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Hoping you got good news about your revision. What did you find out? I’m still moving through all the prerequisites.

So just an update on my consultation for the ESG procedure. My day started by ordering a Starbucks latte for my hour commute, after paying the cashier, I drove away WITHOUT my latte. What a dope. My appointment was scheduled for 11am in NYC which takes me a little over an hour without traffic. I checked in at 10:45, and waited patiently for two bleepin hours. At this point my caffeine withdrawal is setting in and my tummy is A rumbling. The doctor was pleasant and I didn't feel rushed. She informed me that they had me scheduled for a 5 minute follow up appointment today. Fortunately, the doctor honored my consultation, and spent plenty of time with me. After my consultation, she gave me a Pre-Op Evaluation form. I will attach a picture of it below. I was able to complete my bloodwork at the office today, I figured what's another hour. They weighed me, which I have been dreading. I have gained 20 pounds over the last 8 weeks. So my official start weight is ..... 194lbs. Dr. Sharaiha asked that besides the bloodwork and H-Pylori test, that I meet with a nutritionist. While I was waiting to get my blood drawn, I scheduled an appointment with the Nutritionist (December 15th) . I attempted to schedule a surgery date but was denied. She said I could not schedule an appointment for surgery until the meeting with nutritionist was complete. I wonder if it's because when she asked me what I had for breakfast, I frankly replied, "a cupcake" and when she laughed, I said, "well since I'm being honest, I had two". Maybe it was a red flag that I have an eating disorder...yikes. I just assumed the majority of overweight people eat disorderly.... Dr. Sharaiha reported that they have 4 years worth of data in the US to measure results. She stated that the US has been doing the procedure the longest. I assume she does not equate the ESG to the similar procedure performed in other countries. She reported that most people do not need revisions. She compared the ESG revision to that of the lap-band. She said that some individuals needed a little tightening to increase their restriction. She warned against relying on possibility of future tightening as a crutch to possible slack.. She reported that in over 200 ESG procedures she has performed, she has revised(tightened) very few. She reported that the average amount of ESG's lost 19% of their total body weight compared to 30% of VSG's She stated that the part of the stomach that is "stitched off" from the rest is not susceptible to disease or ulcers. Comparison of complications to a VSG is, that leaks and ruptures can, and do occur with ESG, however it is rare. She was not concerned about my history of scar tissue and inflammatory disease associated with an autoimmune disorder. For me the food I eat negatively impacts my health to the degree in which surgery is worth the risk. My goal is to cut out sugar/flour/wheat/grains and eat 3 meals a day until my surgery. I want to get my weight down as much as possible to maximize the surgery assisted total weight loss. I'm sure I have missed some stuff but my brain is starting to putter out. I"ll be back.... I welcome any and all questions. If you are out there browsing this site and afraid to speak up in the forum...private message me. You are not alone, it takes a village.

Definately ask what your Dr's patients average weight loss is and follow up support with a dietician. I have similar Dr follow up to you buts it's the rest of his team that you will deal with more frequently after the procedure. Also, don't be shy in discussing all your fears about the procedure, such as revision rates and post op care. The only way to move forward is to feel very reassured that you will get where you need to be. Even if his bedside manner isn't fantastic, it's so important to know that as a clinician - his work is impeccable. There are no silly questions and nothing you should be concerned about asking. You have fantastic insight and have done your homework so the time will come to make your decision and then it's time to research less and get your head in the "this is happening" game. I also double read every study I could get my hands on but then knew I had to stop and trust my team and my decision. Otherwise I would have found some information that made me question my decision and escalated my anxiety about having the procedure. You've got this [emoji846]

Actually, things are great for me. I’m thrilled with my revision to a bypass. People come here for advice and mine is to not get a band and if you have one that is giving you problems, don’t stick your head in the he sand and ignore it, get it out before it causes permanent damage. There is life after a band...and it’s is infinitely better without it.

Wow, I'm so glad to hear that you felt so much better after a couple of days - that's great! I'm not happy that you're so hungry, but hopefully that will normalize over the next few days/weeks. Even if a band is empty, it still helps with hunger....just from being there. Once it comes out, it's like a big pendulum swing......which will hopefully slow down somewhere in the middle I was banded in March 2013, with a starting weight of about 225. My highest weight ever was 228. I dropped 70 pounds with the band/plication, but after about 16 months, started slowly gaining. That was all on me, but a couple of years ago I started getting horrible reflux. I know for sure it's band related, because when the band was emptied it went away. A couple of months ago my doc said.....let's try it again. Within 3 days of the fill, I was choking on acid again. With the 35 pound weight gain, back came the blood pressure meds. I was off them completely when my weight was down. I know this will resolve once I get the weight off, which I will work very hard on doing. I really don't want a revision surgery; I'm too old to put myself through anymore of this. If my weight continues to climb, I will reconsider. What type of appetite suppressant did your doctor give you? I've taken them on and off for years; lost tons of weight on them. I tried them again a few months ago (from my internist), but could no longer tolerate them; heart racing, couldn't sleep, etc. At this point, it's up to me to get my act together and stop the madness around food. I'm 62, and you'd think after a lifetime of dealing with this sh-t, I'd be on a healthier path. I have other age (and obesity) related health issues. At this point, living heavy; possibly getting heavier, the stakes are just way too high. Ugh......this yo yo weight issue takes too big of a toll.

Seriously, I know what I need to do but I’ve lost my umph. Maybe it’s the holidays but I just can’t seem to get back into my groove of low carb, controlled eating. I know I’m eating too much food and not the best choices and I can honestly say it’s having that addictive affect on me. That can’t stop eating, all day grazing, late night snacking. Old habits are tormenting me. I know if I could just get back on track that would go away for the most part but I’m in a rut. Haven’t lost anything in 3 months. Haven’t gained either though. Losing and gaining the same 3 lbs over and over again. Just needed to vent. I know I can do this. Just feeling disappointed in my self. Banded 3/2010 Revised to sleeve 4/2017 Total loss since pre op 38lbs [emoji22]

Depends on the topic. There are certain "hot irons" that are better not to be touched. Regain or revisions being two of them.

Congrats on your December 5th sugery date. Absolutely do this for yourself and your health. I hope your sleeve will be a better experience than the band. We are all here to help along the way. You will also find others here that are a revision from band to sleeve. Question... Would your husband consider surgery if he is also struggling?

I just wanted to add that RNY is much more invasive but has a proven track record. It has the best success rate of any WLS out there. It is also permanent so there’s no going back. An esg can be revised or eventually converted or revised to an RNY. I hope I didn’t confuse you more. I’m just trying to help. 😬😬

I'm doing OK. I had less to lose than many, as I was getting a revision (removing a lap band and getting the sleeve). In the 10 1/2 weeks since surgery on 9/13 . I've lost 25 since surgery and down 41 total (from the pre-surgery diet, that started in August). I'm eating between 600-800 calories, I walk daily (I have 2 dogs) and have added additional activities during the day. I'm moving into some size 12 jeans and that feels pretty good!

I'm having my band removed on December 6th. Though insurance approved a RNY revision at the same time, I've elected not to do it. My plan is to start seeing the nutritionist at my doctor's office, and work with her on a healthy eating plan. If my weight starts to climb higher than it is now (I have only 40 pounds to lose), I will consider the revision next year. So, I'm not in your shoes quite yet, but I will be, shortly. My band has been empty for a few months, so hopefully there won't be a huge difference in satiety once it's completely gone. And I totally share your fear about weight gain! I don't know that I trust myself to stick with a healthy eating plan 85% of the time. Hopefully I've learned a thing or two over the past (almost) 5 years since being banded. I wish you ALL the best on this next phase of the never ending journey

Thanks FluffyChix.... I have a new nephrologist and asked him at my visit a few weeks ago. He said that though the bypass can be good, in my case, he's against it. Even though my kidneys are functioning perfectly, given that the bypass changes absorption and anatomy, he doesn't recommend it. The hepatic cysts are really just an extension of the PKD; pretty much a non issue. When I mentioned this to my bariatric surgeon, he doesn't see any issues with the bypass and PKD. He also said that the bypass can be reversed....if down the road it became an issue. I trust him 100%, but I would not go into a bypass revision with the mindset that I can have it reversed. It's too much of an ordeal, and I don't want to put my body through so much surgical upset. I lost almost all my weight with the band, but gained half of it back over the past few years. Like the rest of us here, my biggest concern is continuing to slowly gain; ending up where I was when I started this journey close to 5 years ago. I just wish I'd had the bypass to begin with, but I chickened out and went with the band/plication instead. At 62 with about 40 pounds to lose, I'm not sure I want to do anything further. For now, I will have the band removed next week, then work with the nutritionist at my surgeons office. At least I still have the plication, which should help limit the amount I eat in a sitting. The reality is, with ALL of these surgeries, after the honeymoon period is over, WE need to do the work. I was stellar with the band for the first 16 months, then I learned how to eat past the signal. I know a few people who gained a substantial amount of weight a few years after their bypass, and I know some who have stayed thin for many years after the procedure. In the end, we have to make lifestyle changes for continued success. Not always so easy....

I had a Lapband revision to bypass surgery laparoscopically in July. The surgeon also found a hiatal hernia that was removed. I was in the hospital for 2 nights and off pain meds the day I got home. My pain was not bad at all but was extremely fatigued for a few weeks. I personally am happy that I had it all done in one surgery.

Hiya MRSTO I am having band and port removed and revision to RNY in one op. My surgeon only does it in open surgery, not laparoscopic, so recovery is slower because of 8 inch cut through the abdominal muscles. Surgeon says I will be back at work in 4 weeks, although may tire by 3pm in first couple of weeks back. Fine and fully function8ng by 6 weeks. Hope that helps!

I'm very close to revising from band to bypass. I have polycystic kidney and liver disease, and I'm concerned that the surgery could (possibly) escalate issues with that disease. My kidney and liver function is normal, but even so, I have a 50/50 chance of needing dialysis and a transplant as I get older. I'm curious to know if anyone here has PKD and/or PLD and underwent a RNY. As of now, I only need to lose 40 pounds. But once the band comes out due to complications, I'm afraid that number will climb. Ugh.....so many things to consider!

It looks like my insurance approved the band removal and bypass revision all in one shot. I'm already scheduled to have the band removed on 12/6, but now I'm considering the revision as well. I'm interested to hear other's recovery experience. I know everyone is different, but I'd like a general idea of how long it took before you were up and around; able to work, etc. I'm a self employed bookkeeper and January is my busiest month. I'm thinking......if I have the revision done sometime during the first two weeks in December, I'll be ready to hit the ground running (figuratively speaking) the first week of January. I work from my home office, so I don't need to travel. I would love to hear your experience. I would also like to know if anyone had the band with plication. If he just takes out the band & port, he will leave the plication in place. If he does the bypass revision, he will bring down the plication. I'm nervous that might have it's own issues. Ugh......so scared right now I'm not afraid of having the band system removed... I'm afraid of possible bypass complications, and that I will not be able to work within a reasonable amount of time.

I’m so excited to find this post. I’m scheduled for a revision Dev 12th from lap band to bypass. I’m a little confused on the vegan diet plan. I’ve been vegan for 4 years and intend on staying this way. My Dr. pushes protein, and I’ve read all of Dr Garth Davis books and follow him but I’m still confused on the amount of protein that is necessary. How much protein do you generally eat a day? Also, there’s a lot of pasta recipes here which I love. When did you start adding pasta to your diet, and did it slow down your weight loss? thanks for any help you can offer.

Hi everyone! I had sleeve to bypass revision surgery on 11/16/17. I was sleeved in 2012, and had unfortunately gained back quite a bit of weight after my 3rd and final pregnancy. I also developed horrible acid reflux. My surgeon and I decided that gastric bypass would be beneficial to me for weight loss and to help with the reflux. I am 5'0. I started out at 215, got down to 205 the day of surgery with the help of the 2 week liquid diet that was required. I feel like I am losing extremely slow. I weight myself every morning which I know I shouldn't do, but can't help it. I'm at 200 lbs now but have been stuck there for a few days and it's so frustrating because I'm still doing full liquids. I have been on support forums reading about people who drop weight like crazy the first few weeks and I feel so discouraged. Maybe I'm just expecting too much too soon. Does anyone else have the same issues/feelings? I drink my 64 oz of fluids daily, get in 60 grams of protein from my Premier protein shakes and sip on broth. I have had some sf pudding and sf jello and popsicles but not much else. Any ideas what else I could incorporate into my diet? I start soft foods on 11/30/17. Thanks in advance [emoji4]

so did you get a surgery date before finishing all of your test (ekg, X-ray etc)? All of my apps (NUT, PSYCH, UPPER GI) are scheduled for the first week of December and then after that I'll do bloodwoork and X-ray once I'm within 30 days of surgery. I'm so nervous about not getting approved. I have BCBS NC and my surgeon is saying I don't have to have the 6 or 12 month diet to get approval. I do have 5 years of vitals that show 5 plus years of BMI over 40 and evidence of discussion about diet and exercise and membership from earlier this year with WW. Hope he is right. Looking over the revised policy as of 5/2017 it seems to be up to the surgical team about the prior 12 months.

Not commonly done but one of the only things ive seen performed a few times at my hospital was a lap band over a bypass. Would depend on your insurance and how your surgeon feels about that. But getting a lap band over a bypass is a realistic possibility. I mean surgeons dont like to do lap bands because they frequently have issues and you need to be on top of appointments with them. But if weight and cormorbidities are a problem its one of the safer options. Sure bands arent the greatest, but I think getting a revised bypass is much more dangerous. And the band does work in a synergy kind of way with the bypass. Couldnt tell you how outcomes are long term though I would absolutely avoid any kind of self pay scenarios since you have a history of a bypass . If you have any complications from the bypass (which is a real possibility) you dont want insurance companies using your self pay surgery as an excuse to get out of paying for it.

Bypass revision is not common. Your anatomy hasn't changed so there's likely no need to redo it. Are you tracking everything you eat with a tracker and being accountable to yourself? We can eat our way around any surgery. Start by going back to basics. Water, protein, lay off carbs for a while. What do you eat in a typical day? We could help if you wanted to share.

I had a band placed in 2011. Worst medical decision I ever made. I caused major problems ... Acid reflux, night coughing, and more. In the last three or so years I had horrible doubling over pain at least 3-5 days a week. After a gastro did an EGD on me he found gastritis and esophagitis to where my pouch opening to the stomach was nearly closed due to inflammation. He referred to to a Bariatric surgeon suggesting a revision the the sleeve. I ended up having an emergency revision to gastric bypass. I did not choose the LB removal only because of weight regain. My surgeon said that the sleeve would make my GERD worse so I chose the RNY. No More GERD! No More Pain either! I feel great! During the surgery he found my stomach high in my chest due to a hiatal hernia caused by the band. He also did repairs to the esophagus (was in an S shape). Also my port was nearly detached. My new bariatric surgeon’s Center for Bariatric Excellence no longer places Lapband... but does a lot of removals and revisions due to serious so many complications.

Great to hear that you’re doing well. Also great to hear about the revisions. I was concerned about this but you have reassured me. Keep up the good work and you are very determined to have had this done before the holidays. You are absolutely right about gaining more weight during this time of year. Great choice 👍🏻 Keep us all posted.

Hey hope4momof4, yes I definitely feel stronger and better today at day 3 than yesterday. My headaches are gone and I'm not at all groggy like on Day 1 and 2. I have completed taking most of the anti-nausea meds that were prescribed today. Dr. and lead nurse said to just take these meds and not wait until I was feeling nauseous. If you wait in taking these meds it takes a long time to recover. Really good advice form my Dr. and nurse, I followed it and it worked! I feel really good about Thanksgiving today I stuck to my clear liquid diet, no cheat and frankly not interested in cheating at this point. There's so much of an opportunity for me to get back into a healthier life that I'm not going to miss this chance. The holiday season may seem like a strange time to have an ESG, however for me it was important to start in this season and prove to myself I can do it. Thanksgiving to New year's eve has always been one of the worst times of the year for my weight. In the past couple of years I have gained up to 30 pounds in each of these 6-8 weeks only to work the rest of the year to lose some of it. It's not going to happen that way again! Great question about revisions, agree this is one to cover in consultations, I did have a good discussion with my Dr. about revision. In our first session I asked about revisions, since I had read this was possible online. Dr. Wilson was clear that the basis for the ESG procedure is permanent. One of the main focuses of the initial weeks of liquid and then protein diet is to allow the new sleeve to get settled and for tissue to build around the internal sutures. Doing this right in the first several weeks is key to maintaining that smaller area of our stomach following the procedure which provides the feeling of satiety. In speaking with a couple of other Dr's who also performed the ESG procedure I heard a similar rationale that ESG was not intended as a reversible procedure. My Dr. has not had an ESG patient where a revision was necessary. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Nice to hear from you Tex. I hope you are still doing well so soon after your procedure. Is it true that at day 3 post op you start to feel much better than the first two days? How has this Thanksgiving been for you? Your posts are definitely encouraging and it seems like you are feeling well enough to update us and even answer some questions. One thing I am also asking Bubbles to do is ask the doctor if they have had to do any revisions yet. I think that is also an important question to ask during the consultation. Did you ask your doctor about this by any chance? All my best and I wish you continued success.