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I am having my band revised to RNY and do not have to do the diet again because I have several serious complications with the band. Also, my surgeons office said that it would be covered by Medicare and BCBS.

I am also being revised from the BIG mistake of having the Lapband from Hell to RNY on July 5. My surgeon also recommended RNY over VSG because I also developed GERD after the band. He said VSG would make it worse. I have also had people, including a couple of docs scare the bejeesus out of me! I only have 30-40 lbs. to lose because I kept my weight off - only because I was sick all of the time. Friends are also giving me a hard time about having another surgery... my doc said 95% of patients that have the band removed gain their weight back. I have health problems that the weight would affect, heart, joints, gastro and endocrine, and I am prediabetic. My post is long too. I am also more comfortable with the sleeve but don't want my GERD to get worse so I just have to have trust in my very excellent surgeon! Still scared though!

Hi there. I had the lap band for about 5 years and just revised it to a sleeve a few days ago. I asked my surgeon about reflux. He said if I had issues with reflux with the band I will probably still have them with the sleeve. Conversely if one didn't have reflux issues before the sleeve it's unlikely that they'd have it afterwards. I don't know if that helps at all but that's what he told me.

I could swear that it was me writing your post -- except I had my surgery on 4/10 and I'm a band to bypass revision. Nevertheless, like you, I too wonder if I had the surgery. I've not experienced dumping (admittedly I haven't eaten any sweets or pushed any envelopes), I feel good, I seem to be able to eat anything, etc. And I've only lost 30 lbs. to date -- so you're doing better than I am. If I lost almost 70 lbs. like you, I'd be jumping for joy. I don't mean to make you feel badly about your complaining about your weight loss. It's just that my weight loss is so slow and I don't understand what's up with that. Someone? Anyone? Bunny

I too am considering revision to RNY. My lap-band experience was good for a while, and I lost weight, but I developed esophageal dilation and had to have an unfill. I've regained all my weight plus some, and now am not sure what to do. I qualify for conversion, I'm just scared. Will I ever be able to eat foods I enjoy again? Will I look like a shriveled flappy scarecrow? After lapband, I had lots of extra skin and it bugged me, so I'm not thrilled about that. But I'm at high risk of diabetes, have high cholesterol and inflammatory arthritis. I have lots of foot and ankle pain and swelling, so it's hard to get moving and exercise. I just don't know if I have any hope left that I can make a long lasting change without more surgery.

Thanks to both of you for the responses. Amforshort congrats on your revision, we had the same procedure one day apart. I won't get into gory details but I took miralax once every night since the surgery and yesterday it started cleaning me out. It wasn't as unpleasant as stimulant laxatives have been in the past so I would recommend it to others. How are you feeling 5 days in?

July 17th here as well! I am a revision from sleeve to RNY

Hello All, I have had my band removed. Pre removal I lost @ 25 pounds and stayed there for about 2 years but also didn't continue with support or follow up with my doctor. Had been approved for both removal and revision but there is an issue with "acid reflux". So on hold for GSV. Question: Has anyone who had to wait not been able to complete their process and was it related to acid reflux? I am almost 3 weeks out since the removal and this is creating a whole bunch of other issues...no band, no restrictions, no stopping. To revert back so quickly. Support groups don't exist for the limbo state. Any suggestions?

Hardly anyone knows that i had weight-loss surgery...AGAIN! and even few people know that I went to Mexico to have my band to sleeve revision. I'm 5 days post-op. (June 8 2017). I'm not sure if I'm ready to recommend it to all of my friends yet...however...I followed their pre-op without a single cheat. I lost 23 pounds in the pre-op diet but even more importantly I have been pain free. No gas pains. No about pains. Flying home only 3 days post-op was excruciating but only because it was so exhausting. So I may be getting closer to recommending it. My insurance is great as long as you don't mention weight-loss surgery. So my lapband surgeon actually recommended Mexico and the hospital. My revision was going to be about $28k in the US. Mexico was $4900. That's a big incentive. If you're going to Mexico here are some things I learned. I'm writing them down here so I don't forget too... Bring... Your own towel or two Your own pillow (I brought mine and it helped having it in the hospital and on the plane) Baby wipes for the bathroom. It gets messy. Water shoes (a lot of women wore slippers but I've never been real good at them. Plus I could keep these on while sleeping. And you need them for the shower anyway) Giant sanitary pads (Mother Nature is a b***h and I got my period the day after surgery. Tampons were not happening. Plus it helps with the surprise "juice fart") Extension cord for plugging in phone chargers and cpap machines Your own bandages and tape. For after you leave the hospital. I also brought juice and protein shakes in my checked baggage. I wasn't sure what they had for a liquid diet and if I was going to like it. They had jello and broth and they were delicious. My US surgeon also gave me a prescription for nausea and pain for the flight home. I ended up not needing either but I was so glad it was there just in case. Lysol/Clorox Wipes...I'm a bit of a germ freak Clothes. They have gowns of course but you will be up walking around so much you need something else. I wore loose Capri pull-on pants and giant tshirts. Several sets. Not fancy. Loose comfy old panties Compression socks. Several pairs. They have their own and they are stickers about keeping them on until you get home! I understand the importance. But so glad I had brought a couple of pairs. A very supportive person to go with you. My husband is a super hero without a cape. Unlike my roommates friend she brought. Gave her a sip of her beer she snuck into the hospital! No joke!!! A drink of beer about 24 hours out of surgery! Which brings me to this...whatever you can get private room!! They have them. I saw them. My roommate was so annoying! A phone and a tablet going all day and night with loud games and videos...even at 3am!!! I probably should have brought her some headphones! Bring yourself some too. At least some ear plugs. One of the best things I did was set up a private Facebook Group with only 9 of my closest friends and family that knew what was going on. I could keep everyone updated (in the terribly spotty WiFi service. Don't believe the free WiFi pitch. It's there. sometimes. If you're lucky.) Anyway, my husband kept everyone updated there too after surgery until I was coherent enough. It was great. I loved seeing that everyone was praying for me. It was fun. Like home. Again, I'm not ready to fully recommend it. Maybe soon. I hear a lot of people wake up from surgery with "what did I just do?" Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using BariatricPal mobile app

I had a band to sleeve revision on June 8. This surgery was so much easier than the band. I assume it's from all the walking they had me do at the hospital. I hadn't had any gas pain at all and I haven't had any pain killers since leaving the hospital. Total day and night difference from my band surgery. So amazing testimonies...like... No gas pain No stomach pain Incisions healing well Can walk and move with no pain However...I got hit with bronchitis. This happened after the lapband surgery too. I went to my PCP a couple of weeks before surgery and said it felt like bronchitis coming in. She assured me it was just allergies. I can tell you now, definitely not allergies. The coughing has made my back and stomach sore. I thank God for my bipap because it gets air in me. It's awful! Does anyone else do this after surgery? I usually get bronchitis a few time a year but right after surgery is becoming a fad with me. I don't like it.

I had a band to sleeve revision on June 8th! It took a couple of days to poo. And it's weird. Sorry to be disgusting...but let's be real...it's like juicy farts. It happens different for everyone. Especially with what you ate before surgery. Hopefully you are empty. It will build up. But it's more like a black sludge. My doctor assured me it's fine. Happy pooping. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using BariatricPal mobile app

Badwolf... Im not extremely overweight either (10kgs above goal prior to revision surgery) and I have also exercised and remained fit right up until my revision surgery. Get your surgeons advice as he is likely to know what will be best in your own situation. I eat all my protein and drink all my water and have protein shakes etc but my energy levels are still really low. As I said Im only 3.5 weeks out but could not imagine running a marathon in 5 weeks despite my good fitness levels.

I have a child and I am currently 1 week post RNY. Like you I wanted a sleeve but my reflux was too bad and I wanted to avoid another possible surgery in the future to correct it or convert it since it's not just that easy as oh just get a revision. My husband and I are not planning to have more kids per say, but if after my waiting period something happens then we would be thrilled!! We had to endure trying, expensive, and frustrating fertility treatments in order to have our child and while I wouldn't change it for the world, if I had to do it over I would have had surgery first. I'm reading some misinformation on here in regards to malabsorption and by no means am I an expert and truthfully that is the exact reason I was afraid to have RNY, but truth is your body may not receive as many calories or nutrients from foods that aren't the greatest for you. That is the benefits to malabsorption. Your stomach doesn't just dump everything the second you ingest it unless in most people it's pretty unhealthy and in that case you're not receiving nutrition from something like that anyway even if you didn't have the surgery. My very good friend had RNY almost 6 years ago and while she still had issues getting pregnant she is currently pregnant with her second child in less than a year lol! Actually her children will be 1 year and 9 days apart if baby 2 stays in there that long ha ha! She had zero complications as it relates to her surgery and was substantially healthier and more readily able to carry a child because of it. The only thing that's common in terms of a normal pregnancy and RNY is having your glucose testing done differently and finding a dr that had treated and delivered babies to mothers that have had RNY just in case. Back to the malabsorption, as long. As you are eating correctly and being religious about taking your vitamins as directed by your bariatric program/surgeon you shouldn't ever be malnourished. This requires follow up blood work and specified intervals forever and reporting to your doctor if you feel off. Also eating for 2 is not healthy and it's not a thing, you literally only need 100 more calories a day when you are pregnant and that essentially an extra, healthy protein filled snack. I would not be concerned about malabsorption since there is a big difference between malabsorption and malnutrition and as long as you stick to the plan and take your supplements and get in your protein you would be fine. I know a lot of people do research into the things they want to do and their surgeries but I kind of go over board on it before doing anything and for me this was the right choice! All of the research I read about pregnancy after WLS showed significant higher numbers of healthy babies and healthy mothers with a drastic reduction in pregnancy/higher weight related complication such as GD, PreE, bed rest, etc.. I was lucky I had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy daughter and while I wasn't as big as I am now I only gained 20lbs my entire pregnancy, ate healthy, and kept active. I however was always worried and I actually switched doctors about 12ish weeks in because my weight was an issue for them and I would leave every appointment crying. You need to make the choice that's right for your life, but word of advice I don't think I will ever go back to regular vitamins you swallow even though they say 6-8 weeks after you can take pills like normal. I think it's better to have the nutrients available almost immediately for absorption by allowing them to dissolve or using chewable.

Hi everyone. My name is Tim and I was just sleeved Friday (about 48 hours ago). I had a lap band which was removed and revised to the sleeve. It may be taboo but I have a question about pooping. I haven't had a bowel movement since my sleeve surgery. I just got back home last night (spent one night in the hospital) and have only passed gas so far. I have started taking miralax because I got really backed up once after a surgery and I never want to go through that pain again. I'm a little stressed about getting backed up. What's the normal amount of time after surgery for a person to poop? What do you recommend to take that can prevent getting constipated? Thank you

I was very fortunate that the surgical center where I had my sleeve also had a plastic surgeon that specialized in post weight loss skin removal (he also assisted on my sleeve surgery, so I had an existing relationship). I thought about having additional consultations, but I had absolute faith, so opted not to see anyone else. I was 100% self pay for all of my surgeries, too, so I did contemplate going to Mexico, but ultimately, I was more comfortable staying close to home even if it was going to cost significantly more. From everything I read, it seemed like most people who were unhappy with their results, went in with unrealistic expectations. In my consultation & in my pre-op visits, I made sure that I understood what he was going to be able to do… and each time, the results were better than I expected! When you go for your consultation, be clear about what you want most as it's possible they'll recommend more than one surgery. Make sure you understand what is included in the price they quote. Does it include follow up visits? Will they correct dog ears or scar revisions if needed? Everyone heals differently, so if time off from work is an issue, I suggest planning for a long recovery (I'm big on hoping for the best but preparing for the worst). Make sure they're going to be available to you if you have more questions after your consultation… you really need to feel 100% comfortable with your team! Best of luck to you. It's expensive & the recovery is rough sometimes, but it's totally worth it!

While insurance companies will vary on their policies, in general, if your weight is still, or has regained to, the typical 35/40 BMI standards, then you are good to go (assuming that there are no lifetime limitations for WLS that apply.) If the revision is due to complications of the original surgery, then the BMI restrictions usually don't apply.

I'm currently waiting for approval for revision band (2011) to DS. My surgeon says he's bracing for a fight because my band technically is still functioning, no slips and I was denied twice for the band in the first place. I just completed my three months visits, all the tests etc so now it's the waiting game. Doc wanted to submit last Friday (two days ago) so I don't know yet if that's happened. Fingers crossed.

but with the DS, you still have a sleeved stomach. I'm not sure how this is going to stop the acid reflux. Is he going to do something else to your stomach to help with the reflux? People who have reflux issues with the sleeve usually revise to RNY. And they usually revise to the DS if they have to lose a lot more weight.

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

Hello, I'm in the I'm in the process of getting insurance approval for a revision surgery. I was sleeved two years ago. Did any of you face any complications with your insurance regarding the revision? I've completed my EGD and psych evaluation and was told by my surgeon after tests that I am a great candidate for a revisional(Insurance still needed to approve though)... but honestly I'm afraid of being denied, it feels as if the first surgery was a huge blessing and I'm hoping and praying I get another! Any information you're willing to share about the revisional approval process is greatly appreciated as I will be submitting to insurance by the end of week. Thanks so much for tak injng the time to read and post or email me back!

I'm in the process of getting insurance approval for a revision as well. I was sleeved two years ago and have recently(past few months) been suffering from acid reflux. I also was told by my surgeon that I would greatly benefit from the duodenal switch to serve as a component to the sleeve. I am excited that there is another option even after being compliant to the program. I'm hoping that this will assist me with the issues I'm having and I pray it is an alternative and blessing to you in this journey we are taking to get healthy. Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

You look amazing! Your beginning stats are exactly like to mine (242 and almost 5'7) I hope I follow through with matching your stats after my revision. [emoji4]

Working hard!! Thanks and God bless! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Great job!!! You're an inspiration! Band to VSG revision:5/23/17 HW: 315 Pre-op: 294 SW: 283 CW:268.7 GW: 175

Specifically has anyone been sleeved and had to have the bypass after? If so, why? Was it because of complications like excess reflux or stomach stretching? Did it work for you?