Search the Community

Has anyone had a tummy tuck revision? My PS wants to do one in the Winter. He said he would lippo and remove more skin, moe the port, etc. I am not going to use him though since he did a poor job in April. Any advise? I am going to lose another 20 lbs before the procedure.

Hi all. I'm a 34-year-old mom of 2, dd is 10 and ds is 7. I was banded in August of 2006. Immediately after my port flipped and needed to be repaired. THat should have been my first clue I made the wrong choice! I managed to lose almost 100 pounds with the band in the first 2 years, but it was s-l-o-w. At the end of 2008, my band surgeon said I should get a consult with a plastic surgeon about my huge apron of skin. It was horrible, hung down past my girlie bits, made me look a lot heavier than I was, my skin was constantly tearing and it gave me rashes. So, in Feb of 09 I had a tummy tuck and breast lift. Holy crap what a difference! He took off 16 pounds of extra skin and the surgery took 11 hours. The recovery was horrible. Because of the band, I've had problems with medication working right and it took a bit before we found an oral pain killer that actually worked. I was off work for 6 weeks and the recovery was horriblle. I managed to mess up my knee the day after surgery so it was always going numb and giving out on me. No one knew why. Then I got a stomach virus and puking after a tummy tuck, with a lapband, is it's own special kind of hell. Just as i was starting to feel human again I got scarlet fever. Which I thought went out of style with hoop skirts and mutton chops! Evidentally not though. My pcp said because my system was so screwed up due to the surgery, a strep infection just went haywire. That took another 2 weeks to recover from. I'd finally gotten to a weight that, while it wasn't as low as I wanted, I was happy with my body. I looked good, felt normal for the first time in my life and liked the way I looked in the mirror. I no longer walked into a room and got that horrible feeling of "Oh no, I'm the fattest person here". I felt like people noticed me and not my weight. A couple months ago I started having restriction problems, bouncing between too loose or too tight, and waking up at night with horrible reflux and choking on my stomach contents. Yuck! Had an upper gi done last week after an unfill didn't help matters and surgeon says the band needs to come out. It is extrememly tight, which he said makes no sense because it's empty and I don't feel like I have any restriction (which is why I've gained some weight back ). So, now we start the process of getting insurance approval for the band removal and revision to the sleeve. He said he'll push for the sleeve instead of bypass because bypass does not appeal to me. I'm already deficient in B12 and vit D and take injections and supplements for that. I'm afraid of what would happen if I had the malabsorption issues to deal with too. If insurance (Anthem Blue Cross) wil only cover the removal but not the sleeve, I'm hoping it will be cheap enough for me to self-pay for the sleeve. And I really want to get this done soon! The idea of being on a liquid diet over the holidays is not at all appealing. I've been reading all your stories since finding out I might lose my band and have gotten so much help from them! Thanks for sharing your stories. :001_smile:

I had revision surgery earlier this week and didn't at all mess with my port. I notice a lot more pain this time. Any else have this happen. On a side note my pouch is much smaller as the band was reposition higher up. I never imagined it smaller!

Research: Bariatric Surgery Revisions Carry Greater Risks Than Initial Procedure Revisional bariatric surgery appears to be associated with a higher risk of complications than the initial procedure, according to a study published in the February issue of Archives of Surgery. News - Bariatric Surgery Revisions Carry Greater Risks Than Initial Procedure <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

I am wondering if anyone can tell me their wait times for having a lapband revision in Canada. I have been talking with a surgeon in QB but the cost may be prohibitive - Alberta Health Care covers part and so does my insurance - but the missing part could be too much for us right now. Any ideas would be appreciated and any personal experiences with how you went about getting your revision done here. Thanks Glenda

Had a revision surgery done on 10-16-10. Wasn't sure my band could be left in or not. But with great luck I was able to keep it. They did a endoscopy to make sure my stomach tissue was still ok. So now its starting all over again. No fluid in band now, will see maybe in 2 weeks they will put some in. Although can't eat a whole lot now anyway. Question for all banders out there, did any of you suddenly start your monthly cycle after surgery. I am mid cycle and am having a period now. Also anyone having trouble taking oxycodone pain meds? It makes me not able to focus my eyes.

I just wanted to share it has been 4 1/2 months since I had my band removed and I am at my goal. The band was a nightmare for me the multiple fills (which I had to pay for since I had my band done in Mx) food getting stuck, being afraid to eat, puking, sliming and knowing I had a foreign body in me with the port showing like a tumor! Strong advice: if you are getting a revision I would advise you choose a surgeon who has experience in revisions-it is not the same as a new sleeve, there is scar tissue involved making the surgery more challenging-this is not "routine surgery". I followed Dr Aceves post-surgery diet but modified it with the Cornell post-sleeve diet. My hunger is very much under control, I don't log in or count any calories. I am a professional dieter I KNOW what is in what! I eat enough protein (I still drink protein drinks but I did that before I got the band) I didn't/don't obsess about the scale didn't weight myself every day, weekly at best. Gauged how I was doing by how my clothes fit. Had a "collection size 16 to size 6". I got to goal a few years ago using sparkspeople, but like usual (got to goal w/weight watchers, TOPS, Atkins...) I gained the weight back. That is why I got the band to put an end to the obsession w/food. The band didn't do that for me but the sleeve so far has done that for me. Finally wearing my size 6 comfortably. People have noticed how "skinny" I am. I eat for nutrition, there is little room for much else! I have given my sizes 16 to 8 away, I have never done that before. Size 8 was the hardest to let go of. I would not have done the revision without this board. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you:001_wub: Dee

Hello all, New to the forum here. I had a gastric sleeve done back in 2012, the first 2 years were great and I was happy with my weight loss. After that, for the past few years I've been putting weight back on, so far nearly 50 lbs. I am seriously considering going to Mexico for the sleeve to bypass revision. Has anyone else had this surgery? What was your experience? Were there any hidden fees for revision surgery? Thanks all!

I have a question and I'm hoping to get some help on this. I have BCBSNC and I was looking into doing a revision from the Lapband to Gastric Sleeve. My Lapband is leaking fluid...I think. I haven't confirmed it but I have gotten 3 fills in the last 6 months and it is always at 5cc after the fill. So, that was my conclusion. I would like to know if the requirements for the surgery are the same since it is a revision? The requirements for bariatric with BCBSNC is 12 months (Long time). BTW I have gained so much weights its crazy. The band was working fine and it just stopped. Any input is greatly appreciated.

How much (or what pct) did you loos 2 weeks post op ? Felling stalled. Can't break under 240. Still on full liquids. 2 week check tomorrow. Band wt. 300. 5/1/08. Bmi 41 Sleeve . 252. 5/5/17. Bmi 34.2 Current. 240 5/17. Bmi 32.6 Lowest band. 236. 2010/ 32 Lowest Adult 225 / 1980 Bmi 30.7

After so many appeals with the insurance and struggle today, my surgery at 1:45 pm. I had my first surgery in Colombia and my surgeon here in the usa found they left the pouch to big and that is why i did not lose all the weight. This time i am determine to finish what i started.

I had my gastric revision operation one the 1st of Jun 2015 and until now I lost almost 28 lb. my problem now start after almost two month from operation, I feel the my appetite is high and I want to eat every two to three hours and sometime less although I try to drink Water when I feel hunger but after one hour I feel hungry again. Also, I feel I can tolerate to eat like one sandwich contain ham and cheese within 10 min without pain or diarrhea. I can swallow meat, chicken and all the solid food and I was wondering within this short period and my small pouch I should vomit if I can eat those staff. I asked my surgeon and he said that it’s different from people who had the RNY for the first time from the people who did the revision in weigh losing, I can understand that but how about the ability of eating and the appetite toward eating. Actually I am an emotional eater so I am freak that my RNY will not success I have done enough with gastric endoscopy and I don’t want to try it again. So is anybody had a conversion? And how was the eating portion? How often they feel hungry? I hope somebody can answer my question and give me the support because really I am leaving in a nightmare.

I wanted to get some feedback on revision success of band 4 years out what works what does not. I have started the research and consultation process to have a revision to gastric bypass or sleeve

I just had my revision from sleeve to RNY yesterday. Surgeon said all went well and I am home. Have no problem with fluids but now just started drinking protein which is ok. I am keeping a log of everything I drink. I am having a lot of back pain. But I know how hard the operating table is and hospital beds suck. And it’s so hard for me to get comfortable here at home. I am In a big arm chair with an ottoman and a heating pad on my back but nothing is helping really. I already know I won’t be able to sleep in my bed so the chair it’ll be. I have Tylenol with code in which is taking the edge off. I am also peeing sooooo much which is annoying but it helps with me walking more I guess lol

Hello all! I was banded in 2006. Not even 4 months banded and I got pregnant and then pregnant again lol. I was told I couldnt get pregnant...they were wrong . My kids take up most or all my time. One of my children has special needs and his needs were being met first. Now its my time.. I hated the band since I had it put in . I lost 40lbs kept 20 off. I always had issues with too much fill not enough fill. Some days were so bad I couldnt even drink Water. I was fed up. Recently I had my band unfilled. It was terrible in my opinion. I dont think I researched it enough. I've made the decision to do the sleeve. I've been struggling like most to lose weight on my own. My questions are now what to do? I Still have the band. Do I go back to my original surgeon or can I seek a new one? What do I need to do? Do I have to do that whole process again like lap band? Which I don't mind doing. Will my insurance give me a hard time? I thank you all in advance! T

Hi All, I was banded last May and have been on a plateau since around November. After some bad fills and attempts at fills, I had a fill under flouroscopy and the Dr. realized my port had flipped and I am waiting to get a date for my port replacement surgery. I have read some accounts that say it happens all the time and some that say it is very rare. Does anyone have any advice? What was the recovery time like? I have had more discomfort than usual in the last couple of weeks since the dr. was poking me under the floroscope and am really anxious to get this taken care of. Thanks for your help! Libby

WEll, I am at the 5 year mark on May 31, and I just recently had a band slip and am scheduled for a band revision or removal on the exact same day at the exact same time. At this time, my hopes are for a revision as my doctor is planning on putting a new band in place which he feels is going to do a better job and have less risk of slippage than the one I currently have. I have been back and forth with my decision and think that if its possible that is what I am voting for. This is a way of life for me now, has been for over 5 years, and I just cannot think of living any other way. I am happy to say that I started my journey at 368lbs, and am down 173lbs. On surgery date I was 321, so from 5 years ago, I am down 126lbs and are within 30lbs of my goal weight of 165. I am hoping that when I report in next year at this time, I will have lost that 30 and be in maintence:) Just wanted to share, and say hello to all the 2007 May Bandsters. Traci

dr office called today and said surgery was being moved up to november 29

Had anyone on here had a lap band to sleeve revision? I have had the lap band for just over a year now and I HATE it. I have had tons of problems with heartburn and having to have the bad completely unfilled for months at a time. At first I lost around 40 lbs but now I am basically back to where I was before I was banded. I am strongly considering getting a revision to the gastric sleeve. I basically just want to know how successful the sleeve is and if insurance will cover the revision?

I had the lap band to sleeve revision surgery. Ever since I had the first surgery I've been experiencing a compression and cramping pain in the middle of my abdominal. If I sit on a chair it will get worse within the hour. The thing is I contacted my lap band doctor and he told me that there was nothing wrong. They did an upper GI and apparently there was nothing wrong with it. I have a feeling it has something to do with my abdominal muscle because I can feel it in my back sometimes also. I dunno what to do now because he didn't find anything and I may go get this checked out. I really don't think it is just my imagination because this doesn't feel normal.

Hi , I have gained back most of the weight I lost (130 of 155 lbs) at 7 yrs out I am exploring a revision procedure called Stomaphyx or ROSE procedure. These are fairly new and was hoping somebody had some experience with them and can share with me. Thanks! Lisa

I had my lapband surgery in July 2011. It slipped in July 2012 but it fell back in place once the Fluid was removed. I had it refilled the last week in December and it slipped again last week. I only had it filled for about 2 1/2 months before it slipped again My doctor wants to remove it and would like to do a revision to bypass or the sleeve (my choice). My question is, how hard is it to get approved for a revision due to mechanical failure? I'm worried because my bmi is 36 with no co-morbities. I'm the same weight as I was before the surgery. I have priority partners in Maryland. I was self-pay for my lapband. Thank you!

I had my lap band and gall bladder out Jan 2015, I am retired Tricare, I have 5 comorbilities and my bariactric surgeon is requesting approval for the bypass now. Does anyone know if Tricare will cover this as a 2 stage revision after the lap band is removed?

I was hoping anyone would have some advice on fighting the insurance company I was denied due to the one surgery a life time and they didn't feel I had enough doucumemtatiom or problems for a revision has any one dealt with this an won I could use some advice an encouragement