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I should add that per the terms of my insurance, I paid $500 for the band to sleeve revision through Kaiser.

HI there I go to South San Fran Kaiser and I'm having my revision surgery on 6/18 to the sleeve. I only have to pay my $20 copay for my surgery as well. I was banded in 2008, had a baby in 2011 and since then nothing but issues any time we try to fill my band. It has taken me 3 years to say yes to revision based on my own worries but after putting back on most of my weight I know it's time. We did document everything we did, new upper GI, fill/unfill band, went on the pre op diet and still had issues and I believe because of the issues I was able to get approved so quickly (decided on 4/29/14 and got my date that same day for surgery).

I am short on time, but wanted to respond to you. I had the band for 10 years, had it removed in Sept 2011 and was sleeved Dec 12 2011. Results? AMAZING! I never lost this well with the band. I never felt this good eating with the band. I never had this reduction in desire to eat and other cravings. The sleeve is about 1000 times better then the band!!! However, I have also taken my personal lessons learned from my band experience and have been a better patient this time. It is all so much clearer to me know what I need to do to acheive my goal of lifelong "weight control". I thought I was ready with the band, but truly I didn't have complete education and support in place. I made sure it was there this time before going under the knife! I have lost 123 pounds - wow! I am the lightest I have been since I was in my 20s, sometime in the late 1980s. Life is really great and I feel that this revision literally saved me.... my weight and eating was pretty out of control as I was over 300# last year. My drive to eat, my desire for food was so strong I could not manage it without surgery. I was full on into a metabolic disorder/insulin resistance and just could not break free. With the sleeve as the tool helping me make changes to what I eat, how I eat, how often I eat and most important... how much I eat - I no longer go around starving thinking about my next meal. And, I continue to lose weight and am confident I will make my goal. My weight loss rate with the sleeve has been on par with what is expected for a "virgin" sleever.

-I read a lot of people saying sleeve doesnt work after having a lapband :/ is this true? I am SO scared of making a wrong choice I guess I already answered this one - some people don't do well, but many of us are walking testimonies that it can be done! -Is it possible to have a band and sleeve? You could not convince me that this is a good idea - never heard of it and I am suspicious of any surgeons offering experiments like that. -Why do more surgeons not offer the "net" around the stomach to help prevent stretching? I am also very suspicious about this idea. There are a number of people who have revised to the sleeve after having some weird mesh procedures from the 1980s and 1990s. Non standard stuff like this make it hard to do revisions etc later. I want to see evidence that something actually makes sense, I am not interested in testing some new ideas... -Weight loss aside; are you able to drink a small amount of alcohol (like a glass or two of wine)? I drink more like half a glass of wine everyonce in awhile. Alcohol hits you harder. -Do you feel like you get enough energy from what you eat? Yes, absolutely -Do you find yourself craving carbs or did the sleeve help kill that “I gotta have some bread and butter!!!”. Because even when I stuff myself with other foods, I still have that mental “but you didn’t have what you really wanted” feeling. You will still fight head hunger, but the surgery helps alot and I mean alot compared to the band. I think over time if you train yourself to eat a certain way that it helps reduce hunger. I gave you a link already to my post that covers this general topic - eat small quantities of high Protein diets and cravings are greatly reduced. -Since this is removing some of the stomach, do you feel like some surgeons are better than others? Like it’s an art? I think so. Ask your surgeon about results from his specific practice. I suspect that a good portion of the success ratio is determined by the follow on support they offer. I am curious why some people fail and some succeed. Could it be the surgeons don’t remove enough stomach or do it wrong? I also ask this because I would consider going out of state (not out of country for a surgeon more experienced with lapband to sleeve. Well, I am more worried about surgeons who make mistakes that may contribute to issues like "twisting stomach" or other defects with the stomach. I am not convinced that the larger stomach (withing standard recommendatios) means poorer results. Mine was a 38 bougie and I have lost just fine. -Do you believe WLS is like breast implants, where you should prepare yourself that you may need to have “maintenance” done on it? That isn't my mindset. Unlike the band, once sleeved you shouldn't need ongoing tweaking. I do however have the mindset that I will do whatever it takes to keep the weight off - so if that means I need to revise I wouldn't rule it out in the future. Whether that be revision or additional surgery to correct complications? Could happen. Most complications occur early on though, so once you are a few months out chances are that you won't have any additional surgeries. I explained to my boyfriend I always knew it was a possibility that I may need my band fixed or removed because I saw many patients with slips and port issues. -Can someone have the sleeve done 2x if they gain weight back? Some people get their stomach resleeved/made smaller but I think it is more common to revise to the rny or DS. -My lapband surgeon is charging 22k for band removal to sleeve. Expensive! I already paid 19k out of pocket for my lapband, and it didn't work out. And I REALLY did try. This would be a 41k investment-- sigh. Not to mention the heartache. This is one of the reasons I am so determined to have long term success. I work pretty hard at it.

My band flipped too. There was no answer, no one could figure why. They bent 3 neeles under floroscopy before they figure out it was completely upside down. I was so pissed when they tol me it'd have to be revised that I cried an cried. I had just ha my baby 6 weeks earlier and didn't have the time, money, or stamina to do that. Thankfully, they scheduled the surgery within 2 weeks, and when I got it, it went SO fast, and it was considered out-patient, so I got to go home that day. I was up caring for my daughter the next day, no pain at all. And I was scared, because my port hurt like crazy for weeks after they put lap band in. I've had annual womanly exams that were worse than my revision surgery. Now it's just a distant memory, it will be over before you know it.

I had the sleeve March 2014 & was good for a couple years, but in 2016 was hospitalized with severe inflammation in my stomach, a large hiatal hernia and GERD. I previously had no history of this prior to surgery. I was prescribed 80mg of omerzapole, carafate and zofran. Been suffering with horrible reflux ever since. In February my pcp added 300mg of zantac. Still no relief and the Bariatric surgeon is now recommending revision to the bypass. Has anyone experienced this? Did the insurance approve the revision for medical reasons? I have BCBS Massachusetts. Thanks in advance

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!!

I'm one of the overeaters/regainers. And yes, four years out from surgery I can eat a hamburger meal or half a pizza. My bougie was a 32 and my surgeon says I am just one of a small percentage for whom the VSG doesn't work. I lost 100lbs and have regained half of that. Now I am faced with revision to a gastric bypass or losing weight conventionally (which I failed at for many years, hence having the VSG!). I wouldn't get too obsessed with the size of the bougie and weight regain. I know of people who had larger than me and have lost all their weight and kept it off. My surgeon says I may have an over-active stomach which empties faster than normal. But I also have made terrible food choices (lots of junk and sodas with meals) and have problems with binge eating and depression. If you stay focused on the sleeve's needs and how to make it work, you'll be fine. It's so successful for most people. I just wasn't one of them.

I had "silent reflux" pre-op, diagnosed with my EGD after which they put me on Omeprazole which helped A LOT. They told me it could get worse with the sleeve and that if it was uncontrollable afterwards the "fix" was a revision to R/Y. It WAS worse post op, but they put me on a second dose of Omaprazole which finally got it under control after the first few weeks, (which were bad). Still take 2x day, (may for the rest of my life) but have no symptoms. Hope you find relief soon.

Aetna has updated their site: This CPB has been revised to state that sleeve gastrectomy is considered medically necessary when criteria are met.

Hello, Fellow Austinite here, I have had a consult with Dr. Ganta. I really liked him, he was to do my lap band through True Results. It was during his consult that I decided the sleeve was better for me. Insurance was going to cover the band. I am self-pay for the sleeve, that is why I am going to Mexico. He seemed really informed about the sleeve and I think he preferred it over the band, as long as you were willing accept the increased risks in the first 30 days due to leaks. He told me he had done about 80 sleeves as of August 09. Good luck with your revision.

I had the sleeve done 7 years ago and developed horrible GERD with extensive esophageal damage. Tomorrow morning my surgeon is revising me to bypass as it offers the best chance to get rid of the GERD. Sent from my Z6201V using BariatricPal mobile app

Theres a revision forum that you can try asking in might have people over there that can help

I am not a revision but I have lost my hunger. If I don't eat for a while I feel "empty" and maybe have a headache but that terrible "Feed me NOW" feeling I had before surgery is gone. It is the best thing about the surgery for me, as I always was hungry and I had to eat until I was stuffed. Now food is fuel most of the time. I have head hunger for sweets but I had a bite of a cupcake a couple weeks ago and it just didn't taste the same as it used to.

I used them with my band surgery, tried to use them with my revision, but they were too sweettart'ish for me to tolerate. There is some controversy on the quality of Protein that these are comprised of. It's mainly a collagen protein and not whey or soy which is supposed to the premium protein choices. Some people are adamantly against them, some say at least you are getting in some form of protein. When I did use them with my band surgery, I only could tolerate the fruit punch New Whey flavor. I tried using them with my revision, but even diluted down with gatorade or sugar-free popsicles mushed up, they were just way too sweet.

I had my band surgery in the U.S. and then, 3 years later, started researching my options as far as revising to the sleeve was concerned. I'm an RN and knew what I wanted as well as what I didn't. On 4/1, I had my revision to VSG with Dr. Aceves in Mexico and have nothing but positive things to say about the experience.

Your plan is so much more progressive than mine. I am still on Clear liquids, right, one week. Then second week "full" liquids, so pretty much Protein shakes and broth and clear liquids. 3rd week, soft foods like thicker Soups. Oh boy! Forth week, mushier foods. C'est la Vie! My surgery however was a 'revision' but I did notice they do this for all of their WLS.Haha! We'll be hitting the soft foods at the same time I think. Here's my whole 30 days lol: ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1454875560.280951.jpgImageUploadedByBariatricPal1454875587.565974.jpg Thanks! If you like cottage cheese, the best I've ever tasted is made by "Kalona". Yes, I am fantasizing about cottage cheese right about now, lol. Lol I'll look for that brand!!

I'm 5'3" and I looked at several healthy weight and BMI charts. I started off at 216 and my first goal weight that I considered was 135 lbs, then I revised it to 115 lbs, which puts me in a mid range for healthy weight for my height. I really have no idea what that will look like on me. I have seen other people here who are also short have goal weights of 170 lbs, 150 lbs, etc. One of the goals I have along with weight loss and health is that I really, really, really want to run and I know that the less stress on my joints the easier that is going to be for me at my age of 44. I didn't ask the doctor, nutritionist or nurse what they thought my weight should be.

Jendkopp, understood. But consider this from the point of view of someone whose only option was the band. We all chose our procedures knowing the risks. I understand that people want to and need to share their experiences, but it is not helpful to flood those of us who have the band with horror stories. Perhaps there should be a dedicated forum for procedure revisions. But I don’t participate in this forum to be told that my choice is wrong and that I will fail eventually. I’m not saying that you personally have done that, but it has been my experience here. I come here to speak with other banders about their day to day with the band. This is supposed to be a support group.

What Criteria Must A Person Have Before United Healthcare Pays For The Bariatric Surgery The criteria below will need to be met for coverage to be approved: Class 3 Obesity or 40+BMI (Body Mass Index) Class 2 Obesity of 35+BMI with any of the three following conditions: - Cardiovascular disease - Life-threatening cardiopulmonary or severe sleep apnea - Type 2 diabetes MARYLAND REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETELY INSURED POLICIES 40+ BMI without any health conditions 35+BMI with the following conditions - Hypertension - Diabetes - Sleep apnea - Cardiopulmonary condition - Life-threatening weight-induced medical condition Proof that you have done diets but were not successful – Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. – for the last two years: - Participated in 1 organized diet platform for six successive months - Participated in 2 organized diet platforms for three successive months At least 18 years of age or more What Kind Of Weight Loss Surgeries Does United Healthcare CoversBiliopancreatic bypass Duodenal switch Gastric bypass Gastric Sleeve Procedure Lap Adjustable Gastric Bands Vertical banded gastroplasty For adolescents Gastric bypass Gastric sleeve Lap gastric bands Lap Gastric Band Fills: Are They CoveredUnited Healthcare does cover the lap gastric band fills for patients who undergo the Realize Band surgery or the Lap Band surgery. What Weight Loss Procedures Does United HealthCare Not CoverGastric electrical stimulation Mini-gastric bypass ROSE, StomaphyX, TOGA Is a Second Surgery Allowed If The Lap Band Fails (Revisions)?Assuming you have the same conditions from the first procedures, then yes a second surgery will be covered. What If You Do Not Lose Weight?If there are complications from the surgery, United Healthcare will cover all procedures and hospital stay. Is A Center of Excellence Needed?Nope. However, if you choose an in-network doctor, you can save yourself money – no out of pocket expenses. Contact Information For United HealthcareThe contact information for United Healthcare varies by state.

I got my lapband in 2012 and got down to 206 from a high of 293. When I complained about my horrendous reflux the doctor took the fluid out of the band. The reflux eased up but I put on 50 pounds very quickly. I am in the process of qualifying for revision surgery. Federal BCBS requires the whole program again to qualify for the revision to bypass. In my case the revision is totally considered bariatric surgery.

Hi Johnny, we're here to help. I was sleeved in Feb. 2018, then revised to RnY in Oct. 2018 due to reflux. I think it was worth it. 1. How long did you take off work? I'm told 2 weeks. I usually work from home at a computer. Was there much pain? I took 2 weeks to return to a desk job. Pretty much the same as the sleeve and similar pain level. 2. How long before you could work out again? I had other complications that skewed this one, so I won't comment. 3. Did you lose more weight than you wanted? No, I still had about 20# to goal and it took me 4-5 months to get there. 4. Did it resolve your acid reflux (if that was the reason)? Absolutely and immediately. 5. Were you able to enjoy good food at special meals (holidays, etc.) with RNY? I'm terrified of losing ability to have a nice meal with family. What does a normal meal capacity look like at a year out? I have less restriction with my RnY than I did with the sleeve. I am eating 1-2 cup meals now (10 months out). 6. Are bowel movements normal at some point? No problems, in general. 7. Could you drink alcohol again? I'm fine going months without but at some point would like to enjoy a glass of champagne again. I can't right now as carbonation is brutal. I enjoy the occasional 1-2 glasses of wine. I can't handle carbonation, though.

Hi Reese, I was in about the same situation but I revised from lapband to bypass. I got my band in 2012 and started having significant reflux last summer. I had my band unfilled which helped the reflux but I packed on 40 pounds. I went to my bariatric surgeon and talked about revision to bypass; they said I had to go through the whole program again, which I did. I had the band removed and the bypass done March 21. Reflux is one of the signatures of the band as well as the sleeve, I'm told. I wish I had known that in 2012 - I would have done the bypass then instead. Luckily, the worst part so far has been the pre-op liquid diet. That's just something you have to get through; after the surgery you're on clear liquids but it's easier because your new stomach is so small. My advice is to keep your eye on the goal and work through the tough parts. Good luck, I'm sure it will go well!

I'm not a revision so some of this I can't really answer, but as far as what you can eat, I can eat pretty much anything at four years out. I can't eat a ton of fat or sugar at one sitting, though, or I'll feel like crap -- but then again, we're not supposed to be eating that way *anyway*, so... btw - I went through UW as well

I had VSG on 11/30/2012 and have kept off about 110# in the 6.75 years since then. I am ~ 25# overweight but right about at my original goal. I'm 5'11" (male), 195#, 34" waist, very fit and active, etc. I was down to 175# when I ran marathons but have had a few hip issues that are now resolved and had a minor regain. I actually really like how I look / feel at this weight as I looked a lot older at the lower end. I'm pretty happy with my weight loss. But since about 2 weeks out I've had ridiculously bad GERD. I get an annual endoscopy (familial cancer syndrome) and ever since VSG, I have had erosions show up from the reflux. This last time it was diagnosed as Barrett's Esophagus, which is a pre-cancerous syndrome. I cannot control it fully with meds. I either take 5-6 PPI (200-240mg esomeprazole magnesium) or 6-8 extra strength Zantact (900-1200mg ranitidine). These are of course way above the recommended limits and in the case of the PPI there are long-term risks associated with it they don't want for me as I need good bone density for my hip implant. The bariatric surgeon (University of Wisconsin) has recommended for years that I convert to RNY and after the Barrett's Esophagus diagnosis, my PCP and the genetic cancer team both strongly recommended it as well. So I'm going to do it despite not really wanting to. I have been approved by my insurer and have an early November surgery date. I have several concerns, most notably that I don't really have more than 25# to lose or I drop to the < 18 BMI range and I don't want to be there. The surgeon says he will make a larger pouch and a smaller bypass portion but it's still there and I work out all the time so I already know I will lose more than I want in the beginning. I guess I have a bunch of questions. Feel free to answer any and all if you've had this type of revision: 1. How long did you take off work? I'm told 2 weeks. I usually work from home at a computer. Was there much pain? 2. How long before you could work out again? 3. Did you lose more weight than you wanted? 4. Did it resolve your acid reflux (if that was the reason)? 5. Were you able to enjoy good food at special meals (holidays, etc.) with RNY? I'm terrified of losing ability to have a nice meal with family. What does a normal meal capacity look like at a year out? 6. Are bowel movements normal at some point? 7. Could you drink alcohol again? I'm fine going months without but at some point would like to enjoy a glass of champagne again. I can't right now as carbonation is brutal. I'm just reluctant even though I know I have to do this. Any re-assurances would be helpful.