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"Among all patients, the rates of 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year<SUP> </SUP>mortality were 2.0%, 2.8%, and 4.6%, respectively. Advancing<SUP> </SUP>age and male sex were associated with early death after bariatric<SUP> </SUP>surgery (Table 2), with the highest rates of early mortality<SUP> </SUP>identified among older men. Overall, men were much more likely<SUP> </SUP>to die after bariatric surgery than women (3.7% vs 1.5%, 4.8%<SUP> </SUP>vs 2.1%, and 7.5% vs 3.7% for men and women at 30 days, 90 days,<SUP> </SUP>and 1 year, respectively; P<.001 for all time points). Mortality<SUP> </SUP>rates were greater for those aged 65 years or older (n = 1517)<SUP> </SUP>compared with younger patients (4.8% vs 1.7%, 6.9% vs 2.3%,<SUP> </SUP>and 11.1% vs 3.9% at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year, respectively;<SUP> </SUP>P<.001 for all time points). We found no differences in early<SUP> </SUP>mortality rates between patients who had primary vs revision<SUP> </SUP>surgery (2.0% vs 1.5%, 2.8% vs 2.2%, and 4.6% vs 4.3% at 30<SUP> </SUP>days, 90 days, and 1 year, respectively; all P>.10" "Patients undergoing procedures by surgeons with lower volume<SUP> </SUP>of bariatric procedures (less than the median of surgical volume<SUP> </SUP>among Medicare beneficiaries between 1997-2003) had a higher<SUP> </SUP>rate of mortality than those with at least median experience<SUP> </SUP>(3.3% vs 2.0%; P<.001). Patients aged 65 years or older had<SUP> </SUP>much higher rates of early death when undergoing surgery by<SUP> </SUP>surgeons within the lowest quartile of volume (Table 4) compared<SUP> </SUP>with those in the highest quartile (9% vs 1.1% at 30 days and<SUP> </SUP>13.8% vs 1.1% at 90 days; P<.001). Surgeons in the highest<SUP> </SUP>quartile of bariatric procedure volume had similar rates of<SUP> </SUP>early mortality in both younger and older patients (1.8% 90-day<SUP> </SUP>mortality in patients <65 years and 1.1% mortality in patients<SUP> </SUP>65 years; P = .40). The higher overall rates of death<SUP> </SUP>among older patients were attributable in part to a higher proportion<SUP> </SUP>(36%) of older patients undergoing surgery by surgeons within<SUP> </SUP>the lowest quartile of bariatric surgery volume compared with<SUP> </SUP>younger patients. The odds of a 90-day death were 1.6 times<SUP> </SUP>higher for patients of surgeons with lower volume (less than<SUP> </SUP>the median) after adjusting for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity<SUP> </SUP>Index score (95% CI, 1.3-2.0).<SUP> "</SUP> <SUP></SUP> <SUP>"</SUP>The hazard ratio for death (Figure) at any time after the procedure<SUP> </SUP>was 2.3 times greater for patients aged 65 years or older compared<SUP> </SUP>with younger patients (95% CI, 2.0-2.7), with 9.5% 5-year mortality<SUP> </SUP>in younger patients compared with 21.6% mortality in the older<SUP> </SUP>cohort (P<.001). The odds of 90-day death did not change<SUP> </SUP>significantly based on the year the procedure was performed,<SUP> </SUP>even after controlling for patient age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity<SUP> </SUP>Index score (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0).<SUP> "</SUP>

Hi Everyone, I wanted to provide an update on my progress. I've been 100% happy with my sleeve. I converted from the band back in October 2010. I was banded in Jan 2010 at 200 lbs and only lost 15 lbs from that time untill October when I revised. I hated the band! Weightloss with the sleeve has been effortless. Yes, I struggled with dumping and other weird side effects. I even had to have my gallbadder removed 6 weeks ago and now have diarhea, but you know what? I'd do it all again in a heart beat. I went to Mexico and saw Dr. Rodriguez through BeLightWeight (or however they spell it). The first few months I really focused on Protein first, etc, etc. but the past few months, I really just eat (AND DRINK) whatever I want. My weight loss has slowed down the last 2 months, but I still lose. I also haven't exercised much at all either. Just eating small portions. VERY small portions. I'm now down to 128 and am fine with that. I'll maybe lose 10 more, as I'm only 5'3", but I'm in the normal range now, wearing sizes 1 - 4 and feeling generally pretty great. I did lose some hair and it seems to hav stopped now, but again. Totally worth it. I"m inlcuding some pictures of a yearly bus trip that I take with friends each year at the end of April. The first one is from last year, and the second one is a side view of me at this year's trip. I still couldn't beleive that was me when I saw the picture. I'd be happy to answer any questions. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Hello to revision from lapband to sleevers. I’m 22 days out and just wondering how everyone is doing. I’m having a lot of heartburn no matter what I eat. I’m still very fatigued if I do something for more the two hours straight, like housework. I actually feel faintish. Sometimes I’m hungry sometimes not. When I eat I have to be very careful because I don’t feel full until it’s to late then I’m sick, I’m trying to measure out food but I’m so hungry at that moment that I feel that one more tablespoon is not going to make a difference..wrongo! Otherwise I’m feeling great, no pain or soreness anymore I never took pain meds so that wasn’t and issue. Sleeping is getting better can lay on my side now without discomfort!! Just like to know how everyone else is doing and stage they are in?

I'm waiting to be sleeved, but a good friend of mine was revised from the band to RNY because of complications. My surgeon does a lot of revisions and said he doesn't think the band will be around in 5 years. Who knows if that's true or not but on these boards, it seems like a lit of people are considering revision. Good luck to you in whatever you choose:)

Natalie, I originally planned on getting the lapband. But as I did more research and read more forums, it sounded like very few people were happy with it. As I learned of people having revisions, I found out about VSG. Gastric Bypass had too many scary aspects to it, so I decided the sleeve was the way to go for me. I wasn't willing to try the band only to have another procedure down the road. I didn't want trial and error. I wanted a procedure that worked once and for all. It was the best decision of my life. I can only imagine the shock of having your dr suggest the change, but thank goodness he did. It means you have a surgeon who is concerned with what is best for you. As far as what you should do pre-op, try to cut out drinking soda now. I drank Dr. Pepper until the night before surgery and waking up from anesthesia with a caffeine headache sucks. Take before pics and measurements. During those times when you think the scale is moving slow, seeing your progress in pics and seeing how many inches you've lost can really keep you motivated. Continue to do research so that you are well prepared mentally and emotionally. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone progresses at different rates. If you follow your dr's plan for you, the sleeve will work! Best of luck to you and keep us posted.

I would listen to your surgeon. I never even considered the band because I known a few people in the family one had a few slips and they both gained some of the weight back. Then I come on here and see so many revisions .

Hi everyone! I just got approved to get the band out and the sleeve ASAP. I really haven’t spent a lot of time researching what to expect and it just dawned on me to come here! My band was a disaster and never was viable. The port came out after 2 revisions and I had MRSA. 12 yrs later it’s coming out. So excited for that. Did everyone have the revision to sleeve in multiple surgeries? Reading about the intolerance to artificial sweeteners has been interesting ...I’ve been trained since WW in the mid 80’s to have fake sugar. Any major advice for someone who is about to start this journey again? allison

As of now I'm scheduled for a revision from a lap band to RNY on Nov 20. Fingers crossed!

Hi. I had my gastric band removed after 10 years with revision to sleeve just 3 weeks ago. How can I help?

Hey guys -- I've been banded for 5 years now and for most of that time my band acted just as it should. It's slipped right now so I'll be going in for revision surgery in July and I'm certain my band slipped because I had a too tight fill and waited an entire weekend before getting the fill taken out. But I thought that I'd offer my advice as an experienced bandster. I am not a doctor or any other type of health care provider. Call around to some local urgent care centers and/or emergency rooms tonight. Ask if they have anyone on staff who is willing to take your fill out (I'm assuming that you have some fill in there now). Tell them that it's the same kind of port as a port-a-cath for chemotherapy (I know from personal experience with those), fairly simple to access. They don't need flouroscopy to to un-fill you. I'm betting that with the fill out the gum will pass -- then just treat your pouch carefully for a week to 10 days -- Clear liquids to mush before trying solids again. Go to your fill Dr for a re-fill after you're all healed up.

I'm so sorry you've had problems/complications. I had to have revision surgery as well and my insurance covered my surgery. If you are covered under insurance, will they cover it? It is not anything you have caused - just faulty equipment. I wish you the best luck and I'm sorry this hasn't worked out for you. I love my band and have had problems with it, but I wouldn't change a thing. I don't completely agree with you blaming your metabolism and thyroid on poor weight loss. As long as you are taking synthroid (or whatever meds you are on) it shouldn't be an issue. I am hypo too and yes it is hard to lose weight, but it is hard for anyone that is obese to lose. When my thyroid level is correct I have no problem losing. For years I blamed my thyroid on being heavy. I'd tell myself I had a "hormone problem" and continue to stuff my face. I finally stopped using that excuse and admitted that my eating is what was my problem. If you weren't losing you may want to have your level checked. I'm not a doctor, but I do know when my head is the problem and not my metabolism. I wish you the best.

I had flouro on Friday and my port is totally flipped. They tried to manipulate it but couldn't. So I am having a revision surgery but they don't know when they can schedule because I have to pay the hospital fees and my doctor is going to reimburse me with free care for a few extra years. So I am dissappointed because I am very hungry now, and no longer loosing weight. However, I just want to get this surgery over with so I can get a fill and get back on the wagon.

I finally got my first fill yesterday during my port revision surgery. He said he just put a little in but hopefully I will begin loosing again. I have gained some back and that is dissappointing after self-pay. They said my port flipped within the first day or two because there was alot of scartissue they had to deal with. Hopefully I am now really on my way!

Thanks to both of you for the responses. Amforshort congrats on your revision, we had the same procedure one day apart. I won't get into gory details but I took miralax once every night since the surgery and yesterday it started cleaning me out. It wasn't as unpleasant as stimulant laxatives have been in the past so I would recommend it to others. How are you feeling 5 days in?

I'm not sure. When he did the revision I was so dehydrated that I couldn't go into surgery without fluids and a lot of potassium and I was so anemic that I had to get 2 units of blood after surgery. Even with the band I had to take multivitamins, calcium, and vitamin D. The only thing I have been told to take is Prilosec.

I just found out today my Dr won't do the revision in one surgery. I was so angry. I was never told this. I'm so frustrated. So much time wasted. I have been deflated since October 18th. Why didn't they tell me this I'm getting married in April and wanted to lose a nice amount of weight. Trying not to let it ruin my holiday.

I'm in Australia. Dr Dolan took my band out 3weeks ago. I am booked in for the sleeve in 5weeks. He is extremely experienced in revisions. I am so happy without my band, but have piled on 5kgs in 3weeks. So unhappy about that!!!!!

Yes I agree, I think it is too, but I will wait it out. I kinda have to now as I flew down to have the band removed anticipating a 3month wait to have the sleeve done in January, taking a week off work. However, after he removed it he thinks I need to wait at least 6 months. So now when we are down for Christmas I will see either my surgeon or another one to book in for April. I have to work around school holidays as I am a teacher. I am just trying to research a surgeon that perhaps have done the most revision surgeries. My surgeon I know has done a lot and only puts sleeves in now and only takes bands out, he said he only put one band in, in the last 12 months. I said I wished I had a sleeve done instead of a band and he said it was still very new then (2007), that the band was the main option. Also I was still in Perth at that time. I have had to go up to Darwin for a fill adjustment cos its closer, but being remote is inconvenient for a band.

Myra - so sorry to hear that you are having port issues, but I'm sure the revision will be a peice of cake for you. Good Luck! Linda - well, that sucks! I'm sorry that your hubby's job is stressing you out so. I know that the best thing for your family will happen, always have faith! God Bless, and I'll be praying for a good resolution to your delimma. Missy - I eat in the same range of calories as you, but my weight loss is stalled. This is soooo frustrating. Guess I'll just really try to restrict what I shove in the old "pie hole" until I can get my next fill on Feb. 13th. Keep up the great work!

what is a MGB? and why are you being revised? GERD?

I believe this is sound science but it's just the amount of butter and heavy cream I could out away pre-band.....thank goodness those days are over. So enjoying being a dairy eater now, and this includes indulging in a little wedge of yummy cheese here and there, real butter if I fry an egg, etc. But back then it was so much more.....even a salad I would eat is amazing to think about now, that volume, Actually, new research plus old research that was buried for many years says your mom is right. It's the carbs, not the fat. Take a look at Gary Taub's books Good Carbs Bad Carbs or Why We Get Fat. Journalistic discovery of all the research and studies over the years that did not agree with the low fat bandwagon. Nations around the world (like Sweden) are revising their nutritional guidelines as we speak. I was low fat for decades, did nothing to keep me from gaining weight. Now I eat all the heavy cream and butter I want but keep my carbs very low and I maintain my weight very easily. Not to sound preachy, but the world is a-changing and everything we took for granted about nutrition since the 60's is being turned on its head.

Dr. Rehnke is my surgeon. How did your revision go? Hope you are doing well NewNewMe!

Hi Kellarsmom, I had my band to sleeve revision with a hiatal hernia repair by Dr. Clayton Frenzel on 5/18. The surgery was very successful and I've lost 26 pounds thus far. Dr. Frenzel and his staff are great and very supportive. They're always there to answer any concerns or questions. Feel free to reach out with any questions...you'll do great!! Good luck and see you on the losers bench ????

I have mild reflux but im not sure if its significant. I take nexium in two week intervals when I feel it coming on strong. usually about every 3- 4 months I take a two week dose and it goes away for a long while. I have actually heard that a revision or a resleeve can make the reflux worse but I suppose it depends on whats wrong in the first place. I am hoping to get a doctor that notices the first surgery wasnt done properly and I get resleeved. Yes it is a revision but kaiser didnt have to pay for it the first time and this second time would to repair. But if the doctor doesnt find anything wrong with me then there may be no hope for insurance to cover it. emme.vee - I would live to take your info from the Santa Ana doctor as soon as I can figure out how to message you.. , Thanks so much

I agree with the person that said to ask for a referral to have your anatomy looked at. If there is something wrong, that can likely be fixed. I'm Kaiser NorCal, and they generally do not do revisions due to lack of weight loss or regain. Get checked out, but don't count on it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App