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Hi Lena, thanks for sharing. I hope you have a speedy recovery and that you find something that works for you. Try and not let this get you down, this is what people like LilMissDiva and Tiffykins over on VST must've felt like when their bands failed and just look at them now since their revisions.

I had the sleeve about 8 years ago. I have gained most of my weight back now so I was thinking about finishing off my VSG with the DS now. To me it seems logical: Since I have already had a sleeve I am already half way there so why not just finish it off with a DS? Unfortunately, the surgeon that did my sleeve got killed in a plane crash about 3 years ago so now I am looking for a new surgeon. I have contacted a few places to see what there cost would be and whatnot so I can decide. When I contacted one of the places they tried to talk me out of it telling me that the DS is a very extreme procedure and it is performed only as a very last resort. They told me that usually the only time when they do a DS is if the patient is extremely obese and the patient is going to die at any moment if they do not do it. I am currently 350 lbs and 5'11" for a BMI of 49. Eight years ago when I had the sleeve I was 412 lbs for a BMI of 58. The doctor said that DS patients have a very bad body odor for the rest of their life. He told me that he could always tell when a DS patient was in his office because he could smell them while they were sitting in their office. He said that if I got this procedure I would have social issues the rest of my life because I would always smell bad. I would in effect become a permanent pariah for the rest of my life. People would be ablel to smell me over a mile away! He said that I will have permanent diarrhea for the rest of my life and that my stools will be very foul smelling. It will be like after I go to the rest room it will smell really bad so that everyone will know that I was in the rest room. I can imagine going to church and having to sit by myself in a pew that is far away from anyone and having to use private rest rooms. This doctor also said that since I have acid reflux that he could not do the DS on me. I have however found other surgeons that would be willing. This doctor recommend that I revise to a mini gastric bypass (not sure how that would be possible since the half of the stomach that would normally remain attached to the duodenum piece that would be attached downstream is already gone. I have also found another surgeon that has a different type of DS called the SADI-S that is supposed to be better for acid reflux people like myself but the weight loss results are not quite as good as a traditional DS. What are your experiences? Is the DS really as bad as that one doctor says for your social life? Is this SADI-S a good thing? In my situation would mini gastric bypass be better (even though I am not sure how they would do it)?

@@Lapbandster My band to sleeve surgery went just fine. The surgery was about 1 hour longer than just the sleeve surgery because they had to remove the band first. Scar tissue builds up around the band and port so they have to carefully remove it. My biggest pain post-op was the incision where they pulled out the port. Having said that, I was down for about 10 days. I could have gone to work at 8 days but that would have been pushing it. For me, about the same as the band surgery. Everyone is different. Some surgeons remove the band and put in a sleeve in two surgeries. I was only wiling to do one surgery. My surgeon prefers to do it in one surgery whenever possible. The only time he can't is when there is so much scar tissue it takes too long to remove the band. This has happened only once for him. The recovery was maybe a little longer with the sleeve than the band but I'm 10 years older (now 64). For me the big difference is the lap-band is a restriction. The sleeve is a small pouch which limits the amount you can eat. They also remove part of the stomach that creates the hormone grulin (SP?). I am not hungry at all, my cravings are gone. I love healthy food. (I'm told that can change in the years to come but for now the sleeve is working well for me. There is a lot of information on this board about lap-band to sleeve revisions.

I am a lap band revision to sleeve. (banded 2006-sleeve revision Jan 2015) I had a lot of problems with lap band. Had a slip early on and had to have it replaced. Then continual pain in my abdomen always. I had all the Fluid removed for last 4 years and still had constant pain. Nothing showed up on tests. Doc kept blaming me but it hurt when I hadn't eating a thing. I finally had the bugger out and did a revision. (Initially didn't plan for sleeve revision, just wanted it out but Doc suggested I consider it.) FOR ME....the best thing I'd ever done. Wish I had done it sooner. FOR ME...the sleeve is so much easier post-op. I think my body does not tolerate foreign objects well. After sleeve surgery my stomach stopped hurting immediately and feeling like it was constantly in a knot. BTW-initially right after surgery, lap band complication are low compared to other WLS. But long-term lap band has much higher complications than other WLS due to foreign object in the body that can erode, slip, fail, etc. Best of luck to you. I understand completely how you feel. ONCE AGAIN... this is my experience with a lap-band. Many have wonderful results with no complications.

I promise you it gets better ! I am 4 years post op and just had a revision. What you are feeling is normal. This is part of the process. Use this time to adapt to you new lifestyle. Follow the rules and stick it out it is only temporary! ! Good luck.hope u feel better !! foreverbariatric Sent from my GalaxyNote4 using the App

Before my body lift I was at the 'green zone' at around 7.5cc in my 10cc band. After my unfill, I needed 8.5cc to get back into the green zone (and stayed there for 3 years). After two port revisions, I now feel good restriction at around 9cc but it doesn't last because of the leak, but I expect that my green zone will be around there or slightly more if not for the leak. Who knows what it will be after I have band replacement. tmf is right, it doesn't really matter as long as you get there. It can be frustrating when you need so many more fills than anyone else to get there sometimes, but once you're there, it won't matter, really.

I had the band for 10 years, found myself weghing about 40# more than I started. I revised to the sleeve 4 years ago and maintaining 150#weight loss. I think the sleeve is easier to live with. Less hunger, less pain...HOWEVER...don't be fooled into thinking that the hunger reduction lasts forever. Many of us experience the return to hunger. I choose a bariatric practice with lots of support and education which I think helped me be more successful with the sleeve. I think you should research the sleeve and bypass - both good choices. Sent from my KFJWI using the BariatricPal App

I didn't have a revision, but. When I met with my surgeon I was wanting the sleeve and he said bypass because of my medical history.

I'm 61 and going for revision. Just don't know if sleeve or bypass is better for me. But I just don't want to retire and not be healthy enough to enjoy it. Right now I have no energy and I am sick and tired. I'm scared so any words of encouragement or your own good experience stories are so welcome

Good luck! Remember why you’re doing this, to improve your future. Lying here in UK @ 8am, 5 days post band to sleeve revision surgery. Feel like I’ve been run over but know it’ll pass, baby steps. You’re doing a positive thing! Best Wishes........... see you on the other side!!!!

I agree with @Tomo. I think your surgeon may have been thinking the liquid diet would be a good way to do a pouch reset. There's a lot of sites that recommend doing it at least a week, followed by a week for each stage of the "just had surgery" food diet to get your pouch and mind back on track. Given the vitamin deficiencies and possible thyroid issues, I'm not surprised at all that he isn't considering a revision right now. I would follow through with a full reset, definitely see your pcp for more tests, and then once you have the full picture, go from there. I would also track what I'm eating (I use MyFitnessPal) and be mindful of snacking, grazing, portion size, slider foods, etc.

I had band to sleeve revision on 12/1, and have lost 20lbs so far. With the band I only lost 25lbs and then got preg and gained 50. For me the sleeve was my personal choice and I couldn't be more pleased. I have about 95lbs total to go, but I think with any surgery/diet plan you have to be compliant. I know people who have had the bypass and 5yrs later are heavier then when they had surgery. For me cutting out my stomach is drastic enough. I don't want to mess with my bowels. If this fails it's my own doing. It's a personal choice, and one you need to decide after research and self analysis. You know what you can handle. No one else does. Good luck.

I had lap band revision surgery to RNY Gastric Bypass on December 31, 2015. There is no other weight loss surgery better. All of the issues I had with the band are gone. I know several people who have the sleeve and have regained their weight. There is no way that I would let a doctor talk me into that mistake. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the best revision from lap band. I am a man - and have lost 10 pounds in 7 days. I encourage you to stick with your decision - if it means finding another surgeon.

Hi Kelsey. Congrats on the weight loss! The regain is worrisome and I’m glad you’re working to address it before it continues to creep up. I’m sorry you had a frustrating experience with your surgeon. It’s my understanding many programs try to get patients back on track with basics before doing revisions to make sure that we are using the tools we will need to be successful after the rescission. I hope that is what he was doing but wish he would have communicated that in a way that was more … helpful. You did well on the shakes, which is encouraging. I’m wondering if you were weighing, measuring and tracking when you went back to food? Following up with a PCP about your malabsorption and other health issues is a good idea. I’m glad you had an appt, but sorry it’s so far out. Have you ever seen an endocrinologist for the metabolic issues? If not I highly recommend it if possible. While I love my pcp - my endocrinologist has a very different approach to those things and it’s been a big help at dialing in the right treatment. This forum is a great place for support and I think you’ll find a lot of it! I’d also suggest looking into to finding a therapist if you are able. Please check back in and let us know how you are doing.

Sorry you've had to go through that! I have the Lap Band AP and my doctor specifically told me that he stitches the bands in to anchor them to prevent slipping. Hopefully, I'll never experience any slippage! Could you have revised to a VSG? I don't know much about that, but I have read on here there people have done that and are happy with the choice.

I agree, after spending 11 years with a worthless band I would have never revised to the sleeve. In less than 5 months I have had more success with gastric bypass than I did with all the years with the band. I just get happier everyday that I had it done. Sent from my VS880 using the BariatricPal App

If the doctor can't give you a concrete medical reason that the sleeve would be better for you despite your desire for the RNY, I would be a little suspicious of his motives and skills. There are legitimate reasons some people should have the sleeve over the bypass but if he honestly can't give you any and is pushing something you don't want... I don't know if I would feel comfortable continuing at that office. This is your body and whichever procedure you get is going to change you and your life forever. It should be your decision if there are no medical reason's otherwise. That being said, there are a lot of people who start at a high bmi and have a lot of success with the sleeve, from what I've seen. I personally chose the RNY because my weight when I started the program was about 400 pounds and I wanted the most bang for my buck. Not to mention, a LOT of people who get the sleeve eventually have to revise to bypass anyway. One major surgery is enough for me.

Don't see what age has to do with it. if you need a revision get a revision. I'm only 49 but never would have considered my age as a factor. so thrilled to be rid of that miserable piece of junk that was permanently damaging my body. there are tons of people in their 60's and older who have had bariatric surgery. so I think you are probably fine. if you do a search of forums in here you will find them. good luck with your revision.

My revision to correct the band slippage was covered by my BCBS of Minnesota. However, now that my band is not working AT ALL after the surgery to fix it....I wondered if insurance would cover the removal and change to the sleeve now. Also wondering how that process is as far as recovery time and starting to lose weight again. I've heard the sleeve isn't as effective after having the lap band, so that concerns me. Thanks for the replies!!!!

I just revised from lap band to the sleeve as it was so uncomfortable for me and I didn't like always having to adjust it or stuck episodes. It's great for many, just wasn't for me. Can you try a pouch reset diet for a few days and cut the soda to try to get your restriction back?

I saw some great responses. I agree it is possible to get the same results with no surgery. I definitely considered going the no revision route by just dieting correctly. Surgery doesn't make you lose weight. Your body loses weight if you eat healthy food with fewer calories. Problem is, we've failed at some point so any advantage you can get is a good thing. For me, the out of pocket cost of the surgery $5k isn't a factor since I eat meals at home or pack lunches now instead of take out. I'm eating less and the surgery pays for itself. The health benefits I can expect getting out of the Obesity class are worth it. If I can get off high blood pressure medication, avoid getting diabetes or needing a hip replacement, that's life changing. I'm 48 years old. I tell people I'm doing this to add years to my 70s.

I also was self pay. I had my Lap Band here in the states in 2006 and paid $17,000. I had the revision to the VSG in June 2011 in Mexico with Dr. Aceves for $11,200.

I am almost 4 weeks out from revision. My incisions are almost healed. I haven't slimmed or gotten stuck even one time. I am already eating pretty normally. There is a very light feeling of pressure when I have had enough. I am definitely not hungry after I eat. I went to a dessert reception the other night and I just didn't want any. That is a first for me. I am so glad to have the band out. It felt like a time bomb ready to give me a problem. The last time I went for a fill it was 300.00. I do not miss that! I felt weak the week after surgery but I was thinking to day. I cannot remember feeling this well in a very long time. I am so glad I did this. I do feel sorry for my husband. He has paid for a lap band, a sleeve for my daughter (she has lost 100 lbs since last July) and a sleeve for me. He is a very kind man that wants what we want! Good luck to everyone...it is awesome!

On November 11, 2008 I was banded and lost 40 pounds. I loved my band until 2015 when my port became painful unrelated to the fills. The pain was everyday for the past 8 years. My healthcare Team was not able to determine why I’m having continuous pain in the port. Anyway, on February 1, 2023 I’m having the band removed and the gastric sleeve done on the same day. I am not afraid of the surgery because this will be number 16, but I am concerned about is the port. I am hoping the doctor will see what had been causing me port pain.

I went through a similar experience with my band. I was banded in 2011, lost restriction in 2013 and found our the catheter broke, I had pain in my lower abdomen, went to the ER for them to say it was a UTI. I went to my regular doc who said nothing was wrong. Finally, I went to my bariatric doc and found it was disconnected through the CT scan. I went for a revision surgery. In 2015, I lost restriction and they had a hard time filling and unfilling me, so my surgeon suggested the sleeve. So far, this has been the BEST decision! I've lost so much more weight than with the band and I feel "normal" with the sleeve. Good luck with what you choose!