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I was sleeved in 12/2012 and converted to bypass on 8/14. I went from 240-lowest 166. In July I was 166 using phentermine but have since gained 17 lbs since July. Had an upper GI don't and the area btwn small bowel and stomach has stretched. I go back in 1/25 to discuss options bc of cravings and weight gain. I feel like a failure. Who has 2 weight lose surgeries and can't maintain. I do eat fairly well and work out 5 days a week. I also had twins in oct 2015 so I'm always busy!! Any questions, comments or concerns welcome! Be nice please! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi All-I was a self pay lapbander that was completed here in the states. I believe my BMI was around 33-34, 3 years ago. Since getting the band I have dropped to 150 pounds, give or take, depending on how horrible my band wants to be. I have only had a max fill of 4.50CC's in a 10CC band. Anyways, I am constantly struggling with reflux and stricture, so they remove Fluid. I gain weight as I have the hunger pains that I normally do not have. I have not had solid food since Jan.1 due to horrific reflux and stomach pain. I had an endoscopy yesterday and the Dr said I was inflammed and my issues are 100% the band. I then went to my bariatric surgeon and they took the remaining fluid out, I was only at 1.5CC and on Jan 2 I had 3CC. They did a barium test and they said everything looks perfect, band placement and everything. I said I have zero in my band and fluid is only trickling through. That looks like a problem. They said you are inflammed. I responded that if you look at my records, I am constantly going back and forth with 100% removal of fluid due to constant vomiting. I hate being in pain, I hate all the sleepless nights and that I cannot eat Proteins as they just come up no matter how small the bite and how much I chew. So my current problem, I want my band out and a revision to a sleeve. It hurts and I have stomach pain. I don't want to gain all my weight back that I have worked so hard to lose. I reached out to Dr Illan and he denied me due to BMI. I tried to plead my case that my BMI is what it is due to my band. I need to find a Dr that would do a revision with a sleeve so I do not go backwards. I still have 15 -20 pounds to lose too. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

After 10 years with the band, I finally had the revision to by-pass on December 9th, 2016. Being the holiday month and going through all of the holiday parties, this was a pretty difficult month for me as I was mainly on liquids. I was surprised about the initial depression I experienced. However, I have lost about 28 pounds in a month+ (from 205 to 177), my diabetes is virtually gone, my blood pressure is 117/70, and I am now getting my energy. I feel great. I have had no problems with eating correctly, getting my liquid and Protein in, etc. Have periods of feeling very tired, but those are resolving, as well. All in all, I am very happy that I made this decision. I have joined a gym for weight lifting to build muscle mass, joined a support group, taking my supplements, walking, and tracking what I eat. Again, I feel great. Weight loss is slower than I thought, but it is coming off and that is good enough. I do not look forward to some hair loss, but it comes back, so what? I had scar tissue from the band (lots of it) so the sleeve was not recommended. Best of luck, Gail

As you wrote your note, you're actually asking two questions: Does the band work? and Does the band work and remain viable for the long haul. You're going to hear the good, the bad and the neutral in response to both questions. In answer to the first, the band works if the owner works it, as "they" say in the street. It will not work for losing weight f not considered and used as an aid, a partner, so to speak. It usually takes a few adjustments to get it set as an optimal aid. Because it's fickle, adjustments to loosen or tighten may be needed from time to time; there's no way to predict. Then there are the band owners whose bands are just right for them out of the gate. Second question: The band isn't perfect and many have revised to other surgeries. They include those who had legitimate cause and I have no doubt that others just didn't work their bands or abused them. With a band, as with any of the bariatric procedures, regain is always a possibility. Maintenance for the long term is the individual's responsibility and demands vigilance. One downside with the band is that it requires pretty much life-long attention, e.g., annual esophagrams (a.k.a. barium swallows) to be sure it's in place and that liquids and food continue to move from mouth to stomach as they should. Slips are always a possibility; some can be avoided (by not gorging and/or eating too quickly and the like) and some not (perhaps a wrenching movement, which doesn't mean, by the way, giving up ice-climbing or whatever dare-devilry is your passion, which reminds me: No need to give up sex, either). One band star is @@Alex Brecher who founded BP. He had surgery about 14 years ago and has maintained his boyish figure since reaching his goal as far as I know. He's not your deciding factor, of course, but, if he stops in, may be able to give you perspective that I can't. I'm one of those who was doing wonderfully, with goal in sight, but was thrown by a life event and regained most the the weight I'd lost. I'm back on track now. For a while I thought my band might have breathed it's last, but my July esophagram was good and the band is doing its thing. I must take care to pay attention to the signals it sends -- again, that personal responsibility thing. To make a long spiel longer, I'll end by suggesting that you read your replies and compose a list of specific questions to pose to people at the surgery practice you're considering. Also attend its support group to ask and listing to people face to face. This last is not to advise you to abandon BP. All the best.

I Would not chance the sleeve if u have acid reflux or gerd. Many, many oeopke have to get a revision after the sleeve due to horrible reflux. Hes what my surgeon saud to me bc I also have had gerd for years. He said," about 1/3 of sleeve patients I see end up having reflux, however what Im seeing more and moreIs a much later down the line many get horrendous reflux daily and I end up doing a revision, bypass. We got talking a out this bc I have had reflux for many year. I'm not gonna go through this surgery twice, so Its bypass for me. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved in 12/2012 and converted to bypass on 8/14. I went from 240-lowest 166. In July I was 166 using phentermine but have since gained 17 lbs since July. Had an upper GI don't and the area btwn small bowel and stomach has stretched. I go back in 1/25 to discuss options bc of cravings and weight gain. I feel like a failure. Who has 2 weight lose surgeries and can't maintain. I do eat fairly well and work out 5 days a week. I also had twins in oct 2015 so I'm always busy!! Any questions, comments or concerns welcome! Be nice please! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi waterwoman, I am also 60 years old. Good to meet you!! You have done excellent with your weight. I have a story about the Lap Band, my hubby had his for 13years. It malfunctioned (pretty common)he went to have it removed and do a revision to the RNY, that didn't go well. The band had eroded into his liver. So they took out his band and his gallbladder. So he ended up with abscesses and was so sick for 9 months and 3 of the months he doesn't remember. He did finally go to Mexico and had the Sleeve done. This was in June. He is doing ok. I had my RNY 3 and 1/2 years go. I lost 132#'s in 6 months. I did have a few problems with strictures so I think this is why I lost so fast. I gained 8#'s back, but both of my Dr's were ok They said I was losing muscle so it was a good thing. I have maintained my 124#' weight loss for 3 years. I feel the same as you about being one of the very best things I have ever done. I am so Thankful that I am now a normal sized person which I have not been since I was 20 years old. I look forward to following your Journey. Again Welcome.

Good luck! I'm a band to sleeve revision but I had mine done here in the states. I'm also hypothyroid and it was the hardest to lose weight, even with the band. The sleeve is so much different. I wish you the best in your journey

Greeting, everyone! Long story short, my first band was placed in 2008 when I was 260lbs. I lost 90lbs, was miserable physically, and had it removed because it slipped in April 2013 weighing about 180lbs. 2nd band was placed in August of 2013, and removed (again, slip) in March 2016, weighing 190lbs. After that band was removed I couldn't stop gaining weight and found out I was severely hypothyroid. Since then my TSH levels are normal (taking Synthroid) and I am 250lbs and not responding to diet/exercise. For example, on a one month strict no carb diet, I gained 10lbs. So a year after my 2nd band removal I am traveling to Tijuana to have a revision surgery (even if there is no band/port it's still a revision) to try the sleeve! It's with ALOBariatrics, Dr. Alejandro Lopez. What I'd like to know: Has anyone used Dr. Lopez recently? How was your experience? Does anyone know how being hypothyroid will hamper my weight loss chances this time around? Has anyone gone to Mexico by themselves? Was it difficult? Has anyone been successful in financing their flight with their medical loan? Is there anything I might be missing/need to know? Thanks, you guys!

I'm from a little further east of Indianapolis, about halfway between Indy & Richmond. I had Dr Margaret Inman do a lap RouxNY at St V Carmel on Jan 31, 2007. All went well and I lost to my goal weight within 8-9 months or so. I maintained that weight as I struggled with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (both of which existed prior to my WLS). About six and a half years after my surgery, I began dropping below my goal weight for no apparent reason. It wasn't super long until I began vomiting nearly everything I ate or drank. I returned to Dr Inman's office where they told me they suspected that I had an ulcer. A large ulcer near the gastric outlet was confirmed with an endoscopy, and because my weight was down to 104#, I had a PICC line placed and received home therapy of TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) a double sized IV bag containing a milky solution that infused over 24 hours. That, along with IV Protonix was just the ticket! It wasn't an overnight thing, but after 8 weeks, I was able to eat and drink without any nausea or vomiting, and I was gradually gaining weight to get back to my goal. That was the weirdest thing ever! I'd worked hard to LOSE weight my whole life, so working to GAIN it seemed crazy to me! Anyway, all of that resolved and I was doing well with my WLS issues. The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue were rampant, tho. Any type of stressor gets that all jacked up! About 18 months ago, I started having vomiting troubles again. An endoscopy showed that the ulcer remained healed, but that the outlet was constricted. They stretched it by inflating a balloon inside it. That seemed to help for a couple of weeks, or maybe a little more. I tried altering my diet in an effort to resolve the problem, without success. Another endoscopy showed the same thing, and another dilation of the gastric outlet temporarily fixed it. This past October was the last endoscopy I had, with the same temporary stretch. In November I had an imaging study to follow the liquids & solids after I swallowed them. The radiologist said the gastric outlet was very narrow, and my pouch was "generously sized" as a result. Also, I'd gained about 40# over the last couple of years. So... the decision was made to do a revision of my RouxNY and resect the area of scar tissue that keeps tightening the outlet. I had all of the workup done and attended my pre-op nutrition class. I'm scheduled for the revision surgery 10 years to the day after the original surgery, and I'm soooo hopeful that it will be a big success! I believe my Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue were "stirred up" from the couple of major surgeries within a year or so, as well as the big weight loss and nutrient deficiencies from the ulcer! I feel like I've got a second lease on life! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If you've got GERD, get the byapss. Unless you're willing to live with the possibility of it getting worse. I had it before surgery, but was pretty adamant about getting the sleeve. I was kept on liquids for 4 weeks longer than I should have been (6 weeks total), have had several endoscopy's, and am still on medication for it 2.5 years post op. I could pursue a revision, but it is what it is and I'm just living with it. It's pretty well controlled with medication now. Otherwise I've been very happy with the sleeve. It's what you're willing to live with, I guess.

21 lbs the first month, I was a revision lap band to sleeve

Hello all, I just had a revision done on Monday Jan 9th from a sleeve to a bypass. I am on a full liquid diet for the next 7 to 14 days. I am a little concerned about not having any feeling of hunger or fullness when eating or drinking. occasionally I can hear and feel the liquid drip down into my new pouch. Anyone else have the same problem? Nickie

I'm going to a say what I ALWAYS say in these threads when a pre op asks the ol' "How much weight did you lose in XX amount of time?": The answers will vary wildly depending on age, gender, starting weight, activity levels, medications, underlying illnesses, whether you're a revision etc. The older you are, the slower the losses. The less you have to lose, the slower your losses. Men lose much faster than women (and we hate them for it). Revisions lose slower as a rule. Obviously someone who is limited with activitiy may lose slower. That being said, once you're post op, try not to get into the trap of comparison. It is a waste of good energy that can be used elsewhere and is counter productive to your goals. People have a tendency to have VERY unrealistic weight loss expectations with these surgeries for some reason. My answer? 17 pounds the first month.

If you have reflux at all go with rny! I am working on getting revised again. Band 6/2010, vsg 10/2014, rny coming soon! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My Dr fixed my Hiatal Hernia when he did the sleeve in 2011.Evenually it failed and acid reflux was horrible.I had a revision to bypass on Nov. 22,2016.No more acid reflux.

1) I gained all my weight back plus 15. My band worked initially but I could never get a fill I could live with. Even the slightest fill caused food to get stuck. I gave up on fills within the first year. Even unfilled I struggled to eat right. Protein first meant I was throwing up. I learned to eat around the band rather than go back to surgeon and deal with it immediately. 2) I waited 10 yrs from band to revision 3) I started pre op for sleeve 3 months before surgery by choice. I was mentally ready even if I had to jump through all the hoops first. I lost 35 lbs. 4) I've lost 46 lbs. I am 2 weeks post op Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had Lapband Surgery Nov 2007. Lost 60 lbs, but eventually gained it all back. I can't blame the band (it really had to do with my compliance - chips & guac and margarita's still go down quite easily!!) When I decided to jump back on the band-wagon and have my band refilled (had to be unfilled due to reflux), I found that due to scar tissue around my port that it is VERY difficult to get the needle in. It can now only be done under Fluroscopy, and is just too painful/expensive to do. So, I've got the band, but can't get it filled to the "sweet spot" (which I never truly found btw, I always dealt with PB's, vomiting, reflux, etc). I am now considering revision surgery to have RNY Bypass done this March. Would I recommend the band? Probably not due to the problems I've had. But some people have been very successful. I believe that the Sleeve & RNY are proven effective, force more compliance and are a true long-term solution. Also, with the sleeve & bypass, there is a physical change in the hormones (grehlin, leptin & others) that is not created with the band.

Oooohhhh......I see. Its like a sleeve with the re routing. The bypass is a pouch with different re routing. I have researched the hell out of the sleeve but none of the others. I think I rather stick with the sleeve and have an opportunity for revisions in the future. Thanks for the video it was helpful! Thanks for the responses. Im just now trying to get in some last minute option information since my sleeve was postponed until February now. Sent from my SM-J700P using the BariatricPal App

I was just seen today by my surgeon and he has to revise my band because it was leaking .I was gaining weight and something wasn't right ...hopefully I will be better after the surgery .I had it for almost 7 years now . Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

In the last few days, @@Babbs has had some good lists of things to do to get started again. Maybe searching through her recent posts would be less overwhelming? I can imagine you feel defeated, but know you aren't powerless. If you can't have revision surgery, you can still work your sleeve as best you can. Best case scenario, you're just that much healthier for surgery. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My sugeon asked me which one I was interested in getting after he explained all surgeries that are available. I picked the sleeve because I didn't want any organs rearranged. My surgeon agreed that was the best option for me. However, if for some reason I need a revision down the road, he said that would not be an issue. Go with what your instincts tell you. It's your body. IMHO.

@@ChunkyGirl79 Same issue here! I am 10 days out from my band to sleeve revision. I lost almost 18 lbs in the first week, but have gained 2-3 in the last 5 days! I have heard it is a stall. I'm trusting the process and the fact that I'm pretty active and only consuming 400-600 calls daily, so gain isn't actually possible. How have you been in the almost 2 weeks since this post? SW:327 CW:239 GW:155 Heather in Texas

@Monasmle: I agree with you. Why chance the sleeve, and then possibly have horrendous reflux only to have to go through a revision to bypass. No thank you, bypass for me. Also, one person here said that more SLEEVES are being done these days. Well that may be true, I dont know for sure, but if that is true it may be because bc the sleeve is easier, faster and the surgeon still makes the big bucks. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like you've been doing well. Agree with what others have said about just focusing on Water and Protein to stay healthy. From a BMI perspective you are still registering in the overweight category, so I doubt you have anything worry about from a health perspective. Obviously I don't know your body type (as in you could be a professional weightlifter for all I know), but assuming you're not, you enter BMI "normal" range at 184 (assuming you're 6' as someone mentioned earlier - I'm on the phone app and can't see that data). You aren't underweight by BMI until you are 136lbs. I'm not saying you should live and die by BMI, just illustrating it to help put your mind at ease. I have the same issue. It's been hard for me to stop losing. I'm way past even my revised goal. I feel like I'm eating all the time, but it's hard to get a lot of calories in on my surgeons plan (which is probably why he doesn't encourage us to count calories). But even at 144 lbs at 5'8", I'm still just kind of in the middle of the normal BMI range, so I'm sure I'm not at any risk. But I would prefer the weight loss to stop. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App