Search the Community

This is a great thread you two. And just an FYI for you, Lauren: At the ASBS convention this past June (when they released the AP band) there was a presentation about the post-op diet and guidelines for revision to allow softs to solids much earlier than before. I notice that Allergan hasn't changed their reccs on their website yet, but I found it interesting that someone would present to a group of bariatric surgeons that it is okay to eat earlier. Perhaps your doc had read the latest from the convention and that is what made her put less emphasis on the post-op diet. I have to wonder though if part of the reason for the change in diet comes from patients complaining and griping about being hungry so much. And/or if the change was intended for AP band patients only. But thinking logically about the stomach and it's action to digest, I can't imagine that speeding up the post-op diet would be fine and dandy. But I'm not a surgeon and I'm not a bariatric researcher. Of course, one can always go slower on their post-op stages themselves.

I know where you are at. Just keep doing what you are doing. Try not to focus on the numbers. I am having a revision from sleev to RNY. I got down when I got to 245 last time and gave up. This time I am going to focus on my eating not the scale (I hope I can do that). Good luck. Keep going HW 225 SW 221 CW 305 GW 200 RNY 3/7/18

Laura-ven took the words right out of my mouth. When I started researching WLS I was locked in on the lap band but the more research I did the more I started questioning my choice. I talked with my doc and watched some videos that he had prepared about the lap band, sleeve, and bypass. He does all three surgeries but I decided that the sleeve was the best for me. The lap band is also really high maintenance and with the hours I work I don't have time to make a follow up appointment every six weeks for adjustments/fills. Also my insurance covers one WLS per lifetime, after the research I did and finding all the people that had revisions from band to sleeve, I decided to go with the one lots of people end up with and just bypass the band all together. Good luck with your decision. I am only three weeks out, I'm in a stall right now and have been for two week so I'm a little bummed BUT I still feel like this is one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself. I have not had any problems and would do it again tomorrow if I needed to.

Look at the studies... the risk of GERD post sleeve is significant. I read a study that showed that many people are fine but at 3-6 years out the GERD becomes a big deal. I love my sleeve, but I think you should seriously discuss this situation with surgeons. There are a couple of successful sleevers who have had to revise to bypass over the GERD issue.

Hello! I am in the same boat with you. I had my band put in in 2012 and removed in 2017. It was fine for the first year or so then BAM, one problem after another. Couldn’t keep anything down. Sometimes even liquids. I couldn’t wait to get that thing out. The surgeon asked if I wanted any type of revision at the time of removal and I said “no” I thought “I can do this on my own” A year later I’m 30 lbs heavier and had a consult for sleeve this past week. I was told this is almost a 100% guaranteed approval because I have a very good BCBS plan. Only need one nutrition class (which I did that same day) and a psych evaluation. No waiting period. When they told me that, I got scared, nervous, excited. I’m reading everything I can, having doubts one minute then “I’M DOING THIS!” the next minute. I’ve been struggling with my weight for 20+ yrs. I’m tired. I’m ready.

Hey Everyone, Just needing to get thoughts out there. I'm a revision from band to sleeve. I've had my band removed and hopefully I will have sleeve surgery this summer. I'm going through all the motions for insurance approval. The time between is giving me alot of time to think. I'm excited for the chance to finally lose weight successfully. I'm excited that maybe for the first time in my life I may possibly fit in "normal" size clothes. I'm excited that maybe....just maybe....with the weight loss I can maybe have children. I'm excited for the opportunity to not ache, not tucker out so darn easy, and just feel good for once. And I'm also scared.... I'm scared of failing. I felt like a failure with my lap-band (even though I did have issues with it, even my surgeon said he won't even put them in anymore because of the complications many lap-band patients have), but I can't help but be scared of failure because I've failed so many times with trying to lose weight. I'm nervous too... I've never been "normal". I was a 10 pound baby...so I've been fat since birth. I have no clue what it's like to be what you would call normal. I don't want to say thin because I don't desire to be thin, I just want to be at a healthy weight....and I have no idea how that feels. I was a fat baby, kid, teen, and now adult. I have no real idea what life will be like. I know it will have to be better than how I feel/look now, but the unknown is scary. Thankfully my husband is very supportive, but I get nervous that he won't want to be with me anymore if I do lose alot of weight. He assures me that he doesn't care what size I am because he's in love with me, not my body (smart man...lol) but I can't help but have these fears since we began out relationship with me being the fluffy gal that I am. Sorry for the long post....there's alot rolling around in my brain. I know that surgery is the best option for me, my doctors have been very encouraging, My mind just like to run emotional marathons....too bad my body hasn't. haha. Reading through the forum has always been helpful and encouraging. Anyways...thanks for listening to my ramblings.

I have a similar experience to share. I got the sleeve in 2013. About 1 year post op I hadn't reached my goal weight and decided to do a liquid only diet for 4 weeks. We all know liquid diets will result in weight loss. Three weeks in, I felt faint. I almost passed out a few times when going from sitting to standing. I lost my appetite and found no pleasure in anything I did. At this point I had lost 117 lbs. I convinced myself if weight loss was going to make me feel so bad, it wasn't worth it. I gradually let my diet slip and over the next few years gained 90 lbs. This year I went in for a revision to DS. Again, I felt faint frequently. I fainted one time at home and woke up on the tile floor. This time I did some research and consulted my doctors. I attributed the light headedness to a combination of several things. Too much low blood pressure medicine, so we halved it twice. I assumed my blood sugar was low so I added more fruit to my diet. Restrictive diet with many artificial foods (shakes). It was time to advance to a soft food diet so I started eating a great variety of real food and dropped protein shakes completely. I needed more calories. Ketosis, I had a lot of rapid weight loss. At this stage the weight loss slowed a bit. Dehydration. I was doing a lot of outdoor home projects in the Summer. I wasn't getting enough water. I tested as much as I could individually and was able to rule out the blood pressure medicine. Even when I didn't take medicine for days, I was light headed. Even when I drank plenty of water for days, I was light headed all the time. From my experience the second time around, I dealt with the problems and changed everything up until I found the right combination. I eat healthy meals, get plenty of food, and lose weight each month. Four months later, I'm no longer feeling light headed. Today I'm at my lowest weight in 20 years. I know they call loss of satisfaction a form of depression. I never went to a psychiatrist. Maybe I should have but I don't feel I would get much benefit from them. My advice is to evaluate your nutrition plan and eliminate anything that isn't natural food. Natural sugars in fruit are better than anything with added sugars. Protein in lean meats is better than protein shakes or bars.

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.

Hi everyone! I was originally sleeved in March of 2016. I had an annoying burping thing pretty much from the beginning, but I lost about 90lbs in 6 months...and have held pretty steady since. Then the extreme reflux started! Fast forward to yesterday....I spoke with my surgeon and it has been decided that I need to be revised to an rny. Definitely not happy about it, but I’ve been taking 3 nexium a day and still having reflux and regurgitation. The newest issue appears to be an ulcer. This is really the last thing I wanted to do, but I’m very worried about the damage that’s being done to my esophagus. I have developed a raspy voice and scratchy throat, so I know it’s becoming a problem. It looks like I’ll have surgery either in March or April....I’ll probably know in a week or so. Anyone else here a revision from VSG to RNY??

Mj did you get the revision bc of acid reflux or weight gain? How long did it take to get approved? If it was due to Gerd, did you have to do a lot of tests to get approved? I was told I would have to do like 3 tests; scope, swallow test and another test where a device is attracted to my esophagus , I wear a device around my waist and everytime I experience acid reflux I press a button and it takes a pic and measures the amt of acid

I have had a band to sleeve revision, too. I can tolerate small amounts of fried foods. In general, I just don't want them because they make me feel horrible. Every now and then, I get a craving for something and so I may have a bite of something fried. For instance, I will eat one or two of my son's fries. I get satisfied off of a very small amount. Certain foods do make me sick though. Fried tortilla chips make me feel like throwing up and I used to be able to eat an entire basket of chips by myself. Some people can eat fried foods with no issues, so you will just have to try and see if you can.

How long was your approval time for the revision? Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am definitely feeling a bit discouraged right now. I've had the gastric band since January 2011. Since the very beginning, I've had the throwing up/regurgitating. It doesn't matter what I eat. If I have any restriction at all, I'm throwing up 2-3 times per day. My current surgeon (not the one who did the surgery) also said according to the X-ray, my band is slightly higher than it should be, but not technically "out of place". They had to loosen my band, and since then (2 months ago), I've gained about 15-20lbs back. My HW 300, SW 290, LW 220, and CW 270. My surgeon said he'd do everything he can to help me. I've done the nutrition class (again) and the psych evaluation. They submitted to insurance yesterday, and she said I should hear back within 2-3 weeks if I'm approved or not. But I've been reading A LOT of stories of people being denied for revision unless there is a serious complication with the band. I have BCBSNC. The insurance company that originally paid for my gastric band surgery was Tricare Prime, by Dr. William Richards in Mobile, Alabama.

Has anyone done this due to GERD? Nervous!

My revision was deemed "medically necessary" because of damage in my esophagus from reflux. Saw the surgeon and was sceduled for surgery within a week. I have Kaiser insurance, so its all in the same facility. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using BariatricPal mobile app

I am in a big stall! I had my band to sleeve revision January 13 2014. I have only lost 13 since then. That was in the first 2 weeks that I lost the weight. I haven't lost anything else. I am on a full normal diet and haven't had any issues with any food, except bananas, they make me sick and i throw up if i eat one on an empty stomach. I don't do much for exercise right now but going to start a kickboxing class next week and now that the weather is starting to get nice I can go out and start running. Hopefully that will get the scale moving for me.

do your research and don't depend on comments from anyone . each person has to make their decision based on how they think they will do. The difference is how drastic you want to go. Lapband is no walk in the park either and unless your are sure you can be pretty compliant you may opt for something else. I did not want to have a radical rearrangement of my intestines or removal of my stomach. My husband had esophageal cancer last year and keeping his nutrition up was a major problem. Had he only had 20% of his stomach I doubt he would have survived. long term thinking is important. Lapband is revisable or removable if necessary. the other surgeries are for life.

First want to say that people who have the band can share some of their experiences- good and bad. The band was not good for me but great for my dad. I think it's great to understand ALL options when gong in for a surgery. I went in with blinders as I didn't want anything that was going to change my insides and many say the same. There are plus and minuses from all surgeries and really need to be aware of options that's why they are there. By the way- I was handed 2012 lost 25 lbs gained back 3 times that amount and now revised to sleeve 5 days ago. Whatever a person decides on they should view and understand ALL.

It was hard! But totally worth it. I’m 6 months out from that and the incision on my butt/back is still numb and tingly and I think still a little swollen! I will need a revision for some additional skin left at the top of my stomach but otherwise....totally worth it!

I did SIPS on 12/11 as my only surgery not a revision in the Chicago area. Very pleased with weight loss. Off insulin pump and only on 2 pills a day for diabetes. Lost 50% of excess weight in 2 mos. very pleased with my results so far! SIPS procedure 12/11/17 SW 307 CW 214 GW 160

congrats on your success! are you revising to another surgery or just removing the band?

Hello all! So on Tues morning, 12/1, I go in for my revision. I'm very nervous and a bit scared. I'm so nervous of failing again, but most of all scared of not waking from the surgery. Not sure why, but I think having a nearly 1yr old now makes things a bit more frightful. Any words of encouragement or success stories are welcomed!

I'm in the same boat--my revision is December 8! Let's stay in touch--we are both going to be fine!

I was diagnosed bipolar a little over 2 years ago. I am looking into revision but now with my diagnosis - I am wondering if it is possible?? My insurance does not cover it ( ugh) so I will be self paying. i know this is a necessary option /tool for me but worries how surgery may affect 1) if I am able to have surgery 2) how will surgery impact bipolar / depression I do take meds to help manage , can I still take them after? Any input would be wonderful! I go in for my consultation this week. Nervous!!

Judy, people have band to sleeve revisions all the time who have not yet regained all their weight. But the band becomes a problem and they need to remove it...and they know that if they simply remove that and do nothing else the weight will come back on in a hurry due to the change in metabolism. In those cases I'm all for it. On the other hand, you've got a young 20 something who is 15 pounds overweight and doesn't want to have to fight weight problems in the future so she has WLS...I'm not sure I support that. Because as you say, she still will have to do the same things to keep the weight off in the future regardless of whether or not she has the surgery. I think the surgery is great for people who already have the weight and are having trouble getting it off. The sleeve gives you a chance to lose it but you have to do the work to keep it off. For people who simply see the weight gain as inevitable, and want to prevent obsesity related problems in the future....I truly believe those people can prevent those issues with the same attention to health and nutrition without having surgery if they commit before the weight gain has gotten out of control.... UNLESS...there are diagnosed, underlying medical conditions which will lead to obesity regardless.....like disorders of the thyroid. Ought these people have WLS as a preventative measure when they know obesity is coming regardless of what they do? I don't know enough about thyroid disorders to know how likely that scenario is, but I'm willing to at least consider the possibility in these cirucumstances.