and not seek help and support. I think it is great you have asked here and I think you should be very straight forward with your doctor. Don't be embarrassed, you need help! I am guessing he has seen all variations - fast and slow losers etc. I think that you might benefit from some sessions with a nutritionalist or even therapist. Reality of it is, you might be slower loser then you were with the band, or compared to some other sleevers. That is painful to accept, but honestly does it matter? I have lost 160# due to my revision, does anyone really think it matters how long it took? The journey is far from over for me even, because i am now in maintenance... in other words, there never is an "end" it is all a process, an ongoing way of living. So, ;practical advice, get yourself a sleeve guidebook (usually provided by your surgeon or NUT) and follow it as closely as you can! Who cares about Cookies, this is your health and life on the line here! Even doing that, it might be more slow and steady, but you will eventually make your goal weight. I think it took me 3 months post op to really get in the total groove with my sleeve. Nerves are damaged, I was dehydreated, sometimes I felt hungrier than I should, sometimes I had no appetite... all over the board. The key is to be eating the dense Proteins. I am talking fish, chicken, sandwhich meat etc etc. If you aren't hungry for a slice of sandwich meat wrapped in a piece of lettuce, are you really hungry? That goes along ways to filling you up and makes it easier to eat properly. There are lots of "sleeve basics" that i presume you know, but following them really does help. hang in there and don't give up!

I just had my revision from sleeve to bypass. I only had to take the pre op but class. Then surgery 3 weeks later. It all depends on your Dr. and my revision was for the same reasons. Good luck.

I was given some meds to help me with the milk supply gain 25lbs after having my baby she's now 8 months old I stopped taking the meds in may and stopped breastfeeding in the middle of aug. I started working out and I been able to loose 12lbs out of those 25lbs. I had the sleeve back in 2012 and I've never been on my weight goal. I just saw my surgeon on Thursday and he suggested to keep doing what I'm doing he said as longest I get full and eating how I'm supposed I don't need no revision, he just said just don't gain weight so I'm hoping I lose more lbs. I had friends that got their surgery in Mexico and they've lost tons of weight. TBH I don't want another surgery

I had my surgery 10/21 and returned to work 11/16. I had sleeve to RNY revision with hernia repair. I couldn't have gone back in two weeks like some people do. I was still in so much discomfort. I have a desk job. I went back last week still in some discomfort but more than that I was exhausted in bed the first day back to work by 7 pm. I get up at 4:15am. I am just now starting to feel like my normal self and I am 5 weeks post op today.

Oh, just remembered. was told by experienced bariatric surgeon that did my revision to keep my protein uptake at 60 grams daily, low sugar to prevent dumping. I tolerate sugar fine, only one episode years ago, ate way too much at Christmas. I'm drinking Premier Protein Shakes, can get them down and they taste okay to me. Wonder if I should add a glass of full fat milk daily, I might could get it down, if I split it up. I try to eat a few bites of full fat cottage cheese. I can't even get down a small frozen meal, such as Atkins, etc. Tried this morning, ate about 4 bites and spit it out. I know I need therapy, my husband died in 2014 from cancer, then my only son who was heroin addict in 2015, committed suicide 2015. I am overwhelmed with unresolved grief...but that can take years to solve I need help with getting the best nutrition to be focused enough and well enough to even drive to therapy. Get my drift? I need a registered dietician in bypass patients who are experiencing my specific condition, and take my health issues/age, and the fact I live alone, and find it even hard to get to store, etc. I'm overwhelmed to say the least. Just wanting first step. Getting medical care, but she really doesn't know best core diet to recover from this.

Hi mumoftwo, I am a recent band to sleeve revision patient. I had my lapband put in July '07 and started having problems a couple of years later. I never found "the sweet spot" with it. In August of this year my band was unfilled so it was only taking up space in me at that time. I had my band removed and the sleeve performed on 10/25/13. During this period I was able to stay within 6 pounds. You can do it. Good luck to you on your band removal and upcoming sleeve surgery.

Traceyringo, My bypass is scheduled Feb 27 in WA. For months, we were sure I would revise to a gastric sleeve. My first appointment my surgeon recommended gastric bypass, but we were set on a sleeve. It wasn't until my pre-op appointment for my band removal, 3 months later, with the surgeon, that he explained the detailed risks of a sleeve given my history. Realizing I might have the same issues or worst with GERDS and acid reflux, we agreed with his recommendation to do a bypass. This site has helped me better understand what I will face with bypass. Honestly, I am comfortable with the decision and looking forward to the surgery.

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!

anyone know how much revision surgery costs?

I am in exactly the same boat except that I throw up a few times a day. I have had my band checked for slippage and tightness and it's in the right place and there's lots of room for the food to go down. I either have zero restriction or I'm puking my guts out. I never know what it's going to be on any given day. The idea of the nerve at the top of my stomach being hyper sensitive has been floated, but there has been no real answer to what the problem is. My doctor is stumped. Finally I had to take out a large chunk of fill just so I could eat somewhat normally, so I am now permanently at zero restriction. I'm trying to get rid of my band now and get a revision to something else. What I really want is an answer to what's going on and I won't be getting a revision before somebody can tell me why I'm having so much trouble with the band because a revision is a whole lot more permanent. I too have not lost any weight other than my pre-op diet weight. I can't even go back to my pre-op diet for a spell because I can't keep those foods down. shakes are a no-go with me as they sit like lead in my stomach and make me sick as a dog.

For treating a regain problem, I prefer the DS as it is stronger metabolically than either the VSG or RNY - the RNY is too close to the VSG in strength to reliably offer a significant improvement in weight loss, from what I have seen over the years. Figure maybe 20lb loss on average - about what one would expect from going through all the intense dieting associated with going through surgery again. (There are some who do significantly better, bit it seems to be more a function of their determination to "make this work" or "not screw it up again" than the actual surgery itself. Call it something like a surgical placebo, lol.) By your surgeons not finding the codes for the DS implies that they are talking about the newer SIPS/SADI/"loop DS" which is a single anastomosis adaptation of the traditional BPD/DS (biliopancreatic diversion) which has been routinely covered by US insurance and Medicare for the past 14-15 years, but is a more complex procedure that relatively few bariatric surgeons perform. Some practices that do the SIPS/SADI use the BPD/DS billing codes which is technically insurance fraud, but if they're comfortable doing it, that's their concern. Revising the VSG to a DS, of either flavor, is straightforward as each use the VSG as its basis (some don't even consider it a revision, more a "completion" of the ultimate configuration.) The strong point of the BPD/DS is its regain resistance - regain is possible as it is with any of these procedures, but it is harder. I know many with the DS who are 10-20 years out (my wife included) who are still maintaining a healthy weight; some are up a bit more and working on losing their "Covid 19" - just like "normal" people but major regains are relatively uncommon. The SIPS/SADI type of DS seems to fall somewhere in between the VSG/RNY and the BPD/DS - I have seen a few in the various forums who have had it and seem to be doing well with it, but it doesn't have as long a history. Any of these procedures - the RNY, DS or SIPS - will be somewhat fussier and less care-free than your VSG when it comes to supplements and follow up; the RNY is maybe a bit less so, but one can get into some serious trouble with any of them if one slacks off. If keeping up with supplements and annual labs is not an issue with you, then any of them should be fine.

I was banded April 2008 and did pretty well as long as my band was tight. I either had too much restriction or not enough. There was really never a happy medium. I spent a lot of my time spitting up what I ate. liquids were even hard to get down most days. I was chronically dehydrated, in my opinion. I lost weight, but I don't feel I was healthy. I didn't eat enough veggies and fruits. I lost around 90 pounds in about 3 years. I was so desperate to lose weight and since I appeared to be having "success", I didn't fix the problem. Over the last several months I have lost pretty much all restriction and have gained weight. I'm thinking I probably have a leak. I have also had some shooting pains in my port area very recently. I've been trying to do it by myself the last several months which is completely asinine because if I could have done it myself, I wouldn't have needed WLS in the first place. How many times over the countless years have I gained and lost the same 80 pounds "on my own"? Too many to count. I'm completely disgusted, mostly with myself, and ashamed. I haven't gained all the weight back, but I can't believe I'm here again. I swore I would never be here again. I've just begun to look into the sleeve. I also swore I would never have a WLS that involved cutting. What if I need that part of my stomach someday? The band seemed so "safe" and completely reversible. But what's the point if I was constantly sick? All of these thoughts bounce around and around in my head. I'm glad to read all of your stories and experiences. I need to learn more about the revision and how it works exactly. I'm going to at least set up a consultation with a surgeon. I'm going to someone else as I didn't care for my band surgeon or his staff. Regardless of whether I have a revision, I know I need to get checked out. I welcome any feedback and/or input. Thanks!

I had lapband in 2005. Had it removed in 2009. Sleeved 4/10/18. My immediate post-op experience after being sleeved was rough. Surgeon said I had a lot of scar tissue from the lapband, which took him almost twice as long as a normal sleeve to take care of. That means I was under anesthesia longer than usual, so I was REALLY groggy for about 12 hours after surgery. I had no energy to get up and walk like the others on my hospital unit. I had no desire to sip-sip-sip and I think I looked a bit like I'd been hit by a truck. I certainly felt that way. Once I got through the immediate post op part, I returned to normal pretty quickly. Other than some fatigue, I was feeling back to normal after about 6 days. I went through the normal progression from clear liquids to full liquids to mushies to soft, etc. When comparing the two, I'd say that the sleeve has a lot more restriction. After a certain amount, I simply cannot eat. If I do, I suffer with discomfort and a lot of foam/saliva/slime. I was never able to tolerate fills in my band, so this was something relatively new to me. If you have any sort of GERD, I caution. The sleeve tends to make GERD worse. I'd say it's a little hit or miss in that department, but it's certainly something to discuss with your surgeon. I started getting heartburn about 3 weeks out and I've had some times where I was really worried about nighttime reflux, but I seem to have it under control right now. As a revision surgery, it is likely you will lose slower this time around. I read it on here and I read other information on the internet, but was still disappointed at the slow weight loss. I'm certainly happy it's coming off, but it is much slower than first timers.

Just using this thread as a running list of my medical/dietary commentary and questions. lol. Called the doc to move up my appointment since I can't eat and he did an emergency endoscopy today. He said everything he can see looks fine. He said he made my pouch twice the normal size and bypassed more intestine than he normally does "in case" I ever need a revision so he has extra stomach to work with. That kind of annoys me. He said it puts me at a higher risk of ulcers, which I developed. I don't really understand why he doubled the size of my pouch. I still get stuffed off 3oz though. He is removing my gallbladder on the 22nd. Pre-op I had a lot of gallstones, polyps, and calcification, so he hopes removing it will get rid of the nausea. It's bizarre though because everything makes me sick. I never, ever have high fat food. Even 0 fat stuff makes me sick. I hope it helps. GI Swallow on the 7th to see if there's a small bowel stricture he couldn't see in the endoscopy, but he doubts it. In the meantime, I guess I just feel sick for 3 more weeks and hope removing the gallbladder helps? I really don't want more surgery... [emoji53] I hope I can make it 3 weeks. He said if I can't bear it anymore to go to the ER and they will do emergency removal. Sent from my SM-G930R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

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 am not a surgeon but that seems like a lot to me. I have a 32F and at 5 weeks I can hold 2 - 3 oz. 2 oz for me is the rule but some real soft foods I can hold 3 oz (like pudding or yogurt). Maybe you should talk to him about a smaller size? Ask what size he is using and why. It is your body, you have a right to ask. I seem to remember that it is difficult to revise again once you have been sleeved because the staples can't be found after healing has taken place. Seriously, this might be your only chance. Be cautious even if it means a delay in surgery. Just my humble opinion.

You'll love the sleeve compared to the band bc I do! The band was so uncomfortable IMO. Plus no trips & co-pays for fills ???? Height 5'3 SW w/band - 214 Ending weight before 2 band slips- 150 Ballooned up to 193 after my last slip Sleeve SW- 193 Surgery weight at revision 186 (pre op diet) Surgery 6-13-13 CW- 140 ☺️️ Rock that sleeve!!!!!! Mind over matter and I'm at my goal already.

You are a revision from band to sleeve? Your weight loss is very impressive!! Good for you!

I think people say things like "you're not that big" because they're trying to be polite. Would you rather have them say, "OMG, it's about time you did somehting, you fatty"? WLS is something that's difficult for people who haven't had a weight problem to understand. They don't know how to react when you tell them you're having it. As you lose weight, people get so used to you having been big that they have a very warped perception of what you should look like, and a skinnier you looks "unhealthy" to them. I thought I might have a port leak and need a revision a few weeks ago, and several people asked "do you even need the band? Aren't you at or close to your goal?" I laughed and told them I needed to lose almost another 30lbs before even being on the upper end of the healthy BMI chart.

I am three weeks out from surgery. And yes I can eat regular food without any problems and eat 1000 calories a day easily. A meal is 5 oz of Protein and a salad no problem. I do have a nutritionist but she's on vacation. I'm thinking I got a bigger stomach after the surgery. I have had zero problems with eating anything and I can chug a glass of Water easily too with no problems. I see my surgeon next week. I'm not eating crap food - I'm eating lean protein and veggies but I can still eat more than I should be able to at this point.I think MANY conversion folks feel that way. I know I did. This "I can only sip 2oz of water and I feel like I am drowning " never happened to me. There are as many after surgery diets as there are doctors. Everyone thinks their doc is the most right. But if none of them agree then my thought is there is no scientific answer and they are all GUESSING. SO, just be aware of that when people start judging you and what your doc has you doing. MOST people on here mean well, and they may come off as being harsh but they are providing helpful information along the way and they do care. Others are just food shaming and do nothing other than that...not actually offering any usefulness in their post. Ignore those ones and try not to let it get to you. Most docs do not have people on solids at 3 weeks but I have read the post diets from 3 different hospitals who do. So I am not totally suprised. That being said. It still hurts for me to eat meat. But that is me. If you are 3 weeks out and able to eat 1000 calories of solid food then you might benefit from a 5 day pouch test. You can look it up online but pretty much go back to liquids for a couple days, then mushies, softs, then regular food again. Some people say that helps them get some better restriction. Eating solids...and too much solid too soon and put stress on your staple line. I have also read that it can cause you to stretch out a but more...making it hard to fill up. I don't know how much of that is "bro science " and how much of that is proven science but it can't hurt to do a reset and see how you feel. Also, when you are eating normal food. Make sure you are not drinking with or too soon after. Conversion surgery people already seem to have their food make its way into the lower gi a little faster so don't speed that process up. Eat slow, BUT don't eat so slow that it takes you more than 20 min. I wad doing this very thing!!! I wad taking about 45 min to eat...and could eat a lot. But I sped up just a little bit and started stopping after 20 min and I am filling up on less calories. 1000 calories can add up fast. And really...in the long run....it is what we should eventually be eating. The idea that we live on 500 calories a day for ever is absurd. The point of this honeymoon phase is to help you lose weight WHILE retraining your system to eat healthy. NO ONE GETS FAT ON 1000 CALORIES A DAY OF VEGETABLES AND chicken....unless you are 2. So.... Hang in there. ..listen to your body....and just keep making good choices. Much love!!! Thanks! I saw my surgeon 2 days ago for my post-op follow up and he said he took off about 70% instead of the usual 80% because of the band. He didn't want leaks. He also said that 1,000 calories a day is fine and not to worry about what the NUT says. He said they are more used to dealing with straight sleevers and not revisions. He said revisions can sometimes eat more and I'm doing fine. He told me to just stick to Proteins and hit the goal and then fill in with the non-starchy veggies and not to worry about it. My surgeon's normal plan is for people to start solids between day 10 and day 14 depending on how they feel. Lean proteins and non-starchy veggies. He keeps reminding me every time I see him not to eat mashed potatoes. I hate, loathe and despise mashed potatoes. I told him I'd rather eat canned cat food - at least it has protein.

Peacheeie- my story is just like your. My starting weight was 207 had a revision do to band failure and also diabetes. I have gotten down as far at 185. I started working out the lasts 3 weeks and I'm up to 188. Calories are set To 800 by me. Dr states not to count calories, eat three meals and stay away from carbs. I can eat more then 4 oz, wonder if I stretched my sleeve. Dr and RNP says my weightloss will be slow because of the band.