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One of my issues is that my right knee needs replacing and it is so painful to walk. That is all I’ve been cleared to do at this point. However with a few fewer pounds on me its slightly less painful so I pushed myself to go for it tonight. I only made 15 minutes and had to switch to recumbent bike and then hand weights. It’s so discouraging that the knee is preventing me from doing what I want to do after going through this revision but I am trying to make peace with it.

I feel ur pain. I'm almost 7 weeks out and lost 17 lbs. been losing and gaining the same 1-2 lbs for the past 2 weeks. it's getting old really fast. I started at 174 (band revision) so I knew I would lose it slower, but this is ridiculous. I'm almost 2 mths out with only 17 lbs lost. Wish I was 30. Count your blessings. I could cut my calories even more than they are but then I'd be miserable and on a diet. Thats why I got the sleeve in the first place, so I would never diet again. I've already lost a size in clothing and that feels good. Good luck!

I would look in several places for information...on this forum read throught the posts under lap band to sleeve revisions. Read Sleeve success stories. Also search for post about would you do it again on this forum to get the pros and cons of sleeve. Then go to the Lap Band forum and read the success stories, but also search for posts for the struggles people are having. I would look at success rates, weight loss totals, long term weight loss maintenance and complications. Finally I would ask your surgeon. My two cents. I was planning on getting the lap band. Several reasons I chose sleeve instead: 1. better overall percentage of weight loss with sleeve vs band 2. faster weight loss with sleeve vs band 3. no maintenence (fills, unfills etc.) on sleeve 4. no foreign device in my body that could errode, slip or cause other complications. I am 11 years older than you and had starting weight of 272 at 5'9". I had no health issues other than mild sleep apnea and being overweight. I am glad I made the choice I did.

okay here are my two cents worth. I was banded in 07 i am down 190 pounds.. I started at 424 and was 42 years old. The band "saved my life" i still have 50 or 60 pounds i want / need to loose. I started talking to my RN friend who also turned into a coordinatior for our Doctor, about getting plastics in next year and what the costs would be and what would be able to do. When i had my band, they were doing 20-25 bands a week plus other surgeries. They are now removing 5-7 a week going to sleeve or bypass. so 25% are revising now. there are complications coming out and she says now that it is not if there will be issues but when. the band will fail and if it does it could be and ER surgery. So on October 16th, i will be going in for a revision. Praying that I am ready for those wonderful 30 days of liquids and mushys!!! Good luck with your decision it is a life changer!

Glad to know I'm not the only one obsessed with their bowels at the moment. I'm feeling upset right now, because I just read that revisions (band to RNY), can only be done in 50% of cases due to adhesions. Once the surgeon gets in there and sees all the scarring, they can only do a RNY 50% of the time. My surgeon never said a thing about that as a possibility. Nothing I can do about it now, but I sure hope I don't come out surgery on Monday with no band (I do want the band out -- I hate that thing), and no RNY.

I have had a lap band for 10 years and yes, you get hungry with it but I will say that I never felt hunger pangs and bad as before. I am considering revision to sleeve and I know for sure that there is a head-hunger that is in no way related to my stomach. It occurs when I have any kind of anxiety such as a deadline at work or even when I an anticipating something good. I have no idea how to rid myself of that and it may be what others are experiencing.

Which Dr. at UCLA did your revision surgery? Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I get the hiccups when i had my original surgery in 2002 I told myself the Dr installed an alarm! Here i am 5 days post op revision and my alarm still kicks in when I'm full .

I got the lapband Sept 2004. Around December 2005 I started having pain issues in my body and by May 2006, I was a total mess. I've spent the last few years in severe daily chronic pain and taking oxycontin and still not having relief. I had a team of 6 doctors and lots of loving friends and family and no one could figure out what was wrong with me. 9 months ago I figured it out. My body rejected the lapband.. not slippage, erosion, or psychological intolerance.. true full-on rejection which is pretty rare. I'm being revised to VSG on Friday and I cannot wait for my new life to begin. Yes, what happened to me is rare, but all the other problems are WAY TOO COMMON. You're the only one who can make the decision for you. Do your research and make the best choice for yourself, but please remember my story in case you need to know it later. *hugs*

In my opinion, you don't just need a VSG surgeon, you need a surgeon who has done a significant number of revisions. I know my surgeon has done a number of revisions but he is in Mexico and you would have to self-pay. Maybe search the Band to Sleeve Revision forum for names?

I’m preparing for a sleeve to bypass revision due to GERD next Thursday. That aside, I believe stats show that bypass and sleeve patients lose the same average % of excess weight but bypass patients lose it faster. I liked sleeve because it was less intrusive but it clearly didn’t work for me.

Have had 15 years of failure and misery with the band.I had the choice between bypass and lapband...I wanted the band because I thought it would be less invasive...boy did I make a mistake...fast forward.I have PCOS,hypoglycemia,post breast cancer,high cholesterol ,a screwed up esophagus and tortured stomach....why would I want to cut 85% of it out? I originally considered the sleeve which is the "new" it procedure like the lapband was back in 2004.I am going with the best surgery with the most study and proven research because...I chose incorrectly the first time....this is it..."The gold standard for me.....bypass....do your research and see the amount of sleepers looking for revision to bypass and ask yourself..." How come the bypass patients are not looking for revision to the sleeve?Check out how many sleepers are looking for revisions to bypass...Trust me if you want a revision from the sleeve to bypass down the road you will jump through hoops and may not be able to get approved ....

I'm not so sure it's a bad thing .... dumping. That is exactly why many people opt for bypass, they are hoping they will be one of those that do dump. I have a friend that eats her 800 calories a day in good food and 5# of candy. Yes, daily. She has the worst true sugar addiction of anyone I have ever met. (She's banded) If she had bypass and dumped that would be a wonderful thing. The reason she isn't getting bypass is because it's not a given she will dump. When they first realized bypass could lead to dumping it was a concern. Today they don't look at it as a bad thing, they look at it as a benefit and if you talk to most bypass folks with sugar issues they hope and cross their fingers that they will dump. The issue with the person that claims one will dump with bypass isn't that it was a "potential" complication, it was that she flat out demands and insists bypass folks will have this issue and that simply isn't accurate information. And whether dumping is a complication or a benefit is ... opinion. Personally, I think it's a benefit. The reason I was banded was not because I really wanted a band, the real reason is that I did not want bypass. There were no United States long term studies on the band or the sleeve. I couldn't even find any long term studies on the sleeve anywhere in the world at the time I was banded. We had no idea what the long term results (regarding weight loss) would be. So, I got a band. That was one of the biggest mistakes in my case. I've since revised to a sleeve and it's a much MUCH easier journey. Personally, I'd never get another band. I honestly do not believe it is going to last more than 10 years at best in most people. Newbies want reversible. Once they get to goal they want permanent and forever. ;o)

Ms. Maui, let's be fair. That stat was true of the older lap bands wasn't it? And while you are at it, can you tell me what the reversal rates are for Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeves? Oh, wait they can't be reversed can they? And as long as you are interested in stats, would you care to let us know what the mortality rates are between the different types of bariatric surgery? Any bets which surgery has fewer patients die within 30 days of the surgery? Now, I don't have an axe to grind, and even if what you said was actually true of the lap band that I had installed, I would still have gone ahead with the surgery. I like choice in my life, and with the lap band I have a choice. With GB and sleeve, there is not going back, no further choice. Now, with that said, if my band fails and they can't put another band in. I will probably revise to a sleeve, if that fails (they do), I will opt for something else. But you see as a band patient, i have that choice. My friends wife who had GB and makes her self sick 4-5 times a week with dumping, doesn't have a choice anymore. http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/statmain.html

Will be there until Saturday (band revision so the stay is longer). I'll be doing a chemical peel the day you get there.

Sabredy12 and Quenny, First congratulations to you both on your upcoming surgery. I too thought something would happen to me. I told my surgeon the first time I met him that if anything weird was going to happen I would be the patient. I also knew that if I didn't have the surgery that the ultimate end would be death because of being overweight but before that happened I could have a lot of other thing happen like stroke, poor quality of life. I also knew that my surgeon was very qualified and helped develop some of the procedures that are used today in laparoscopic surgery. I had faith in his skills. With any type of surgery there are risks. I was nervous going into the operating room because I had never had this surgery and was worried about pain afterwards. It turns out I was worried for nothing. I had no pain from CO2 used during surgery, I had some pain which was totally controlled by my pain medication. I had surgery on a Friday and stopped pain med by Monday. I was a band to sleeve revision in one procedure. I had so much energy the next week went walking every day and even saw other doctors with whom I had previously scheduled appointments. They were all amazed at how well I was up and moving around. Do what your doctor asks of you before surgery to help increase your chances of no complications, and follow their post-op diet instructions also. Don't try to rush foods before they say you can have them. Good luck and hope to hear your stories after surgery.

Glad you are here. Hope you find the support you are looking for. I am having a revision from a band to RNY. No problem getting approved for the removal....awaiting approval on the RNY now (denied the first request). Had to re-do classes, psych eval, etc. But, my letter was just sent to the insurance company again yesterday. Hang in there and know you are doing the right thing to have a healthier you!

Get the lumps out, take the reduction now. If you have issues later, cross that bridge when you get to it. You can always have a revision and/or implants.

@@Oregondaisy I have had a lot of experience in this area. I had spondylothesis in my lower lumbar. My disc was almost completely worn away and my L5 had actually fallen creating an unstable lumbar. The nerve was actually trapped caused severe nerve pain. In 2001 I had a lumbar fusion of my l5/S1. Lumbar is a huge surgery and takes a very long time to recover. I was left with nerve damage that ran down my right leg. It almost ended my career because we could not get the pain under control. Many many epidural injections, physical therapy and narcotics and I was still in severe pain but my spine was stable. I wanted a non narcotic solution and finally learned about an internal neuro stimulator. We tested it externally and immediately when we turned it on the pain down my leg improved so significantly I began to cry. Two weeks later I had it installed surgically. That Neurostimulatoe gave me my life back! That was in 2005. I went so many years in severe pain before I found a solution. I have recently had a 3 level spinal fusion in my cervical spine. This too was a huge surgery. Because of the years of recovery needed for lumbar fusion I was terrified to have another fusion and waited until the problem became required due to cord compression. Cervical fusion although painful is definately not as bad as lumbar fusion. Before I had my lumbar fusion a neurosurgeon told me that if I was his wife, mother or daughter he would recommend that I wait until it was absolutely required to survive before having lumbar fusion. One fusion can change everything about how your spine operates causing more damage down the road. He warned me that this is such a long recovery and if you think you know pain now, you definately will after. I really wish I would have listened to him because he was right. I would try every single alternative more than once before moving forward. I wish I had know about the neurostimulator first, it would have made my pain so much more comfortable that I would have been able to live with it without lumbar fusion. I ended up having that lumbar fusion and then a revision before I found a tolerable solution. I have done a ton of research on this subject. I truly believe that my whole spine has been effected by my decision to move forward with lumbar fusion. I now have severe arthritis in my T vertebraes as well as the deterioration of my cervical spine. I still have lower lumbar pain every day but that neurostimulator finally broke through that nerve pain in my leg. Lastly I would say, epidural injections are definately worth it as long as you get results. I used them for 12 years to control my cervical spine pain and when the wear got too bad they stopped working, that is when I knew it was time to think about fusion in my neck. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Just make sure you manage your expectations. Just because they are doing surgery, does not mean that nerve pain will go away. You may have to find other solutions. I choose not to live on narcotics and have learned there are many more options out there to deal with my pain. I was living on narcotics for over 10 years and honestly they didn't even really help. I know I will live with back pain for the rest of my life, I also know that the more I exercise the better I feel. I no longer let it rule me. I definately did at one point in my life. I will say a prayer that everything works out great for you in whatever you decide. My post is not meant to scare you, but More to make sure you research like crazy before deciding, Best of luck and feel free to reach out directly with questions.

@@losing-it I have a hiatal hernia too. Of I could do it all over I would have done RNY hands down. I did a two week liquid diet and post liquids none off that is easy. As is the decision to do a revision.... I wish you the best and I am glad that my story gives you some insight. Some people have done real well with the sleeve. Just not me.

I was thinking about this, and I think I would postpone the revision. I don't know the details of your wedding, (congrats btw!) but you probably have 800 million things to attend to, and while a revision is minor, it is stil surgery. You are still going to I would think that the revision would add only 20 bizillion gallons of stress right now. I would reschedule the revision for when you get back. This way it woun't interfear with your fabulous wedding & cruise! Congrats!

Down 2 more this morning!! That's my goal for this challenge. Granted, I revised my goal, but I am still very happy to have achieved it!! This is the first challenge that I have actually been able to complete!! WOOHOO!!!!! Name..............Current.....Goal.....Lost...Still to Lose by July 4th atallen06...........231........215.......0......16 Bea1129.............231........200.......9......22 BigBandFan..........296........270.......0......26 Cgailee ............219........200.......0......19 darr5380............170........165.......0.......5 Epm316..............218........200.......12.....18 erikadawn...........217........190.......0......27 faithmd.............297........300.......12.4...-3(by6/21) Hastings............248........228.......5......20 Jennypoo............174.5......170.......4.5....4.5 jrob281.............212........190.......0......22 KarenG..............168........160.......6......8 kathystrick.........315........288.......3......27 kellygirl0520.......236........220.......0......16 legster.............188........180.......9......8 Lenore1890..........263.4......247.......4.3....15.7 Leslie2Lose.........225........208.......8......17 LessNLess...........147........140.......4.......7 Lilmissband-aid.....242........239.......0.......3.4 losingjusme.........244........238.......6.......6(started 5/30) Luu2008.............215........185.......0......30 luvinke.............217........190.......4......23 Marissa's Mom.......388........358.......20.4...30 MollyMolly..........185........188.......19......-3 nancy52.............197........170.......0......27 Nettie..............193........170.......0......23 Newhope4me..........168.8......160.......8.2.... 8.8 njudono............ 298........277...... 5......21 NukeChik............227........222.......15......5 nurse7263...........244........150.......0......24 renewedhope.........180........180.......16......0 Sades...............194........185.......3.......9 Stacy73.............212........204.......0.......8 Sunshine2...........179........160.......4......15 (by6/29) Suzzzie. ...........273........260.......0......13 Tess415.............315........299.......12......16 TexasFire67.........170........145.......0......25 Wombat712...........130.6......120.......3.6....10. Bunkey1965................215.............205..........10..........10

I just saw my gastric surgeon today and he definitely suggests taking out my Lap Band but revising it to gastric sleeve. I am quite confused, which one should I do, sleeve or mini gastric bypass? Thanks everybody for answering, in advance

I would be most curious 5 years out how the other weight loss methods fared. Ship has sailed for me as I did revise to sleeve on 2011 and am happy with it. Like everyone I wish I could have done this without surgery but I couldn't. I don't mind. I developed a heart arrythmia (atrial fibrillation) around 18 months post op. The band surrounds the vagus nerve which controls, among other things, heart rhythm. I ended up in ER with my heart completely out of rhythm, beating at a rate that was close to having me have a stroke, and blood pressure also sky high. It took seven hours to bring everything around using medication, and now I'm on medication for life. I had my band's restriction loosened so as not to touch on the vagus nerve and just went back in last month to get a bit of fill as I'm gaining weight and hungry all the time. Immediately following the small fill, I went back into atrial fibrillation. That's pretty conclusive evidence that there is a correlation, at least with my particular anatomy. If you google gastric band, or lap band + atrial fibrillation, you will see a lot of people who have now experienced this. There are several on this forum right here. So yes, I regret what I did. Living with a-fib is no picnic, and the side effects of the three medicines I now have to take have greatly compromised my quality of life: extreme fatigue, memory loss, inability to do any sports that might raise my heartrate...wish I had chosen a different path. Would a sleeve revision correct the afib?Unfortunately, no. Once you have afib, you have afib. In fact, afib begets afib. In other words, once the electricity in your heart becomes chaotic (which is basically what afib is), it will constantly create new "bad" pathways in your heart. According to my cardiologist, it is unlikely that even removing the band will make the afib disappear, as the band has already done its damage. All I can do is keep it loose and off the vagus nerve, and continue with my meds (or, in the future, ablation or pacemaker if the afib worsens). I would not do another WLS in any case. I'm out of the game. For me, these are "Flowers for Algernon" situations. When I was doing my research, I was convinced WLS was the gold standard for permanent weight loss. Now my thoughts are different, especially concerning the lapband (since I had a bad experience with it) but also with other surgeries. There really is no tinkering with major body parts that is going to come out ok in the longterm, imho. We are seeing wonderful transformations in the short term, yes...but my sense is longterm we are going to see some health-complications from all WLS that have yet to reveal themselves. I would not even consider going under the knife again.

10/25 band to sleeve revision.