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Michelle, I knew from the beginning that I'd be getting my fills as close to home as possible. And Michigan is a LONG way from TJ. I knew when I got on the plane to come home that the only way I'd be going back was if I had to have the band revised or removed. The airfare, taxi, hotel, food and fill would be over 1000.00 each time if I returned to TJ, and unfortunately that's just not possible. And truthfully.... I felt VERY uneasy just being in Mexico itself. That's why I found someone who's (in my opinion) highly qualified and close to home. he's done over 200 bands himself and has a nice weight loss clinic set up- he was one that I called to get a price from and talked to before I found out how much surgery costs. If I had insurance that would have covered the band I would have had it done in Port Huron Michigan. So now,I need to have my fills take up no more then 1/2 of a day due to my schedule and the schedules of my 4 young children. I wish I could go back to Dr. Kuri, I'd be crazy not to if I lived close like you do. His fills are FREE for life. And yes, this Dr. will do flouro. not every time, but he does use an ultrasound to guide the needle into the port so that the chances of damaging the port or puncturing the tubing are lessened.

I know many people have had their lives saved by the RNY, so I don't mean to talk it down at all. I just couldn't do it... and here is my partial list: - I was a revision from the band, and the complications revising to the rny were much riskier - I had a pouch when i was banded and it SUCKED. I have no idea if the pouch for the RNY behaves the same way, but I suspect it does. I don't want to vomit up food for unpredictable reasons. I spent 10 years in that hell and decided I just couldn't do it. - Mentally, I could get used to the idea that my stomach was too big and just needed to be reduced but i could never get comfortable with the RNY procedure - gave me the heebie geebies. Irrational, yes, but it was a key factor. -20 years ago the woman who was our daycare provider had the RNY. In those days they were done open, so recovery was a big huge deal. I know it isn't the same now, but i can't quite shake the memories of how ill she was and how long it took her to recover (she looked awesome though, lost all of her excess weight!) - I was convinced by the studies available that my chances of success are nearly as good with the sleeve compared to the RNY, but my risks were considerably lower. That just made sense to me. One piece of advice is to consider a surgeon who has a thriving "sleeve" practice. I did that and feel that their after care and all that was spot on for a sleever.

Best wishes to you. I had my band for 5 years had my revision on September 10th and it is the best thing I could have done. No more worries about what you can eat and when. I will say prayers that you can do it in one surgery. Keep up posted.

It has been 6 months since my VSG.... And I still LOVE my sleeve. Aside from marrying my husband, this is the best thing I've ever done. No regrets... I'm not at all saying its easy. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. The emotional stuff is hard. I look in the mirror and cry sometimes, but the good outweighs the bad completely. I still write down everything I eat. Protein first. I still (and plan to forever) stay away from potatoes, bread, Pasta, and rice. I try my best to take in enough Fluid (notice I said TRY). I still use Protein shakes and bars as Meal Replacements from time to time-- but truth is, I really enjoy them. I exercise 1-2 hours most days a week- walking, jogging, weights, crunches, squats, BodyFlow classes (my new fav), whatever-- but tonight is my first belly dancing class. Wow, never would've done that before! As of this week I am 92 lbs down and officially "overweight!" I have 8 lbs until I meet my original goal of 100 lbs GONE! (But I'll probably revise and lower that goal). I can't explain how much I truly love this lifestyle-- the workouts, the food choices, the energy... Just feeling so good. Oh , and the sex hehe, sorry. Info: Age: 26 Ht: 5 ft (4' 11.5") Sleeved on 6/11/2013 Highest weight: 245 Surgery weight: 240 Current weight: 148 Largest size in my closet; 24. Most days I fit a 20-22. Currently size 12.

I was banded in 2013 and it slipped. Most like due to the fact that I continued bad habits like bread, rice and other junk. I had the band removed and revised to a sleeve on jan 23rd. I feel great. 1st week was the worst. Pain from where the port was. My surgeon was excellent. He said there was a lot of scar tissue but he was able to it. Weight loss is slower due to this being my second surgery but loss is a loss and I will take it. Not screwing up this time. Good luck!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I got the band 3 years ago and researched it for 9 months before I actually went for the surgery. Back then, great things were promised with the band. Since that time, studies are showing that the least amount of weight is lost with the band and that people are increeasing reporting weight gain not to mention complications. I did not wake up one morning and decide to go for revision surgery. I had to look at all the weight loss surgeries available and then determine which one was right for me. After making the decision to have a sleeve, I then had to research surgeons to find the best one skilled in that procedure. I will not be flying into Mexico. I'm flying into CA and then being driven to the hospital which is not in the part of Mexico "in the news." I don't need more time to think about this because I took the time and am at peace with the revision surgery, the surgeon, and the hospital. I am very sorry that your surgeon would not do the surgery you wanted. I would not allow a surgeon to tell me what he would or would not do. I'm paying the surgeon. If I don't get what I am paying for, I look for someone else. Eleven pounds in 5 weeks is very good and I hope you continue to have success.

I can so relate to you. The first thing I would do is see a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) and have an EGD. You're just NPO (no food/drink) after midnight and then get intravenous (IV) sedation to put you to sleep. The MD will pass a flexible tube (scope) down your throat to look at the first part of the digestive tract (you need a barium swallow to see the mid-portion and a colonoscopy to see the last portion) and determine if you have damage to your esophagus. Depending on your insurance, you may not need a referral. Call your insurance company and find out the "next step" once you have the results of the EGD. A year will little to no weight loss with the band is considered weight loss surgery failure by many insurance companies and some pay for revisions. When you call the insurance company, ask for a case worker and get his/her name. If you can afford it, you could always do the self-pay and that puts you in control. The surgeon who banded me does not do the sleeve. I could no longer live the way I am and decided to look into Mexican surgeons. I want THIS surgery to be the LAST surgery so it was very important that I find the BEST surgeon. There are a few to choose from and I will be placing my trust in Dr. Aceves. I did not want to jump through insurance hoops and wait up to a year to build a "paper trail" for the insurance company. The acid regurgitation and daily vomiting is dangerous and damaging. Please take measures to prevent complications (I'm a nurse) and do whatever you need to. Keep us posted on your progress.

As I'm approaching my revision surgery, I found this page fascinating to read because these are my fears - the future years with the sleeve since I failed with the band. I do have a question though - what is the 5:2 that you all keep talking about? Your stories have been inspiring and I hope I can be as successful as you. Lori

Hi Debbie. Yes I go to Dr. Woodhead (referred to by my clinic) and hopefully a few of his patients will respond to your post. I like him very much. Dr. W. does not have a clinic but he does his surgery at the Delta hospital. I find him very supportive. Here is a list of questions prepared by a successful bandster. I had my band in Toronto, but the distance is so far away that I cannot take advantage of the support so I pay for my fills. I get my support from Dr. W. and the Support group that meets at the Lions Gate Hospital and from the Slimband website. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Pick out the ones may help you to make a decision.

I've been out of surgery for several hours now. My surgeon said it was more difficult (band to sleeve revision) than he anticipated. Tons of scar tissue and the band was up around my esophagus, which explains why I was vomiting so much with it. As far as pain, I'm in MUCH less pain, especially gas pain, than with the band. I've already been walking around, I'm just super tired, thanks to the pain pump. Since the surgery was more difficult than planned, I have to have a swallow study in the morning before I can drink Water. I may also end up staying in the hospital through the weekend. Hopefully this is the worst of it!

2wks post op and running,wtg. One question, Has your dr ok'd running? I know they encourage walking, but I'm not sure on running. You're still healing. Reason I'm concerned is b/c I had a flipped port, that need revision at 3mths post op. If dr ok'd it, you go girl!

I sent you a private message. Tomorrow is actually my revision surgery. From sleeve to bypass for Gerd.

Sorry my RNY was on July 2, 2013. My hubby's failed revision was in Sept of 2013

I brought: Chapstick Deodorant (didn't use) Phone charger + extension cord Magazines (didn't even take them out) Non-slip flip flops Extra clothes (didn't use, went home in what I came in) Hair ties Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 235 Goal 170

I agree with everyone's comments. I had surgery on 5/22/18 and was released the next day. I had a revision from sleeve to bypass. Although I had some minor discomfort I forced myself to get up and walk. Just standing at the sink brushing my teeth was uncomfortable. I have a desk job and therefore only took one week off of work. I am back at work today and so far I feel okay. A little discomfort from sitting for long periods of times so I make a point to get up and walk around often. I would check with your surgeon and get cleared prior to return to school. I had restrictions regarding bending, lifting, and twisting. Hope everything goes well and best of luck.

I had the band first because the sleeve was not an option. I personally would not/will not recommend the band to anyone. Not only because of my own personal horror story, but because the stats honestly just suck. You can check out my blog as I have an entire post with information from the band manufacturer in my blog with their most recent findings that 1 in 4 band patients will need another surgery to either repair, replace, or remove and revise to another surgery within the first 5 years. I chose the band because I refused to have RNY. As for pregnancy, I can't imagine being pregnant with the band. The food intolerances along would make me miserable, and I'm so grateful that I was able to revise to VSG when it was time to say adios to my band. I can now eat a very nutrient dense, balanced diet with my sleeve without any puking, sliming, productive burping, or food getting stuck and then having to wretch it up for a good 20 minutes. My blog also has tons of links for VSG research, and articles along with dietary guidelines, and other bits and pieces I've compiled over the 20 something months I've been researching and living with the sleeve. The post in my blog titled "Just to bookmark this stuff" is the band post, and the one that is more recent is all the research links that I found invaluable during my research stage. We are currently trying to conceive, and I"m only 17 months out and have actually been not preventing for almost 9 months now. We know that my body went through hell during my surgeries and rapid weight loss so we are trying to be patient. BUT, we're still hoping for a big fat positive test in the near future. Best wishes in your research.

@@tcon I originally was thinking the sleeve but based on my BMI was over 50, extremely high triglyceride levels, high cholesterol and sleep apena the SADI would provide me the quickest route to lowering my triglycerides. The practice I used no longer performs LapBand because of the long term failures leading to revision, they still perform RNY (in some cases) but VSG and SADI (they don't do the full DS) are the most common procedures. I liked the idea of less time under anesthesia and a better recovery. I was under for about 3 hours, it was performed laproscopiclly using the DiVinci Robot. I have no acid reflux, but I was never prone to it or GERD prior to the surgery. I've really only had the the same problems that just about everyone experiences. Mild depression, trouble getting in Protein and Water at first. I did discover pork roast does not sit well (TMI about 2 hours later I had severe gas cramps). Other than that I've been able to handle all the other foods I've tried so far (seafood, chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, deli meat/cheese, yogurt). About 2 weeks ago I did start to get an aversion to my premier Protein drinks and most others. I think it is more a head issue now. It turned my stomach the first time so I think every time I've had them since my brain is remembering feeling nauseated and causing me to feel nauseous. I have never thrown up since my surgery, although I have had episodes of nausea. The first day I was allowed soft foods I was craving crab legs. They were delicious and evidently I didn't know when to stop and ate past my full point...yep it didn't feel good for about an hour or more. More TMI: I haven't experienced any of the yucky stuff (diarrhea or excessive gas). Yes, I've had gas but not anymore than normal, I have very regular BMs usually once in the morning and sometimes one in the evening. My doctor said gas and diarrhea mainly come from consuming too much carbs and fats. He recommends sticking to no more than 40 grams/day of each and to make sure to get the 80-100 grams of protein/day. Recovery: I took three weeks off of work, but could have been back in two. I really had no pain,I was well covered in the hospital and I took my tylenol with codine the first couple of days I was home just to help me sleep. I alternated sleeping in bed propped up on a wedge pillow and on the recliner. I'm a side/stomach sleeper and it wasn't until around 3.5 weeks that I was comfortable on my side. Tiredness: I was tired especially during the first three weeks. Sleep is very important for the healing process so I did take naps and went to bed "early" for me. I'm normally a bed around midnight up at six person, but I would go to bed around 9 for a few weeks. Once I got back to work the daytime tiredness seemed to fade away. I think staying busy made all the difference. I was tired by the end of the week when I got home and did an early bed time. I just started my 3rd week back at work and all has been great. I also walked around EPCOT with my husband at 2 weeks post surgery (that kinda pushed it and took it out of me, but the change of scenery was nice). Last week (5 weeks post op) I spent the entire day with my family (including my 2 year old son) at the Kennedy Space Center walking around. I did fine and felt great.

Hey!!! I have been poking around this site for over a year now and it's amazing to me how quiet us Minnesotans are! I am in the Golden Valley/Crystal/New Hope Area. I would love to know if there is anybody out there near me. A by-weekly get together would be amazing. I haven't told anyone except my husband that I have a lapband so just having "partners in crime":cool2: would be really cool. I have really struggled. I lost a lot fast and then stopped losing over the summer. I was having absolutely no restriction....well a port revision and two fills later, I am FINALLY starting to understand about the sweet spot and how I am getting closer! So to those struggling it will get better! For a little bit there I was really questioning what I had done to myself. I had my surgery in St. Louis Park with Dr. Wetherill. I really like him.:thumbup: ~A

Hi All i MIGHT. wont know until tomorrow or Tuesday when my doc does the peer to peer with my insurance they denied me 2x but i m still fighting cause its a revision from a useless band to the SLEEVE.. i already sent my paperwork questionaire to Bill and Doctor approved me. So Bill is just waiting for me to call him yay or nay so we can set up my date. i AM getting it in April just not sure where right now (in the states or in Mexico).... I hope when i get a date if im going to Mexico i can find a buddy too. Hey it might be as fast as the 11 my tentative date here is April 5th so im ready ... im doing my pre diet which for basically is eating light. and the day before liqids only. ... i wrote on one of the mexican boards already and when someone writes something it doesn't notify my in my email like all the other boards why is that? i have to keep coming back and reading new things on this forum..

I Would not chance the sleeve if u have acid reflux or gerd. Many, many oeopke have to get a revision after the sleeve due to horrible reflux. Hes what my surgeon saud to me bc I also have had gerd for years. He said," about 1/3 of sleeve patients I see end up having reflux, however what Im seeing more and moreIs a much later down the line many get horrendous reflux daily and I end up doing a revision, bypass. We got talking a out this bc I have had reflux for many year. I'm not gonna go through this surgery twice, so Its bypass for me. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I know right! That was my theory also. I really thought that I should be doing more. I'm not a revision patient.

Any news on your revision nikki2524? Are you feeling any better? That's strange, that nurse telling you since your body wouldn't use the calories to go ahead and eat anything. Doesn't sound like any Bariatric nurse I've ever met. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I had a band to sleeve revision in December. I have lost more weight with the sleeve in about 3 months than I did with the band which I had for almost 5 years. The sleeve wasn't being offered as an WLS alternative at the time I was banded; if it had or I had known better - I probably would have opted for the sleeve first. I didn't have any problems with slippage but I either ate around it or I threw up a lot (especially after periodic adjustments). The worse part was that I wasn't impressed with the weight loss. Yes, I didn't follow all the suggestions with the band - but like I said I've had more success with the sleeve in the 3 mos than I did with the band after 5 years. The straw that broke the camel's back for me was when my DIL had WLS and opted for the sleeve. 6 Months post her sleeve surgery she had lost most of the weight she wanted to loose and she looked good. I knew then I had made the wrong choice. I had a hard time initially with the sleeve, but things keep getting increasingly better and I think I'm coming along well in terms of my weight loss. Oh yeah another thing that happened to me with the band, I lost weight in my lower region e.g. below the band line, but my upper body weight didn't really improve - in fact if I gained weight I gained it in my upper body. Don't know if anyone else had this experience, but this was my experience. At this point, I would never recommend band surgery to anyone. I was lucky that my insurance company paid for my 2nd surgery e.g. revision, if not I would be trying to figure out how I could self-pay - that's how disappointed I was with my progress.

Hi There XX Begone, I don't have my after pictures yet. Do to the fact that he wasn't aggressive enough with the upper ab lippo I wouldn't recommend him. I need to go back in for a revision in 6 months already. He does great after care though.

Sorry you are feeling let down. However I am sure that the surgeon has your best interests at heart. Surgery is dangerous and the higher your BMI the more dangerous it is . A BMI of 68 is extremely high.Far better to lose the weight prior to surgery than to die from complications on the table. It is also normal in the US to have to undergo a 6 month supervised diet prior to undergoing surgery . This proves to the insurance company that you are serious and have tried your best and are not just looking for a quick fix. you are not the first person i have heard of that has to do a 4 week preop diet. The purpose of this part of the process is to help shrink the liver. When you are obese the liver is enlarged and fatty. If it is not reduced in size prior to surgery you run the risk of having to have open as opposed to laparoscopic surgery or of it getting damaged during surgery which is highly dangerous. If your Dr suggested a bypass you need to find out why do not just dismiss his suggestion out of hand.Yes there are some Dr's that push bypass because it is their preferred surgery but your Dr may feel that a band would not suit you. With weight loss surgery there is no one size fits all - different surgeries suit different people depending on their types of eating.Bands are generally recommended for people that eat large quantities but do not have as much of an issue with sweets. bypasses are recommended where it is felt that malabsorption is also required. There is another option - the sleeve.I have even heard of people having a bypass and a band combined. Price should not be your deciding factor when choosing a surgeon. I understand that it is important but it is more important to choose an experienced surgeon that has done lots of the procedure that you choose and that has a good track record. Their are countless horror stories of things going wrong when using a cheap or inexperienced surgeon. That is not to say that all surgeons offering cheap surgery are bad but you do need to be careful. This board is a great place for you to vent, get support and do research.Read some of the threads from people that had revisions from lapband to bypass to help you with your decision as well. Wishing you all the best.