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Hi! The gastric bypass has been around as strictly a reflux surgery for many, many years before they realized that it aided in weightloss also. It started out as a reflux surgery. And while u must be heavier than 150 lbs to receive it for weightloss reasons, they will do it for reflux for a lesser weight. I voiced concern that I may lose too much and my dr told me that our bodies are smart and they tended to lose until they're at a healthy weight, then level out. I may get to a little less than my goal, fairly quickly, but my body would level out and stay healthy. It's super rare to become anorexic. Even knowing that its rare, of course I'm still concerned. And when I dont have reflux for 4 or 5 nites, I rethink my surgery decision. Then BAM - its back and I'm up for 3 hrs coughing and vomiting up stomach acid, feeling like Im having aheart attack, and will lose my voice the next day. And I sleep sitting up in an adjustable bed. I've tried everything conservative over an almost 5 yrs time period and it just gets worse. If I dont have the surgery (and while there is a reflux surgery, called the Fundoplication, I don't have enuf stomach left for it to be done), more damage will be done to my esophagus and I risk cancer and acid eating holes. My dr has gone over all the risks involved and the risks of doing nothing surpass the risks of the revision. I can figure something out to do with my back pain while I'm unable to take pills post op. I guess I can mix the Kratom powder with some protein shake, or switch to CBD oil during this time. I'm curious at how differently my body absorbs medication differently also with the bypass. Whether I will need less pain meds or what. Anyway, just wanted to let u know that its a safe surgery when weighing 150 lbs (I now weigh 154). The bypass started as a reflux surgery many, many years ago and they discovered that people were losing huge amounts of weight with it so it was tweaked and became the weightloss surgery we know now. And Im hoping Im not 1 of the rare people that cant stop losing.... Marci

Hmm, good question. I had a revision to the sleeve because my surgeon suggested it. First, I want to say that I loved my band. I had it for 7 years. It helped me lose 129 lbs. and maintenance was relatively easy. The weight loss was steady. No hair loss, nothing drastic. For me, the band problem was never severe (no erosion, no slipped band) but it was time and money consuming because my band tended to be fickle. The band can be a successful tool if you're dedicated to it, as with all tools. I think the most important part of it though... Is having a good surgeon. My first surgeon knew exactly how to fill it but then I moved, and as your body changes, sometimes the Fluid need changes. It was hard for me to find another surgeon who did the fills correctly. I was either too lose or too tight, and if you get too tight, you get a pouch dilation, and when you have a pouch dilation, they remove all your fluid for months, wait for your stomach & esophagus to normalize, and then you go back through the phase of finding your sweet spot again. During those months with no restriction, you gain back some weight, and it's harder to take it off again. I went through that cycle twice which is why my new surgeon suggested the revision since Yo-yo dieting is one of the most unhealthiest things to do to our bodies.

I am using the tightest hooks for the circumference and have had to slide the shoulder straps the shortest they can go. I can go down a cup size probably. Yesterday I tried on a size large bikini top (it must be juniors because it's Roxy). It fit more or less, but I have to make sure I'm all tucked in what with all the lose skin. I have 40+ pounds to go depending on if I revise my final goal. When I started I was sure I was not going anywhere near plastics. now I'm not so sure.

I am post op about 2 weeks for a lap band removal/revision to rny gastric bypass. I have Anthem bc/bs. I had them for the original surgery in 2007. Really didn't have any trouble, once the communication was open from my Surgeon's office and Anthem. I don't recall any lifetime max on my plan, but maybe others do.

I revised to rny...mine worked for 4 years and then misbehaved after pregnancy and then just broke completely at 11 years.

Congratulations @BypassDiva2023. I’m so glad you’ve finally had your revision surgery. Praying for a much smoother journey for you this time. NSAIDS are always on the forever no list post surgery. However, some surgeons do allow their use after a period of time with a sleeve which may be why you are surprised with the instruction with your bypass. My surgeon allowed me to have them after two years because I didn’t take them regularly but he still gave me strict instructions: half dose & not consecutive days. The swallowing pill advice seems to be varied across surgeons & surgeries. Did the same surgeon do your bypass as sleeve? Maybe they’re treading more carefully because of your history.

I am post revision from sleeve to bypass 5 weeks today and I'm starting to transition to a more normal diet. I had a really tough time in the beginning with dehydration and then I had a stay back in the hospital for a bowel obstruction, but I am doing much better now. My eating has gone pretty well the last week. There were a few things my stomach just didn't like but I am learning what it likes and doesn't like. I just wondered what others normal daily menu looked like what portion sizes you are eating. I know everyone one post-op plans and doctors orders seem to be different, so I though it would be interesting to see what others are doing. If you want post pictures of you meals to show portions sizes I think that would be helpful for lots of us to see. Thanks in advance for your time.!

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!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/77969-sleeve-revision-to-gastric-bypass-tomorrow/page__fromsearch__1

Working hard!! Thanks and God bless! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Hi. I’m home as of Friday afternoon. Had a really bad two days in the hospital. The lacerations are more and deeper and they took the beginning of my intestines where the revision was. He felt moving it mid intestines was the best option. It was the “y” area of the RNY that was giving me an issue and was flipping or twisting. So he moved it dead center on my small intestine. So far I’m okay. No bile vomit and nausea. Horrendously sore. My abdominal wall is a mess for sure. I had some bottom end issues as I think i was stopped up and gassy. Surgeon said use an enema today. So far so good. Had to move stuff out. It was horrendous. Worse then giving birth and felt like I was giving birth from there hahahahah Otherwise so far so good. Ty so very much for thinking of me. It’s so appreciated.

I could have had surgery in the US as many of the Drs in Tx are having to compete with prices in Mexico. I could have waited 3 months for my insurance to kick in as well, which wouldn't have been a big deal. All in all, I picked Dr Aceves over any other Dr I spoke with. It seems like whenever this topic comes up, everyone is an expert in some field or everyone is leery of those who post on certain doctors. I read several stories about hack jobs in Mexico and obviously several stories of successes. It comes down to the surgeon, not the country. I'll say this. I had a f* up of an orthopedic surgeon here in the US. He ignored all of my weeks of complaining of swelling and pain in my leg, told me to call him on monday when I was coughing up blood on friday. Never compared the size of the two legs. I ended up going to the hospital with a pulmonary embolism and nearly died. I also had to have a revision on my ankle a year later. I did my research, I even straight up asked them if they had any legal action that was ever taken against them. They lied but I only found out about it after nearly dying. No lawyer would take my case, they all said that Doctors stick together and rarely will testify against each other. The surgeon did wipe clean all my bills to him but I was still left with several thousand bills for the PE through the hospital. My surgery in Mexico far exceeded anything I have experienced in the US. The private hospital was cleaner and more well run. The entire staff was attentive and caring. Any questions I've had pre/post op have been answered quickly. If Dr A gets a bad review it hurts his rep and his pocket. He can't rely on people choosing him because their insurance covers him. He gets patients because of word of mouth, not a listing.

I love what I see and how I feel now but I struggle with not meeting my goal!?! I had revision from band to sleeve on 1/28/24 I started out at 287 and I'm now at 193. I'm 5'9 and still curvy but LOVING it ????. I fuss with myself about not getting to MY goal which is 180 and my surgeon wants to see me at 160 ???? I feel like I would look like...pardon the phrase...a Crack head!!! ???? Anyone else struggle with this? Do I lose the weight and then feel uncomfortable in my own skin again? Do I do it for my health let's be honest I'm still overweight but beautifully so ????. Anyone else struggle with this????

Pittsburgh also, Monroeville area. I'm a revision to lose the next 100+. I had a VBG in 98 and lost 250, gained 50 back. I am 349 at 7 days post op RNY.

Yep, me. I had to be on 80mg of Nexium daily, Pepcid as needed for breakthrough, and it still didn't help. I had severe gerd, gastritis, esophagitis, and polyps all through my stomach and duodenum. 4 endoscopies later, I had to have a revision to a bypass. Changing my diet didn't help. Eliminating exercising didn't help. All the antacids didn't help. I never had any gerd or reflux before the sleeve, but it was debilitating after. Revision was the best thing I ever did.

In 2012 I paid for my lap band out of pocket 13,000 and it was outpatient and 2 weeks ago I paid for a revision to a sleeve out of my pocket as well. My insurance doesn't cover WLS or any complications of it. While it's frustrating to have to pay, I know the money I will save on weight related medical issues will make up for it in the long run. My total for the revision was around 15,000 in the Salt Lake area. That included a 4 day stay in the hospital.

for some it gets better, but for about 30%, it gets worse. I'm surprised your surgeon is recommending it, to be honest. He may be more comfortable doing that surgery - it's less complicated. But I don't really like his comment about how you can always revise to bypass. Yea, but... I had GERD before surgery. I didn't want to take the risk of it getting worse.

Let me clarify...when I had them they were broiled (not fried) and not breaded, nor did I use any mayo for dipping. If you are going to try them, purchase the lump crab cakes and prepare at home in your oven so you know exactly what you are eating. There are MANY ways to have foods that you have enjoyed in the past, you just have to revise the preparation. I did eat them in soft foods bc my surgeons rule was anything that could be cut with a fork--a broiled crab cake falls apart so definetly worked for me. I have operated under the rules of my surgeon at all times-if it's a new food I haven't had, I prepare at home first so that I know it meets my protein expectation along w carbs and sugars. If you liked something in the past, be creative and try to find ways to make it work now. I hate it when someone tells me "no" but love it when I find a way to make it work for my new life-good luck

I contacted for a revision. I had incision because Dr. KELLY removed the lapband. He never performed the gastric sleeve. I still needed help to keep the weight off. That is why I gained 20 Pounds so fast.

If there was no sleeve procedure, MBC surgeon will perform gastric sleeve and the only charge she will be responsible is the revision part ($1400). Plus travel and related expenses, additional time off work, etc...for something that should have been done correctly the first time --and was paid for. I didn't even know a "loose sleeve" was an option...I haven't seen that term used in all of the research I have done. I will make sure I ask my Dr. about this. Mexico Bariatric Center fully paid for Debra Stienmen original surgery to Dr. Ramos Kelly. MBC has fulfilled its contractual obligations with Mrs. Steimen and deems it unnecessary to provide compensation at this time. Did Mexico Bariatric Center fully pay for Debra's surgery to Dr. Kelly with Debra's money that she paid to MBC for the surgery and additional services as contracted or did MBC fully pay for Debra's surgery as a gift to her? I understand Mexico Bariatric Center trying to defend themselves. The coordinators are not the ones performing the actual procedure and can't control the doctors actions in the OR. There is a level of professional business integrity that looks to be lacking. To say that Mexico Bariatric Center has gone "above and beyond in this case" may be a stretch. The actions of A Lighter Me, Janese and Sandy show what going above and beyond means. They were able to "clean up the mess" that Debra was in --- which should have been handled by MBC. It shows there was a way to work through the negative situation and make it right. Maybe if MBC had handled the situation differently, it would have portrayed them in a different light without a need for a rebuttal within this forum. The subject of obesity and the struggles with weight are very personal. I hope this was an isolated incident that was mishandled by a small representation of the business and doesn't reflect the core values of a company that should be customer focused.

Hello, My name is Debra Steimen. It has taken me several months to recover from my mexico bariatric experience to talk on these forums. Now it is time. Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding my experience. If you don't ask you may fall victim to: Mexico Bariatric Center mexicobariatriccenter.com WeightLossMex.com SOURCiS, Inc., doing business as, Mexico Bariatric Center. Address: 705 E. Bidwell Suite 2-111 Folsom, CA Last April my lapband of 5 years slipped and needed removal. I was told that it would cost me $40.000 out of pocket to have it removed because my insurance did not cover the removal. Desperate, I contacted Christy at mexicobariatriccenter. Christy told me that the owner was in business for years leading me to believe that the company was in business for years. Christy was very believable and seemed very concern with my welfare. I trusted her and the company and went ahead to schedule a lapband removal and a gastric sleeve. Christy suggested that I use a specific doctor because of his experience, since she did not think the other doctors had enough experience with revisions. It would only cost me $6,500. My Surgery was scheduled a few weeks later. I arrived in San Diego and was taken to a little hospital. The Mi Hospital. I was being registered by a Mexico bariatric center assistant that seemed very shady. He made me feel uneasy. After being register I was moved to a normal hospital room. I was undressing when a staff member came in and told me I needed to be moved. I was then escorted down to a different floor in a room with no nursing attendant and no other patients. I was a little confused but I was trying to go with the flow until I realized my hand had swollen up three times it size. The needle that was inserted penetrated my vein. I rushed out into the hall asking for help by anyone that I thought could understand english. Finally someone ran upstairs to get a nurse. I was so freaked at this moment. Debra Swiszcz <dswiszcz@gmail.com> 4/9/13 to cindy Hi Christy, I'm pretty nervous right now. They have not been able to get an IV in me. I was put into one room and moved to another room down on the second floor. I don't think there is a-nurses station on this floor. Finally they called a surgery nurse to put the Iv into my hand. She thought she go it in however 20 minutes later I look down and my hand was swollen 4x it's size with fluids. People are all very nice here but I'm still a little confused about my room. It has no call buttons for a nurse. I had to run and find someone to look at the IV in my hand. I'm really getting worried about the safety. Sent from my iPad Debra Swiszcz Things didn't get better during my stay. I was in that room for a day and a half before they moved me into a real room. 4/12/13 to christy Hello Christy, I hope you had a nice day. I was up early and walked a total of 5 miles. I paced myself and did it in intervals. I spoke to Daniel this afternoon around 2pm and he told me doctor Kelly was going to stop by this evening with the return to work certificate. It is now 7:55 and I haven't heard anything from anyone. No note, not what time I should be ready in the morning to leave for the airport. It's a really good thing Im very independent and smart enough to reach out to you early enough so you can help with some answers. With that said. Can you please find out what time Victor will pick me up at the hotel? Victor told me that Daniel should have contacted me with the information. Also is doctor Kelly really coming or do We need to figure out another way for me to get note. I really don't understand why Daniel couldn't run the note over this afternoon to make sure it was in my hands. It's only a five minute drive. I really don't know what his problem is with me. Yesterday he's ask me if I would like him to pick up omeprazol since he was going for other patients. I.asked how much was it and he told me around $15.00. I didn't have change and I gave him a twenty. I told him he owed me five dollars back. Some how I knew he would not give me the money back. If he handed it back to me I probably would have told him to keep it but since he didn't bring it up again. I just though wow he thinks he deserves at 35% tip. He is leaving a bad taste in my mouth and today is just adding to the pot. Ps my phone does not work in Mexico. I'm in room 219 if you want to call me at the hotel. Warm regards, Debra S Desperate to have the revision that I went through hell, something I would never have accepted in the States. In Mexico I guess I just expected this was normal. I'm well traveled so once I was at the hotel I was pretty much on my own. I felt fine after the surgery and could eat just about anything I wanted. I was starving. What was wrong with me? Several months after the surgery I gained 20 lbs. I contacted the doctor and Mexico Bariatrics. No response. I finally got this email telling me to stop eating. "Really" Stressed and my whole self esteem deflated I just felt something was wrong. I contacted MBC and spoke to the owner Ron. I told him of my concerns. I didn't believe the doctor they recommended preform the gastric sleeve. He ask me to get some test done in the states to verify my concerns. Again out of my pocket $3000.00 later I was told by my doctor her in the states the procedure was not done. Mexico Bariatrics washed their hand of me. I was shit out of luck. My story got out to others by an x-employee of Mexico Bariatrics Janice from A LIGHTER ME called me and asked me about what had happened with my surgery. I told her my story and she was dumbfounded. She then confirmed the rumors I heard about Mexico Bariatrics. MBC was only in business for a few months at the time of my surgery. The owner Ron at MBC was the webmaster for a Lighterme and had no experience. Janice reached out to her boss and owner of A Lighter Me, Sandy Johnston. Sandy contact me herself and listened to my story. She was so nice. She offered me to come to Mexico with A lighter Me at cost to find out what exactly was performed on my stomach that cost me $6500. On February 2014 I had a surgery performed by Dr. Ortiz from A Lighter Me On his report ( I have copies ) It states that no gastric sleeve was performed. He himself performed the gastric sleeve. It is now two months later and I have lost about 10 pounds. I hear from Ronda the dietitian once every two weeks to make sure i stay on track Sandy the owner has called me as well as Dr. Ortiz himself. The care and concern from the staff at A lighter me has been wonderful. A difference of Night and Day from MBC. The moral of the story. Research carefully what you are about to do with your body in Mexico. The Dr. that performed my surgery was DR. RAMOS KELLY ( I am not the first patient that he has done this too.) Please if you have questions contact me. I would love to help anyone about to undergo a bariatric surgery in Mexico.

I self paid my band in Mexico almost 11 yrs ago. At the time I paid around 9,000 for the surgery. I went through all the trying to find the "sweet spot" and was never successful. A little over 4 months ago I made the decision to return to Mexico to have a revision from band to gastric. I paid around 6,000 to have the band removed and have gastric done. BEST DECISION EVER!!! dr. Ponce de leon in Tijuana through Bariatric Pal was a great experience. I borrowed the money and would do it again in a minute. Down 70lbs and going. I feel great! I wouldn't waste any more time trying to make the band work. You deserve to have a surgery that works for you. Good luck. Sent from my VS880 using the BariatricPal App

I was denied a really revision due to lack of 6 Month diet so I just had it removed. I couldn't take another day like that. Now I'm working toward getting sleeved. However our insurance changed in Jan and no one can give me a straight answer as to whether bariatric is covered.

A few years back my insurance didn't cover bariatric surgery. So in desperation for change I went to Mexico and had a lap band. Right away I got pregnant and did not get to use the band properly not to mention I had to pay cash for my fills. So now 4 years, I have been getting fills and unfils trying to find my green zone. I throw up a lot and the GERD is unbearable. Not to mention I haven't lost any weight. I have increased my exercise and see the dietician. Even signed up for extra nutrition counseling out of pocket. Well I want to have a revision and my insurance denied me. Said I haven't used my band the way I was supposed to and didn't have enough follow up care. I don't have high blood pressure or sleep apnea. I have pcos and sever GERD. I live on protonix bid and tums at least 3x a day I'm so heart broken and discouraged! Let me clarify. My insurance does cover bariatric now. And many of my coworkers have had the surgery some who even weigh less than me

I'm going to be a March Bypasser as well. Surgery set for the 21st. I'm a Band to Bypass revision, so hopefully everything goes well and I can revise in 1 surgery rather than 2, but I won't know that until I wake up from surgery. Fingers crossed.