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I am a little more than 2 years out from my Gastric Sleeve. Problem is, I never really lost any weight. In the first few weeks after surgery, when I was dehydrated, unable to drink, nauseated, and in pain, I dropped 25 pounds which immediately came back as soon as I could consume any nutrition at all. i only lost 5 pounds from my surgery. i am at that weight today. What really disgusts me is that prior to surgery, i was losing weight regularly. i had lost 62 pounds on my own. Now, I find it impossible to do so. I wish I could use my Sleeve, but it seems to be working against me, although I am unable to eat as much as before, I can eat a substantial amount and have a large appetite. I have seen my doctor, nutritionist, etc. For medical reasons, I am unable to exercise. Any suggestions? PS. i am on Medicare, they will not pay for revision surgery as I am 5 foot 4, 195 pounds.

Chapstick, extension cord for cell phone charger, get prescriptions filled before you leave. I brought so much stuff and didn't use anything except the chapstick and charger. Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 264.6 GW: 175

I'm about 85% sure I'm going with RNY. My main reasons are 1. that my BMI is over 50, and while many surgeons still do VSG for patients like me (and my surgeon was willing to do it), my current understanding is that in terms of the literature RNY is preferred for us super-obese folks; and 2. due to my life circumstances I need to lose weight very quickly - RNY has a significant edge over VSG in terms of % weight lost at the 1-year mark. VSG mostly catches up by 2 years, though, so many, many people are also very successful even though it might be a bit slower. Some lesser reasons, in no particular order... there is way more data on RNY particularly about complications and long-term success, just a result of it being around longer. With VSG you have about 1/3 risk of developing acid reflux or GERD. Also, you generally lose about 15-20 pounds less on average with VSG. (I want to emphasize it's an average. I believe the numbers I saw at 2 years were RNY 70-77% excess weight loss and VSG 68-70%. So even using averages, 70% is in range for both surgeries.) I have seen many posts of people getting revisions from VSG to RNY and as anesthesia is one of my greatest fears I have no interest in going under the knife again. A majority of people on this forum are sleeve patients so there is a lot of good info out there, and IMO it's a fabulous surgery. If I woke up after surgery and my surgeon said she had to do VSG instead of RNY for x or y reason I would not be unhappy at all. But there are definite pros to RNY as well, which I've noticed are sometimes not discussed. So there ya go

Hello my friends! It's been forever since I have had a minute to post anything...and I probably wouldn't be taking this minute now if I didn't need to The long story short is my hubs and I are stuck and yes I mean stuck cause we are the only ones around taking care of his ailing parents. I want to scream...last year I took care of my father who passed away just about this time last year. Since we have been what I think of as enslaved by the other side of the family. Seriously as sick as my father was he never called me up at 8 am after I got off a 24 hour shift to take him for a shave and to gossip at the gas station with his friends. Really?! My husband is a Saint cause I would be telling him to go scratch. You have a 40 year old son at home that drives your car doesn't pay rent, and does nothing!! Yes he may be "slow" but he's capable and he's gonna step up or I am going to take a bat to him!! That will be a good excuse then when both your legs are broken! Liz you can feel me right?! OK all that said...I'm having my band removed in the next couple of weeks! I went to the Dr. yesterday and even though I'm not feeling any symptoms it appears that the band has slipped!! Last year I was sick as a dog with Pancreatitis throwing up all the time and nothing was wrong with the band. I had no fluid in it...and then in January I had an esphogram and put some fluid back in things were looking and feeling good...of course then I broke my foot and was in a brace from February to June!! Now I go in with just a touch of acid reflux and the band has slipped and a have a bad prolapse the surgeon said and they want to take it out ASAP. So...yeah..here I am. OK they take the band out...can't have a revision for at least 3-6 months they say...and honestly do I want one? I don't know. I always fall in that 1% of people. You know how they say Birth Control pills are 99% effective...? Right that one percent is where I fall. His name is Christopher and he will be 22. Same for the band if the percentage of the band works for 75% of people I fall right in that 25% of those who it fails. So my band has failed, the fluid is out again while I wait for all the pre-op testing and other fun stuff so they can remove it....thank goodness I'm not suffering at all some reflux but I'm on liquids from now until what will probably be eternity (it's OK I'm used to it by now it's one of the few things that doesn't make me feel sick.) I haven't lost any more weight...but guys...what would you do? Would you even think about a revision? Would you do the sleeve cause everyone is on the sleeve train? Would you do the gold standard and do RNY or would you call it a day leave your innards alone and just be you?

I had revision from sleeve to DS on the 28th. I can drink more than I was able to the days (one ounce) following surgery. I don't gulp. If I try to drink too much (like three swallows/drink) my tummy says, 'have you lost your mind'. I have never had to vomit behind any weight loss surgery. I'm struggling to get my protein in because my body (for the first time) is rejecting all things sugar free - doesn't matter the type...I'm married to the throne.

Fellow DS fam..... I keep reading about sipping water. I was very much in shock when I could take a fairly average drink of water. When I had my gastric bypass and took a large "gulp" of water it was like NOPE and would come back up. With my DS I can take a normal drink of water...just wondering if I was alone in this. I saw my lil pouch whenever they did the x-ray to make sure no holes or leakage, but I have still shocked. Could it possibly be because I am still on the "liquid" diet per say? Today is the first day that I can have soft protein eggs,beans and what not....so I am just curious. I did not eat any eggs or oatmeal this morning just went with a protein shake- and I brought another for lunch. I plan on making the ricotta bake tonight for dinner. I have not yet seen the push back from my tummy saying no, you cannot take anymore but then in that same sentence I am not "eating" to get full just trying to reach my protein intake. Which honestly yesterday was the first day I got maybe 65 grams of protein....I was super stoked. I appreciate any advice, really want to hear back from fellow DS people....TIA!

My weight loss surgery journey started when I had LapBand done in 2004 at the age of 19. I weighed 330 pounds the day of surgery. At 7 months post-op, I had lost down to 215. That is when my problems with the LapBand started! My port was placed right on my waist-line...One day, I was sitting at work and leaned forward and heard and felt a "pop". The button on my jeans had snapped my port in half!!! I had the port replaced at 9 months post-op. That was the end of my weight loss... I had all kinds of problems over the next 9+ years. I couldn't eat if I was wearing a bra (I was a 42H at the time, so I NEVER left the house without a bra on!). One day I could eat ANYTHING, and everything, the next day I could only tolerate liquids. Most days, drinking anything would result in severe nausea. I had horrible GERD/reflux, even on meds, and also had Barrett's Esophagus . Fast forward to 2014....I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy (because of the GERD/reflux and chronic constipation). During the endoscopy, the doctor hit the side of my stomach right where the LapBand was and that caused it to slip. I suffered for over a week barely able to get 1 ounce of liquid an hour down. I averaged, at most, 10-15 ounces of liquid in a 24 hour period. I got my surgeon to agree to take it out, but I had to get to the hospital he works at, 3 hours from home. I borrowed money for gas and my best friend and I hit the road. Once I got to the ER at the hospital, I was SO dehydrated that 4 different nurses tried to get an IV on me and had no luck. They finally got an ultrasound machine and used it to get the IV started. After surgery the next day, I felt like a new woman! I could finally drink without getting nauseated! Even though I was recovering from surgery, I felt better than I had in months...maybe years!!!!! I could finally drink/eat without nausea. With the LapBand out, I wasn't able to stay on track and gained a lot of weight back. My highest recorded weight was 488, but I think I was probably closer to 500. In May 2015, I scheduled an appointment with the local bariatric surgeon in my hometown. After a 6 month waiting period (required by my insurance), I finally had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy on December 15, 2015, just 1 month before my 31st birthday. I was so ready to start losing weight again! After the VSG, my GERD/reflux got SOOOO much worse! I was taking Protonix 40mg 2 times a day and Zantac 300mg 2 times a day and it didn't touch the reflux. I always had Tums and some kind of hard candy with me, because that was the only way I could tolerate the reflux. My surgeon even attempted using Botox injections in my pylorus to stop the reflux. That didn't work, and after much discussion, my surgeon and I decided that the best thing that could be done was to do another surgery to convert to RNY gastric bypass. I was TERRIFIED! I didn't want the malabsorption problems that come with RNY. That is why I had previously chosen the LapBand and VSG. I really didn't have much choice but to have the revision to RNY because it was dangerous for me to continue to reflux because Barrett's Esophagus put you at a higher risk of having esophageal cancer in the future. I had the revision to RNY on February 28th, 2017, 1 month after my 32nd birthday. I am currently 19 months post-op from the VSG and 4 months post-op RNY revision and I have lost a total of 193 pounds! I am thrilled with my progress, but still have a LONG way too go!!!! I would like to lose another 80-100 pounds for a goal weight of around 180-220 pounds (I'm 6 feet tall). I have NO regrets after having WLS, except I just wish I'd had RNY in the first place when I started this journey 13 years ago. I just had my 3 month post-op labs done and they were perfect!! Sent from my Z983 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my surgery 6/21/17. During my pre-op diet I had one protein shake in the morning with my vitamins one protein shake for lunch and a lean dinner. Also, keep your mind busy and keep productive, you should be fine. I'm now finishing my phase one and tomorrow going to a nutrition class and transitioning to phase two. I'm excited to finally have some kind of soft foods. Anyhow, I wish you the best of luck on your new journey, and New Life. Band to RY revision: 6/21/17 HW: 210 Pre-op: 194 SW: 190 CW: 176 GW: 120 Sent from my LG-K540 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm post-op but my best piece of advice is to keep busy. Idle mind and hands seek snacks. Best of luck!! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW: 254 GW: 175

I went to Dr. Ayoola originally, really loved him. But his office staff was lacking and honestly had me on the run around. (maybe things have changed- my first visit with him was Oct. 20. 2016) Pushed back my process a bit- I found Dr. Smith in Fort worth - I had the revision completed on 6/28 and he was wonderful and I cannot speak any higher of his staff.

I understand how you feel. I was denied a sleeve and I have learned a lot about the appeal process. First of all, do not give up. One denial is not the end, not by a long shot. First, the best plan is to have your provider initiate a peer to peer appeal before you get involved. They can speak the language and explain the risks and complications. In my case I have had mechanical failure of the band for the past 13 years, including a revision to a new band in 2015. In your case, did your doctor say if the band contributed to the issue? Even if not, you have been successful with it and removing it because of unrelated issues is not your fault. Talk to your doctor and see what they say. There are plenty of stories of people appealing themselves and getting the approval. Keep us posted!

JTHmom, I had the band to sleeve revision done, and I am 5' 6", had the band at 240, the sleeve at 192 on April 7th, and CW is 178. My doctor was great and realized that if the band was removed, I would be right back where I was in the beginning. I did, however, have to fight with my insurance company to get it approved because at 192 I didn't qualify. They would cover the band removal. Crazy, right? I don't think that he made my pouch as small as some of his other patients. I have had no problems with eating, nausea or pain. Maybe sit down with your doctor and try to get him/her to see your side of things. Good luck, and don't give up!

Band to sleeve revision here! BEST. DECISION. EVER. Banded 2010 Sleeved Dec 2016 Lost 142 lbs and still going!

I am having revision surgery on the 18th in texas Sent from my Samsung Chromebook Plus using BariatricPal mobile app

I watch Experiencing Nirvana on yt. She's had rny, band over bypass, and is getting a revision to the ds. I love her channel. Sent from my LG-H872 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, revising to the sleeve is a very personal decision and one that you really need to put a lot of thought into. It is a commitment that you give yourself for life because, as you rightly said, it is permanent. And that is exactly why I chose it. I too am 7 years out - I was a real slow loser and never met my target weight - I was a pound from my surgeon's target weight at one point, but never reached my personal one. Does that matter? No! Not at all. Over the last 18mths I have experienced some gain though. Now, that does matter as it is really bothering me - I am sure you can understand that! But I also went into early menopause and I am sure that this is part of my regain (even though my doc says not!). I am desperately trying to lose the regain. Eating sensibly and exercising again - I suppose I got a little complacent too, but not in a 'shovel all the junk into my mouth' kinda way. But I did stop exercising to the intensity I was, preferring long walks that didn't help with weight loss but helped mentally - where I live there is some beautiful scenery! So I am back in the gym, doing harder classes and sweating more! I have to dedicate time for 'me' and allow myself to do the exercise that I used to love. This weight loss malarkey is a complicated ole thing and we are all so very different. What works for one, doesn't work for another. Good luck in whatever you chose.

I had the band to sleeve revision. It was the best thing I had ever done. I was miserable with the band as I would eat and throw up with the healthy food but could easily eat the crap food. I'm blessed with my federal employee insurance and paid 300 dollars for everything. But average price is about 4500 dollars in Mexico, some very reputable doctors I personally had Dr. Salas for a full body lift and removal of thigh skin which was done when I had lost weight on my own prior to the band ( which was worthless) or sleeve. It has been the best thing I have ever done. I'm a little over a month out and down almost 60 lbs ( if I'm not mistaken). After surgery I was really weak for about 2 weeks but could have managed working at home.. good luck

I am considering a revision from band to sleeve, and had a few questions. Does anyone feel comfortable telling me what the self pay price was? I have United Heath Care, amd bariatric isnt covered. I just started a new job 2 weeks ago and can't take 2 weeks off. I bet I could work from home....? Do you think I would feel up to it? With the band you cant eat certain things or you will throw up. Is it the same with the sleeve? I am scared because its permanent, but HAVE to get this weight off again! Thanks everyone!

I just had a Lapband revision to Gastric Bypass on July 5th. I was not required to do the diet beforehand. At first I thought it was strange but figure it was because I did not regain my Lapband weight loss and have been doing low carb for about 18 months. He said day before surgery, have a very light breakfast, lunch, and only clear liquids after noon. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

My question is, are you having a lap band, sleeve, or the gastric bypass? When they did a revision from lap band to gastric bypass. I had a drainage ball put into my left side. I did have some complications with that drainage ball and my doctor put me on some medication as well. Anyhow, everyone is different so everyone heals in a different rate and every surgery is different as well. With that being said, I'm only speaking from my experience and to let you know I'm still in the healing process. I just had my surgery on June 21st, I'm still in the liquid phase and getting ready to transition to soft foods next Wednesday. I wish you the best of luck on your new journey and New Life because so far this is been hard but very rewarding. I'm now 19lb (178lb current weight) lighter and in just the weeks and I feel amazing, I can feel my health improving slowly. So back to the point, as for healing time I think one week the minimum and three the max. Perhaps, you may be different, perhaps you only need a few days. I say one week minimum because you'll be bloated with air and it will be very hard to come out for the first few days unless you walk consistently to help pass that gas. A little tip of advise; you will need to make sure you buy some chewable Gas-X that helps wonders, get a pillow for when you need to cough because you will coughing and sneezing at some point. Also try to concentrate on your water and protein intake, so far I haven't had any problems with that. And be on top of your vitamins or you will lose a lot of hair. If you have any questions feel free to ask because I'm still going through it. Best of luck to you. Sent from my LG-K540 using BariatricPal mobile app

Personally I wouldn't go into a revision with the thought of having another surgery. If you are like me, I want it done right the 1st time. I know about the Band as my hubby had his for 13years and then all of the sudden he couldn't eat or drink. The plan was to revise the band to the RNY. When they got in there his band had eroded into his Liver. There was to much bleeding and damage that they backed out and told him in 3 months they would do another surgery to the RNY, he got deathly sick because he had Abcesses. He was so sick and it went on and on!! For 9 months and 2 extra surgeries and Wound Vac and daily removal of the black bandage that looked like a SOS pad. # months he doesn't even remember!! It was HORRIBLE to say the least!! Fast forward to 2015, we used my Kia Soul and got a loan. We went to Juarez, Mexico. Thats another story that I won't have you suffer thru. When they got in there his entire right side was solid scar tissue, once again they couldn't do the revision to a RNY!! They did do a SLEEVE on him and a year later he has lost 135#'s!! Also lost enough that they could do a ablasion on his kidney because he had Cancer. They couldn't do anything until he lost enough weight. So that was a huge relief for us all. Any how this has been a long post and I am sorry, but I just wanted to say we don't always get what we want done so I stick with my upper post as "Don't go into WLS thinking that later you can have another WLS done. Good Luck I look forward to following your journey!!

Having had the band so long, it's possible there is damage to your stomach wall. Many times this influences which procedure you get. (Usually bypass since the pouch would be formed out of the stomach that previously was above the band) Your surgeon can help make this determination. I'm inclined to say the bypass because revisions aren't quite as effective as virgin procedures, and so the extra oomph could work in your favor. It's generally a one-and-done type procedure. Another option to consider is start with a sleeve, leaving possibility of DS open down the road. (two surgeries) It's always a tough decision... good luck, whatever you decide!

People typically go for a sleeve to bypass revision because there was something wrong with the sleeve (strictures, excess fundus left behind, etc.) that the surgeon didn't know how to correct or was incompatible with their physiology, often causing significant reflux problems that couldn't be corrected with diet or medication. Doing such a revision simply for inadequate weight loss or regain reasons is less successful as the two procedures are very similar in their strength, or power, against weight problems. Regain characteristics are similar for both procedures, though some patient may be more compatible with one or the other (think of it as a personality fit or conflict.) Look carefully at what the reasons for your regain were and address them first, or else you are likely to have the same problem in another few years. The more one gets into doing revisions, the more one paints oneself into a corner, leaving fewer options in the future. Also, the bypass is something of a dead end procedure, as it is very difficult to revise it to something else if it isn't compatible with you - they can do bands over the bypass or various means of tightening the stoma but none have a very high success rate. The best way to correct a poorly performing bypass is to revise it to a DS (duodenal switch) which offers much better regain resistance than either the sleeve or the bypass, but is a very compex revision from a bypass (there's maybe a half dozen surgeons around the country qualified for such a procedure.) Fortunately, the DS is a very straightforward revision from a sleeve as it uses the sleeve as its basis, so that would be something to seriously consider if you need to revise a sleeve for weightloss or regain purposes. This doc has several youtube videos out there that are worth watching and maybe get some ideas of what can be done in your situation. His overall diet/lifestyle approach is fairly vegetable intensive approach which has a lot of merit but may or may not be something that you can do. Good luck in working through this problem.....

Hello Everyone, I'll spare you the whole drawn out story, but the short version is this: I had lap band surgery pretty young 12 years ago. I lost 100% of excess weight, had reconstructive surgeries, was in treatment for an eating disorder and gained it all back. I'm fully recovered and figuring out what's next. I have worked with my surgeon with the band and it isn't useful anymore. Any fills at all give me HORRIBLE heartburn and even without a fill, food gets stuck every meal. I'm strongly considering a revision to bypass or sleeve (can't decide). Have any of you done this? What was weight loss like the second time around? How was it different? I have about 170ish to lose. I'm 32 now and was 20 when I had the band put in.

I had my surgery.....Lap Band removal, revision to Sleeve.....almost 2 weeks ago, June 26, 2017. I am quite swelled on my upper left side incision area, and have been since surgery. Has anyone else had this swelling, or does everyone have it? I'm wondering if it was due to removal of my port, as it was a good size. I've kept ice packs on this area but can't really tell it's going down much. My doc office says as long as it's not hurting, it's ok. Maybe I'm worrying too much!! Thanks.