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I was going to wait until next month when we are 18 months post-op but I thought it might be good to do a check in before the end of the year and also because this is our first holiday season fully healed and I know there is a lot of food temptation at this time of year. How is everyone doing? I have exceeded my own personal expectations, and it seems like I am actually going to make my goal well before 2 years, which I am going to revise pretty soon for a stretch goal of 165 I think. After going so long not eating lots of stuff, I find it very easy to pass things up. Holiday candy doesn't appeal to me. Alcohol doesn't interest me. Even when I get a drink I usually only have one sip and I am bored.

I got the last two, Jgandg and msgoat. I'll have you revised on the next post.

What doctor did you go to? I'm in Northern NJ and am looking for a good physician. I have had two gastric bands erode through my stomach and would like to have the gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass this time. I'm not sure about going to my past physician, or possibly trying a new doctor. I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and am thankful to hear that you were approved for the sleeve. Would possibly like to go to the same physician as you since you were approved for the procedure. Thanks "I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and they got rid of the 6 month wait right when I went through the process to be submitted (dec 10). Before that time my friend had a revision from a band to sleeve and after 3 denials did get approved and didn't have to do the 6 month wait. Be sure to call because requirements change and you may not be aware. I was approved very quickly. Within a few days of submitting and approved the first time. I was very surprised. Good Luck"

I had my VSG on 4/8/2013. I lost @50 pounds and gained back about 20. I have several underlying medical issues which complicate my exercise but overall I am usually good with my food intake. Over the last year, I have developed what I think is acid reflux. It is so bad that I can't lie down and my healthy eating is now becoming more bland carb-focused because that's what I tolerate best. Even drinking a protein shake can be bothersome. I have NEVER experienced this before, not during any of my 3 pregnancies or at my heaviest weight. I am miserable! I have tried over-the-counter acid reducers and eat tums like candy. I finally talked to my PCP about this yesterday, she is sending me to a GI doctor. She mentioned she wasn't sure what my anatomy would be like now. That caused me to wonder if I should actually see a bariatric surgeon? I of course started to google and found that this can happen even so long out of surgery and that sometimes revision can fix it. Honestly, I don't hate this idea as id like to lose more weight but more so I just want to feel better. My BMI is 32.1 and I have the same insurance as I did 9 years ago. I'm clearly jumping ahead of myself but was wondering if anyone has experience with anything like this?

Did you get a revision?

Hang in there ladies!!!! 3 weeks ago, I was getting in the bed as quickly as possible, not because I was excited for surgery, but because I was so hungry and just wanted to eat! But, I got up that Monday, went to the hospital, and had my surgery....my stomach doesn't feel any different at all, and hasn't since surgery. It doesn't feel like any of it is missing. The best thing.... I don't get hungry at all. I have been struggling with Protein, but I'm doing my best. I am in stage 3 of my post op diet, and I literally make myself eat, just so I have my nutrition. My family always has a dinner out on the weekends, and although the steaks, baked potatoes, buffalo wings and pizza all look amazing, there is no way I will put that mess in my body again! You can still eat healthy, and enjoy it at the same time. You just have to improvise, and learn to make revisions in your diet. I was 150 in high school, just 12 years ago. But after having 3 boys, over the last 10 years, I focused on them, and ate when I had the time, when I was sad, happy, mad...it didn't matter, I just enjoyed eating. It became mental for me, and even now...I still have a few lapses of that same mentality, not hungry, just wanting it...you just have to be stronger than the mind, and go for your goals!! Good luck ladies!!! Prayers to you all for a safe surgery!!!

I am heading there 8/2 for my revision from sleeve to mini-bypass. Was it worth it? I’m starting to second guess my decision.

Why the 3 port revisions? Sorry to hear about your complications, I hope that this isn't something that is normal. Ahh, being where I am now and looking at 280 is awesome.Maybe you have forgotten how far you have come? Granted, there's nothing wrong to have goals. My ULTIMATE goal is to reach 200, all in due time

July 26, revision from band to RNY.

I’m sorry did I say that carbs caused GERD? My intent was to say sleeve can cause eventual need for revision to RNY due to GERD. Carbs are a separate subject, that can cause issues with the weight weight loss phase and usually healthy carbs are for maintenance and after protein is eaten. And depends on the persons ability to process them. I’m sorry I won’t be responding to posts. I’m not very good at getting the correct message across, especially lately I’m just dealing with a lot of issues with my chronic illness. I’m not sure why it’s offensive though to discuss a strict low carb way of eating, that is beneficial for some people. Not all people process carbs very well. But it does come down to individual needs. And I’m not pushing low carb with my comment. Just saying that carbs if any comes with maintenance. And if someone has GERD it’s usually An issue after sleeve surgery. Sorry I’m stepping away now from commenting further on anymore posts since for some reason I offended you.

While I am new with the sleeve, I had a lap band for 6 + years which makes me a revision patient. When I had my band put in, I never thought it would have to come out. I planned on being a one time wls patient. I am so fortunate to have gotten a second chance. This has to wok for me for several reasons: because my insurance company only pays for one surgery unless there is a device failure or complication related to the surgery. Since I am a revision patient, I have the baggage of knowing that one surgery didn't work already, I am over 50 post menopausal revision patients tend to not lose as quickly as a virgin wls patient. I believe I have the right mind set and this will work. In my opinion it seems many people think I had wls, I am guaranteed to lose weight. I can continue to eat what I ate before but in smaller amounts. It amazes me when people are posting how they are eating foods too early. As a previous poster said if following their own opinion worked, why did they have to resort to WLS? I guess I fall into the mean category when I post replies to people on these type of topics of eating too soon. I tend to get a lot of flack. I am not perfect with my eating and do not profess to be. As Butter said during the honeymoon period it is easier. This is the time to make good choices and install the healthy eating habits that can get you to your goal at the end. WLS is not a magic wand or pill you can take and it automatically happens. It requires hard work and once you get to goal, then the works begins to stay there. As all of us have been on diets before and lost weight, you know the major reason we regained the weight and probably more is because we didn't maintain healthy eating habits and possibly quit exercising. I am off my soap box now.

Mine is Jan 6th I’m having revision. VSG to RNY

Hi All, I am back! I am having my Lapband removed. The port has been an issue. I’m having the band removed and vertical sleeve revision on the same day, February 2, 2023. I have been dealing with Fibromyalgia since 2014 and take three different medications for it. The meds just for my fibromyalgia number 12 throughout the day. If I don’t take these fibromyalgia meds I cannot get up out of bed and function. And I work full time. I asked my Bariatric doctor can I still take my meds right after surgery and he said I could with liquid. 😱 Those 12 fibromyalgia pills, doesn’t include all the other meds I am on and the pain pills he will prescribe. Some of the pills cannot be crushed and some cannot even be taken with food. I feel like I am going to have an issue with all the meds and fluids, and God help me me if I have any strictures. I take a total of 15 pills a day, so I would like to hear from people who had a vertical sleeve and lots of pills/meds they had to take everyday during the first four weeks of their surgery. Thanks! TQ

Why did you want to revise from sleeve to bypass? I had horrible reflux and unsatisfactory weight loss. I had taken the medicine to reduce acid for so long I was having side effects from it. I have not had one episode of reflux since my surgery. Thank you Dr. Illan.

I have retaken over the Compilation thread as of June 15th and just got it up to date. Please realize I had surgery June 4th and I'm still struggling a bit. If anyone sees someone post in the section that is outside of June mainly a thread called "Any June Sleevers" which is located in the preop section and not June section, please post their name at the end of this thread or direct them here. It will help me keep up. Unfortunately, I can't be online as long as I used to presurgery. Thank you so much. My prayers continue to go out to those that had surgery and to those that are coming up on their surgery. Best wishes for speedy recovery to all. June 1, 2012 BigGirlVee -- Dr. Coirin, Modesto, CA 2thenewme -- Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Mexico AChristie -- in Juarez SouthernDonna45 -- Dr. Alvarezta ta1020 and comfortably numb - Dr. Kelly June 2, 2012 Dizzle Ready2Bthin -- Dr. Aceves Mexicali June 4, 2012 ptprincess93 DcMak72 Furby036 -- Emma Patterson Portland,Oregon 6-4-12_sleever Karenb4729 Teasha1 -- dr. Ponce de leon, Mexico Tlaff79 -- Dr. Blaine Nease Angelakay2 -- Dr. Brad Waggoner IrishSoul -- waiting on okay from insurance Dkna2 -- Dr. Garcia, Tijuanna MamaM -- Removal/Revision Mina T -- Dr. Paul Stanish labubakari Ready for the new Lay-Lay -- George Woodman, Memphis TN Sallyincincinnati -- Thegoddesszili Calicolea June 5, 2012 shereebarb Chichis77 Bubblesbgood -- Dr. Michael Nusbaum Kstalvey -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano Miss scarlet Back­­~To~Amy -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano ShannonK Aznoel -- Dr. Stephen Burpee New_Hope -- Dr. Stowers, Decatur, Tx. txdee -- Dr. Nick Nicholson Amom2twins -- Dr. Aviv Ben-meir raindrop Erica E Cat Scratch Fever Redbottoms82 IlyssaDel newnin - Abington, PA Dr. Fernando Bonanni June 6, 2012 Sunshine08 -- Atlanta, GA Kmaskery SylviaMom -- Dr. Aceves – lap to sleeve MadisonPA kfitch Soon2bhotmama -- Dr. Ryan Heider Pooh Krystina kiki green June 7, 2012 Giselle3264 -- Dr. David Kim, Dallas LULU TAT justsleeveme23 -- Dr. Minkin, St. Louis Lovingmeforever -- Dr. Almanza butterflylegacy -- Dr. David Kim MsYoYo -- Fl. Alp50 -- Dr. Kelly Debbiesclipper Bigzoe32 TCBunny - Atlanta GA Jennifer SoFla June 8, 2012 Mari6257 Cristal602 -- Dr. Jaime Kelly Jenz531 Crystalaine -- Dr. Kelly TinaP -- Dr Jose Rodriguez Moms3boys June 9, 2012 cissiesue June 11, 2012 PEvette Vanb0052 -- Dr. Svendsen, Methodist Hospital in Minnesota! Readytobeslimxoxox -- Dallas Blondeej Dr. Aceves, Mexicali -band to sleeve revision KamloopsMom -- Mexicali w/sister surgeries Healthy Mama Kat1 -- Dr. Garcia Pam2011 -- Dr. Orlando Icaza bogeydog blackdahlia -- Dr. Clark celticharpist -- Dr. Brock Borderlon Detroit_Tom cindyandhersleeve - Houston karrina-D cissiesue June 12, 2012 Eager12 -- Dr. Robert Wegner, Memphis Iwant2Bthatgirl need2change -- Dr. David Kim Dayo -- Dr. Robert Casillas Denalisa -- Dr. Wittgrove CRosa -- Dr. Pavlos Papasavas glsun0612 Wolfgirl1978 -- Dr. Keith Chung Joy00 Newme_38 - Dr Babak, Maryland June 13, 2012 Gene1970 JRoybal Slimwithin DuranFan1969 -- Dr. Christopher Hart, Atlanta New Orleans Lady -- Dr. James Redmann, Slidell / Covington, La SweetSusie1 -- Dr. James Davidson NJHANIBAL rherrera Kiloalphatango - Australia Wolf3749 - Dr. Patterson, Portland OR ZoobDude - Dr. Lopez June 14, 2012 Ssilian -- Dr. Anthony Terracina, VA Karma84 Finding Myself -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico Goofycathy -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico thinmymind -- Dr. Kelly Estrovan - Dr. Bauman in Charlotte NC Pdubbaya23 - June 15, 2012 TLC223 HolyCow1234 Territravel -- June 16, 2012 june16 -- Dr. Jorge Daes, Columbia, SA June 18, 2012 ChrissyDeex3 VeronicaH Pteri -- Dr. Srinivasan at Emory innerme Naturals -- mommieof3 Kymwalla June 19, 2012 Sunshine25 -- DFW area DadTo2 -- Dr. Nicholson, Dallas, TX Littlebits Zoobdude -- Dr. Almanza Lehg520 - Dr. Kristin Noonan Katrina8l Katelynrose June 20, 2012 Ready! Set! Brandy Riggen nmg4unj5 JRoybal - Dr. Garcia jonamarie2012 June 21, 2012 Angie_Musgrave Skinnytata - Dr Le at Kaiser South San Francisco MDZNCSLIM June 23, 2012 MirandaK -- Dr. Almanza, Mexico June 25, 2012 Looking Ahead Ready Rudy Artichokes -- Dr. Lautz Brigham & Women’s in Boston Jubjub07 -- Dr. Aceves anais02 -- Dr. Garcia Skane10 -- Dr. Garcia Janedeaux3 Lose4good2012 -- Dr. Billy (may use spider surgical tool) aled carolinagirlz 136HereICome- Lawerance hospital in NY ChristianMomma7 CRichard1107 SMP1126 June 26, 2012 locoladi Trista1975 -- Dr. Almanza-reyes, Mexico JTmoas s.ledbetter17 -- Dr. Edwards and Lane – mcg. Nardelkn cherryseven chuckles -- Dr. Keith Gersin Misslorlor MsPerry 1920-Zeta tumblersmom glocks90 suzilouise rudekitty ShrinkingBellyKelly June 27, 2012 herewegoagain Edward Mun -revision GivingItMyAll pkehrer mcsleevy - Dr. Sherman Yu in Houston, Tx Joyce Ellis-joy686 - revision MoreganK Praldous - Saranac lake NY Dr.Hill Carlashooter- Aworkinprogress - spider single incision with Dr. Robert Marema Ris26 June 28, 2012 kkm23 -- Dallas Iwannabslim -- Dr. Jaime Ponce – sleeve revision Sleevertobe Mina05pit - Philadephia, PA Apricot111 ready4change79 June 29, 2012 EileenFrances -- Dr. Subhash Kini Robin33 -- Costa Rica tonibugg -- Dr. Rod Juarez SunnyCox - Dr. Kelly in Mexico TinaP - Dr Rodriguez June 30, 2012 lil lee -- Dr. Aceves in Mexicali Mrslittle -- Dr. Alvarez

Hello! My name is Sondra and I will be having my vertical sleeve surgery in 3 weeks. I am having a revison from the lap band to the sleeve. I had battled with having a revision surgery for about 1 year now. When I finally got the nerve to make the appointment for a consultation I called and canceled. I felt like a failure because I gained the weight back from the first surgery. But after praying and talking it over with my husband I made a second appointment and kept it. What really helped was the support from my husband and a very dear friend who had the surgery as well. We both struggled with our weight all of lives and thought the band was what we needed. While we both continued to struggle with our weight while having the band, my friend was never able to get off her high blood pressure meds. I was just blessed to not have any medical problems that required meds. Long story short after my friend had her surgery and said it was the best thing ever, she is officially 3 months pre op, down 41 lbs and off her high blood pressure meds. I was inspired yet motivated to make the lifestyle change. I received the call on April 1st (Yes April Fools Day) that my surgery was approved and that they could schedule the surgery for April 30th. Take note when they called I was taking a nap so I thought it was a joke. I had a ton of questions like do I have to go thru the classes or psych evaluations. To my surprise no, just get my lab work done, see the dr for post op and then have my surgery. I am still shocked because I hear of so many people waiting for thier approvals. I guess you get what you pray for. I am still new to this sight and learning how to maneuver thru everything but I want to post my pictures and interact with others who have the same issures that I may have but until then..COUNT DOWN TO A NEW ME!

Are you going to have revision surgery? Hope you're feeling okay. I haven't been on here in a while, I've been so busy at work it's not even funny. The last time I went in for a fill 4/2/12, I only lost 6 lbs in a month, but I spent a week on vacation not working out and eating like crap. The APRN decides to put me on Adipex. This past Wednesday I went in for a f/up appt and lost 7 lbs. IDK if it's the band or the medication, but I can eat small meals and be satisfied for 4 + hours. I go back on May 21st for a fill. I have a 4 cc band and I think I'm almost at capacity. If that happens, and I don't lose a ton of weight in six months, I may look into revision surgery. I'm tired of the ups and downs.

Hello Canadian Band Buddies For those of you that have not heard CIBO Clinic in Toronto has filed for bankruptcy. I received the following email today from Dr. Chris Cobourn at Smartshape (formerly Surgical Weightloss Centre) and he has asked me to post this message. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs Hi Tom: We had a meeting at the clinic today and we have come up with the following option for CIBO patients. We will offer them the opportunity to join our follow up program which includes: Initial assessment/consultation with Dr. Cobourn either in person or on the phone Counseling with our team of nurses, coaches and dietitians via email, telephone or in person as necessary Band adjustments as necessary Band adjustments can be performed at our facilities in Mississauga or Downtown Toronto, and with our affiliates across the country Radiologic or endoscopic evaluation as necessary 24/7 access to one of our surgeons if there are concerns or worries after hours Access to weekly webinars by our nurses and dietitian Access to Lap Band Connect – an extensive online support forum for Lap Band patients Access to this comprehensive program is offered to CIBO patients at the cost of $1000 per year and can be renewed annually as the patient wishes. We are not able to offer a fee for individual adjustments because our philosophy of care is that the highest quality Lap Band care is more extensive than simple band adjustments. There was a great deal of empathy for the situation of these patients that are not able to access a follow up program that they have paid for. However there needs to be an understanding that there are real costs associated with the delivery of this extensive follow up and we cannot offer this program without additional cost to the patient. We understand that additional costs may be a burden for these patients and have modified or usual access fee for the CIBO patients. It is important to understand that access to the follow up program does not include the cost of any revision surgery that may be necessary. Revision surgery may include port fixation or placement, as well as band repositioning, replacement or removal. We will develop a schedule of costs for these revision procedures. Please feel free to post this information on the Message Forums that you have access to. You know the quality of the follow up that we provide and we think this is a fair and reasonable option for these patients. SWLC is well known for the quality of care we provide and all patients who join our program will have full access to the post op care we provide to our patients. We want to assure the CIBO patients that we are here to help them if they are interested in our program. Dr. Chris Cobourn | Surgeon and Medical Director SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre Phone: 905.278.8000 | Toll-free: 1.888.278.7952 | Website: smartshape.ca 1413 Hurontario Street Mississauga ON L5G 3H5

I am having a band to sleeve revision on 8/9/11. The band has never really worked for me. I could never get to the "sweet spot" that everyone talks about. I have been banded since 2007 and have lost maybe 10 lbs. I still vomit if when I eat some healthy foods, but boy, I can down a bag of cookies or chips. I felt like I had two stomachs. One on top that hurt and where things got stuck and then one on the bottom that was starving all of the time. I felt so guilty because I've known other people who were banded and have had moderate to good success. My PCP told me one time that I was "eating around the band". Maybe I was, but I feel like I gave it my best shot. I still worry about the sleeve because I know it is another restrictive procedure. I just hope that I don't feel that horrible pain that I did with the band.

Simple answer - I'm picky. I "interviewed" 3 surgeons before deciding on one. I had scheduled four consults, but after the third one I knew I had found my man lol. The first two surgeons I saw, were very easy to talk to, didn't require me to "jump through hoops" and didn't require a pre-op diet. They made it sound easy as pie, which of course, in a way you want it to be. Then I saw Mr. Crosthwaite. Whilst he wasn't the most personable man in the world, he seemed more than competant. He explained the pros and cons in detail. He told me why he went into this line of work. He told me that he'd prefer if I saw a therapist, that I MUST exercise and that I'd be required to do a pre op diet. And he explained why all of that had to be done. While it made it a bit harder to do, in the long run, I felt there was a reason behind it and it was for my own benefit. I'm not saying Mr. Nottle isn't a good surgeon. I'm sure he is and I've heard nothing but good things about his work. I guess I just needed something different. A revision surgery, in my case, is where they go in and replace the band with a new one. Mine slipped a few months back. I paid nothing out of pocket to have it replaced.

Parvathi - do you mind me asking why you changed surgeons? What is revision surgery?

I paid $3000 just prior to my op as an out of pocket expense with no medicare rebate or private health rebate. Every single visit and fill ive had since has been bulk billed (meaning medicare is billed direct and only the scheduled fee) so ive never paid a cent more for aftercare. Any revision surgery i should ever need will also incur no cost to me at all. Elcee by all means blame the weather. I had fish and chips and n ice cream down at Dromana today. But Iv pretty much done liquids for ten days. And i just had a potato cake and about five chips!

For openers -- the people who are telling you that you could die are crazy. Don't listen to them. Second, if you really want to worry about risks -- then make a list of all of your current medical conditions. If you don't face some of the potential risks invovled with the band now --- what is going to happen to you in 10 yrs? With the band you do have a decent chance of developing some type of discomfort and minor complicaiton soon or later that you will most likely be able to deal with. There is also always a small possbility it will be more compicated and that you may eventally have to have it out or revised. But thre's one thing for sure beyond any question ----- that is -- if you don't do something radical to lose the weight you have - you're defintely headed for extremely serious trouble. I got the band almost 5 yrs ago. I took care of it. I lost and kept off 80lbs. I have tired very hard not to play games with it and I usually manged to stay honest and real. People who don't do that are going to have trouble. Sometimes even people who are very good have trouble. All I can tell you is -- it's just unbelieveble to actually get your life back. I not only lost 80lbs and regained my health-- I feel like I turned the clock back 80 yrs! I'm 61 and people think I'm 40. I feel like 35. Look --- I"m not going to tell you that there are guarantee to the band ---- but there are definely guarantees to being morbidly obese.

Ad band to sleeve revision 7 days ago. Still have lot of pain n one of my incisions is a little red around it. Is this normal??? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I used Dr. Armenta with Renew Bariatrics in Tijuana. He’s a hottie, I ain’t gonna lie. A lot of people use Dr. Green there but he’s so popular that he’s booked up 2-3 months out. Mine was a week ago so can’t comment yet on results. I had the SASI (mini gastric bypass plus sleeve removal) Cost was $5600 but is $5800 now. Make sure you ask tons of questions of the surgeon bc the coordinators don’t know what’s going on. It was all Americans in my cohort. The hospital policy is 30+ bmi but I’m not sure if they would make an exception for a revision. Worst case scenario is you could gain 10 lbs and then have it.