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good luck everyone, my revision is Thursday 23....

No I don't think they are doing it with most lap bands at all - it seems to be exception based right now but i'm guessing. I know that she personally had not done a lot at all (I can count on my hands basically and she does that many surgeries probably in 1-2 days). A little bit of blind faith here - and not how i operate but I do trust her (the decision to do the surgery was made jointly with a lot of input from me and her presenting the options and me deciding; but once the decision was made she worked out the details - she knew exactly what she wanted to do LOL I do trust her - she is one of the best in a big city full of top doctors. Maybe they do it on revisions or evaluate whether they should do this -probably case by case. But as they learn more w/ their patients they may be doing it more (or less!). I think in my case it was warranted. I could not be without unfills (could gain 3 lbs a week w/ a loose band); i needed to be tight to lose; and now that i think on it should i be prone to these hiatal hernias or get thrown off my horse again (again we don't know if that was it and i don't anticipate ever having another bad fall like that); and need to live w/ my band loosened this could be the answer. I mean the good thing is my surgeon has been seeing a lot of me since i've been banded so has been close to the situation where she could have made a good judgement call.

Globe - I can't explain it, but something about Neibles made me nervous - I think it was his deranged fan. By the way, Dr Sauceda has a few of them too. I came to realize that someone who used to weigh 500# and now has lost a bunch of weight and has had plastics but has no real relationships (I am not talking about just with a man - I mean in general) is a prime candidate to become obsessed with a surgeon. Dr S I promise is not difficult in spite of some of his crazy ass fans. Anyway, some of the pix I have seen of Niebles work are amazing, but the key is to see lots and lots and lots of before and afters. Dr Sauceda has done about 300 jumbo procedures (ie multiple stuff at once) and I have seen before and afters of probably 50 of them. That helps build confidence - but not everyone gets the same results, it is very individual. Some of these women started out much heavier and in much worse condition. When I posted some before pix one of the ladies told me that I look as good as some of the "afters" - you need to keep all of that in mind. A doc who takes on more difficult cases is not going to have as perfect of looking afters either. Take a look at this thread and I would contact TulipTwy to try to understand the specifics. Every surgeon has some that are less then ideal and this woman has NOT shared photos so I don't know what to think, but it is just another data point. http://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/body-makeovers-and-cosmetic-surgery/23333-lower-body-lift-belt-lipectomy.html What I mean about less tight - is Dr S doesn't remove as much skin as some surgeons. Lower risk of wound separation etc. i know he removes less because I was ready to do plastics in the USA in the spring and I know how much she was planning on taking of my tummy and he did less. Also, he TOLD me that he is more conservative. He told me he would rather have to revise someone (ie take more skin) then have too high risk of complications. This is part of the sane approach which allows him to do a bunch at once. Flip side is, she was going to do my work over 3 surgeries - something I could NOT deal with so the trade off is worth it to me. The key thing to understand about plastics is it is a serious of tradeoffs - risk versus benefits. Scars versus results... that sort of thing. Thank you FYE - you are a true artist and that comes across in the way your present yourself too. I sometimes think I am just an ordinary middle age woman trying to look 20 years younger, not really an ideal goal. I am adjusting myself though, i still dress fashionably, youthfully (dresses and tights and boots and skinnies and all that) but trying to rein it in to get a nice look rather then a "trying too hard" look. Work in process

Evening! Suzie...you guys should stand your ground! Three years? That is plenty enough time to establish some trust. I did get my fill today (thanks, Tracy!). I had gained 9 lbs. since my last visit. I was shocked that he put 1.2 in my 4cc band. I was experiencing GERD at 1.5 (I believe), so we will see how this goes. Easy does it... One thing's for sure. I HATE dropping $120.00 a visit. HATE IT! He told me a couple of things that I pondered tonight. I was telling him that the fill prices for us went from $30.00 to $120.00 and that I almost wished I had gotten the by-pass at this point. He told me that his most successful patients (with the LAP-BAND®®) were the ones that had only had 1-2 fills total (ever!!). Wow. Hmmm...probably those that kept their head in the game...learned the value of good food (bowing to Kat) and did not rely on their band to do all the work. Ya think? Confession: What happened?? I was that way for the first 6-10 months. After that I got lazy...and learned to cheat. Then I wanted my band to do all the work for me. I was in a dangerous cycle of swelling my band too tight and then getting unfills and later going back in for fills and starting over. I have probably done this 2-3 times now :smile:. Truthfully...even though I still needed to loose 30 lbs. at the time, I was happy with where I was at...proud to have lost the 60+ pounds that I did. I just got too comfortable. Period. I'm frustrated and fed up with myself. The money spent, the time away from my job....something's gotta give. I have walked at the park every day this week. I had two slim fast today (liquids for fill) and then some soup for dinner. I am praying this is a new start and that I can begin to think about what I am eating and why. Like Kat said, if you are limited to how much you can eat...make the food you are putting in your pouch count. Another thing he told me (and please don't shoot the messenger...it took me by surprise too) was that he no longer does lap bands Monday-Friday. He now does mostly by-pass surgeries with his band patients being done on Friday's only. My doctor is one of the top two band doctors in Houston. Why is that? My first thought (again...don't shoot) was that the band might be phasing out. That by-pass is becoming the new (now that it has been revised) tool. I hope that is not the case. I still love my band...I just need to prove it. So, that is my rant (and long post...'cause you love 'em, right??). Have a good one, Angela

Always pack an Emergency Kit: Protein powder, jerky/chicken or beef, maybe some string cheese, nuts, or some trail mix you make yourself with the nuts, some dried fruits. Container of flavored Water. The insulated kits are almost purselike for the ladies, but I think a guy could keep a smaller one in the car or convert a totebag to look like a briefcase to keep these things in. I agree that appetizers can work in keeping servings small. Just be sure they are not heavy in fat and deep fried. I like to order my dinner salads with dressing on the side so that I can dip my veggies in it--I also divide my plate BEFORE the visit and meal experience. This way, I don't overeat or don't eyeball portions as much--split in half and eat the rest the next day. If my date is new, I always try to consume a protein rich meal before that date arrives to pick me up--this way I am full before going to the restaurant, but by the time visiting and driving to a restaurant or event all I want is light meal. Now, if this seems to intimidate a date, then that person may not be a gem--I would understand if my date had WLS because I am there myself. Mine is RNY that needs Sleeve Revision--waiting for auth to get it done. I think the attitude we bring to developing relationships with people and our nutritional habits will determine the successes or the lack of it regarding our WLS. Hope these strategies might help any and all in this situation.

Wow listening to you all is really helpful and encouraging. I was banded in 2007 lost some weight I think it was mostly due to liquid diet after surgery, been struggling with it ever since. I have been feeling like a failure for many years now with it. I moved so I had to go to another dr for follow up, he made me feel that it was my fault that I don't know how to use the band, I had lots of heartburn so we emptied the band.... And I never went back to that dr. A year went by, more weight came on... I finally decided I have had enough and started doing research on revision surgery even though I was terrified. I was shocked to learn that revisions are very common now, so many people have issues with them (the band) and many surgeons don't even offer it anymore. Before I learned this I felt like I was all alone in the world and that it was my fault that I could not make it work. My husband has been telling me for years to get this band removed because I would have all these stuck episodes, be in so much pain and still obese. So finally I made up my mind, found a new doctor last August who is great, but about an hour drive, well worth it... Did all insurance requirements and now 2nd week into insurance review... Really hoping for approval on the first try, if they do approve I most likely will be having surgery in May as well. I already have my pre op clearances scheduled for mid April. Cannot wait to get this done and start over again and hopefully this time get there and stay there. I so appreciate everyone sharing your experiences and stories, definitely need this support!

Usernamtaken and heatherg0907 we all have similar stories. I am waiting on my insurance decision for the revision. I can't eat real food most days and this band has been more of a hassle than help. My last surgeon stopped using the band. My last appointment he called in nurses to see what the needle looked like for a fill. My new surgeon is now concerned with a slip and erosion. I am grateful for all the support in this forum Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Heather, Definitely! Glad to know we are not alone:) I am still nervous about the revision and I am sure I will be freaking out before surgery but I am not letting fear stop me. I actually regret not get bypass done first time around.

Thank you all so much for the info!!! How was the insurance process for the revision? Also was your band removed at the same time as the bypass? How was the recovery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

ME TOO!!! I just got my date today!! I am SOOOO excited!! My pre-op tests are on 1/16. Now I just have to hope that insurance approves it! January 29th can't come soon enough! ETA: I'm being revised from band to sleeve. I'm hoping he can do it all in one surgery, but he warned me that it may have to be done in two parts, depending upon how nasty things are in there (scar tissue and such).

I am having a revision from Lap-Band to Bypass on Sept 14th. I'm sooo ready to have the band gone but I'm nervous as heck to have the bypass, excited as well. I'm all over the place! 😀

Let's face it - I thought the sleeve was insane until after six months of lurking on LBT I saw how many revisions and miserable people were there. A procedure with a massive complication rate and shoddy % EWL stats is being phased out by the market because surgeons and patients are doing research? Say it ain't so!! And I'm sick of the "sleeves stretch" rhetoric. Yes, they stretch. MINUTELY and IF YOU MAKE THEM STRETCH. Ya know, with work, with regular overeating to the point of pain over a long period of time. But people act as if it becomes a damn football field if you slip up twice. Hardly the case. Anyway, there's enough people on the sleeve forums I want to go away, so I don't venture into other forums as a general rule. I try to limit the stupid in my life. ~Cheri

I too am in Melbourne. I live over the other side of the city from you steveelea but as I am currently out of work I can meet people anytime. A bit about me.... I was sleeved in August 2013 and revised to RNY in March 2014. I have gone from 137.4 to 109.4 so far. Most of that has been this year. Sleeve did sweet f all for me...probably because it wasn't small enough. I stopped loosing weight 3 weeks post op with the sleeve and after confronting the surgeon in tears he ordered a CT which showed my stomach was normal sized. Grrr. I have gone from 22-24 down to an 18 Happy with that but I have been stalled for a few weeks now. All my own fault probably. For some reason I am craving Peanut Butter and nutella. I eat it on a spoon. Not good for weight loss but I just can't seem to stop myself from doing it Need a job to keep me busy so I can't eat all day lol

I lost my before pics but I have an after pic at goal. Height 5'3 SW: 193 CW: 140 Revision from band to sleeve. Band SW 214 LOVING my sleeve!!!!!!!

Hey girls~ Just checking in....was a great day. Rick come over and took me to lunch, we cooked dinner together, and then I sat down at the computer to pay some bills and renew registration on the car, and I don't know what happen, but I found myself in the WORST mood!!! Laura the pics are wonderful!!! What a sweetheart he is!! Michelle---sounds to me, like the school is pouting for not getting to "spin" things! Too bad...glad it is over, and soon when they realize exactly how much you did for the school, they will miss you! Pamela, I am so thrilled for you--getting to read a book for fun!!! LOL! They just finished state testing here. We had parents calling because they had let kids glasses go, and now suddenly they need them....like yesterday. They were scrambling, trying to get them for the kids, knowing the kids are not the ones at fault when they need to be brought in. Heather, I got your info added to the sheet----and will send you a copy....like Haydee, my computer is acting all wierd! Judy, I miss my Kinsey job something fierce!!! But she is loving school. She tells me about it. And Manda give me the password to see her at school---so I have popped in a couple of times and looked at her. She is always in a group of kids and laughing. She got to be teachers helper since she did so well writing her name, and helped the other little girl learn how to write a K. They said she is cruising without problems in the preschool part of her day--which is a relief. I am coming down with another cold. I expected it working with people again----and being more exposed than usual-------this one come from our receptionist I am sure, she has been sick. My SIL is still hospitalized, she had the surgery to repair the prolapse, and was to have a swallow study and be released this morning. She swallowed, and back up it come----so they are monitoring to see if it might be swelling, and she is in for minimally 2 more days. Then they will make a decision what is going on. Scary----she may end up losing part of her stomach! Would be a bypass revision I am guessing from the sounds of it. Jenn, sorry you are feeling so bad! TracyK---glad you got some alone time!!! Maybe we can squeeze in an early phone call on Thursday???? Haydee, your sisters party sounds wonderful!!! I am looking forward to summer, so we can have big gatherings outside!! Jane---I agree, try some water pills and see if that helps, and if not maybe a different Dr. is in order, that is something that would be difficult to do. I am sorry it has you so blue, I fully understand tho. Suzanne---sounds like you need a TracyK day away!!! Busy, busy, busy!!! Terry---did you make it home ok? Did you have lotsa fun??? Well I am off to soak in some bubbles.....aaaahhhhhhh If I missed you....it was not intentional, it is my old brain, I worked it too hard today, and with getting sick I feel all bumfuzzled.......yep that's how I feel! XOXOXOX

Thigh revision, that will be decided on 9/3 at next follow up. Told it will be in the office. that bothers me.. plan on a few days vacation to recoup. Other than that I am fairly pleased, but still have swelling to deal with.

Finally set an appointment to discuss my revision. I hope it gives me some hope. Fenton and BNL, glad to see you back here. Kept thinking of you guys. Special, Harley and Scrappy....you guys truly inspire. Thank you! Chrisitne

I had the revision on monday morning all went well. I have very little pain. Still have the binder on and a drain so really not sure how it all looks. I am hoping to have a flat belly. He didn't weight the skin he took off just said he took a big hunk off. I had to be at the office by 9:00 monday morning and I was on my way home by 1:00.

Very interesting Florinda - and chin up darlin, keep fighting the good fight - you are doing what you need to do to take good care of yourself. The SWANK plan sounds like anything but - it sounds terrible. Makes me think of one of my clients when I lived in NYC who went on a raw macrobiotic diet to help combat Lyme disease and she just started looking like death warmed over - like she had been drained of blood - then another client came waltzing in how had been doing Atkins for the first time looking fit as a fiddle, rosy cheeked - and quite slim. I found a doc closer to us who looks like he has significant experience with revision - I think I might see if I can attend one of his seminars to ask about the gerd issues and a RNY - I am scared of having to get a manometry (hubby had to have it and said it was the worst experience of his life - its where they thread sensors through your nose down your esophagus to place sensors for overnight study, his desciption of it is terrifying and hubby is no puss by a long shot lol) though I am more scared of Barretts esophagus!

Hi All!! I was a revision from Lapband to sleeve to Rny for severe GERD and I knew going in I would lose slower since I was a third timer. I’m satisfied with my loss. Started at 251 at pre-op and now am 208. My way of losing is so odd. I drop to an all new low and then within 1-2 days I’m up 4-5 lbs and then jump up and down in those 4-5 lbs and then stall and then after another time drop to a new low. Anyone go through this as well? Diet stays same, I think it must be hormones...?

Proudest 2018 moment: worked really hard to lose weight over 2018. In Feb I had a bariatric appointment to discuss possible revision surgery and was 143 kilos / 315 lbs. Worked really hard even with dodgy lapband that either had no effect when too lose or terrible reflux whenever it was tightened and by October got down to 127.5 / 281 lbs for revision surgery. Every pound was hard won I tell ya. So proudest moment was when I got on plane to go to Belgium for my surgery and the seat belt fit without an extender. I was so delighted and happy! First time in decades I hadn't needed to ask for an extender. Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you Kat, Your words are very kind and I guess I needed to hear that. I know how far I have come and am extremely proud of it. But as you saw, I still have a ways to go. I'm hoping to lose another 75 pounds at least. So I do get down on myself and berate myself. But sometimes I feel that that is what I need to do to get it thru my head that I need to get this done. I know at this point that if I never loose another pound, I'm still happy. Just this summer being at Disneyland with my husband and being able to ride the rides was huge for me. Things like that happening are what make me smile and do keep me going. Just got a call from the Docs office. Looks like I will be having my surgery the second week of Nov. I'll let you guys know tomorrwo what day. We are waitng on the Insurance to let us know what hospital. 2 days before I have to have all the fluid taken out of my band and it will be 6 weeks before they put any back in. Holy Cow. I know I can, I know I can, I know I can make it thru the 6 weeks. The nurse did tell me that they got approval for revision or replacement. That way if he got in there and saw something wrong with my band that he can go ahead and fix it and not have to do surgery over again. As much as I would like to have a new band, if this one is not broke then don't fix it.

Cindy-I agree...he really needs to surround himself with people he trusts and hire a good accountant & lawyer. OH...and see a good dentist, lol. Irene-gee thanks for saving me some chocolate. I outta slap ya! :tt2: Michelle-how is the cleansing going? :w00t: My heart is with ya. Suzanne-I love breakfast for supper! :wub: Kat-does Rick work a regular schedule or is it all like just whenever he is needed, like on call....or is it both. Frank is salary (i kinda miss that OT) and his schedule is 4 on 4 off 12 hr shifts. We went to see How to Train Your Dragon today. Frank and I liked it but Macy could take it or leave it. Funny how that works, huh? I wish I would win the lottery. I told dh today that if we had the money I would go for a revision from lapband to bypass. Somethings gotta give. With bypass, you are not allowed to eat sugar. I need it to be a rule like that. I wish they made a Chantix pill that would make me not want sweets anymore like it made me not want cigarettes. I am so disappointed in myself. I ordered an MP3 player yesterday. I am probably the last one in the US to get one. i am so excited. I will be able to walk with music now :biggrin:. Now if I can just get up....lol Have a great night everyone. :Yawn:

Happy B-Day Angela!! I was late going in today and I am already home. My hands just hurt. I see the ortho on Tuesday so maybe he can work his magic. I had surgery on the left hand in 2006 and the right in 2007 but because I am still doing the same work all of my symptoms are back. I think I am going to look into the voice activated software. I have many many years to work. Kat-That job sounds perfect. Gives you a little extra money without taking up a bunch of your time. Suzie-How did it go? I have been thinking of you all day. Tomorrow is the big day....I am glad you will finally be getting some deserved rest even if it is part of your recovery. You are not going to know what to do with yourself. Michelle-I agree with Kat, it sounds like the flu or something....I hope you feel better soon, there is nothing worse like being sick to your stomach and having to take care of little ones. I forgot to tell you all that last week I swear that my band had slipped. I had the worst chest pain, reflux and kept PBing everytime I ate.....except for 3 cupcakes that I managed Friday and then Sunday everything was back to normal. I hate this band sometimes...especially when this happens and I still have at least 60 lbs. to lose. Have any you considered revising to something else? I am seriously considering the sleeve. Talk to you all soon. Bethany

Sarah, I'm so pleased you are feeling nearly back to normal and that you are pleased with your results... you are right... you haven't finished yet, thing will continue to improve. And good for you getting back to exercise, take your time and listen to you body. The more I read about the weight of the skin removed the more I think my surgeon was a bit conservative which is why I stil have this 'lip' - as I look down on it, it looks like a mini apron; same shape as before only much smaller. I have decided that I defo want a revision but this time with lipo, so I need to start some serious saving! Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled with my results and it has given me a new look on my physical self, but now I am looking at it in a more cosmetic way. Can't wait to see your pics!