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I would advise you discuss the increased risk of staple line failure that the revision from band to sleeve comes with due to scaring from the band. My surgeon will *NOT* do Band to Sleeve Revisions due to the increased failure /leak rate of Band to Sleeve revisions. Band to RNY does not have these added complications. If your surgeon didn't warn you about the increased complication rates, might want to ask them and yourself why. Just a heads up.

Hi just revised sleeve to SIPS 5 days ago. Very interested to hear how everyone is going.

I am getting revision surgery I can’t wait

Hello All, I am checking in to see how everyone is doing. I was sleeved from a band on February 26th, 2018. I am so thrilled with the results. I went through what most people described here as 3 month stalls, 5 month stalls, 6 month stalls, Than I start loosing again. I have to say this tool is now really starting to be powerful. A lot of my old habits are slipping away, especially my compulsiveness with food. Would love to hear about good bad and the ugly. Anyone out there with a lap band still in and struggling with throwing up on a regular basis and minimal weight loss, talk to your Dr. I found a new practice and it was done in one surgery. I regret going on as long as I did with my lap band not working, and so afraid that I would fail again like so many times before. I can honestly say, I am not failing at gastric sleeve bariatric surgery. This is what I had hoped my sleeve would do. anyone out there considering a revision and needs to ask questions please ask. Dawn Marie

It's funny, I originally thought the same thing, but what's odd is that the sleeve actually entails MORE changes... with the physical removal of 90% of your stomach, the RNY doesn't actually remove anything, it just re-organizes it. The sleeve is 100% not reversible, whereas RNY is, in rare situations where it's warranted. Hopefully your surgeon advised you to all the common side effects related to the sleeve, like GERD and Acid reflux issues etc. I went RNY because I was being revised from the Band. My surgeon won't do Band to Sleeve due to the increased potential for staple line failure due to the scar tissue created by the Band. I originally wanted the sleeve a well, but once I read up on the common side effects and the rate of regain... Coupled with my surgeons information on the conversion issues, I went RNY and I've been very pleased with the whole ordeal.

anyone here have revision from sleeve to gastric bypass or mini gastric bypass? Back story: I had sleeve in March 2017 despite urging of my doctor to have full bypass. After watching and reading countless stories of people who were heavier than me who had fantastic results with vsg, I decided to go with that instead of bypass. Fastforward to today, September 25: current weight 199. Surgery day I was 236.4 with my all time highest weight of 290. I managed to lose 50 pounds pre-op and was hopeful that I would have success post op by continuing the same practices as pre-surgery. Well, that obviously has not worked for me. I am so disappointed. I put my body and mind through all this to have minimal results. Questions: 1. Anyone have revision from Sleeve to mini-gastric bypass; would you recommend mini bypass or full bypass? 2. Who has used Dr. Illan for this particular surgery/revision? 3. What has your results post mini-bypass? Any help would be appreciated. I have an appointment in 2 weeks with my surgeon here in the US with hopes that he would allow a revision; if not, I am contemplating surgery with Dr. Illan........

Night snacking: I’m having a hard time not snacking at night. I sleep in a recliner many nights, working, researching. And I still have munches, I’m 4.5 weeks out of Sleeve to RNY revision. I’m not going over calories, so a bowl of Cashew Yoghurt with Blue berries, a high protein low carb bar, or some protein chips. But worried and wondering if this is undermining my efforts? And why do I still have munchies anyways? Surgery date 8/22, I’ve lost 28lb total, 14 before and 14 after ::

Had band removed Dec 2016 and revised to RNY at the end of Feb 2017. Not to be too dramatic but I was given my life back and a better one at that... the band had made me so sick and I was throwing up after everything I ate, horrid reflux, and in constant pain where the port was pulling... and the worst miserable part was I was back up to over 330 pounds. My highest was close to 400 pounds and the lowest with the band was maybe 270’s which for me was still such an improvement. Today I am down over 135 pounds since Revision and have another 20 pounds or more of lose skin I need removed. I am off all Meds other than vitamins. I went from a tight women’s 26/28 to now a 12/14 and L/XL. I am smaller than I was in 5th grade. I am careful with portions and sugar - otherwise I get sick if it is too much. And the only thing other than sugar is iceburg lettuce that I do not tolerate lol. The only down side and I was prepared for it - being a slower loser since this was not my first WLS. I just tried not to compare myself to others and Just really stuck with the program and overall down 190 pounds from my highest since being banded. The sleeve was not an option for me since I was already suffereing from reflux so much and had been morbidly obese all my life I felt I needed the malabsorption as well. My biggest regret was waiting so long to seek help and getting the revision. I suffered a long time thinking I had failed yet again with it... but RNY is awesome and the best thing to ever happen to me! I wish you ALL the best!!!

Thanks Frustr8. You obviously have an RNY. Can you tell me what your experience has been - I’m currently investigating revision options and my surgeon has made a very good case for having an RNY

I know this is an old thread but as I am currently considering revising from a band to RNY it is really interesting. I find it odd that people will happily have a sleeve wherein a huge portion of their stomach is chopped off and thrown away but they fear the bypass. Personally I think that sleeves, like bands, have had their moment . Whilst they are effective for some there seem to be a lot of people that dont lose or regain and apparently reflux is a major issue. My surgeon explained in detail why he thought that for me an RNY would be a better and safer long term option and what he said made sense. Now I just need to get my head around the idea of having another weight loss surgery.

I have had a band since 2009, was initially very successful but over the past 3 - 4 years it has stopped helping. Am now considering my options - my surgeon has recommended an RNY. Would love to hear from others that have had this revision and what the pros cons and successes are

Interesting topic as I have a band that is no longer helping and am looking at revision. I know very few people with an RNY but I have heaps that have sleeves:- I have a friend that lost very little with her sleeve and now weighs more than before she started. Her husband had a sleeve and lost heaps but he now seems to have regained quite a bit too I have another friend that has a sleeve and whilst she is still very slim she has started to regain - probably due to the fact that she loves chocolate and family sized packets of crisps. I have a friend that was considering having a band over her sleeve - not sure what she did. Then there are a number in my band support group that have revised to sleeves but still seem to be pretty overweight. So in summary a lot of the reasons that people here said were contrary to getting an RNY seem to be equally applicable to the sleeve. The only thing that is certain is that long term weight control is very complex and an ongoing battle.

There is no reason other than complications why a revision should be done in 2 surgeries... or take that long. My Band to RNY took 6+ hours, because the band was fully encapsulated and took my surgeon over 3 times longer to remove it. That said, I didn't know I was under for 6+ hours. Sounds like they are either being lazy or trying to soak you for more money.

So my surgeon will only do the surgery 2-3 months apart because he doesn’t want the surgery to take 5-6 hours. I do not want to be in surgery for that long so I guess I really understand but on the other hand I fee gutted because I just wanted the entire thing to be over and done. This is the second doctor that I have had that says two separate surgeries. Two different reasons but still two separate surgeries. I’m looking at January to have the actual bypass completed.

I had lapband in 2005. Had it removed in 2009. Sleeved 4/10/18. My immediate post-op experience after being sleeved was rough. Surgeon said I had a lot of scar tissue from the lapband, which took him almost twice as long as a normal sleeve to take care of. That means I was under anesthesia longer than usual, so I was REALLY groggy for about 12 hours after surgery. I had no energy to get up and walk like the others on my hospital unit. I had no desire to sip-sip-sip and I think I looked a bit like I'd been hit by a truck. I certainly felt that way. Once I got through the immediate post op part, I returned to normal pretty quickly. Other than some fatigue, I was feeling back to normal after about 6 days. I went through the normal progression from clear liquids to full liquids to mushies to soft, etc. When comparing the two, I'd say that the sleeve has a lot more restriction. After a certain amount, I simply cannot eat. If I do, I suffer with discomfort and a lot of foam/saliva/slime. I was never able to tolerate fills in my band, so this was something relatively new to me. If you have any sort of GERD, I caution. The sleeve tends to make GERD worse. I'd say it's a little hit or miss in that department, but it's certainly something to discuss with your surgeon. I started getting heartburn about 3 weeks out and I've had some times where I was really worried about nighttime reflux, but I seem to have it under control right now. As a revision surgery, it is likely you will lose slower this time around. I read it on here and I read other information on the internet, but was still disappointed at the slow weight loss. I'm certainly happy it's coming off, but it is much slower than first timers.

Thanks MissPoodle. Congrats and very glad to hear you are doing well!! 1st q: Do you mind if I ask...was yours covered by insurance? I have sought a couple 2nd opinions and they say it won't be covered (I have no bariatric benefits with my insurance; but the one said "fluke" doctor is able to get it covered under insurance because of GERD/hernia, etc. (I asked other docs' billing folks why they can't do the same....just their policy). 2nd q: did you see how many abdominal surgeries I've had? Have you or any of the folks who you know that just had the revision had as many? Thanks again! Really appreciate the input!

Hi there I also had a band fitted and then within 6 months was diagnosed with cervical cancer, now 6 years on had the band removed and am on a pathway to revision to sleeve or bypass. Both bypass and sleeve are restrictive so they will restrict the amount you can eat but if you graze all day you can overeat. Sent from my VFD 700 using BariatricPal mobile app

Because I was a Band to Sleeve revision, I had no Nutritional education requirements. I did have 3 phone calls over 90 days but there were no tests, just conversations about whether I’d read a pamphlet, ordered my vitamins...just checking the boxes... Thankfully, as a Diabetic (controlled without medication for 3 years now) I’ve been through a butt ton of nutrition classes, so I wasn’t exactly left flailing like some.Absolutely no nutritional support after either.My psychologist happens to be, entirely coincidently, a Batiatric Specialist, so I just text her when I have pressing questions to which I can find no answers after extensive research.   

My surgeon would take me. As a Revision, many surgeons didn’t want to touch another’s work. Especially since the other, very accomplished surgeon, is still practicing in the metroplex. I had no problems with the original other than no longer wishing to drive two hours in horrible traffic for every appointment and using a hospital so far from home. 12 years ago, when I got my band, that was the only option available. My PCP worked the phones until she persuaded someone local, that she trusted, to see me. And here we are!

Thanks MissPoodle. Did you have your revision surgery yet? If so, how far out are you and how has your experience been?

I got a second opinion for sleeve to bypass revision...i went with the 2nd opinion. Sounds like a good idea to may be not have this surgeon. Complications should be low so 5 people is a lot Sent from my SM-G950F using BariatricPal mobile app

I also had the sleeve in 2013 (after my lapband slipped). and severe reflux ever since. I tried everything (adjustable bed, diet, ppi's) and nothing worked. I was up for 2 hrs at nite about 3 nites a week. It was awful. I didn;t have enuf stomach for the reflux surgery, Nissen Fundoplication. So, my GI dr sent me to the bariatric surgeon. Also a different dr (moved out of state since my sleeve) who recommended the RNY (did u know the RNY has been around for 70 yrs, first 30 just for reflux. They noticed that people lost weight so it later became a weightloss procedure. I had a rough recovery (surgery sposed to take 90 min to 2 hrs and it took 5 hrs due to lots of scar tissue from pervious wls's). When I woke up, my eyes were swollen shut and they felt like they had sawdust in them. For the first day, I couldn't see anything and my eyes burned. I had diarrhea and my toilet was broken so I had to walk down the hall to the employee bathroom (by day 3, they moved me to another room). It sucked. I spent 4 days in the hospital cuz I wasn't getting enuf fluids and they had to restart my iv. I cried when they told me they were keeping me. I just wanted to be home in my own bed. Oh, and I didn't sleep AT ALL the first 2 days/nites. I had a pain pump and my dr was scared t order my usual sleeping pill till nite 3, when I was on oral meds - and I don't sleep AT ALL without them. Hubby stayed all 4 nites with me, sleeping in the recliner in my room. Drove 2 hrs to work 2 of those days. I live an hour away and his job is about an hour away from home. It helped much having him there. I regretted my sugery the first week. A week after my surgery, I was 100% and have forgotten about the pain. But, guess what? I have NO REFLUX! I can even put my bed flat and sleep on my side! I've experienced a couple episodes of dumping (when will I learn) and it truly sucks but I'm finally glad I did the revision. I went in weighing 155 and I now weigh 144.6 (yep, .6) and haven't lost 1 lb in 2 weeks. Had my 6 weeks appt this past week and my dr said I was a normal, healthy woman and if I didn't lose 1 more lb, I'd be great. My bmi i 24. However, why have a goal if I don't reach it? My goal is 135. Hoping my body hasn't stopped losing. I've been exactly 144.6, down to the ounce for 2 weeks. I can eat almost anything (I ate 4 Nilla Wafers this past week and thought I might die. So cookies r not in my menu plan for a while!). I wish u the best. Chances r u will do well post op and receive the benefits of the revision immediately. Good luck!

I had a rough recovery. RNY sposed to take 90 mins to 2 hrs ended up taking 5 hrs cuz of scar tissue (lapband to sleeve revision in 2013, then rny revision 6 weeks ago). I counted the minutes until my next pain med was due. I was in the hospital for 4 days, as I wasn't drinking enuf and they had to restart my iv. I cried when the dr told me they were keeping me another day. I just wanted to be at home in my own bed. It's now been 6 weeks and I think it's like having a baby - u forget what the pain is like! I'm 100% (by the week after my surgery I was 100%) and not regretting it at all. The day after I had it, I had diarrhea and a iv pump to haul around, and my bathroom was flooding so I had to walk down the hall to the employee bathroom (later, they moved me to another room, thank God - I regretted it. I woulda rather had reflux. Hubby kept reminding me I couldn't live with reflux anymore. Having said that, most people take Tylenol afterwards and run a marathon by day 5. U won't know till afterwards. I hope for u a smooth recovery and less pain Good luck!

My thoughts exactly. I just returned from my endoscopy this morning. sleeved over 6 years ago and noticed return of reflux (weight gain) and wanted to check it out. Turns out my sleeve is a little stretched and although I was nervous about bypass, I'm moving forward after today as I am not going back and I know what I didn't do with the sleeve..I fully own my part in this setback. I'm doing the pre stuff for revision to bypass and wondered if I was the only one as this doesn't appear to be a big topic. This is my 2nd chance to get it right.

Hello everyone. Today marks my 6 month Post-op Band to RNY Revision. It's been an interesting ride. March 21st, I arrived for my surgery at 0600. Was taken back to prep at 0630 and was in surgery before 0730. My surgery was a tough one, the band was fully encapsulated in scar tissue and took almost 4 times longer to remove than it should have, the surgery itself lasted much longer than expected. But, thankfully my super awesome surgeon Dr. Beth Ryder stuck with it and completed the full revision rather than only removing the band. I remember it being after 3pm when I made it to the recovery room. Recovery, for me, was super easy. I was a little weak/woozy for my first walk around recovery. But once I got to my room for the rest of my 3 day 2 night stay, things were just super easy. I would disconnect and reconnect myself from pretty much everything to do my walks. I didn't need any extra nausea meds or pain meds. I did have an on demand morphine drip if needed. I'd hit that before I had to do any big moves, or to help me sleep. But that's really it. They took that away early on my last day, it was no longer needed. At home, things continued to be easy, I was already familiar with the log roll method of getting in and out of bed from my lapband surgery, so I had zero issues with that. I took my time with things, followed my instructions and made sure to hit all my requirements. The weight loss has been both amazing, and frustrating. I weigh myself every day. I know it's not advised, but I like to track it daily if possible. I have a scale that does body fat % as well and this has helped quell some of the frustration, those stalls, I'd see my body fat % dropping, so I knew that even if my weight wasn't moving, that I was still on track. It helped a bit, but still, it was / is, frustrating. I feel fantastic. I've had issues with not recognizing myself in mirrors which is a trip. I've almost broke down in tears because I could shop at normal stores, I bought things right off the rack without trying them on and they fit exactly as I expected. I'm much more active, have less issues with lots of things. I'm very happy overall. There have been some odd "side effects". I have thoracic spinal arthritis. Guess I've had it for a while, but because I was fat, the visceral fat that covers our bones, tendons, joints, muscles, etc, was insulating the nerves from the arthritis. So, I drop a ton of weight... and now I can feel it. Also, with the visceral fat loss, tendons and other connective areas had gotten a little, slack/loose/painful. But that wasn't anything some time in the gym couldn't fix. Working out really REALLY helped tighten up areas that were excessively loose, internally. Excess skin isn't super bad either. Which is awesome seeing as I'm coming from a max of 370. Yes I've got a bunch of odd "crinkly" skin, but it's not near as bad as I had expected. I got lucky and didn't have to deal with hair loss either. Thankful for that. I'm hairier now it seems. I guess with reducing the "stretch" my skin had to do in order to accommodate me being overweight caused the follicles to become spaced out more. So I'm not "hairier" exactly, but my follicles are closer together making for the appearance of being hairier. I've had some CRAZY emotional swings. Fat stores estrogen, So as you lose weight, expect there to be hormonal imbalances. Make sure whomever your support is, knows this as well, so when things get heated or super emotional, they'll understand that you are dealing with weight loss related hormonal changes. I'm able to eat pretty much anything I want now. Which is a double edged sword. I can eat cake and cookies and cupcakes without any real issue. But, I can eat cake, cookies, cupcakes without any issue... so, will power is still needed. I got lucky and my hunger sensation is still very low. I don't get a "full" feeling exactly, but I get to a point where I just don't want to eat anything else. I still take my time and I don't drink within 30 mins of eating. I'm currently doing a light Intermittent Fasting (IF), I'm eating between the hours of 8am and 6pm and that's pretty much it. The science behind this process is pretty sound and makes TONS of logical sense. March 21st, I weighed in at 294.4. Today, I weighed in at 224.1, 70.3 lbs dropped since surgery, 145.9 lbs since my heaviest. Thank you to all for your help and support. I hope to continue hanging around providing any help I can to those walking the same path. To all: Learn to love yourself. Learn to forgive yourself. Stay strong, everything is only temporary.