Search the Community

I also have Cigna. Have you heard anything from your insurance ? I'm trying for a revision band to RNY. I'm so nervous. What did your insurance require ?

Hello! We have the same surgery date! I had my original surgery in Dec. 2009 and I am having a revision from RNY to VSG and DS. I do understand the struggle with the liquid stage. The first time I was on it for 3 weeks before surgery and this time my surgeon isn't requiring me to but I am because I think it is better for my body. Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Oh yes showing your face probably really helps when trying to find a match You look amazing! I'm hoping that once I get through this surgery, I'll be able to eat better and actually focus on my health and healing once and for all. I'm still not sure what revision is the best...everyone is pushing the sleeve, but you know if your going to have to do it again I would want to do what's best for me not just what's "popular"because I can see how that doesn't work for everyone just like for me the band was not the winning tool. My body is rejecting it. With all the technology and tools out there I would think that there would be a way to gather the metrics on a person and determine the type of surgery that would work for that individual over another just because it's less invasive, or less maintenance, or more popular or cost efficient than another which might be the actual golden ticket to help the patient reach their ultimate health goals. I have to go through all the medical testing to check my breathing and heart and all that stuff again...including my "mental" state...but how about diagnosing the reason for my obesity and why the band was a failure no matter how little, how much, or what foods I ate didn't eat or threw up?

Hi! You guys have some experience here! So please let me pick your brains! I was banded in 2013 lost about 60 pounds, and have gained some back due to many complications from the band and other health issues. Here I am now with a total band slip and prolapse miserable can't keep much down without feeling sick 23 out of 24 hours. Dr. has me scheduled for band removal on August 9th. I'm wondering what the recovery will be like...will I be able to get that nutrition in again because right now I am feeling just weak and tired from not being able to eat more than ice cream or shakes! I am taking my vitamins. We have also talked about having a sleeve revision in a couple of months after I go through the insurance gambit of medical testing etc. all over again. I'm not looking forward to yet another surgery...and I'm wondering if the sleeve is the way to go, or if I am going to go through all this medical testing again for approval I should just push for the bypass and get the weight off without "guessing" if the sleeve is going to work out for me or not. I'm always the one that falls in the failure percentage rates...I been using this analogy alot lately...you know if birth control pills are 98% effective to prevent pregnancy well yep I am the 2% who got pregnant while on them taking them without fail every day even after I was pregnant and Dr.'s couldn't believe it, his name is Christopher and he's now a healthy 22 year old! What is your advise? Also how painful is recovery from the band removal? I am hearing the port site muscle is sectioned and that causes some major discomfort and pain for a while....

nv_mom_27 I feel your pain with the throwing up bit. I have been having that issue for quite some time and the only things that really sit well are the BAD things. Ice cream has become my nemesis this summer. I'm not afraid of the surgery, I'm actually looking forward to it. Thinking of it as a surgical vacation of sorts as bad as that sounds! I really need a brake from all the "drama" around me and some time to recoup my health. I just feel so weak and tired all the time. I'm sure it's from not getting enough nutrients in as well as being overweight. It is my sincere hope that once this band is out that I feel better and can get that needed nutrition in to feel better and recover. Once it's done, I'm going to focus on the next step which will probably be a conversion to the sleeve which will take me a few more months to get all the medical information in order, and trying not to gain any weight back. I hear they will not approve it if weight is gained... Though I am not looking forward to yet another surgery...everyone including my primary care doctor is advocating the revision to help to lose the excess weight. I just want to feel better.

I'm 8 weeks out and have no regrets. My common channel is one and a half cm longer in length, so 150 cm as opposed to 100 cm, which means I absorb a little more than the average DS patient. They warned me about foul smelling gas and bathroom visits, but I haven't noticed any of that, perhaps due to my longer common channel. In fact, since I revised from the Lap-Band, my gas is way down. One bit of information no one told me about was that if you eat something that has too much fat or grease, you might see orange oil float to the top of the toilet. This freaked me out the first time it happened because no one had mentioned it. Might seem like a small issue, but whoever sees orange oil in the toilet? I still have to make food choices because I'm still able to eat carbs, but to be successful I have cut them way back. I'm finally seeing results in the mirror and in my clothes. It's a different life but one I can live with.

Hello BariatricPal Friends! It's been close to 4 years since I've posted on here and didn't realize this site was still kicking! Anyway, I'm here to tell you about my story about me and my Lap-Band. I've had my Lap-Band for 2 and a half years before I had revision surgery because mine slipped due to me losing too much weight and my adjustments were very frequent. Before revision surgery, I was down 120lbs. After revision, I haven't gone back to the doctor. The last four years of my life have been a roller coaster. I'm close to my starting weight before starting my journey in 2013. Well after getting married, my daughter being born and fast forward to 2017, I'm back where I started before getting weight loss surgery... Crazy huh? It's not a good feeling by any means that's for sure. I could sit here all night and give a list of excuses. The biggest area of my problems was in my marriage (currently getting divorced). My significant other was against my surgery after my revision and it was a downward spiral from there emotionally, mentally and spiritually among other martial issues that hindered my weight. I got into bad habits again and just felt like my self worth and self esteem was non exist. I picked up all my weight I worked so hard to lose. Worst feeling in the world and feel like my surgery wasn't worth it and that I'm just another lap band patient that picked all their weight back up! Well now going through the motions of a divorce and will be putting it in the past once everything is settled, I've started to get back in the groove of things and I'm getting back to my old self again of taking control and have already seen weight loss and have seen my Lap Band doctor. I'm glad to be back on track and I can't wait to see the what future holds! -I'm a 5 year veteran with plenty of experience with the lap band so if anyone needs advice or wants to ask questions let me know! I used to be very active on this site! -Amine

Awww thank you! [emoji5] Your doctor is right if you want it and work for it you'll see results. It is day and night from the band. People talk about band restriction, what?!? I was only ever stuck, sick or hungry for 9,5 years. This is a whole new ball game. I had a TON of scar tissue, it was all over my spleen and liver and everywhere else inside. It took the doctor forever to operate, my husband thought something terrible had happened. You'll see the difference is incredible. I'm not very familiar with Hashimoto's, just try to research as much as you can about your condition and VSG. Even though we had that band mindset and should know how to eat post-op for me it was a learning experience and still is. A few bites of a protein and I'm done. The band was never like that for me. Any questions feel free to PM me. Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 249 GW: 175

I've heard that also they came to that conclusion that we lose slower because our metabolism has already taken a hit and is a bit shot. Personally, I didn't loose much with the band, maybe 20 lbs., I was nowhere near goal. I immediately has issues with it post op. That being said my new surgeon who did my revision doesn't feel like it should be an issue getting to 170 and even 160 which is about a 120-130 loss. It may take longer but I didn't gain all this weight overnight either. I will admit stalls are frustrating as hell, there is no consistency in losing. Time of the month bloat and water retention is evil and messes with your head. I began to workout 6 days a week at 4 weeks post-op, cardio and strength. I always eat my protein first and if it's not a day where I can meet my protein requirements Premier is there aS a pinch hitter for me. Like the others I log all food that I put in my mouth, even the occasional bad stuff. Just take it one day at a time. Best of luck!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 246 GW: 175

Glad to hear you are better! My surgeon also said I had scar tissue on my liver & spleen from the band and it took him forever to get it out. Thank God that trash is out of us now!! Best of luck! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 246 GW: 175

Lapband revision to sleeve completed! My surgery went well, I came home today-on Stage 1-clear SF liquids...can't wait for Stage 2! Good luck everyone!! BTW dont weigh your self immediately post-op, they pump you with so much IV fluids you will likely weigh more than you did pre-op.

Revision to bypass to resolve your GERD really might be something you need to consider. I still have very serious restriction at 7 years out. Two meatballs and a quarter cup of veggies, a couple bites of carb. Tonight I had chicken - I couldn't eat a quarter of a b/s breast, and I had a quarter cup veg, and 3 bites of rice. I stay 116-118 pounds and don't go lower by eating from the time I get up until I go to bed, mainly protein, but carbs, too, as I like. You need easy to consume calories, earlier posts are spot on. If sugars flare your GERD, soups are an option, and add unflavored protein if you can tolerate it. I'd be drinking as many calories as you can until you can find a solution. I'm so sorry you find yourself in this situation. And I'm so sorry you haven't found support. I really recommend you meet with your original surgeon, if possible. A revision, due to your very troublesome GERD, might not be your favorite idea, but it might drastically improve your quality of life. Be well, Cheri

If you weren't nervous you wouldn't be normal We all have that fear of the unknown and worse case scenario!! I promise you'll come home and be happy it's over.. and onto a better healthier life.. I had a really complicated surgery, and losts of recovery issues (I was revised from band to sleeve with a TON of scar tissue...) and I would still do it again!

I just got back from my Dr visit and my paperwork to my insurance is being submitted.I am really getting scared.Does anyone have and regrets having this revision done ?

Getting revision done from sleeve to bypass on August 21 anybody who has done the same by the way is because of gerd

How are you feeling now?? Any complications or anything? I had my revision on Tuesday

I had my lap band removed on May 18th of this year. I didn't have any restrictions after surgery concerning eating. My doctor told me that my stomach will be swollen for about six months or so, and because of the large amount of scar tissue I had he can't due revision surgery I hope I helped you a little bit. Goid luck . The hardest part for me was the no lifting for 4 weeks after. Take care.

A couple of weeks ago, I went in for my regular check up with my Bariatric team. I was banded in 2013 and though initially I lost about 40 pounds, I never really saw the weight loss that many others I know have. I had issues on and off with my health, including a bout of what was diagnosed as pancreatitis last summer. It was a very stressful time in my life, my father was terminally ill and nearing the end of his journey. As a main care giver stress was very high. I was sick nearly every day with everything I ate. My band was emptied since I was having these issues and at one point so swollen I could not swallow my own saliva. I had an upper GI and all was well, no damage and no "real" reason for these issues. My father expired in July of last year, and the intensity of the on the go stress diminished though my stress itself is an ever present thing. As a mother of 5 boys one special needs, caring for my in laws one with dementia and Parkinsons, one who is now critically ill as well in and of hostpials and rehabs, along with their 40 year old highly functioning special needs adult working a full time job helping my son over come his drug addiction relapse and get back on his feet while trying to get our youngest (22) on his feet, not to mention our disabled 24 year old who just stays in his room all day playing video games and watching TV. So yeah..back to me. I had some fluid slowly put back into the band to see if I could get back on track and start losing some weight as my weight was going up, and I was not feeling well. Suffering from a badly twisted pulled and stress fractured ankle and foot this winter. (That slowed me down but didn't stop me!) I reached a point where I was doing well I though! I was actually losing some weight. I was still totally exhausted and not really able to eat everything but that was OK right? to be expected? Then came the acid reflux. It was mild enough for a pepsid to handle and I didn't want to think much of it. I guess my issue is that I am so busy doing and going that often I am hurting and I disregard it and put it in the back of my mind. If it doesn't cripple me or bring me to my knees I just keep plugging away. So the PA said I think we need a barium swallow. Hey I lost weight this month! I think NOT! I don't have time for this...radiology...and registration...nope I need to get back to work! Well she won in the end and they took me right away..and yep the band slipped and I had a huge prolapse. (FML) So what now...? I don't have symptoms or do I? OK so now that I know there is something wrong..now everything is wrong and every wince is from the band. Now I feel nauseous all the time, I'm weak I'm tired I have to throw up. In reality I probably was like this for months and just ignored it because there was just too much to do.... Now next week they are taking out the band. I am scheduled for surgery on August 9th. If I want to revise (they are suggesting the sleeve) I have to wait 3 months and re-do all the same testing and hoop jumping that I did back when I was banded in 2013. I'm not sure how I feel about a revision...I seem to fall in that "failure" percentage rate. You know birth control is 98% effective and 2% get pregnant..yeah his name is Christopher. Most people I speak to say they would revise, and yes my Dr. tells me I need to lose the weight. I have heart issues and breathing issues (no smoking for me ever) and sure another tool is great...but right now... I'm wondering what can I expect from the band removal surgery? Have you had your band removed? If so...what was your experience? Where you sick before the surgery? Keeping mostly liquids etc down? Good days/bad days? Were you in major pain in the port area after surgery to remove the band? I hear that people feel more pain in the muscle there... Did you feel less "sick" after surgery no more nausea? Were you able to eat "normally" again or were you still eating mushy liquids for a while? Did you chose to have a revision surgery? If so...what and why? I'd love to have a dynamic discussion about it, and of course as I travel through this experience I'll keep you updated with my progress.

Those who say this is the easy way out is clueless. I've struggled just as much losing weight after surgery as I did before surgery. I can't lose weight no matter what my medical team and I try. I follow the diets suggestions from the doctors and dietitians. I get my fluids and my vitamins. My husband and I got into a fight and he called me a failure yesterday. My doctor is suggesting a revision from my sleeve to the duodenal switch. That scares me and everyone around me says not to do it. I don't want to go through another surgery and fail again. I just want to cry but I am empty. I have no more to give right now. I am at a loss. I've tried it all.

You've made the choice to have surgery to stop yourself from yo-yoing and to give you a lifelong tool to success. There is absolutely no shame in that. I had feelings of sadness when I had my surgery. Mainly that I had waited so long to do it - and I was 32 at the time! I had a sleeve and I'm having an extremely rare complication now so I'm revising to gastric bypass. I lost 150 lbs with my sleeve and was still obese because I was so heavy to start with. Now, I'm just looking forward to feeling healthy again (it's been a long, rough year of sickness and diagnosing my complication) and losing all the weight I intended to lose when I had my sleeve. We all struggle. Even "skinny" people struggle. Being overweight is due to so many factors, none of which can be changed at this point. Did I contribute to my own obesity? Sure, but now I'm working on resolving it. Being sad does nothing but keep you feeling bad about yourself, and you are a strong person to take all the steps needed to get to your surgery date. I congratulate you on the hard work you've put in so far and wish you a fast recovery and great success in the future. You haven't failed a thing! You're still alive to keep fighting! <3

Ditto what others said about drinking calories. The GERD is definitely an issue. Might have to revise to a bypass, but see if drinking 3000cal a day doesn't slow the losses in the meantime.

Hello I had lap band surgery in 2014 and did very well initially list 70 lb wanted to lose more but it just wasn't working blood sugar decreased everything looked great but from last year weight has been slowly creeping up gained 20 lb sugar is up too it's a linear relationship I'm very scared of diabetes and am considering ds I know a person who had it done over 8 years ago and he is very happy I did some reading and found there are many lap band patients who end up doing other surgeries abs it appears that ds is the most effective esp to deal with diabetes if anyone has any comments please I need some help here tia

I had to have one to diagnose GURD and have my revision. Aka_ET HW-220 Pre-op 194.3 RNY SD June 16th 2017 CW-176 GW-140 HT 5' 3" [emoji120][emoji878][emoji1272] "You may see me struggle but you will never see me quit"

Absolutely, it saved my life. I would do it over again, but hopefully I won't have to. I know that there are some that eventually need a revision, but that's life, not everyone reacts the same. It's not a free pass to go back to pathological eating patterns, though. I've know several people over the years that thought they could maintain their weight loss by eating LESS of their trigger foods. I bet you can guess how that worked out!

Geri, your story is nearly my story. My band was removed yesterday. I'm working on insurance requirements. Revision will hopefully be scheduled for November. I haven't committed to sleeve or bypass, but leaning towards the sleeve. Sent from my SM-T560NU using BariatricPal mobile app