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I think it's so insane that one little post upset so many as it wasn't intended to. First of all I commend a doctor who doesn't take anyone's money to do this surgery. It shows he has some scruples. It's not only doctors who have strict criteria it's the insurance companies that are dictating who gets this surgery and it's very common for an insurance company to expect you to have a BMI of 40 or have a BMI of 35+ with multiple comorbs. Mine did and I'm sure there are plenty others. I met that criteria without a problem. I admit there was information I was lacking before getting the lap band and it didn't work out for me as planned. Mistake made. Lap banding may not seem as drastic or invasive as RNY etc... but it's still surgery and there are still many risks and there are still chances it may not work or eventually you'll have complications and have to have it removed anyway, possibly struggle with weight gain again and consider revision surgery. I feel bad for self pay people also because I can't imagine what happens when you have complications and have to pay for that down the road. Anyway it was a simple poll posted by Froggi and possibly made people think about what they were doing especially with such low BMIs. Maybe a bit of work on learning to love ourselves at a heavier weight is more important and constantly struggling to be a certain size dictated by our society and shoved in our faces constantly. And having surgery for that purpose might be a bit extreme even if it is only a lap band. Just a thought Nancy.:smile:

The sleeve price is 5500.00 everything included but airfare. the revision price is 6000 and you need to have a endoscopy. you can pay with visa. Talk to Trish wls she is great. Dr. Ponce also works out of several hospitals if you have a preference. Im having my sleeve done the 23

Im sorry you had to revise...I was originally going for the band & my surgeon advised against it in regards to long term results. I then went with sleeve but my reflux is too bad (after EGD). Now I've accepted bypass. Thanks much for your input & heads up on insurance!

Under the right care, with the right education and with an ethical doctor I could see this being beneficial. But some quack could open a clinic in LA and advertise this device to hungry women with a little pudge promising a thin, taut body while being able to eat as much cake and ice cream as they'd like. I guess you could argue the same thing for bariatric surgery, but there's just something that seems off about this type of procedure. To me, it's the moral wrongness of consuming more food than you need to purge it later. Certainly, I'm guilty myself of eating more food than I need which is why I got fat in the first place. But I had the sense to feel terrible about it later just because I felt like I was feeding my hedonistic pleasure centers rather than nourishing my body (partially why I sought a restrictive procedure in the first place). I still don't understand how this would effect long-term change as well. If I had to take my lap band out I'd do a revision at the same time because I know if I don't have my band I will go back to my old ways. This seems similar to the balloon in that sense (though the balloon doesn't cause food waste). I'm not sold on it but I could see its applications being beneficial in certain cases. I just worry about abuse because even though there are safeguards in place, I'm sure someone out there could tamper with it and turn it into an efficient bulimia device, market it to people who shouldn't have it, and make a bunch of money.

I had a band to sleeve revision 3 weeks ago at Hospital Mi with Dr Lopez. Not having US follow up after surgery is a HUGE disadvantage now. Lots of questions and concerns go unanswered. If I could do it over....

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!

Our @Matt Z is, unfortunately, very knowledgeable about this complication. "The Band had become totally encapsulated in scar tissue, it took my surgeon and her team more than 3 times longer to remove the band than what's normal. My 3-4 hour surgery, lasted over 6 hours. Who knows what would have happened if I didn't revise. The band is gone. My insides have been rearranged. And I'm working my way down to my goal. One day at a time. " --https://www.bariatricpal.com/profile/120901-matt-z/

Sue, When I posted there, in 10/08 I had just gone through a frustrating 14 months of living with the band and having issues the main one never losing weight with it. It just wasn't the right procedure for me. I had it removed and lost a bit of weight at first because I could eat normal foods which included healthier ones. Since then I gained a lot of weight as my stomach went back to its old size again and I have since revised to RNY on 6/11. This time it's working and after about a week post-op the weight just started coming off. I can't eat like I used to and can't eat through the RNY like you can with the band. Once you're full, you're full! I know no WLS is perfect and they aren't always as effective as they were in the beginning but at least I can say I'm losing this time! Anyway good luck to you, you will make the decision that is right for you whether you're band-free and doing it on your own or you decide to revise to another procedure. Take care, Nancy.

Hi: I go to Dr. Woodhead for my fills and very much like him. He does not have a clinic so your after care becomes part of his practise. I know some patients who belong to our support group and they feel he is OK. As for Dr. Leung, his patients either like him or dislike him. He is an excellent surgeon. He makes personal comments that can be hurtful. So if you don't like to have demeaning statements made to you by a doctor, then don't go to him. The most important thing you have to consider after picking the surgeon is the aftercare such as fills and defills. Dr. W. is young and Dr. Leung is close to retirement but I think he is training a doctor now. You should consider this aftercare will be required for the rest of your life. I am sending a copy of what questions to ask doctors/clinics prepared by a lady on the web. I think they are excellent. Hope they help. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Then the obvious question is would I do it again. Yes, In a minute. The band has saved my life. Doddie

I just want to address the bolded statement. I had a leak 2 days post my revision. I also had horrible anesthesia complications during the repair, landed on life support for 4-5 days and my prognosis was grave at best. I had an extensive 3.5 month long recovery with an additional hospitalization for abscesses, was on TPN with a central pic line for over 2 weeks with nothing by mouth for over 20 days after the leak repair. My husband was deployed, and not allowed to come home during all of this even as I lay in ICU with a 10% chance of survival. I can assure you that my recovery was pure hell, but not once did I think "oh crap what have I done!". To this very day, I have absolutely ZERO regrets nor am I anything short of 100% certain that I made the right choice with VSG. I never once doubted that I made the "right" choice with VSG, and today, I'm even more certain that I made the best decision. I've said it many times here that I would endure every struggle and obstacle in my recovery to live the life I have today. I just thought I would throw out my experience to give a different perspective on complications with any surgery.

I had lap band done by Dr Ortiz in 2007. I went to him because of his reputation online. I felt his bedside manner was just so so. He was also very expensive. I just had a revision done with Dr Garcia last week. his price was great & he has an excellent & caring bedside manner. Stayed in a hospital for 2 nights & hotel for 3 nights. His nurses were also great. I felt no pain. In my opinion he Is one of the best in Tijiuana.

Thanks - I will check out the revision board!

ren0318 No I haven't had any more acid reflux problems at all.I was at 240 when i had the revision ,I have lost 43 lbs now.my taste buds have change more.I used to love Diet Coke.I tasted some one day all I could taste was a chemical flavor..Have to make real sure I take small bites and chew a lot.I did have 2 partial knee replacements after the sleeve ,so I didn't exercise as much. Now I can walk and exercise..i really feel it if i don't get my protein and keep up fluid intake now.My goal weight is 150 for now.Working hard to get there. Don't know your age but i'm 62..Stay in touch.

I am so glad to hear you are doing well. My revision is scheduled for Monday the 10th. I am still freaking out a little!

So sorry not sure what happened to the reply I wrote, lol. But anyway thank you for responding! I had my endoscope yesterday. She found that I do esophagusitis at LA level B, which I had to look up, lol. But basically I have lesions on the esophagus, showing signs that the acid is doing damage. She also inserted a Bravo capsule, and I'm currently wearing a PH balance monitor until tomorrow evening. Bad part is I can't take any acid medicine until this monitor comes off! I'm dying from the burning! So once I return it on Monday, and she reads the results I'll know more! How did your appointment go for finalizing your revision? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Revision is in 2 days. To say I am not nervous is an understatement! No pre-op diet other than clear liquids and view prep tomorrow. I really hope this works!

I got my approval and date today for my revision. What did I get in return? The most intense bought of reflux I have had in a month. Just a reminder of why I am doing this. April 10th can't get here fast enough!

I had a low bmi too! Thanks again please keep me posted about the new revision Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

nocturnalgemi, Thanks for the response! No, I didn't have a hernia, thankfully. I was afraid of the bypass. I'm not sure why exactly, other than reading horror stories and letting my imagination get the best of me. I had GERD before surgery...however, the surgeon that did my endoscopy (not my gastric surgeon, but one of her peers) said, "oh you are fine to have the sleeve." I also have been a diabetic for almost 17 years. Before the sleeve I was on an insulin pump, taking huge amounts of insulin every day, but it didn't do any good. I was able to get off the insulin pump, however, I still have diabetes, I take an oral medication and my family Dr wants me to add another oral med.... I'm have lost about 38lbs since I had my sleeve in Sept 2014, I was a lower BMI when I started but I still need to lose at least 30 lbs! Granted recently I've not been as disciplined as I should have been, but I don't even feel any restriction at all anymore, makes me sad. I NEVER imagined that I would need a revision, it didn't even cross my mind....some days I wonder if it's worth going through with it, but I can't give up! I should have had the RNY to begin with, this is what I get for being such a baby! Please keep in touch, I would love to see your progress!

@ren0318 I am so glad that you are moving along on this! Wow, that is a lot of acid. Good luck on the revision process.

I wanted the sleeve so bad and my surgeon told me I would hate him if I went through with the sleeve. I have no info to give you, but from the articles I've read bypass seems to be the cure for reflux. I had damage from years of reflux so bypass was strongly suggested. He told me I'd be begging for a revision if I went with the sleeve. I just wanted to say best of luck to you. I know this is a tough decision. I will say I've had no reflux since surgery last week. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my sleeve surgery in 2013 and have had GERD 6 months after the surgery. I have been on omeprazole for 7 yrs. I went from 40 mg once a day to twice a day. My surgeon now feels that a revision is necessary to resolve this issue. I just meet with him on 10/14 and I am scheduled for surgery for 11/19 upon approval from my insurance company. I will have the revision and repair the hiatal hernia I have too. I did not think it would be this soon. I'm a little worried but looking forward to not having to worry about taking these pills and the effects if I dont. Alot of my family does not know I had the sleeve so now Im concerned about Thanksgiving when I will still be on pureed foods. Not sure what I will do but just praying all works out well. Sent from my SM-A205U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and am not current "able" to eat out and nor am I missing it. I'm a band to sleeve revision so I'm pretty comfortable eating out. I've been eating low carb, high protein for awhile so it doesn't elicit attention during business lunches or dinner. Only a my husband, mom, kids and aunt knew about my band and the same remains true for this surgery. Occasionally, it is uncomfortable at on site corporate work celebrations, where you don't know what the menu will be and it's usually quite decadent. This is hard not because of my will but because the pressure! I don't give in but it's just tiring. (We have ALOT of corporate "celebrations) lol

I'm about 4 months post-sleeve (revision from band). For me, it depends on the restaurant. I definitely check the menu online first to see if there is some sort of lean Protein that I can order. I try to pick 2 things so I'm prepared in case I need a back up plan, LOL . I stay away from breads, rices & pastas as main dishes, and focus on good Proteins. My eating habits are quite different even now with the sleeve than what it was like with the band. But, I will allow myself a bite / nibble of something (yummy dessert) here & there as a treat.

IDKY my eye was immediately drawn to your subject line. LOL! I've heard we should wait a year! Yup, that's what I heard. With that said, I'm 5 months post op band to sleeve revision & I've had a few since then. Not many, but at least 3 or 4 in total. What I can tell you, beside what you already know about the empty calories..etc.., is that you get tipsy MUCH quicker! it seriously only takes me less than 1/2 cup to feel the effects. I rarely drink, but when I do, woo hoo!!! LOL, be safe!