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Thank you very much. I appreciate that. I had RNY surgery. “Not obese enough”??? If you medically qualified for the lapband then I don’t understand why you wouldn’t have medically qualified for the sleeve as well. They go by BMI and I believe it is the same for sleeve and band. (40 or, if you have comorbidities then it can be 35) It sounds like you likely used a general surgeon instead of a bariatric surgeon. Both are qualified to do the procedure but a bariatric surgeon is far more educated on the actual Bariatrics aspect. They are much more informed and actually take a couple of years to specialize in WLS. As opposed to a general surgeon who only learns the procedure and then does it. He doesn’t take that extra time to learn the ins and outs of it all. Even being on the smaller side of overweight, I still don’t understand why a surgeon would perform a procedure that has SO MANY complications and such an incredibly small rate of success. Why would he perform this operation at all? It is such common knowledge within the bariatric community that the band is a hugely bad idea. If you said you had it done several years ago then I might understand more, but you had this in 2017. The surgeon should be ashamed. Did he tell you the complication rate is far higher with the band than with any other procedure? Did he tell you people lose far less weight with the band and the rate of regain over a 5 year period is almost double that of the sleeve and RNY? My surgeon told me it won’t be long before we are seeing commercials saying “if you’ve had the lapband and had complications, call the law office of...” I’m very sorry this happened to you. I am super angry for you, to be honest. Your surgeon did you a huge disservice. I actually had a lapband for a long time and the loss was incredibly slow. After several years, I developed complications and nearly died. I had to have the band removed. I chose to also have a revision to RNY and it is a completely different experience. It’s so much better. If you continue experiencing pain or the other issues you mentioned, I would strongly suggest finding a new surgeon and having a consultation. Try your best to find someone who specializes in Bariatrics rather than just a general surgeon. I had a general surgeon with my band too because I really didn’t know the difference, to be honest. It was a huge mistake. I wasted a lot of years of my life with that awful band. Again, I’m very sorry. I’m seriously angry right now. I can’t believe these surgeons are still doing this procedure. Please don’t give up. I know this is hard. It’s so hard. But just remember why you did this. You wanted a healthier, better quality life. You can still have that. It may just happen a little differently than planned, that’s all. As of October 12, 2017, I am 4 months post op and have lost 100 pounds. I have reached my goal weight and could not be more ecstatic!

It is very frustrating. The reason I chose the Lapband is because the doctor felt I was “not obese enough” to get a sleeve or the other surgeries and I truly felt that the Lapband would work. It has worked but I am slowly giving up. At this point, I’m still not a candidate for the sleeve and I would have to wait a little longer before I can even try to get a revision. What surgery did you have? That’s awesome that you’ve lost 100 pounds!! So happy for you! [emoji846]

Hello all, I had my lapband placed February 10, 2017 and I weighed in 228 at surgery and now I am 194. I am having a difficult time with the films and being tight. I went in for an unfill yesterday and it dropped me to 2.8cc and I am now constantly hungry. I feel so discouraged, I am not sure if the scale is right but I went up a pound. I am honestly thinking about getting a revision to sleeve. What do you all think? Please help.

A lot of people maybe also left because they simply go on with life. I stopped posting on boards about WLS long ago and started again when I had my revision. Now I notice again that I'm not really interested anymore in posting a lot. One of the reasons is that I recently started another education so I have other things on my mind but I also notice that I don't have anything constructive to say about a lot of things. I can understand the need to make snarky comments about certain things (as so many of the vets that left did) - but I don't do it. It's a very destructive thing to do so I rather hold my virtual tongue. With time it's tiring to read about the same stuff and I feel that what I have to say about certain things is not what people want to hear.

I was in the same boat. Praying for sleep apnea but it turned out I didn't have it. Heck I "may" or "may not" have prayed fory doctor to find high blood pressure or that my labs came back with high blood sugar. Anything that the insurance would accept. Everything came back perfect... [emoji21] However since it was a revision LB to sleeve we were requesting, my doctor was able to show that since the band was not working I had gained back over 65% of what I lost putting my BMI at 37. My cholesterol is 279. My mother died from obesity related heart issues and diabetes at the age of 51 which is mainly why getting my health under control now it's so important to me. So with all that info my insurance finally approved it. Good luck! I wish you success in your endeavors. Here's my cyborg pic 🤣[emoji23]🤣 taken in May 2017. Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my revision from band to sleeve on Apr2016 and at that time I was a floor nurse on a telemetry unit. My revision was done in one surgery and only had to spend one night in the hospital and was released the next day with no complications. I took two weeks off and went back to work doing light duty for another two weeks. The first couple of days was very difficult for me, meaning that my abdomen was still sore and I had to be extra careful not to be doing any lifting or bending. I was mainly doing administration work such as patient admits and discharges and passing meds for those who needed help. After about one week of light duty I was feeling much better and had lots of energy. I still took it easy and followed my doctor's advice because I did not want to hurt myself in the healing process and I did not want to take more time off than I needed to. One of my co-workers had gastric bypass and she took six weeks off of work, not because she had complications but because she had that much time that she could use to take off of work. You know your body best and you don't know exactly how much time you need to take off before returning to work until after you have the procedure. I was ready to go back to work after two weeks but my body was telling me differently and that's why I was placed on light duty. I remember leaving work crying my first day back because I was in a lot of discomfort and felt I returned to work too soon. Listen to your body and take the time to heal and enjoy the new you.

My last test showed my iron was 20 the scales indicates that 35 is the low end...no call yet from my NUT. Band to Vsg revision: 5/23/17 HW: 315+ Starting weight: 294 Surgery Day: 281 Current: 226 Goal 170

Just wanted to tell you I was approved for my revision! My oldest step daughter is going to take some personal days off to help me with my girls. I think everything is going to work out!

Just received notification my insurance has approved my revision from band to RNY! I'm so excited and nervous! I called my mother to tell her I was approved and she says to me, who do you want to take care of the kids if you die? That sure made me depressed! But I'm going to stay positive that I will be fine[emoji4] not long now till November 6th!!

Hi, Sorry TMI. I’m one week post op revision from band to RNY. I also had my gallbladder removed and Hiatial hernia repair. I had a very rough few days, but have felt much better. Today I can’t stop the diarrhea. I’m following the post op direly. Anyone else have this type of experience? Can I take Imodium AD?

I have had many complications from my sleeve surgery a year ago. After 11 endoscopy with dilation, 2 stents and 5 second opinions I was told a bypass is the only way to go. Has anyone had a bypass due to complications? I haven't ever progressed past soft food and am malnourished as I can hardly get my vitamins or medications in due to two closures at the ge junction. Any info on someone with similar issue would be helpful.

I’m honestly not upset. I could care less about what you think or say. You aren’t far out from your surgery, you could regain too. So 🤷🏻‍♀️. Lol and just so you know, I checked out your profile, looks like you had a meltdown at 6 weeks post op because losing a pound was “bad” in your book. I’m not “crying uncontrollably” heres your post post if You forgot “ I am sobbing uncontrollably right now and really need to hear from others who have had the band to RNY (or sleeve) revision, please. I am six days post op from band to RNY and I have lost ONE POUND. I am so upset. My biggest fear going into this was failing again just like I failed with the band. And, to me, a one pound loss is 100% failing. I'm in absolute hysterics right now crying. Why did I do this? So much money, so much time from work, so much pain... to lose a pound in a week? I could've lost far more than this with some simple Slim Fast diet or something. I can't do this. I cannot do this. I can't. What kind of fat, disgusting, out of control pig am I that even two WLS's aren't helping me lose weight?? I know my hormones are raging after surgery. I know I am behaving like an emotional basket case. I know this. But in this moment, this is so real. I am so upset... so ashamed of myself. If anyone reads this, would you mind telling me if you felt this way? Would you mind sharing your weight loss progress? How slow or fast it was? I know we are all different, but I would just like to see examples. And, most of all, would you mind sharing how you dealt with the incredibly slow loss? I am not a patient person. Not even close. I know myself. I will become discouraged and give up. I need help here. I do have an upcoming appointment with a therapist who I hope can help. But in this moment, I really, really just need to hear from those who have been here. “ thought u were the WISE dr. Seems like u might need to work on yourself

Well what happened to me was that I wanted the sleeve, but i had severe GERD and my esophagus was already hurt because of it, so my Surgeon advised me against it because I most likely would have to get a revision. This was not what I was expecting but I didn't want to risk going through this surgery twice. Today I'm almost two months post op and really happy with my RNY. So you do your research and make your own decision but also listen to your doctor's advice because they know better.

No, I’m not a physician, however I am a doctor. I’m a psychologist. You can chastise me if it pleases you, but it won’t change anything about me. I am not here to coddle. Coddling does not help anyone. It only encourages this type of self sabotaging behavior. This poster isn’t interested in any suggestions that don’t immediately fit what she wants to hear. She has already proven that by jumping down the throat of others. I will call that type of behavior out every single time I see it. I’m sorry you don’t seem to approve of how I deal with things. That’s your right. However, I’m certain there are things you may do or believe that I wouldn’t approve of. That’s the beauty of human beings. Believe what you will. Think what you will. Do what you will. And so will I. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

Of course I watched it. I wouldn’t have commented about it if I hadn’t done significant research on this man and his comments regarding exercise. I won’t tell anyone what to think or believe, but there is a multitude of research that debunks his beliefs. As an aside, exercise does cause weight loss. It’s about 80/20 diet vs exercise. Exercise and muscle tone turn the body into a resting calorie burning machine. If you’re interesting in learning just why many, many, many professionals disagree with Dr. V, check out Alwyn Cosgrove Hierarchy of Fat Loss or anything by John Berardi. There is also a lot of peer reviewed research on the subject I could point you in the direction of. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

Just be careful about Dr. V’s “no exercise is good” claims. There is no research to back up his claims and tons of research that say he is wrong. Many bariatric surgeons have come out fiercely against what he says. There are also some really shady things about Dr. V in terms of the money he makes on his vlogs and how he has been accused of saying these things only to make money. Meaning, he puts out a video that everyone wants to believe is true. Because of course we want to be told exercise is bad, right? So, because of that, the video spreads like wildfire and he’s making bank. I’ve read a lot about this and the money wall that is behind us Facebook page. I really don’t trust him, especially considering he very plainly stated that he’s not a bariatric surgeon (he’s a general surgeon) but he chose to learn how to do the sleeve operation because there are so many fat people he knew he’d get rich. He actually said this. I don’t trust him at all. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

God I love you On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

Just be careful with the doctor in this video. His ideas have been repeatedly debunked by a multitude of bariatric surgeons. There’s a ton of research that goes against everything he says. I think a lot of WLS patients listen to him because they want to believe he’s right. Don’t exercise after surgery?? Awesome! It sounds great, right? But there is zero scientific research to support his claims and a ton of scientific research that debunks his claims. So, just keep that in mind. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

I don’t understand why you keep comparing yourself to other people. Your weight loss is ahead of the game, actually. This complaining isn’t going to get you anywhere. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 257, GW 185

“The world’s shittiest results”?? You’ve lost 30 pounds in under 2 months and you’re saying the weight loss is too slow. What exactly were you expecting??? I don’t understand posts like this at all. Did you not talk to your surgeon and nutritionist prior to surgery? Did you not do research? Are you not familiar with how this process works? Are you unfamiliar with how common stalls are? How long lasting they can be? Right after my first month post op, I had a 6 week stall. You are going to have to get your expectations in check or you’re not going to make it through this. You’re already getting frustrated and eating potato chips (I.e. sabotaging) and you’re not even 2 months out. This is happening because your expectations are not reasonable. I would strongly recommend attending support group meetings and finding a therapist. You also need to meet with your nutritionist so he/she can set you straight on expectations. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 257, GW 185

I have the lapband. My band is no good so I’m going to get the sleeve. My doctors office calls my insurance and my insurance tells them all the requirements to have the revision to the sleeve. I go through 6 months of insurance requirements and now we submitted it to insurance and they are saying it’s not covered through my insurance plan. My doctors office has the codes and requirements they said I needed and now in my plan it says it’s not covered! I’m furious! Why did they give the codes and requirements and also cover the 6 months of requirements if it’s not covered! We are appealing it. Then if that doesn’t work I’m going to talk to a lawyer about what to do if they deny it again. Anyone have any advice? I just can’t believe they would say it’s covered and make me jump through hoops then say it’s not part of my plan! Ugh!

For starters Gallstones are not a complication of any one surgery or even surgery at all they are a complication of obesity. if someone wants to lower the risk of gallstones they should not become obese to begin with. it can become exacerbated by weight loss (of any kind). Weight loss is the goal of weight loss surgery so they will be a risk regardless of surgery choice (about 30% vs. 12% in the general population). Strictures, deficiencies and ulcers can also occur with either surgery. You will be given instructions like no NSAIDs to help avoid conditions that can invite ulcers. Strictures are treatable as are deficiencies (with supplementation) both surgeries are viable options. I chose bypass as I had a history of reflux and could not afford the risk of a second revision and Gerd is the #1 reason for Sleeve to bypass revisions. also my doctor recommended it. Having said that, sleeve was my back up should the band damage have been so bad as to prevent a bypass. I strongly suggest you talk to your surgeon for guidance and for his/her own practice results and complication comparisons. every doctor should be able to provide that. I looked at the comparison between the two and found the complication rates to be negligible between them. eg at most a 1% difference. eg. in his practice RNY vitamin deficiency was 2% RNY vs. 1% sleeve. the only big difference being anemia 10% vs 5%. Dumping syndrome happens for about 30% of patients and if you are lucky enough to get it, it really works as a deterrent. research shows that the size of the pouch is not the determinant of long term weight loss. that people who regain typically have pouches the same size as people who do not regain. it is healthy eating and lifestyle habits that are the greatest determinant in long term success. the surgery buys you a metabolic reset for a period of time and rapid weight loss. that period is ideally used to develop good eating and lifestyle habits so that you can maximize loss and maintain it in the long run.

I had a revision back on June 16th 2017. I went from a VGB that was done in 1994 to a RNY on 6/16/2016 I had managed to keep off all the weight of for 20 years but the last two years it just came up and out of nowhere. But that wasn’t the issue the issue was that I had severe Gerd and major pain where the filter was located at. It had weakened over the years and it was very painful when I would eat or drink anything. That made it impossible for me to keep anything down. So my surgery was done to correct that issue. I’m now down 35 pounds and feeling [emoji817] better. No more pain thank goddess!! Now I’m having issues getting my primary insurance to pay for the sugary as it’s a non covered procedure. My secondary has paid some but I’m now appealing the denial. I hope it gets approved, otherwise I’m stuck paying 174k, as I was in the hospital for a week. Because of the type of surgery and how invasive it was a 3 day stay was minimum but I had complications due to my blood count being so low so I had to stay a little longer. Aka_ET HW-220 Pre-op 194.3 RNY SD June 16th 2017 CW-156 GW-140 HT 5' 3" [emoji120][emoji878][emoji1272] "You may see me struggle but you will never see me quit"

I was revised in January from a band to a sleeve. It’s an amazing difference. I’m down 103 from my highest and I don’t think I lost more than 30 lbs (which I gained back) with the band. It’s night and day and incredibly easier to live with! Band to sleeve revision surgery 1/16/17 HW: 283 CW: 180 GW: 160

Thanks for the visual breakdown by month. That's really helpful! I can only hope and pray mine goes like that... Being a revision band to sleeve, I've read that I should have low expectations... T-21 days till my surgery!!! Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app