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@favoredlife....my understanding is that it is impossible to stretch the actual sleeve. What happens is that on extreme overeating, the area where pyloric valve meets the intestine, the intestine will actually balloon at this weak point....thus stretching the intestine not the stomach....this is how my surgeon explained it me....small comfort to your cousin of course as the result is the same...revision

I had my Lap Band put in 13 years ago by one of the most experienced band surgeons of the time. I did lose a decent amount of weight with it (around 140 lbs!) and for a while I loved the band. However, I've been living unfilled for several years now because of a band slippage, and subsequently regained 70 lbs. or so. I am excited about getting the band removed, because I am tired of the problems it has caused, but so scared about the sleeve revision. I am scared of suffering any more problems - because I have indeed SUFFERED a lot from the band. My port site has always been tender (it was worst when I was at my lowest weight since there was less "padding"), so I had pain from that on a daily basis for most of the time I had the band. While I was pregnant, it was extremely painful at times but in a weird way the stretching of the pregnancy seemed to break up some scar tissue and now it doesn't hurt as much. I have reflux at night even with the band unfilled. I have pain and a sense of fullness in my chest at times from the band. Back when the band was filled, I had so many episodes of food getting stuck - sometimes resulting in hours of pain as I waited for the food to pass. I am grateful that the band is reversible. I am grateful that, while the complications have been unpleasant, at least they can be fixed and won't kill me. I know I am better off than some of the pioneers of weight loss surgery who suffered much worse complications and even died. But, still, I am disappointed it turned out this way. Back when I got the band, I did a LOT of research. I read journal articles about the Australian experience with the band, since it was available in Australia for some time before it came to America. At the time, the information coming out of Australia made the band look good as a viable long term option. I was part of some support group email lists where most people seemed to be doing well and complications were rare. Yet, in spite of all that reassurance, now we know that the lap band operation turns out badly for most people who have it. That's why I have a hard time trusting that the sleeve is any better. I see the sleeve has a lot of positive stories and data, but so did the band back when I had it done. A part of me wants to tell my surgeon I have decided to cancel the sleeve plan and just want her to take the band out. And yet, there is a part of me that feels like I should take the chance on the sleeve. Realistically, I know I will never lose that much weight again on my own without some help - statistically, that just doesn't happen for the vast majority of fat people. I know obesity kills. I know that IF the sleeve goes well and IF I lose weight again, I will be a much happier and healthier person. It's just that if the sleeve doesn't go well, I'm afraid that it could ruin my life. The one good thing about the band is that at least it IS something that can be taken out. So often on bariatric sites, I see people focused only on weight loss. My experience with the band has taught me that quality of life means a lot more to me than pounds lost. I would be happier living as a normal fat person than suffering any more bariatric surgery complications. In a way, it will be kind of a relief to me if the surgeon decides she can't do the sleeve and just takes the band out since then the decision will be out of my hands. However, deep down, I still have hope that maybe I will be as fortunate as some of the happy sleeve people on here. I hope to update all of you about how it goes once I feel up to it. Prayers and positive thoughts are definitely appreciated if you are so inclined.

Band Revision to Bypass 12/12/16 ???? N/A

With my band surgery (trying to revise to sleeve). I only took the narcotics for two, technically 3 days. Third day was really only because I had bad cramps from TOM. But a year later I threw out a more than 3/4 bottle of the stuff. I think I did take Tylenol a few times after though Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I had the sleeve in 2011.In 2015 I started having terrible acid reflux. Nothing helped.I had a a revision to bypass done Nov.22,2016.I'm glad I did.No more reflux,plus I protected my esophagus.If I didn't have the revision done might of eventually been eating from a feeding tube. I learned that 30 to 40 % of people who have acid reflux before end up with a revision. I too was scared to have bypass done the first time..Now I'm 5 weeks out and doing good.

Hey ondo I just had my revision sleeve to.bypass yesterday and I must say this recovery is a lot harder than I expected I also had a hiatal hernia repair and my sleeve was slightly twisted. I'm on Clear liquids until day 3. Then I'll be on full Protein liquids for two weeks. My dietitian wants us focusing on hitting protein goals of 60g and 48oz of fluids in total. The shoulder gas pain has been killer but I've been walking a ton !!! Feel free to add or message me !!!! foreverbariatric Sent from my GalaxyNote4 using the App

@@PrettyThick1 I feel you, I had my band for 8 years, honestly looking back at it I hated it since the beginning. I couldn't eat healthy foods like chicken and other things unless they were drenched in sauce. I felt like a failure and finally I developed horrible heart burn and had to get t emptied few times I kept gaining weight I said I had to do something about it. It was a hard decision to make but I did revise to RNY this year, I am 7 months out and even though I had complications I am so much more happier now and I don't miss my band at all. I am down 87 lbs this year and 42 more till goal. I know some people did well with the band but I was not one of them, just wish I did the revision many many years ago. Hope you find what you are looking for, talk to your surgeon about your options. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. Obviously everybody is different, and I know myselfC if I have the sleeve, it might work at first but if I don't CHANGE my habits and way of eating/snacking I will gain the weight back, and need to have it revised. I don't want another surgery I mis-used the band, and I acknowledge that. I am willing to change forever Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The scale will move... I had complications with my revision so I didn't lose anything for a month because of all of the IVs etc. just concentrate on doing what you need to do and to heal after surgery, the weight will come off. I am 7 months out and down 72 lbs + 15 lbs loss more before surgery. I thought I would be that person that will not lose but my dr is saying I am making great progress, I do go through stalls very often and it gets frustrating... I am learning to just concentrate on doing what I need to do and being patient, the scale moves eventually. Keep up good work! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi I've had my gastric sleeve revision to rny gastric bypass four days ago. I'm home since yesterday but it wasn't and still isn't easy. It feels as though I've been punched with 5 umbrellas and I have slight diarrhea but no more GERD and I'm hoping it begins to get better from now on. Happy to find similar people for support. Strangely enough I've been asked to take Clear Liquids on my first week, then full liquids like milk and yogurt on the second week, then purred foods on then third week but I wasn't told I should take in Protein. Any feedback is appreciated thanks Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi I've had my gastric sleeve revision to rny gastric bypass four days ago. I'm home since yesterday but it wasn't and still isn't easy. It feels as though I've been punched with 5 umbrellas and I have slight diarrhea but no more GERD and I'm hoping it begins to get better from now on. Happy to find similar people for support. Strangely enough I've been asked to take Clear liquids on my first week, then full liquids like milk and yogurt then purred on then third week but I wasn't told I should take in Protein. Any feedback is appreciated thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

you couldn't eat as much in the beginning because your stomach was swollen from the surgery. You can still lose weight with your stomach its current size - I'm still losing weight and I'm 19 months out. As you've found it, it just slows down quite a bit. I doubt you'd be able to find a surgeon willing to do a revision at six months out, anyway. It's never a good idea to compare yourself to others (like your aunt is trying to do with you). People lose at all different rates due to a variety of factors - age, gender, starting weight, metabolism, whether or not they lost a lot of weight pre-surgery, how much muscle mass they have, etc. And our ideal weights are all individual as well - depending on age, gender, bone density, how much muscle mass we have, frame size, etc. I weigh 150 lbs - near the top of the normal BMI range for my height, but I'm so bony my ribs show. My doctor said I can quit losing weight any time... Are you sticking to your plan and weighing/measuring and logging everything you eat? If not, do it. If you are, then just have patience. Your body may not be done losing weight yet.

Had my RNY in 2008 but looking to have a revision in January. Had my original in NC Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

Curious who your surgeon was eveyone? And what surgery did u all have? Cost? I am in the inland empire and looking into a revision. If anyone would like to share their experiences with me I'd appreciate it. Please msg me Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Hello friends, I have Cigna (I live in CT, after Jan. 1, 2017 it will switch to Aetna). The shakes, scar cream and supplements were approved. The process took maybe 2 weeks because I wasn't super diligent about making sure my doc got the faxed prescription request from Insure Nutrition - then faxed the company back, signing off on it, which they did. I'm a lapband revision to sleeve (just had the band out 11/22/16 have to wait 3 months to get the sleeve done). So right now I'm in the middle of the two surgeries. UPS confirmed that I have 4 shipments on the way scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I'm not sure how many Premier Protein come per case, but I'll keep you updated as getting our nutrition covered is a hot topic! I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am to have this be covered. It eases my mind to know that my protein needs will be met - delivered to my door and covered by my insurance! Now we'll see what happens after the 1st of the year and if Aetna is as generous as Cigna (fingers crossed).

I've been off from my surgery (band to bypass revision with complications - 7hr surgery) on the 3rd December. The first week was pretty rough and my head was still quite foggy from the anaesthetic and pain meds. However I've recovered really quickly and think I could have been back in work after a fortnight if I had to be. It's really nice knowing I'm not back till the 3rd Jan though, gives me time to focus on exercise and getting my food/vitamins routine sorted before my life gets hectic again! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I got a lap band revision to the sleeve. Since then when I lie down after I go to sleep its hard me to get up. I usually lye on my abdomen when going to sleep. The soreness feels really bad and goes into my back. I dunno what 2 do now.

Just had my lapband removed 12/15...was hoping to convert to RNY at the same time, but my stomach was too beat up getting it out to continue (band in 7 years and had erosion). So looking forward to the second surgery in Feb or March now. I feel so much better already! It is almost hard to explain. I am a little sad that I have to do everything over again like the preop tests, insurance, incisions, and preop diet... but I am so happy to have it out and looking forward to the revision. I originally needed/wanted the RNY but insurance would not cover any WLS at the time...so the Band was it for cost and less downtime. I had hoped it would be my forever tool, but it was causing pain and damage, with a not so pretty helping of weight gain. I wish I had not been so stubborn, tired, and honestly scared to start the revision process sooner! The process has taken over 8 months but definitely worth it. I wish you the best of luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Reading this makes me ANGRY for you!! I am a little over a year out and I have had ulcers since I was about 4 weeks out. I have been very persistent about mine- medications and then a revision at 5 months out, on Friday I go in for a Vagotomy to hopefully make the ulcers go away forever. My surgeon is good, and yet- they really have NO IDEA what to do with persistent ulcers. You do need to find a surgeon that is willing to work with you until you are fixed, no matter how bad things are and/ or get. I would try Mayo Clinic or Duke. Also a Dr. Clark in VA who will take other surgeons patients. Part of the problem is- the Dr's "raitings" are based off of successes and no one wants to add an unsuccessful patient to their roster. Keep trying!! There are still some good ones that care more about patients than their stats!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just a few pics from Christmas. It is definately a good feeling to not shy away from the camera as much as I used to. Started out at 304, currently at 187 (2Lbs. from my start out goal). Revised the goal and shooting for 175lbs., 12 to go! *almost 7 months out

I had a Realize Band for five years- removed in the spring and revised to RNY in November. So far I'm very happy with my choice!

I'm seeking advice from anyone who has had the band but had it removed and had 2nd WLS. I'm not sure if the band is going to be a permanent solution to my weight problem and would like any advice.

Hey guys, it's been a while! I am here to do a public walk of shame and to admit that maybe the band wasn't the best choice for me. I'm about 4 years post-op and had great results until the first time I got the stomach flu about a year ago. Having the flu meant that I was constantly nauseated and throwing up, so to prevent any damage I had 1cc removed from my band. So I went from being in the green zone and losing/maintaining very efficiently to gaining - quickly. I went to get the Fluid replaced but I could never find my "sweet spot" again - either it was too tight, or not tight enough. Long story short, I've basically gained back all the weight I lost. I have scheduled an appointment for later this month to determine if I've slipped (kinda think I have) or I just need to get back in the swing of living the banded life the right way or if I want to take the plunge and go for a more strict procedure. Either way, something has to give. One of my favorite singers died because of weight fluctuations and I've done that a lot in my life. I hope this helps someone and if you have advice, by all means please share!

Good morning everyone just looking for a little input here, I am 3 years out from sleeve also 15 months post pregnancy. In the beginning after my sleeve I could get away with taking a Prilosec every few days then it became that I needed to take it every day. during my pregnancy I had awful heartburn and would even wake up choking on acid. now it has gotten even worse, I literally feel like the lining of my stomach is burning. I have burning pain in my shoulder like someone is putting a cigarette out on me also with chest pains . Sometimes the burning is so much that I feel like my body is about to burst into flames. I did contact my surgeon and he tried having me double up on Prilosec.which did not work. in fact nothing over the counter works, even If I have not eat anything for the day and still have the worst heartburn ever. does this sound like GERD or something else? I am scheduled to have an egd with bravo study on January 13th.i have also asked the gastroenterologist if he could check the condition of my sleeve as I have not had any restriction since the 4th month during my pregnancy. I went from 257 to 150 in a year. during the pregnancy I got up to 192 and right now I am sitting on about 176. the only thing that seems to give my stomach a bit of relief is when I do eat so I find myself grazing a lot now. I am hoping for a revision.

I had the band several years ago and just had a revision done to the byass. They haven't done the band in the past 6 years where I live anymore. I'm 2 weeks post op and feel great. Good luck on your decision. Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App