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Hello, I guess this is my introduction to the forum. I'm a 46 Y/O guy, about to go in for a revision to my RNY that was done a while back (exact date when I remember...) My new date is this coming Tuesday, May 30th, 2017. My first surgery was somewhat successful, but I guess I got tired of the restrictions and requirements after a while, and I started cheating more and more in my diet. I dropped down to around 300 lbs after starting at 618, my heaviest. A few years ago I had an accident, where I was left in a lot of pain, and since I didn't have insurance I left it go untreated, and that was the beginning of my weight gain, to where I'm now, 504 lbs as of last Monday. Well, here I am, not as excited as the first time, and not scared either, more of a feeling of "whatever". Now, don't get me wrong, I will make it work, it's not as fun being fat and 46, like it was being fat and 30. Anyway, I'm an open book, ask away if you have any Q's, and I'm looking fwd to learning from ya'lls successes and mistakes, especially now that I found a forum dedicated to guy's issues, because my first time around, it was mostly ladies, with very few guys, and most of those guys were young. Best Regards.

Thanks everyone. I'm trying a bunch of diff things and will contact my pcp tomorrow. I have another question tho is it that the insurance will cover a panni but not a tummy tuck? And do most surgeons/insurance whoever allow you to pay the difference? Is that how it works generally? Band to sleeve revision surgery 1/16/17 HW: 283 CW: 199 GW: 160

I'm 5 weeks post op from getting port revised. I get massive iching and spasms at port and incisions, but, is getting better day at a time. I notice that when I exercise I tend to get the spasms. Ice helps. I also notice that the itching gets really bad with gas in the belly. GaxX or mylanta helps with this. It gets extremely frustrating. Hang in there. Jake

Hello, I am having my revision surgery on June 12th. The past couple weeks I have been getting stuck more often and have been throwing up more than usual and with more force. I am wondering if I should just do liquids and puréed (things that will not get stuck) until my surgery to prevent things from getting worse in there. There violent throwing up/stuck spells are prob just getting things all inflamed and worse in there.I feel like I am having this surgery just in time but am afraid what the doc will find when he gets in there. I am having my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez. He placed my lap band 9 years ago so I figured he would be best to get it out. Do you guys think me sticking with liquid/ pureed food until my surgey is a good idea to give everything time to calm down in there and not cause anymore damage?

Hello Everyone, I was banded in October of 2009, I have never really had restriction, got stuck alot but never that sweet spot I read about. I teach zumba 3 times a week and the only time I had great weight loss was the two week post op of liquids only. I do realize that no matter how much you excercise a bad diet or eating will not make it a difference, and this is where I fell. I was burning 5K calories a week and felt like I could eat what I wanted, I didnt gain but I didnt lose , I kep losing the same 10 lbs over the last 3 years. Last year I started getting really bad acid reflux but at first I didnt go back to the doctor because I felt like a failure in the weight loss department. Part of my issue is menopause as well, weight is the only symptom I have nothing else. Well I got sick in January and when throwing up the band was acting funny, went to the doctor and I had esophogus dialition and they had to unfill my entire band. WOW the hunger pains I felt were like are you kidding me? My first thought was take it out and I'll do it on my own with weight watchers. Then as I was talking to the physicians assistant who I trust and has been incredible during this journey told me that although my band didnt work as it was suppose to that it was still doing something, and that if I didn't revise I would probably gain 10 lbs a month until my body normalized, around 6 months, and when she said it I didn't believe her but since getting unfilled and the hunger I feel I do now. I also started weight watchers as I think its a good foundation to eating after the revision, so if I'm ahead of the ball this time the more the better. Its also helping me to lose my ten pounds before surgery. and its great espeically with the apps on my phone, and its true when you logging what you eat, you do realize when you really are hunger or just thirsty or doing something out of habit. My surgery tentatively is for May 2, I have BCBS federal and they require 3 months weight classes, well it seems that weight watchers classifies so my billing admin is going to try to submit next week since April will make 3 months going and weight watchers is weekly. \ My question is to the board, how do you feel when you awake from a revision? How are you at getting around? Whats the best Protein poweder? I have a realize band so I dont know if that makes a difference. When I had my lapband day 4 I walking 4 miles at the park, so I"m just trying to get my head around it and try and be as prepared as possible. ANy hints, info you can provide would be helpful and appreciated.

My co-worker used Dr. Barker ( 2/10/14 surgery date)... I had the same surgery date... but used Dr. Alexander. If your surgery is going to be done at Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas... I can tell you that the facility is state of the art and the staff was EXCEPTIONAL! Every one was very professional and took their job very seriously. From the cleaning staff to the surgeons that assisted Dr. Alexander with my surgery. If you are having your surgery done there... you will be in great hands ( in my opinion). My co-worker was/is very satisfied with Dr. Barker and has since referred a few other co-workers to him as well. I went with Dr. Alexander because he specializes in revisions ( i had gastric bypass revised to gastric sleeve).

Don't let fear stop you from your research. I have the band and I am scheduled for a revision on May 23. My joke is I can eat Cheetos but not raw vegetables. That seems so very wrong. I never had great luck with my band due to throwing up and eventually you eat what your band will allow.

Goodluck ladies!! Im one week from 6 mo and dwn 55 pounds and dwn 2 dress sizes!! I am band to sleeve, banded 2005 and revision 2014. Yesssss i noticed i am a slower wls patient than virgin sleevers and i was told i would be by the dr! I am still happy and proud of my results! I always have restriction and the first 3 mo i was not hungry ever i just ate because i had to and was on a schedule. I love my sleeve and its 110 PERCENT better than the band No COMPLICATIONS and no ISSUES with stuck food, throwing up, no problems with RESTRICTIONS and No Gerd

Hi All I am hardly a newbie to the lap band but have only had 2 fills in the entire time I have had it and both were within 3 months post op. I was banded in Jan 04 and have lost around 140 pounds but my weight has been pretty much the same for the last 18 months or so because I haven't been as committed as I should be eating the right foods and I get hungry quite often ......... so this brings me to my question. I get full on small amounts of food still so I don't think I have an issue with my pouch being stretched (which previously I have had) or with slippage. The problem is I am hungry again within an hour or two of eating so I am snacking all day because I am never satisfied for long. I eat small amounts each time but it's SEVERAL times during the day, not just 3 or 4 times. Do you think this is indicative of needing a fill? My band has been entirely empty for just over 18 months (No coincidence really is it that my weight loss came to a screaming halt around the same time??!!) so I probably could do with a fill. I had port revision surgery in Dec 06 and have not had a fill since then. I am scared it is something more serious even though I can only eat small amounts and have no pain or anything else unusual going on. I have an appt with my surgeon next week and they want to do a fluoroscopy first just to make sure everything is ok because it has been so long. I guess it is just a precaution to make sure its all ok before they fill me. I know you guys arent doctors but hearing your opinion would calm me down a little if you just think a fill is all that is needed. I'm a bit scared. :crying:

hummmm.....3 things I like..... Cats Cross stitch Stuffed Animals Thats a great idea La Madam! What about everyone else??? Make SURE to PM me with your address if you want in...and any one else who wants in please PM me before the 25th, thats Saturday!! Happy Turkey day too guys, I'll be having my port revision that day....:sick

Hi all! I'm going for my first consultation with to see if I'm eligible to have a revision surgery from Lapband to Sleeve and I'm concerned about my BMI. Right now, my BMI is 34, and I know my insurance will cover the surgery if the revision is medically necessary. I'm having the worst experience with the band (chest pain, GERD, stuck with everything, vomiting, etc). I was banded 3 years ago and I lost 19 pounds with the band in some point, mostly because I was unable to passed food, but as soon as my band got deflated due to complications, I gained all the weight back. I still have high cholesterol, POS and insulin resistance. Anyone have had a revision done with a "lower BMI" in Arizona? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey Jennifer... do you think smoking up till your surgery made for a tougher recovery? I am just worried that 2 weeks is not enough before my revision. On day 7 so actually it will be 15 days smoke free. Bonking myself on the head for not quitting sooner!

I was sleeved 4 years ago by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. Since then, I have had GERD. I have gone through several diets and tests to get rid of the pain, but only a high dosage of Omeprazole twice a day helps. I also have about 40-45 lbs to lose. So I have been considering revision to the Bypass. Would love to hear from any of you who have gone through this major step: What were your reasons? What were your results like? Most importantly, who was your surgeon? And can you tell me about your experience? I am currently in the process of deciding on a revision surgeon in Mexico. Looking into having surgery by December or so. Thank you for reading and for anything you can share.

Today is 100 days since surgery. I started before preop at 305 and I'm now at 240.6. I lost 23 on Preop (a full month of preop!) I've lost 41.4 in the past 100 days and I couldn't be happier! I am a Band to sleeve revision and have been unable to work out. I have yet to (knock on wood) stall it's slowed down the past two weeks but still moving!! I should be able to start the gym soon too!!. I'm only 2.2 from my New Years goal. I am so thankful for my sleeve. I wish I had gotten this 3 years ago instead of the crapband!! can not wait to see what the next 100 days brings (lol takes away really) The next 3 weeks are going to be challenging with family vising and holiday goodies but I'm in such a better place than I ever have been that I know that It won't break me! I'll try and post some pictures later on

So I am a week out of surgery. First couple of days it felt like I did 10 000 sit ups. Today it feels like only doing 500. Got my walking down, sipping my liquids but need to sip a lot more to meet my goal. I know it doesn't happen overnight. I start each day with a Boost Diabetic Protein drink. Nice to see there is an app for this. Hope I get to know others here. Cheers manitobamama

Please know, you are not alone in revision surgery! My suggestion... after your stomach has healed go to a surgeon that does ALL major procedure types, band, sleeve, and bypass. If restriction is all you need and you don't need malabsorption, get a sleeve! They ROCK! I love mine, it is so much easier than banding. No slips, erosion, stomas, getting stuck, none of it. Just a tiny little stomach. Weight loss is faster, better, easier, and far fewer long term complications. They also remove Ghrelin, a hunger causing hormone produced mostly by the stomach. So hunger is not the same as before surgery. Here is a link to find out more: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) AKA Gastric Sleeve (NEW!) - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum If you go to someone who only does bands and bypass they aren't going to push the sleeve. It would be like a toyota dealer talking you into a ford. It isn't going to happen. That's why I suggest going to someone who does all the major procedures, you get a more balanced opinion. But no worries! There are options and they might just be better than the band!

I can't offer much, I'm only 10 days post op but originally that is what I wanted. After research I decided against the band due to complications, always getting fills, and having a foreign object. The first doctor I went to was opposite as yours. I wanted sleeve by that point he suggested band but was willing, I found a new surgeon as the only reason was band was that surgeon's specialty. I researched alot on here and after my initial thoughts band was never an option. Keep reading and be sure to ask the people who had band to sleeve revision Also to had there are success stories with the band for me though sleeve was the better option.

About 3 weeks ago I got my 5th fill and that's when I began vomiting 4x a day, couldn't keep any solids down, barely any liquids. When I would lay down at night to go to sleep I would wake up to Fluid coming out of my nose/mouth. Went back to the doctor they removed what they had just added to my band. It didn't work, so they removed all fluid from my band. By this point my chest was hurting pretty bad, but I attributed it to throwing up so much. Well the symptoms still didn't go away so they admitted me to the hospital and long story short I had what was a planned revision surgery which ended up with the removal of my band. But in retrospect I had been having a lot of shortness of breath, chest pains etc. A couple of months ago I was actually rushed to the hospital because of the shortness of breath etc. Now looking back I'm pretty confident those symptoms were due to the hernia. I actually posted on here asking if anyone experienced those symptoms with the feeling that their heart was beating out of their chest also. Have you mentioned your symptoms to your doctor? If not you really should. One thing this experience has taught me is that call your doctor if something doesn't feel right to you! Your instincts are usually correct!! Hope this info helped you some, sorry it got kind of lengthy! Amy

It would depend on why you need the revision, I think.

Hello I’m new to this app. Going to have my revision March 1..

What made you decide to do that? And did you lose any more weight afterwards? Were there any other major side effects?

Me too! Actually just shy of 3 weeks. How are you doing on the purée diet? I had revision from lapband to bypass. Turns out there was an uncommon problem with my port. After 5 years it was causing pain and upon extraction they found some significant issues. Anyway looking to the future. Still sore with a lot of bruising but out and about doing a little Christmas shopping. Missing eating out with friends and the occasional margarita! Let me know how you’re doing!

I had all the liquid removed from my band and had the removal and revision done in the same surgical procedure 4 weeks later. All went off with out a hitch and I am down 25 lbs in the last 6 weeks. Im very happy with my decision. Good luck.

I was banded October 1, 2008, flipped port happened soon after. I was ignored for months by my first surgeon about the flipped port and abdominal pain. After 6 months, I started looking at getting a revision to the sleeve. I found a surgeon who agreed it needed to come out, and was able to have the revision covered by insurance due to the tubing of the band actually tugging on my stomach and causing increasing pain. Plus, I had 2 fill attempts under fluoro that were unsuccessful due to the flipped port. I had my revision on June 3rd. On June 5th, a leak was found during my last leak test with gastrographin and the cat scan. The top portion of my stomach was damaged by the band, and had weakened the tissue. I was immediately sent to the OR for the leak repair. After the leak repair, my lungs would not recover. I landed in critical condition on a ventilator for 3 days, and spent about 4 days in ICU. Finally moved to a regular surgery floor, and was released on June 12th with a pic line (kind of like a central line catheter) in my left arm, and went home on TPN for the next 10 days. The TPN was discontinued, and the line was pulled on the 24th of June. I started Clear liquids. I left with 2 JP drains in my abdomen, and while at home I had a home healthcare nurse come in every few days to change my pic line dressing. I had a follow up on July 9th where a UTI was detected. Levaquin antibiotics, and I went home. I had family over during that week. They left on Saturday July 11th. On the 13th, I was taken to the hospital again because of severe abdominal pain, cramps, and I knew I was dehydrated. They did a leak test again, and there were 3 Fluid pockets/abscesses found, no leak. 2 in my abdominal cavity, 1 in my pelvic cavity. Unfortunately, I was admitted for treatment. I had to go to a interventional radiologist so they could place a different type of drain in my abdomen. Unfortunately, they could not reach the one in my pelvic cavity. In hopes the antibiotics would resolve them, I was hospitalized for 1 week then released. I went home on 2 antibiotics, 2 anti-nausea meds, and pain meds. I had follow up appointments a couple of weeks later with more ct scans, and the drains were eventually removed. I have been off all anti-nausea meds for about a month, and have had no further set backs in my recovery. The most challenging aspect for me has been eating and getting in my Protein. But, every day has gotten a bit easier. I am now able to eat 3 small meals a day, and protein is still my arch nemesis, but it's getting better. Even with everything that I endured with this surgery, I have zero regrets. I know that the band would of continued to damage my stomach. Every day brings a new challenge, but I know that I made the very best decision to have the band removed.

I had band slippage,erosion,protrusion,port site pain,blockage,vomiting,gerd and gained back the weight....revised to RNY....priceless.I feel great.