Search the Community

I'm 2.5 years out and I can tell you that although I had some restriction after surgery (mostly, I think due to the swelling of the wound and the time it takes to heal), by 6 months out I could eat what others could only do at 2+ years out (full chicken breast, some veggies, etc.). I never felt a restriction the same way that others have mentioned - I could move ahead much faster in trying new foods post-op than what was recommended (I didn't, but could have). Now I'm looking at getting a revision to bypass because clearly the restriction of the sleeve did not work for me. I know it's not just the sleeve, part of it was the mental side of things. For me, I've come to realise that there is no going back to normal eating patterns. The new food/portion control is for LIFE. Fail at that, the sleeve can fail (at least, it did in my case). I remember the day after my surgery crying to one of my doctors that I didn't believe that they did the surgery (despite the scars and tubes and everything else) because I wasn't in any real pain, had no nausea, and was full of energy, the complete opposite to every other patient in the hospital when I was there. She told me I was one of the lucky ones that come out of surgery feeling good and that I should be thankful for it. She then showed me a picture of my stomach that was cut out (to prove it) and said that it was longer than usual. I sometimes wonder if, because of that, I didn't have the same restriction as others. Anyway, long story short, everyone has a different reaction post-op to surgery. You may be someone who feels restriction years out so it will help you keep portions small. You may be someone who feels less restriction as time goes on, which means you have to have the mental strength and determination to stick to what is right, and not be distracted or influenced by others in what you eat. Either way, the best way to keep your sleeve small and unstretched to be vigilant in portion control and drinking protocols. Maybe forever.

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.

I had no reflux at all after my revision to mgb from the sleeve for the first 11 months and now I'm having some. So there definitely is the chance it can happen after some time.

Well I was banded May 16th. I was the very last surgery of the day so I had fasted from Midnight till my surgery which was performed finally at 7:00 PM in the evening . It was a long day. I had gastric bypass revision lap band surgery so I had a lot of scar tissue that needed to be scraped away. I flew home the next day with some discomfort but nothing severe at all. I am more plagued by the opposite of consitpation and thought it might have been the stuff I had to drink down quickly when they checked to make sure the band was in place and no leaks when they xrayed me. Gas is minimal but it was never drastic. It was there but walk walk walk and the gas strips helped me. My port site is pretty sore and bruised and I have changed bandages it seems clean and the drain site is the worst looking right now. Anyone know when it would be safe to add sugar free fudgesicles as I am sooooo tired of sf ice pops..need to TASTE something..but I so cautious and have had only clear liquids ie..broth , water and the sf ice pops so far....not craving food food yet at all....except for some reason ...cream of wheat..lol...

I got RNY 04/2017. HW: 226, LW: 150, CW: 195 I did all of the right things until I had transfer addiction in 2019 and started drinking daily. It escalated and I was a full blown alcoholic. I have now been sober a year and I’m depressed. I’m almost back to my pre surgery weight, I’m working my butt off to lose the weight and it’s not coming off. I never feel well and my chest always hurts. I always have heartburn and I’m always hungry. I need help so I went to a new surgeon the other day about a potential revision and she wants me to see a nutritionist and get a endoscopy. I got my results from my upper GI testing today and there’s NOTHING wrong. I feel like everything is wrong and I’m not okay. I’m on antidepressants, I’m now sober, I’m exercising and eating properly but I’m still fat and I hate myself so much for it. I feel like the biggest failure at 30 years old and it makes me so sad. Has anyone else been able to lose regain?

I had a sleeve 7 years ago and wish I would have known about the high prevalence of damage due to acid reflux after the sleeve. I now need to revise to bypass to stop the damage from getting worse. If you have any history at all of reflux, I'd be talking to your doctor about doing a bypass instead Sent from my Z6201V using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m one week post op today. I imagine that we will all need to revise our perspective of food as we move through this process. Last night my husband and I had dinner at a restaurant with a team from church. I had the tiniest bites of meat and little bits of baked potato and was done eating after a few bites. I maybe ate an ounce or two in total. I now have about 10 meals worth of leftovers. It’s just a whole new world. Today I had a protein shake for breakfast , 2oz of canned chicken with bitty pieces of sweet pickle and 1 tbsp of low fat mayo for lunch and 2oz of protein pudding for a mid afternoon snack. I couldn’t eat another bite. It’s going to take time to adjust.

So is the revision to sleeve what you are aiming for.... I forgot! Scared me today when I had the dry heaves because every time I started wretching the pain in my upper left chest was excruciating. I thought I was having a heart attack. But then when I thought about it, wondered if it was my port. Had about 3-4 episodes of that today and broke out in a sweat.... drenched by the time it was over. First couple of times, I had nothing in my stomach because couldn't even bring myself to sip on water. But later Earl made me some iced tea so I decided I should try to take at least my Rx meds... BP, etc, but NO vitamins, etc. Well, BAD idea!! That was the wrse! Earl was just getting ready to go to Walmart for groceries that we HAD to have with Tracy & Jim coming in the morning.... and I almost told him to stay home when he asked me if I was going to be okay. Cuz sure didn't feel like it then. I guess I'm feeling better because I'm typing, and sipping on the latte he brought me~! Keep us posted, Karri! We love you , and WE CARE!!!

Hi all, I just had my surgery on the 12th in Mexico. I had a revision from vsg to a bypass. I was discharged the next day. I am in alot of pain still and it's hard to breathe and stand up right. Has anyone experienced this? When can I expect to feel better?

March 11! Revision from sleeve to RNY. So scared of not succeeding.

I also had my revision from lapband to sleeve and hernia repair on May 7th. Just got out of hospital yesterday, had dehydration and inflammation complications. Congrats! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey Muggle I hope you had a nice thanksgiving. I saw in another thread where you therapist is willing to back you up in a revision. I hope that works out well for you.

Yes...they pay pretty crappy. I took a 20000$ pay cut to come here. The Texas weather has been nuts. We are supposed to get freezing rain, sleet and 3-5 inches of snow tonight. I'm really hoping the weatherman is RIGHT! Well the doctor today was pretty convinced he could get my revision to bypass covered by insurance. He doesn't a different type of RNY that doesn't lead to as much malabsorption (it's a new technique in the last 3 years). He spent a long time talking about the complications with the band. I was shocked at how much he said that I realized I had. I won't go into it here because if people aren't having issues than I'm not going to bring up negatives. Just one piece of advice...if you PB...makes sure you brush your teeth. A recent article in a dentistry journal is showing that bandsters have a HIGH rate of tooth decay (along the same lines as bulemia). Never thought about that at all!! I think that if he can get it, I am going to go through with the bypass. It has the most research, history, and longevity studies. In three years I don't want to be hearing about problems with the sleeve and end up with a revision again. However if insurance doesn't cover it I will end up with a revision to a sleeve just because it is cheaper. Well I need to go to bed in case I actually do have to go †o work tomorrow.

Karri We love you - you are one of us... You came home cuz you have a problem and that's what we are is home.. Promise no tough love ;0) Hugs on the slip - Of course the new doc doesn't want you to go to mexico - that's what all american doc's are going to say ;0) - But I know alot of pple who have gone - Little miss diva (irene) went - she went to the same doc as Wasa ... If I had to have a revision - my insurance wouldn't pay cuz of my bmi - I think they might replace the band - but not sure WLS is even covered under my Aetna policy.. We understand and we are here for you... I have read that unfills sometimes make the band go back into place - Liquids for 2 weeks - ugh that's going to be tough - but you are strong and if you make your mind up - I know you can do it - cuz you are a strong woman.

I am here I just have been dealing with Plastic Surgery issues. Now the doc that I was going to in Portland called me with the revised price and it is up to 13500$ I can't afford that at all. So I am going to the consult with the doc in town tomorrow. They were good enough to push the consult up so that I could figure out the financing issues. This seriously has been a bumpy ride. Then there is the fill issue. I am sure that my tummy is inflammed from the pb'ing issues yesterday but I could hardly get anything down today. I didn't eat my lunch but had crackers instead because they would go down. I may have to break down and go get more of an unfill because I don't know that I can keep this up until June. But on a good note I did just get my wedding pictures, so when I get home I will put them together in a collage and post them. They aren't great, but the do show how much fun we had. Just so you know, my DH doesn't like to smile for pictures!

Initially I was head set on the Sleeve. When my surgeon asked if I ever have GERD and I replied “yes, once in awhile”, he drew a picture of what happens when GERD takes place with Sleeve (increased pressure in a much smaller pouch, that raises serious discomfort, and risk of potentially serious esophageal damage.) He went on to say if your tests indicate serious reflux issues I WON’T perform Sleeve on you. If they show minor issues, I’ll do Sleeve if you still choose to, but caution you it may result in a revision up the road if GERD persists. I would much rather you go through WLS surgery once and not have to do it twice. He encouraged me to leave him, start the battery of testing and do more research. When I learned that RNY is still considered the Gold Standard of WLS, with the longest history of success, risks very low, slight potential for greater weight loss due to malabsorptive feature, my mind was well on its way to RNY. Three months out and No regrets, not at all. Challenges with both, but to be expected. Many Sleevers are very happy and have done amazing, too! It’s your personal makeup that, along with recommendations from your Dr. that will guide you. Mine is only one story. Good luck! I loved the excitement😃 and anticipation at the stage you’re in—-Enjoy the Journey!💖

I had the lap band, it tangled in my intestines, was always sick! Revised to a sleeve Sept 2016, anesthesiologists decision The hardest part is the liquid diet! Hang in there, you will lose The band list me 65# then the sleeve another 85#. Only 20-25 to go.

They did both...it's definitely neurological...dont see that doc until sept.....it's a teaching hospital, so appt.s are super hard to get. I still need the graft in my neck stented or revised...I am, however, losing greatly... 15 lbs. To onederland!

Hi Bigjohn58. Here we have both surgeries done. I had my RNY on July2, 2013. I lost 132#'s in 6 months. I did have an 8# gain so now I weigh 125#'s. I have maintained my weight loss for 2 and 1/2 years. I did have some problems with Strictures ( kind of like scar tissue) I needed 5 endoscopes with 4 dilations. But if you ask me if I would do it again I would have to say with everything in me IN A HEARTBEAT. Personally, I wouldn't go into a weight loss surgery thinking I could get a revision later. It is really hard to get your insurance to pay for it sometimes. Plus how many peeps want to go thru surgery 2 times. Now, my hubby, had his Sleeve done June 2, 2015, we went to Mexico and paid cash. Due to the fact that he is diabetic and the OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY wanted him to lose 25#'s and get his A1C to a 8. Well if you know anything about diabetes....when he lost weight his blood sugars were up and when his blood sugars were down his weight was up. That is one reason we went to Mexico. Now I need to fill in the process of the last 16 years!! His first WKLS was the Lap Band he had it for 13 years, they had messed up his port trying to do a fill so back into surgery he went. Now fast forward to 2013 it malfunctioned so he was scheduled for a revision to an RNY. Well, when they got in there the band had eroded into his liver. They couldn't finish the surgery due to bleeding and the scar tissue so they backed out and told him that in 3 months they would do the RNY. He got abscesses and was so deathly sick for 9 months 3 of those he doesn't even remember!! It was so traumatic. But he needed to have WLS because he has Cancer on his Kidney and he weighs too much for them to do anything. ( BTW he did lose 100#'s with his band) He is a large man and weighed in at 420#'s when we went to Mexico!! Ok, now his weight loss has been so very slow with his Sleeve!! He has lost 60#s since June. Better than nothing I guess. In Mexico we still had hopes of him getting the RNY but due to scar tissue being solid on his right side he had to have the Sleeve. I'm not trying to push either surgery on you but...if you had the choice of doing one surgery and losing the weight you need to. Instead of going into something with the hopes of having another surgery if needed. I understand that you really don't want to have your tummy rerouted but....just do lots of research and if you need to get the second opinion then, by all means, do this!! All surgeries are just a tool the real work comes from YOU!! It is to help us reach the goals we have never been able to. BTW I'm 60 so I was 57 when I had my RNY. My hubby is 66 years old. Plus, remember any of the weight loss surgeries do not FIX our brain!! It is still there to tempt us every single day, but there is nothing that says you can't overcome them!! There are unlimited resources online so go into them and check out which surgery is the best for you because only you and your DR can make that decision. Good Luck Sorry for the book. lol

My date is March 23rd......revising from a Lapband to VSG, I'm ready!!!

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).

Sabrina~ I'm starting to run too. I stil can't run a mile but I'm walking fast. 4 miles per hour or around there. I signed up for a 5k run with my husband in May. I used to die after walking 1/2 a mile. Now I don't go to bed until I have walked/jogged or ran 5 miles a day. the weight is finally dropping again. 23 more pounds till I hit my doctors goal for me. 40 plus pounds for my personal goal. DD~ I must have missed your post on the revision. What did you have redone?

So here I sit. Minus 93 pounds from the very first time I walked into my surgeons office. The problem is that 93 pounds lighter is not my goal and to top it all off I have been at the same weight for the past year. The actuality of all is that though my total weight loss has been good I have no one to blame but myself for not being at goal. The 1st year I was Wonder Woman, eating all the right things and at the gym 5days a week, you know doing all the right things. Then when I had that stuipd slip and the revision surgery I got lazy and got out of the habit of going to the gym. My food choices are still pretty good and my restriction is where my surgeon says it should be BUT no gym...and no gym for me seems to equal now weight loss. So for the past 9 months I have been making excuses about my band not being quite tight enough and that has been an outright excuse!!! I had a swallow test done under xray and the bottom line is that my and is as tight as it can be. They held up a straw to the xray and thats when I saw it. That tiny little opening the diameter of a straw, and the dreaded words from the doctor' "You are at maximum capacity for your band...any tighter and you are going to be in trouble"...well trouble is something that I dont want. So now what???? Get off my ass, get back in the gym and do what I should have been doing the entire time. Workout, do the work I know I need to to get the rest of this weight off. No more excuses for me. Either I lose this last 37 pounds because I put forth the effort or I shut up and stop complaining about it when Im not doing all that I should be. I'll keep you ladies posted on my progress. :thumbup:I'M IN IT TO WIN IT!!!!

Hi Marisol, I hope the port revision works for you - maybe after you heal from the surgery you can get another fill and get to a comfortable level of restriction. Now comes the hard part - being patient with yourself while you are healing from the operation. Just do the best you can with the bandster rules regarding food and incorporate some exercise into your daily routine (if you aren't doing that already). Sometimes exercise can help curb your appetite. I wish you all the best in your healing process - and check in to let us Notorious Novembers know how you're doing! :frown:

Happpy New Year Everyone! Still here and still loking for the every so elusive sweet spot (for the 2nd time) My surgeon who has always been really conservative is taking it slow since my revision surgery. I didnt gain any weight over the holidays, but I didnt loses any either. I am still hitting the gym but my intake is tohigh, you remember how it is when you dont have proper restriction...At anyrate my next fill is at the end of the month and I'm hoping for to get closer to the "sweet spot" so I can finish up my weight lost. TTFN!