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Set for sleeve on the 25th. Pre-op on the 23rd and scope on 24th. Doing hiachial repair too. Had the band taken out 2 years ago due to slippage. Lost 80 pounds with band and kept it off for 7 years. Have gained 90 pounds back in last 2 years. Any other revision people here or former banders?

I happen to run across this on my surgeon's website and wanted to share. This is for people who have had weight regain after bypass. It appears that this is less invasive than another revision surgery, but can reduce the size of pouch and outlet. Hopefully, we all will have ZERO problems forever and be compliant, and never have to go this route, but... it can happen and we need to know what options are out there for help if it does. Read on There is also a great animation video on the right to see how it can fix this problem. http://apolloendo.com/procedures/outlet-pouch-reduction/

The malnutrition says with you for life that's why there is such a dedication to vitamin supplements. At least that's what my surgeon says. Also, being currently banded seeking revision, there are not enough long term studies for the band. Best success documented is RNY. But it is a difficult decision to make and knowledge is power.

You'll definitely hit your goal after the sleeve - the liquid diet will ensure that :-) I am curious, is your doctor going to give you a bigger sleeve since your weight is so low? I only had 60 pounds to lose after my revision and I can't imagine what this diet would do to someone who only has to lose 10 pounds. This sleeve has been AMAZING for my weight loss. I was so disappointed in my band that I only wanted to make sure I didn't gain more - I wasn't as focused on losing. Congrats to you on having a doctor that understands that the band is not a way to live for the rest of your life!!! Lara

I never had a band (was headed towards the band though, when my hubby decided he wanted WLS too and begged me to research the sleeve, we are now both sleeved) but judging from the people on this board who had revised to the sleeve you will be so happy to be able to eat and not PB your food back up (and healthy foods too.) I have never once had anything come back up in the last almost 7 months! Since you have so little to get to goal I'm guessing that you will probably achieve it shortly after your revision surgery. WOW! Best of luck with your revision, this is definitely the place to learn everything about the sleeve!

Hi Nancy L, My name is Enrique “Henry” Cortez, I am the Office Manager for Bariatric Pal Team MX. You should have a look at these posts. I believe Green1 had this surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/368430-lap-band-with-plication-removal/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/369599-lap-band-shoulder-pain/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/367178-surgery-revision-question/

Dear Robin: I know you don't want to hear this, :tongue: but wait til you get to your goal. Inthe mean time, try the Enell bra for exercise (trust me- I am a 42 G-I know all about the bounce factor!!!). :cheers2: I work with surgeons on a daily basis, and I know how they think.:huggie: One thing they do not like to do is have to cut across scar lines because the vasculature has been altered, and the healing will be less optimal. You do NOT want to have a revised scar under your bra line that never heals, not to mention around your areolas!!!! Keep me posted on your progress, because I am headed for a lift and BR the minute I reach my goal-which is probably still a year away. PS: Now that I am banded, I can joke about the irony of going to the PS for a BR and being told (very diplomatically, of course) that I was too fat for fat surgery.:w00t:

I've been banded 2 1/2 years. I got within 10 pounds of my goal weight and then gained back 15 pounds. I don't have a true green zone. I'm either too tight or too loose. Every time my seasonal allergies flare up my band gets super tight which has led me to be dehydrated twice. Now my surgeon says I have esophageal dilation but its not a big deal and doesn't need to be treated. I tried to seek a second opinion and was told I would need an Upper GI first, the specialist I want to see requires it. My family dr ordered it and I had it done yesterday. I was given 2 oz of super thin barium and after 25 minutes most of it was still in my esophagus. The radiologist said even with a band that's not normal. He did not say what the problem or diagnosis was though. While I'm waiting on his final report I have so many things going through my mind:( Mainly I wonder if I will be able to revise to a sleeve AND I wonder if I will ever be able to eat healthy foods again without throwing up. I also wonder if I choose to do the sleeve what the long term complications are. Any advice or kind words for me? I'm feeling like a mega weight loss failure right now:( I know I shouldn't but I do. I've explained everything to my husband and he understands and is on board with whatever I choose to do.

I can definitely identify with you. My band doctor told me that a revision would be very risky. I had an EGD done and an upper GI both reports are being sent to my revision surgeon. If you are not at PEACE with an inexperienced surgeon, then follow your heart. Rather Mexico or the US be at peace with your decision. I am actually going to another state because the surgeon does revisions frequently unlike any bariatric surgeon in my state. Seems to me the coordination of your surgery is difficult (clue)! :-).

I was banded may 31, 2011 in Cali. Left out of state a two wks later this was the biggest mistake of my life. Texas medical did not cover any dr spots to be seen or fills. So I only lost 8lbs in two yrs. So I revised on July 19th 2013 to gastric bypass and lost practically all my goal weight already:)

I had my surgery on Feb 6th. Other than Serious nausea no complications. I had my surgery with a specialist in Arlington, TX. He didn't see me at my two week check in/follow up. Instead I got the PA or Nurse Practitioner (not sure) who is fairly negative. I had the band to sleeve revision and he feels the need to tell me that most B to S patients don't do as well as other patients. I have been following the guidelines for diet and vitamins but am having trouble getting to 64 grams of protein w/o drinking protein shakes. Weight is dropping (at 197 from 232 pre surgery) but I am tired, cranky and way too weepy for my own good. I am walking daily and have been doing some fairly strenuous yard work. Is it because of lack of protein and nutrients? I have my 6 week appointment on Monday. What should I expect at that visit? If he gives the talk again I may slap him (jk). Seriously I need my surgeon's team to be MY team in my success but even though I am losing (35 lbs in 6 weeks) I am dreading the appointment. My husband is trying to be supportive but I haven't told outsiders about the revision so I don't have a "team".

Wow! I'm happy that your continuing your journey. I hope I'm not being too nosy but is your insurance covering the revision surgery?

Congrats on your decision. You are making the right choice to live healthy. I'm in the 6 week post-op and will try to answer your q's from my perspective. 1. The sleeve was my first surgery so I had nothing to compare it to. And my surgery was in India so the process is quite a bit different. For example, it took me one and a half days for the anesthesia to wear down. And then I was on paid meds till mid of day three so I had no pain at all. Again, this is just my perspective. You may feel a bit diff based on how you react to anesthetics. 2. I took a one month vacation. I felt so much better after the second week, but I still had to take small naps in the afternoons for atleast two hrs. So I used the whole month's vacation for recovery. I too have a desk job and its not physically demanding 3. As I said before, I'm just 6 weeks post op. But from my experience, I can say that if at all you feel any discomfort, it will get better by the day. Sticking to your diet plan may feel very hard at the beginning but PLEASE stick to it. Concentrate on getting in the required Proteins and fluids and any other meds that your doctor prescribes. This is very important. If you get in the required amounts of proteins and fluids, there should be no problems. The whole point of the low calories is that your fat will get burned and converted to calories so that your body remains energetic. If you feel very tired, you can try having a small nap in the afternoon, atleast thats what I did. If it gets too uncomfortable, consult your doctor -- they may revise your diet chart to fit you better. 4 & 5 -- can't help with these, sorry -- coz I did not have any nausea. 6 -- can't help with this either, sorry -- I'm not very familiar with the insurance system in US as I'm from India and I was a self-pay. 7. Hmm not exactly difficult - but you'll have to get used to not gulping it at one go. The first week I struggled to finish of 50ml Water in 30 minutes. But now, I can drink more than 125 ml in less than 5 minutes. It all depends on how well your sleeve reacts to the kinds of fluids you take in. 8. I thought I'll miss food the most, but surprisingly not so much. The thing that I miss the most is sleeping on my sides. I have had asthma from 15 and have never gotten used to sleeping on my back, so when I came back from the surgery and was forced to sleep on my back, I just couldnt have a peaceful sleep for more than a week. My back hurt a lot at that time. Then I got used to it, but I still miss sleeping on my sides. I posted on this forum and got a great suggestion today -- pillows under the belly when sleeping on the sides. I'm going to try it tonight :-)

I'm a lapband to sleeve revision. I didn't really ask my doctor if it were more. I just assumed so based off of being a precert nurse with a large healthcare insurance company. The reason being is because the doctor will be billing for both the procedure codes(CPT code) for the removal of the band and the VSG. Hence two different charges. Maybe this is done differently with a self pay but not for insurance. These are done as two different approvals regardless if they are done on the same claim/authorization or not.

Taken from http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf/P000008b.doc WARNING: Laparoscopic or laparotomic placement of the LAP-BAND System is major surgery and death can occur WARNING: Failure to secure the band properly may result in its subsequent displacement and necessitate reoperation. WARNING: A large hiatal hernia may prevent accurate positioning of the device. Placement of the band should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity of the hernia. WARNING: The band should not be sutured to the stomach. Suturing the band directly to the stomach may result in erosion. WARNING: Patients’ emotional and psychological stability should be evaluated prior to surgery. Gastric banding may be determined to be inappropriate, in the opinion of the surgeon, for select patients. WARNING: Patients should be advised that the LAP-BAND System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be indicated at any time. Medical management of adverse reactions may include explantation. Revision surgery for explantation and replacement may also be indicated to achieve patient satisfaction. WARNING: Esophageal distension or dilatation has been reported to result from stoma obstruction due to over-restriction, due to excessive band inflation. Patients should not expect to lose weight as fast as gastric bypass patients, and band inflation should proceed in small increments. Deflation of the band is recommended if esophageal dilatation develops. WARNING: Some types of esophageal dysmotility may result in inadequate weight loss or may result in esophageal dilatation when the band is inflated and require removal of the band. On the basis of each patient's medical history and symptoms, surgeons should determine whether esophageal motility function studies are necessary. If these studies indicate that the patient has esophageal dysmotility, the increased risks associated with band placement must be considered. WARNING: Patients with Barrett's esophagus may have problems associated with their esophageal pathology that could compromise their post-surgical course. Use of the band in these patients should be considered on the basis of each patient’s medical history and severity of symptoms. WARNING: Patient self-adjustment of superficially placed access ports has been reported. This can result in inappropriate band tightness, infection and other complications. Precautions CAUTION: Laparoscopic band placement is an advanced laparoscopic procedure. Surgeons planning laparoscopic placement must: Have extensive advanced laparoscopic experience, i.e., fundoplications. Have previous experience in treating obese patients and have the staff and commitment to comply with the long-term follow-up requirements of obesity procedures. Participate in a training program for the LAP-BAND System authorized by BioEnterics Corporation or an authorized BioEnterics distributor (this is a requirement for use). Be observed by qualified personnel during their first band placements. Have the equipment and experience necessary to complete the procedure via laparotomy, if required. Be willing to report the results of their experience to further improve the surgical treatment of severe obesity. CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the surgeon to advise the patient of the known risks and complications associated with the surgical procedure and implant. CAUTION: As with other gastroplasty surgeries, particular care must be taken during dissection and during implantation of the device to avoid damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Any damage to the stomach during the procedure may result in erosion of the device into the GI tract. CAUTION: During insertion of the calibration tube, care must be taken to prevent perforation of the esophagus or stomach. CAUTION: In revision procedures the existing staple line may need to be partially disrupted to avoid having a second point of obstruction below the band. As with any revision procedure, the possibility of complications such as erosion and infection is increased. Any damage to the stomach during the procedure may result in peritonitis and death, or in late erosion of the device into the GI tract. CAUTION: Care must be taken to place the access port in a stable position away from areas that may be affected by significant weight loss, physical activity, or subsequent surgery. Failure to do so may result in the inability to perform percutaneous band adjustments. CAUTION: Care must be taken during band adjustment to avoid puncturing the tubing which connects the access port and band, as this will cause leakage and deflation of the inflatable section. CAUTION: The LAP-BAND System is for single use only. Do not use a band, access port, needle or calibration tube which appears damaged (cut, torn, etc.) in any way. Do not use one of them if the package has been opened or damaged, or if there is any evidence of tampering. If packaging has been damaged, the product may not be sterile and may cause an infection. Do not attempt to clean, re-sterilize or re-use any part of the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System. The product may be damaged or distorted if re-sterilized. CAUTION: It is important that special care be used when handling the device because contaminants such as lint, fingerprints and talc may lead to a foreign body reaction. CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid damaging the band, its inflatable section or tubing, the access port or the calibration tube. Use only rubber-shod clamps to clamp tubing. CAUTION: The band, access port and calibration tube may be damaged by sharp objects and manipulation with instruments. A damaged device must not be implanted. For this reason, a stand-by device should be available at the time of surgery. CAUTION: Failure to use the tubing end plug during placement of the band may result in damage to the band tubing during band placement. CAUTION: Do not push the tip of any instrument against the stomach wall or use excessive electrocautery. Stomach perforation or damage may result. Stomach perforation may result in peritonitis and death. CAUTION: Over-dissection of the stomach during placement may result in slippage or erosion of the band and require reoperation. CAUTION: Failure to use an appropriate atraumatic instrument such as the LAP-BAND Closure Tool to lock the band may result in damage to the band or injury to surrounding tissues. CAUTION: The band is not intended to be opened laparoscopically with surgical instruments. Unrecognized damage to the band may result in subsequent breakage or failure of the device. CAUTION: When adjusting band volume take care to ensure that the radiographic screen is perpendicular to the needle shaft (the needle will appear as a dot on the screen). This will facilitate adjustment of needle position as needed while moving through the tissue to the port. CAUTION: When adjusting band volume use of an inappropriate needle may cause access port leakage and require re-operation to replace the port. Use only LAP-BAND System Access Port Needles. Do not use standard hypodermic needles, as these may cause leaks. CAUTION: When adjusting band volume never enter the access port with a “syringeless ” needle. The Fluid in the device is under pressure and will be released through the needle. CAUTION: When adjusting band volume once the septum is punctured, do not tilt or rock the needle, as this may cause fluid leakage or damage to the septum. CAUTION: When adjusting band volume if fluid has been added to decrease the stoma size, it is important to establish, before discharge, that the stoma is not too small. Care must be taken during band adjustments not to add too much saline, thereby closing the gastric stoma. Check the adjustment by having the patient drink Water. If the patient is unable to swallow, remove some fluid from the port, then recheck. A physician familiar with the adjustment procedure must be available for several days post-adjustment to deflate the band in case of an obstruction. CAUTION: It is the responsibility of the surgeon to advise the patient of the dietary restrictions which follow this procedure and to provide diet and behavior modification support. Failure to adhere to the dietary restrictions may result in obstruction and/or failure to lose weight. CAUTION: Patients must be carefully counseled on the need for proper dietary habits. They should be evaluated for nutritional (including caloric) needs and advised on the proper diet selection. If necessary to avoid any nutritional deficiencies, the physician may choose to prescribe appropriate dietary supplements. The appropriate physical monitoring and dietary counseling should take place regularly. CAUTION: Patients must be cautioned to chew their food thoroughly. Patients with dentures must be cautioned to be particularly careful to cut their food into small pieces. Failure to follow these precautions may result in vomiting, stomal irritation and edema, possibly even obstruction. CAUTION: Patients must be seen regularly during periods of rapid weight loss for signs of malnutrition, anemia or other related complications. CAUTION: Anti-inflammatory agents, which may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, should be used with caution. The use of such medications may be associated with an increased risk of erosion. CAUTION: Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition, may require deflation of their bands. CAUTION: All patients should have their reproductive areas shielded during radiography. CAUTION: Insufficient weight loss may be caused by pouch enlargement or more infrequently band erosion, in which case further inflation of the band would not be appropriate. CAUTION: Elevated homocysteine levels have been found in patients actively losing weight after obesity surgery. Supplemental folate and Vitamin B12 may be necessary to maintain normal homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine levels may increase cardiovascular risk and the risk of neural tube abnormalities. CAUTION: Although there have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND System autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders (i.e., systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma) have been reported following long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These conditions have primarily been hypothesized to be associated with silicone breast implants. There is currently no conclusive clinical evidence to substantiate a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Definitive long-term epidemiological studies to further evaluate this possible association are currently underway. However, the surgeon should be aware that if autoimmune symptoms develop following implantation, definitive treatment and/or band removal may be indicated. Likewise, patients who exhibit preexisting autoimmune symptoms should be carefully evaluated prior to implantation of the LAP-BAND System and may not be appropriate candidates (see Contraindications).

Thanks Izuri for your reply..I did email the drs office for a different RX, so we will see what the day brings. Christine, anythings possible with this crapband...lol I vomit often from things getting stuck. Things are just so inconsistant with this thing. I don't have any reflux or pressure like in the past. However, I was thinking that the awful taste in my mouth and the "burning, churning" feeling in my stomach could be acid reflux??? I don't know but I hope I get some answers soon. I might be way off, but I almost feel like my LB dr is brushing things off because she knows I want the lapband taken out and revised to a sleeve....and I feel like maybe she thinks I am making issues up to move the process along, which is definatley not the case!!! Hopefully I can get some answers today

I'm considering a revision to a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Duodenal Switch. I hate my Band with a passion. I've lived with it for almost seven years. Even with no fill, I can still PB. It's fine on fluoro, though. I've done the "one more try" at making my Band work probably ten times. I've seen all of the best Lap-Band experts. I'm done. For me, not being able to tolerate any solid food until 4 p.m. with a measly 1 cc in my Band is not a life I want. YMMV, though.

After living with the band for years, with endless discomfort and reflux issues, I discovered that I was suffering from a fairly acute case of esophageal dilation and the doctor scheduled me for band removal. I was told that my esophagus needed a rest and that I couldn't have a revision for at least a year. That was in January 2012. I have subsequently gained all the weight that I have lost and have also developed problems with my spine and knees --all weight related. In any case I have been taking care of all my exams in prep for the sleeve and when I had the endoscopy today, the doctor says that I still have a distended esophagus along with lesions from my days with the band. Has anyone out there had this kind of complication and gone on to have the sleeve? The doc didn't say that I couldn't have the sleeve done, but maybe esophageal lesions and dilation coupled with having on 15% of a stomach is a step too far. My joints would argue otherwise. Please advise.

I haven't felt "full" in 4 yrs (was lapbanded 4 yrs ago. Revision 3 1/2 mths ago). I just KNOW when I've had enuf. If I go past that point I will vomit. Thankfully since being sleeved I've only vomited 2x (vs almost daily with the band). So, no. I never actually feel "Thanksgiving full". Its a different feeling. Im scared if I feel full that I will slowly stretch my stomach and it will take more and more food to satiate me

I had Lap-Band 20 years ago. I then had the removal of my Lap-Band and revision to Gastric Bypass in March 2018 and Gastric Bypass reversal due to a lower bowel blockage in June 2019. I regret getting the Lap-Band and using a surgeon for my Bypass that wasn't the greatest (to be kind.) Thankfully, I've kept almost all my extra weight off, and my health is great.

I was told 1 in 500 for rny but I was a revision band to bypass no regrets I also have a sweet tooth not dumped yet but followed the rules and only 20 weeks out. Good luck with your research X

Hey Minidriver, I have lost 10 lbs since the original surgery in Oct 2008, But I must be honest I haven't really done much in the way of exercise since my TT. I was on complete bed rest for 5 weeks after PS becasue of a Large wound seperation. after I was allowed up again I really had no energy, so I would go a short walks. I had my revision in May 2009. I havent gained anything so that's a plus. But I want to drop the last 20 lbs. My band dr wants me to lose 40 more But I dont see that happening. I do know that I had a large pannus and so exerciseing now is soooo much easier, biking and running, even swimming is so different without having to wear 2 pairs of panty girdles. I have a fill scheduled in 2 weeks and hope that helps me to kick into gear and drop the last few pounds. good luck,

$17,000 for Extended tummy tuck with an anchor cut, breast lift and breast augmentations with silicone implants. This included OR, anastesiolgiost, Pain pump, 2 nights in a healing center. all follow up visits. I also had a revision and my surgeon charged me nothing for it. I believe when it was broken down the tummy part was abut $10,000. I had it done in Beverly hills, But I had 5 consults and there wasn't very much difference in price from Bakersfield, Lancaster, Los Angelos and Bev hills at all, Maybe $500. so I went with the Dr who I felt most comfortable with even tho he was a little more it was well worth it.

Dang! I'm not sure what the total billed amount will be to insurance at this point, but my out of pocket costs will likely be more than $10k. $1,000 copay, then insurance will pay 80% up to a max of $10,000. I'm a revision, so have to spend the night. Expecting the total bill to be over $30k...

I am fairly new to this site, just a couple months. In between this time there was an update , a revision of sorts. As with the latter, I am continuing to have the same issue. This is the first time I have every really entered any type of forum that has held my interest . It is very imformative. Taking in the fact that I am not computer savvy what so ever and I do not understand half of the terms on the help section, ( because they are related to computer usage) I am having issues with figuring out how to best use this site. I wish there was like a VST 101 Group lol Does anyone have any suggestions on what they do first when they come on daily? I tend to end up reading the same things over and over. I see new things yet all the old first, so I scroll. I do hit forum read but nothing happens i still see it. What are some suggestions to keep me interested. I have kept looking around trying to learn about using the site more efficiently. I do not think I am utilizing VST's full capacity. Generally I start with .. FORUMS, then hit VIEW NEW CONTENT, then scroll and look at things from there. Is that what most do. Or I go to the INDIVISUAL FORUM then scroll also. I would like to erase what I have read and move on when I return. Thanks for any input.