Search the Community

Starting to have issues with my port flipping and I had first painful fill ever. I've been banded 6 yrs. doc said it's time to come as there's a small margin of success after a few years but they didn't know that years ago. He recommended I have revision to sleeve and I'm starting the process next week. I also have to have endoscopy done and I so dread that Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This makes me feel better to see good results. I am scheduled to have band to bypass on January 25th. I've heard that revision patients tend to lose slower. Any feedback as to how it's gone for all of you who have experience?

@@GmaDiana have you seen improvement with your acid reflux and have you seen any weightloss? My insurance denied my revision. The doctor did the peer to peer review because of course they denied it again saying that my medical records from my initial doctor does not reflect what the new surgeon is saying. So I'm about to appeal myself and request what my medical records from both doctors and request what was submitted to the insurance company. A part of me believes insurance is denying because I have met my out of pocket cost for the year [emoji36][emoji36][emoji36][emoji36]

I am a rny revision patient scheduled for surgery on the 27th. I exercise regularly, eat what I'm supposed to and I originally lost 130 and recently gained 30 back at 5 years out. My pouch simply stretched over time and I consume more. I don't want to gain my weight back so YES I'm having revision so that my journey will stay on track. It's easy to say that we failed now because you aren't years out. But the reality is you really have to speak for you and your situation only. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Wow Rhonda Dawson same problem. Can I ask when you had your sleeve done? I feel like getting the bypass but then after 2 lapband revisions, a sleeve and shocking reflux might be best to give my poor stomach a rest!

I don't mind at all. I'm a revision patient, but I'll tell you about both. For my initial surgery (lapband) and if this(rny) had been an initial surgery (different insurances then and now) the requirements would've been the same. Visit with psychologist and his/her approval; 6 month physician (other than my surgeon) supervised diet with an inability to lose 10% of my body weight within the past 2 years; 5 year history of morbid obesity; bmi or 40 or more with no comorbidities or 35 or more with a certain number of comorbidities from a certain list (I will put a screenshot in pics In addition to this, my surgeon requires attending at least one nutrition education class that is 2.5 hours long, and at least one support group meeting. I continued the support group meetings because they are soooo helpful. At these, the first 45 minutes is a group discussion with a licensed counselor then the bariatric nutritionist talks to us for 20 minutes or so and gives us tips and recipes and such. The next part is Q&A where preop patients ask questions of post ops. The last part, the preops and postops divide into groups and talk about whatever. There are 2 bariatric registered nurses and a bariatric dietician at these meetings. This time, I was a revision patient, and my surgeon required a refresher on the nutrition and a support group meeting since it had been 7.5 years since my initial surgery. Insurance only required a letter of either surgical or medical complication. My initial consultation for my revision was September 26. My surgery was December 15, 6 days ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I'm a very open person. Screenshot_20161221-175846.png Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App I'm jealous. Lol. I'm revising too and they made me do the entire process again. All the pre op clearances and the 6 months. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do the 6 months and have my surgery this month. But the insurance coordinator said insurance would never approve without it. Now I have to pay my deductible again, pulse my out of pocket witch I'd already paid some of as well. Money I don't have, Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App Interesting you mention this. The lady in my surgeon's office told me the same thing. However, before my new first consultation, I called my insurance and asked what they required and had them send it to me in writing as well. When I told the lady that, she argued with me. She said she had never had a patient NOT have to do all the (long) criteria. I read it to her, and she still didn't agree with me. So, I highlighted it and emailed it to her. She still disagreed. She told me I would have to call insurance and have them call her on 3way to be sure. I did. She told the insurance lady on the phone who was reading her email regarding ME from the bariatric nurse case manager saying that if I was having my band removed and rny done in one procedure, I would be approved with a letter of medical or surgical complications. She told that representative that she talked to this lady (Raylene with BCBS) daily, and that she would call her herself to verify. She called Raylene and TOLD her I didn't have any surgical complications and read her my EGD report. Well, here's the thing, I never claimed to have surgical complications. Mine were medical. When I mentioned that, she gave me to another girl who told me it really wouldn't matter what my endocrinologist said because my band didn't "cause my endocrine problems" and that it would be pointless to submit, but they would if I insisted. See, medical complications to necessitate a revision don't have to be "caused by my band." They can be any medical complication that necessitates the need for a different apporach. So, I went to my next visit very upset, and my surgeon himself walked out to the office manager (lady above the two I'd been dealing with) and asked her if we would burn any bridges by submitting--him knowing we wouldn't--and she said no, we could always appeal then even reapply later. He said thought that was the case, and ordered them to send my paperwork in with my letter from my endocrinologist. I have no idea why they were so adamant that I wouldn't be approved. I honestly think they have been telling people just what they told you and me so that they can use the same checklist for everyone. When challenged by someone who knew better and had done her own research, they were surprised and didn't want to be wrong. That's the only thing I can think of. This submission was much less paperwork for them. I was easily and quickly approved. It's not that I'm stubborn, but I needed to have this now, not in 6 months for 2 reasons. First, my insurance changes Jan 1 and my out of pocket would be much higher. Most urgently, though, is that my endocrine issues were going downhill fast. Without intervention, I would almost assuredly have been diabetic by the 6 month mark. Seems like at this point you are almost there. However, whether it be bariatric surgery or any procedure, my advice is to call you insurance company yourself and ask them for the specific policy on that and to send it to you in writing. Your insurance company provides a service that you and/or your employer pays for. Don't be afraid of them. Know your coverage and advocate for yourself! Best of luck on this journey! It's hard but worthwhile! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

I don't mind at all. I'm a revision patient, but I'll tell you about both. For my initial surgery (lapband) and if this(rny) had been an initial surgery (different insurances then and now) the requirements would've been the same. Visit with psychologist and his/her approval; 6 month physician (other than my surgeon) supervised diet with an inability to lose 10% of my body weight within the past 2 years; 5 year history of morbid obesity; bmi or 40 or more with no comorbidities or 35 or more with a certain number of comorbidities from a certain list (I will put a screenshot in pics In addition to this, my surgeon requires attending at least one nutrition education class that is 2.5 hours long, and at least one support group meeting. I continued the support group meetings because they are soooo helpful. At these, the first 45 minutes is a group discussion with a licensed counselor then the bariatric nutritionist talks to us for 20 minutes or so and gives us tips and recipes and such. The next part is Q&A where preop patients ask questions of post ops. The last part, the preops and postops divide into groups and talk about whatever. There are 2 bariatric registered nurses and a bariatric dietician at these meetings. This time, I was a revision patient, and my surgeon required a refresher on the nutrition and a support group meeting since it had been 7.5 years since my initial surgery. Insurance only required a letter of either surgical or medical complication. My initial consultation for my revision was September 26. My surgery was December 15, 6 days ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I'm a very open person. Screenshot_20161221-175846.png Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App I'm jealous. Lol. I'm revising too and they made me do the entire process again. All the pre op clearances and the 6 months. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do the 6 months and have my surgery this month. But the insurance coordinator said insurance would never approve without it. Now I have to pay my deductible again, pulse my out of pocket witch I'd already paid some of as well. Money I don't have, Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I was banded in 2012 and almost immediately back on solids developed gallbladder problems. Unfortunately for me they went undiagnosed for just shy of a year. I was having weekly attacks, sometimes the 2 or 3 times a week. In the end I had it removed and it was the best thing for me. Sadly, my band needed unfilling for the surgery and has never quite been the same since. I'm being revised to a sleeve in a few weeks time!

I don't mind at all. I'm a revision patient, but I'll tell you about both. For my initial surgery (lapband) and if this(rny) had been an initial surgery (different insurances then and now) the requirements would've been the same. Visit with psychologist and his/her approval; 6 month physician (other than my surgeon) supervised diet with an inability to lose 10% of my body weight within the past 2 years; 5 year history of morbid obesity; bmi or 40 or more with no comorbidities or 35 or more with a certain number of comorbidities from a certain list (I will put a screenshot in pics In addition to this, my surgeon requires attending at least one nutrition education class that is 2.5 hours long, and at least one support group meeting. I continued the support group meetings because they are soooo helpful. At these, the first 45 minutes is a group discussion with a licensed counselor then the bariatric nutritionist talks to us for 20 minutes or so and gives us tips and recipes and such. The next part is Q&A where preop patients ask questions of post ops. The last part, the preops and postops divide into groups and talk about whatever. There are 2 bariatric registered nurses and a bariatric dietician at these meetings. This time, I was a revision patient, and my surgeon required a refresher on the nutrition and a support group meeting since it had been 7.5 years since my initial surgery. Insurance only required a letter of either surgical or medical complication. My initial consultation for my revision was September 26. My surgery was December 15, 6 days ago. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I'm a very open person. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

So it's probably best to stick with the one I got referred to then. He's got great ratings too. I wasn't thinking ahead really. As much as I'd love to get in there and get the ball rolling, a great surgeon and team is probably better. I've already called my insurance company several months ago. The policy hasn't been revised since and I'm covered. I think I've even got all of my dietary requirements covered already too, so now, I just wait till the appt. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What are you revising and when?

I've just started process to have my band revised to sleeve. Make sure you're getting all your nutrients in. And perhaps talking with doc about blood work maybe to check Vitamin levels/blood sugar. Not saying this is you, but for me at times my stomach growls because I've gotten myself used to over eating at times. Try occupying yourself with another activity Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Revisions in general are experiencing slower weight loss, especially if there already was substantial weight loss before. I wouldn't worry at the moment (I know this is easier said than done).

Sleeve to Mini bypass revision 12/14 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Revision band to bypass oct 4. 51lbs lost so far

Had band to bypass revision, but only 5 days ago. Hoping for the best Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

I had RNY in 2003 and revised in 2008 d/t wt gain. It helped and I lost 70 lbs after the revision.

And it wasn't for an appointment. When I was in the hospital right after surgery, I had an incredible team of professionals looking after me. They were quick to respond, they were compassionate, and above all, they were competent. About two weeks after I was discharged, I even got a card signed by all the people who cared for me, wishing me luck and encouraging me to stop and visit sometime in the future. So I did. I had some other business close by, and used the opportunity to take some thank you notes addressed to each of them up to the floor I was on. As I was walking along the main floor toward the elevators I needed to take, I saw my surgeon standing along the wall with another gentleman in a white coat. I figured he was a doctor of some sort too. Anyway, my doc saw me coming, and apparently recognized me, as he got a big smile on his face and said, Hey, how are you doing!?!" "So, you recognized me with my clothes on, eh?" That got the both of them laughing pretty hard. I stopped to speak with him, and his next question was, "How far down are you now?" "One hundred fourteen pounds since the beginning. I'm slowing down a little, but I am about 40 lbs from my original target, 60 from my revised one." I turned to the other gentleman standing there, and said, "He did a good job slicing me up. I did ask him to make mine bigger". My doc started laughing again and said, "I remember that!" It was a conversation we had as they were wheeling me into the operating room. The other doc said, "I wish someone would operate on me to make me taller". I am 6'1", and my doc is about 6'3". This other guy was about 5' 7" or so. So I said to him, "We could always nail your feet to the floor and kick you in the... well, you know." That got a shocked look from both of them coupled with a second or two of complete silence, and then some uproarious laughter. I went on to say, "The Bible says, "Which of us, by taking thought, can add a single cubit to our stature? We are born the way we are, and height doesn't matter. I was born to be tall and fat." The short doc responded, "Well I was born short and fat, and I would like to be taller!" We all engaged in one final round of polite laughter, and I parted ways reminding my doctor that I would be seeing him in a week. I am pretty much a blue collar guy with a bit of an education. I have had surgeons and other doctors as students of mine. Doctors don't intimidate me. I think I might have shocked them a bit. It was worth it.

That is superb! Many congratulations to you and I hope your success continues to flourish. I've just had a revision 12/12 from sleeve to bypass and am anxious to see how my journey goes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had lapband to bypass surgery July 20th (exactly 5 months ago) and I've lost 91lbs since surgery. Revisions do work!

Has anyone had a successful revision? If so, please share your stories with me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have spoken with the PA regarding my hunger pangs and was prescribed Zofran for the nausea. It's definitely not "head hunger" as I can feel my stomach churning when I do not eat enough to satisfy. I'm stumped, honestly. I am depressed and feel like such a failure. They tell me to "reset" and start the post surgery diet again, but I'm hungry to the point of nausea and headaches. Just wondering if any one else has experienced this. I have found some articles that mention a band after sleeve, and was curious if anyone had in fact received this revision.

@@swimbikerun the dr I have is the only one bcbsil will cover that's near me. He has fought with my insurance since about May to have the revision but nothing. Bcbsil told him there is nothing more that he can do to fight it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That is odd that you're able to eat more now that you have a sleeve. Most people get the sleeve after the band for 2 reasons: Because the band was causing complications, or because the band wasn't working as much as they expected. A lot of people get the revision because the sleeve has a higher/quicker weight loss rate than the band. Have you talked to your doctor about this? I was going to ask if maybe what you're feeling is cravings instead of hunger pangs. But I see where you said that you're feeling nauseous by trying not to eat more than you should be, which makes me think that you're actually feeling hunger pangs. If I were you, I'd call my doctor and discuss this with them. My first assumption would be that they didn't remove as much stomach as most doctors do. I actually know of a woman whose doctor only removed 65% of her stomach, (while most doctors removed 85-90%) and she still felt hunger pangs.

I had my band converted to a sleeve 6 mos ago. The only weight I've lost was during the "prep" leading up to surgery. I do not feel restricted in any way and am able to eat more than I ever did with my band. I'm hungry even after having finished a meal 15 minutes prior. I'm nauseated from trying not to eat more "than I should be able to". My question is related to revisions after having a lap band to sleeve conversion; have any of you had a band out over your sleeve? If so, do you feel restricted?