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Bypass is where they staple out a small 1-2oz pouch out of the fundus, the elastic portion of your stomach. Then they bypass 120cm of intestine and connect the new end of the intestine to the new pouch in the stomach. In the end you can only eat small quantities and you malabsorb about 1/3 of your calories and nutrition. You do not malabsorb forever, only during the honeymoon period of about 6-18 months. Sleeve they remove the elastic portion of your stomach (fundus) and maintain the muscular portion. End result is that you can only eat a small quantity of food and you absorb everything you do eat. Jacqui.... DSers don't really stretch out their stomach. Their stomachs are usually a 48F, sleeves are a 32/34F. They have a much bigger stomach to begin with. Over the next 4-6 months your stomach does stretch/relax and for sleeves it's about the size and shape of a banana. That's why they call it the banana stomach. DSers are going to end up with an even bigger stomach. So it's not because they stretch it out, it is because it's bigger than a sleeve to begin with. Bands... I had one and hated it. I knew I made a mistake 4 days after surgery. I really really tried to make it work but it wasn't meant to be. Considering the number of revisions being done and unhappy banded folks... I would never suggest a band to your average person. Not a chance. It's a great way for the average person to lose half their weight on a short term basis.

I don't absorb iron so I had no desire to have a procedure that used malabsorption for weight loss. That excluded DS and bypass. I got the band and suffered with it for a little over 3 years. It gave me more problems than I bargained for and did not allow healthy eating (I am speaking for myself only). I got the band out and revised to a sleeve and am VERY happy I did so. You feel restriction the minute you begin drinking fluids and you just can't eat a lot at one meal. With both the band and the sleeve (restrictive weight loss) you CAN gain weight. Low fiber, high calorie foods will slide right down so it's not a be all/end all situation. The sleeve requires no follow-up, no fills, and you don't have a foreign device in your body. Investigate all your options but don't let one surgeon tell you what surgery you should have. Often, surgeonss suggest procedures they can do easily and are expert at over the more difficult surgeries that they lack the skill to perform.

Hey, We may be surgery twins. I am slated for 9 February, however, my egd is on 29 January. Assuming all goes well, I will have revision. Wishing you well!

Dear Banded, Don't be upset. I had the same exact same thing happen to me. Only I had my band in for 6 years..I found a Dr. and his office that really wanted to help me. I fought for what I wanted and got it. As of May 18th 2015 I got my revision with a better band. You have to fight for everything you want as far as this surgery. Don't be upset about you weight gain because that will help you get on step closer to a revision. Just please fight for what you want. If you live on Long Island perhaps I can really help you. Please e mail with any questions you have. @msannie720@aol.com. I will be glad to help. I know what you are going through and it's not fun. Just hang in there. Your revision will come,

No. I had my surgery at a downtown hospital because of the revision specialist I used. It is too far for me to drive downtown on a weekday to their support groups. If you know of any in the area, let me know!

Getting my first fill on Friday after nearly three years banded. It can't come soon enough. I seem to be able to make good choices one day and then the next, I'm not. I went back for a handful of pretzels three...no...four times last night. I couldn't stop myself. So for punishment, I got on the scale this morning and saw that I was above 125. I swore I'd never put the weight back on but it's now more than 12 pounds from my lowest. I'm learning such a good lesson over this struggle to keep the weight off. I will always have the disease of obesity. I may have it under control at times, but I'll never be free of it. If my band isn't working, I'm going to put the weight back on. Simple as that. I've seen plenty of people post about running into trouble at some point but stupidly felt that I would somehow be immune as my head is/was so in the game. It's hard to admit I'm not Superwoman and I struggle like everyone else when my tool is not working the way it should. If I ever find myself having to remove the band, I won't hesitate to revise the surgery to another procedure. I won't fool myself into thinking I'm doing this on my own because I'm not. I told my sister on Sunday that I am gaining weight back because I need a fill. She is obese and I'm hoping she comes to the realization that WLS might help her as well. She has maintained that my success is about what's in my head, and not around my stomach and that I lost all that weight because I was in the right frame of mind. I'm hoping this shows her that it's not my will power alone that helped me but a combination of making good choices, along with a tool to tamp down the hunger so I could make those good choices. So...today is a new day and again I make the pledge to make the right choices. Here's hoping I can stick to it.

Hi Wheetsin, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through all this. I hope you get your revision soon and that it all goes smoothly for you.

This is from Tiffykins........she has the best research. Hope this helps. The first links are other VSG patients that are further out. Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 2 Years on January 15, 2010 9:11 pm Diligence-is-always-required Stalls-Happen Update-from-a-2-Year-Post-Op-VSGer 2-year-surgiversary-and-feeling Two-and-one-half-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-YALL Just-Passed-My-2-Year-Surgiversary questions-for-post-ops-2-years-out-or-more 2-years-out-food-amount-info anyone-2-years-out Happy-2-year-anniversary-to-me 2-years-post-op-TODAY 2-5-Years-After-a-VSG Everday-life-at-2-5-years-out 2-1-2-year-update Has-it-really-been-2-years 2-1-2-year-update Two-Year-Surgiversary 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Two-year-surgiversary 2-and-1-2-years-later 2-years-since-my-surgery-any-advice-on-face-lift 2-year-post-op-pics Two-Years-Before-amp-After-Pic 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Thought-you-might-enjoy-an-update-with-a-few-pics Busybusymom-is-back-2-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-BABY Any-old-timers-still-lurking-the-boards Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 3 Years on June 8, 2009 10:43 pm Three years out Three and a half years after Vertical Gastrectomy My Story A quick 2 year and 3 year VSG update Third Year Surgiversay Not always easy but always worth it Very Discouraged 3 years out Links for researching the VSG on March 15, 2009 11:18 pm Here are some links I've collected when I was researching the sleevehttp://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/Updated_Position_Statement_on_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.p df. - includes reports of early studies LapSF Educational presentation to FACS - includes some 2 year results LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately (Totally worth the money) Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review I used this website a lot. I paid for some of the full articles that grabbed my attention based on the abstracts. There are several articles that you can comb through that interest you. Once you read an abstract, on the right hand side of the page, there are other related articles listed that you may find interesting. SpringerLink - All Content Items SSAT - SSAT 2008 Annual Meeting Abstracts - Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: a Report of a Five-Year Experience with 750 Patients</b> Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) In Morbid Obesity: Review https://www.highbeam.com/reg/reg1.as....html&full=yes This was recommended to me for post-op options for meals, and just a guide. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853?ie=UTF8&tag=mybiglife-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061242853]Amazon.com: Before & After, Revised Edition: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery (9780061242854): Susan Maria Leach: Books[/ame] [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853/][/ame] [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853/]Amazon.com: Before & After, Revised Edition: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery (9780061242854): Susan Maria Leach: Books[/ame] This one is cool because it shows a significant decrease in ghrelin with VSG patients vs. RNY patients. Weight loss, appetite suppression, and changes in ... [Ann Surg. 2008] - PubMed result Abstract on diabetes/glucose/insulin regulation with VSG vs. RNY stating that at 3 months out with the patients studied, RNY and VSG had no marked difference in improved lab results with their glucose showing that rerouting is not always necessary for resolution of this particula co-morbidity. Improvement in glucose metabolism after bariatric ... [Ann Surg. 2009] - PubMed result Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: an innovative new tool in the battle against the obesity epidemic in Canada Edit to add: If my insurance would not have come through with my revision, I would have traveled to Mexico, and my choice in surgeon was also Dr. Aceves as a revision surgeon. There are a lot of really great surgeons in Mexico and the U.S. it really all depends on your comfort level, and what you want and need from a program.

I'd like to hear more about the pros and cons of doing the revision surgery at the same time as band removal. I do NOT want to have two surgeries if I can avoid it.

After so many appeals with the insurance and struggle today, my surgery at 1:45 pm. I had my first surgery in Colombia and my surgeon here in the usa found they left the pouch to big and that is why i did not lose all the weight. This time i am determine to finish what i started.

I saw this as well. I'll be honest, I think it's all a bunch of crap. My fear is that this is only going to further the epidemic of eating disorders in our society because people ARE obsessed with the numbers. I say if you're a healthy weight for your height, then forget the revised BMI.

I was banded 10/04/11 and between then and August '12 lost about 40lbs. In November I had redness and pain in my port area and my surgeon put me on an antibiotic and the pain and redness resolved. Then about 3 different times between November and August, I would have pain in the port area that would go away the next day after applying heat. Finally, though, in August the pain would not resolve and taking extra strength tylenol did not touch the pain. My surgeon started me on pain medication and his office went to work trying to have a port revision covered through my insurance. I paid cash for my original surgery. After a month, I was finally scheduled for an EGD and possible port revision, but when the doctor did the EGD he learned that the band had eroded into my stomach around the buckle area. This was on a Tuesday and by Thursday I had the band removed and spent 5 days in the hospital. I am not going to sugar coat it, it was awful. I've had surgeries before but this was the most difficult. In fact, it's now 5 weeks later and I'm still dealing with a lot of pain. The surgeon said that this was a very difficult surgery that would require a long recovery. He also said that if I wanted to in about 6 months I could revise to the sleeve. I am extremely down about the whole ordeal. I am so tired of being obese. I have tried every diet/program out there and have not been successful to become thin and healthy. That is why I took such drastic measures in getting the lapband, I need help outside of myself. So, I don't know what to do now. The lapband surgery was difficult, the removal was even more difficult and to consider another surgery scares me. Thanks for "listening"...I just don't know what to do. =(

I am paying 7800, but I am a band to sleeve revision. It is more like 7000 for an initial sleeve through Beliteweight.

Ask for an EGD to stretch the scarred tissue a bit for an opening--they did this for a friend of mine for GERD. Then, after healing, maybe your revision with VSG would work. good luck! Thank you all for the well-wishes; this board is such a blessing! I'm so sore today; they spent an hour inside me cutting out adhesions and scar tissue so I guess I should expect to be sore. Tiffykins and I share the same surgeon, Dr Michel; I trust his decision, he said that I may still have quite a bit of restriction due to the very narrow scarring (picture an hour glass). It is that narrow scarring that didn't leave enough tissue to create a sleeve; I'm praying that it will eventually stretch just enough to get a sleeve in there. It was the perfect set-up for an RNY with the pouch on top all they would have to do is cut off the narrow scarring, hook up the intestines then Voila! another nutritional deficiency case walking out the door. It sounds like Swizzly lives in a place of good values and common sense; I wish all bariatric surgeons would ban the band! And I can say my quality of life is much improved without the horrible GERD!! I will still be scanning this board looking for people who are trying to decide whether to get the band or sleeve, you can bet I'll be chiming-in with my opinion. Whether you all know it or not, you are my friends that I turn to for a pick-me-up; I know I can always count on being inspired by someone or something said on here so Thank You! I hope to be telling an inspirational story of my own someday (soon I hope).

Thanks, new_beginnings! I've been dragging my heels with more than a little apprehension about putting my faith in another WLS. I found a new, more experienced surgeon and have been filling out paperwork before having to even go into the office. Once I get off my butt and send in this novel(!), they will send into the insurance company for approval. It's nice to see others like you, Susan, Irene, Tiffy, et al having a such better experience with the VSG!! That's exactly what the nurse at my new surgeon's office said. She said that there are different surgeries because they don't all work for all. Even if I weren't going to revise, it'll be SO nice to get the crap band <stolen> out!

There are a lot of revision lap-banders here and we all are so sorry to hear about the damage you sustained. I am also furious when I see lap-band ads or "medical" shows discussing lap-band. The real problems are never discussed with any sincerity - especially the reversable claim. I would also recommend that you get a second opinion on your damage and possibility for a sleeve - it seems that if they can do an RnY, they can do a sleeve? Take the time to heal and take care of yourself. You will get better!!! Lara

Monica, congratulations on your revision; happy healing! You say you would have been stuck with the band but I really can't believe there is even 1 person on this planet that will be able to keep their band as a lifelong weight loss tool. Even people with no outward problems/complications suffer extensive stomach, liver, scarring and adhesion damage. I hope the band will be banned soon; I will be telling anyone who will listen about the horrors of the band. I feel so much better now that it is out of my body; I really had no idea just how miserable I had become. Anyway, I'm happy for you and knowing that there are good band to sleeve revisions gives me hope. Gas dissapating prayers goin' out to you! And Thank you to everyone for the "love" that is so freely outpoured; this is just the best, shiniest spot on the whole internet!! Y'all rock!!

I had my revision on September 10, 2012 and had no issues at all. When progressing through the food stages, as I listened to my body, I did extend some phases by a couple of days and it was well worth it. I have had no vomiting, no sliming, but I also do not overeat. I learned many lessons with the band so the sleeve has been quite easy for me. I reached my goal weight in 6 months less a day and currently am still losing. WOOHOO sleeve!!!

Welcome I went with the bypass because my doc said there was a proven success with it, and he felt it was my best chance to lose the weight and keep it off. I also felt that if I was going to do this I wanted to do it once and not have to worry about revisions. As for the food question. Everyone is different, and you will get different answers. I am able to eat anything at 18 months post op. You an your new pouch will go through a getting to know you period. It will let you know the items you can and can not have. Keep in mind that list changes all the time. Things that made me sick in the beginning I have no problem with now. Sometimes things I have had no problem with suddenly make me sick. I have no problem with popcorn or rice. However some doctors do not allow popcorn. You should always go with what your doctors instructions.

OMG you poor thing! At least they were able to fix it, right? How scary! It's a risk, and risks triple with revisions from band to sleeve for leaks. At least you are home and safe. (HUGS)

EVERYONE does! Everyone across the board. I'm going to go out on a limb and say without exception EVERYONE needs to learn to slow down. It's a learning curve. Those that were banded and revised to a sleeve have advantages that newbie sleeves don't have. We already went through the chewing learning curve. What you are experiencing is completely and totally normal. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Well let me chime in here- I am 4 years post op!!!! I had pretty significant GERD way BEFORE my surgery, and in fact it was a huge mitigating factor in my surgery. my surgeon told me that the reduction we both expected in weight would easily eliminate my GERD, so either surgery was an option. I chose VSG in 2014. I lost about 70 lbs total and felt great. I took the occasional PPI for the first 4-6 months during that huge weight loss. Then...well about 2 years post op I regained a lot of my weight and GERD returned. I went back on a PPI. last fall I made an appointment with my surgeon who said that I REALLY had to lose all of the regain, and that if the GERD didn't resolve, I would probably face a revision. Around the same time I had an EGD and got some ugly news from my GI doc. That sparked a huge drive in me, I went full on Keto and have re-lost all of my regain!!! BUT...my GERD is still present and not getting any better. I know that I DO have a sliding hiatal hernia that may be reacting to the fat in Keto, so I just keep pushing and hope that by the time I see my GI doc in fall, it will be gone.. So yes, reflux after surgery can be and IS a real issue. for me, I honestly wish I would have just had the bypass 4 years ago, because I STILL face that option, even 4 years out!! EDITED TO ADD: I was formally diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus in 2012 but thankfully, no other positive screens since that year.

I was a band to rny revision. I was self pay so for me the #1 reason was I saw the band to sleeve to rny forum and said oh hell no. I am 5 months out and doing awesome. No hunger pains ever I have to actually think to eat. I never feel hunger at all! No issues, no dumping and I eat healthier than I ever had.. Feel free to pm any questions.. Good luck!

I was told to wait 6 weeks. Then my port flipped (came unstitched from the muscle). The first thing the tech asked me was if I did any crunches because that sometimes make it comes unstitched (even after 6 weeks). So, after I had my revision surgery to restitch my port, I stayed away from all abdomnals for 6 MONTHs! I just started doing abs again.

I am scheduled for June 26th, 2008. I will be having the traditional surgery but with the special consideration for my gallbladder scar. The first consult made it clear that they couldn't do much about my bulge right above the belly button. I have an extra bit of fat on the opposite side from the scar due to the revision I had on the scar a few years ago. They took out some of the fat under and around the scar but it left a bulge of fat on the other side from the scar. I want it to be more symetrical by removing that bit of fat. They have decided to go ahead and incise above the belly button which was not in their original plan. In my second consult I made it clear that I want that fat gone or reduced somehow. So they will do the above the Belly button incision and then if needed will do liposuction later as is deemed necessary. I am 60 and so want this to make me look as good as possible for my remaining years. I didn't get the lapband just to look almost good. I don't expect to be gorgeous but at least look and feel as good as I can. Since I am paying for this I want it to be much improved.