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Hi YA, I am a RNYer, I'm 3 years out and had GREAT results I have been at my goal weight for 2 and 1/2 years. But, my hubby had his Lap Band for 13 years. Now he lost 100#'s but he started out at 515#'s. Which he didn't follow all of his guidelines but he did manage to keep the 100#'s off pretty much. Now fast forward to 2012 ( which was 13years after his Band) So it malfunctioned, he couldn't hold down even Water. So we went to the VA and was referred to a Bariatric Center 2 hours from home. He was going to have the band removed, gallbladder removed and a revision to the RNY. When they got in there the Band had eroded into his Liver!! There was to much scar tissue and bleeding so he backed out and told him that they would do the WLS after he healed. Well, he ended up with abscesses, and was deathly sick for 9 months, 3 of which he doesn't even remember. He ended up having a Wound Vac put in and went to wound care every day at first then every other day until he was healed. So he went back to get his RNY, but the Dr called him a PROBLEM CHILD. Wouldn't be getting the surgery from him. Now fast forward to 2016, we went to Mexico for his WLS. Still wanting the RNY. But his whole right side was solid scar tissue and he ended up with the SLEEVE. I'm not saying this to scare anyone but PLEASE make sure you know the problems of each surgery. You and your Surgeon are the only ones that can make an educated decision. Research everything before you decide. Good Luck

@@bloomie85 Here's the deal. You are going to get diehard fans of both sleeve and LapBand on here. You are going to have those who believe that their WLS is the only and best. They can find all kind of reasons why they are successful with the band or sleeve and others have failed. But the reality is, only YOU can choose what's best for you. A decision made with your medical team. As I said earlier, do your research and trust what your surgeon tells you. I was the biggest LapBand cheerleader in the world, until things started going bad. I believed that I would not have trouble because I did everything that was asked of me by my weight management center. I had regular routine care, but in the end, my LapBand slipped and I had a prolapsed stomach. I had swallowing issues and couldn't eat most solid Proteins. Yes, in the end I had my LapBand removed and revised to sleeve and I don't regret it for one minute. I no longer have to worry about food getting stuck and feeling like I'm going to die. I no longer have to go I for adjustments and pay thousands of dollars over the years in co pays. I can swallow my food and it goes down my throat. So if the worse thing that I have to deal with is no more Band adjustments, big deal. I'm not going to pretend that the sleeve is perfect, but I'm relieved that my band is gone. I will never again be so smug as to think that my decision is the only right decision because it's not.

I had a LapBand placed in 2010 and revised to the sleeve in October. Please do a lot of research before you make a decision. Many surgeons aren't even doing the band anymore because of known complications. I had issues for three of the six years that I had a Band. The last year that numbers were posted, LapBand had dropped to 5% of all WLS. Sleeve is now the most common of all weight loss surgeries at more than 50%. I wish I had known about all the problems I would have-in the end, my esophagus got worn out from the work of pushing food through the restriction of the band. When I swallowed, food would sit in my throat. This is all my opinion, but also my honest experience. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I appreciate your honesty. I need more people like you in my life! lol I was completely honest with my new Dr. and he still recommended a revision. I'm the one who told him I wanted to investigate the reasons behind it. I went to a psychologist last month and DID NOT like her at all. She recommending joining a weight loss support group for bandsters a year out and up. I've signed up for that. I'm wondering if I should join weight watchers just to physically go to the meetings. When I used to visit my lap band dr. once a month for check ins that motivated me to lose because I knew he would say something if I didn't. With my new dr. and HSA insturance I CANNOT afford to go once a month anymore. My last visit to him cost me $350!!! Just to touch my stomach and refuse to do a fill/withdraw.

What was the deciding factor on making a choice to have a revision for you all? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had revision from LapBand to sleeve and a hiatal hernia repair all in one surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had surgery on Nov 14th, revision of sleeve to gastric bypass. I had a couple of complications and ended up staying in the hospital for a week. I am at home recovering and doing fairly well but bored with my diet. The problem is I have broken out in an itchy burning rash on my breast and stomach. I shouldn't have scratched but I did and parts of the rash are very raw. I can't wear a bra and I'm so uncomfortable. Has anyone else had this problem? What do I do???? I'd appreciate any advice.

Thank you! How long did you have your band? Did you have any tests before your revision to check it's condition? I'm hoping mine isn't too bad. I'm scared of having him open me up, remove the band, and then find that he has to wait for the bypass. I mean, if that happens, it happens, but it does make me anxious. I've had my band for 7.5 years. He did an EGD and said it looks ok, but who knows when he opens me up what it will look like on the outside of my stomach. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using the BariatricPal App

I had a hernia after my original sleeve and just had it repaired during the revision surgery. I feel much better. Now that it''s gone I can tell how much pain it was causing me!

My Dr gave me some really good anti-nausea medication that melts on your tongue. This is my second time through this (had to get my sleeve revised) and the first time I had very similar issues. The way I got over this hump was those meds and lots of popsicles and water ice. The cold soothed my stomach and the sugar helped my mood. I lived off that and protein drinks for the first few weeks and it really did help me transition. Please know that your frustration is warranted. It's frustrating but worth the work. Keep us posted! We're rooting for you! Now go get some popsicles and put on a good movie!!

Hi Paula. My 50th was Nov 13th and My revision from Band to Sleeve was Nov 14th. Then I was Courageous Enough To Cook For My Family and Stay Strong 98%. Ps HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

I personally have been through almost exactly what you're going through. Sleeved 10/2013...lost 90 lbs the first 7 months, then hit a wall. Stuck to diet & exercise...nothing! My body put back on 15 pounds even though I still stuck to strict eating! I went back to my surgeon in May 2016. We tried even stricter diet...stayed the same. I took phentermine for 3 months and only lost 3 lbs!! (Most people will lose at least 20+ in that med). So, it was inevitable....I opted revision. I had my surgery 11/9...had a bleeding complication the next day and ended up in the hospital a week and had 4 blood transfusions. Healing now &. on track. Lost 19 lbs, but have been stalled for 6 days!!! Frustrating. I never stalled with my sleeve. I guess I'd suggest trying what I did with your doctor and seeing if anything else can help you while making the decision to revise. Everyone will tell you eat better, exercise more, do a pouch test, do back to basics, etc...all good intentions but not the answer when you know what you've tried. Good luck to you!!!

Had a revision from sleeve to bypass 11/9. Had bleeding complications so was in only liquids for first 14 days. Once I went to soft foods, I completely stalled! Have lost nothing for 6 days!!! Is this normal? I didn't stall until 7 months out with my sleeve and lost 5-6 lbs at a time. Now it's like 1-2 at a time. Down 19 lbs, but hoping this isn't it?! Thanks for any of your replies who have been in my same position. How long did it last if you stalled & what did you do to help get losing again? THANKS!

Hi all, I had a revision from Band to Bypass at the beginning of November. Happy to answer any questions! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Absolutely run this by your surgeon, as they vary widely on their advice based upon their experiences. The NSAID thing is a big NO-NO for the bypass as that procedure has specific problems with those meds that don't necessarily apply to other procedures, but surgeons often carry over their advice from one procedure to another despite the differences. The sleeve and DS are a lot more tolerant to NSAIDS than the bypass, though even non-WLS people should be cautious with consistent use of them. OTOH, Tylenol has relatively low toxicity levels, so care must be taken when using it in place of stronger pain relievers. My doc has no problem with using NSAIDs as soon as narcotic pain relievers are no longer appropriate, but with some 25 years of DS/sleeve experience behind him, and relatively little with the RNY beyond revisions, he has a different background than most bariatric surgeons. In short, if you have a bypass, Advil is typically a big red NO-NO, but if you have a sleeve or sleeve based procedure like the DS or SIPS/SADI, then it is a maybe - consult your surgeon.

Hi mama Lisa, Yea well I'm a revision from band to bypass so I would figure mine is a higher risk. Surgery weight was at 332lbs. I pray and hope I don't have issues along the way. And this nausea is killing me. I get headaches ever now and then but dizziness and nausea is killing me bad!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Hi mama Lisa, Yea well I'm a revision from band to bypass so I would figure mine is a higher risk. Surgery weight was at 332lbs. I pray and hope I don't have issues along the way. And this nausea is killing me. I get headaches ever now and then but dizziness and nausea is killing me bad!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would get a second opinion from a different bariatric surgeon if you haven't already. Is there a possibility that revision to bypass would help your issues? As far as eating goes, can you tolerate foods that are healthier, such as yogurt or cottage cheese?

I used Dr Garcia 3/2013. We were the first day of surgery at Florence Oasis Hospital (I think they changed to a different one.) great experience 100%. But I'm going back for a revision to Mini Bypass, and Dr Garcia is a lot more than other surgeons. Anyone have any recommendations? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I had my revision on Monday Nov 14th. This isn't as easy as the Sleeve and my incisions are bothering me more this time. I had a rough start in the hospital due to some complications but i think I'm getting much better. I'm supposd to go to work on Tuesday but don't think I am quite up to it yet. Thanksgiving was difficult.... I felt so left out, and hungry but I guess its worth it. I had the surgery to cure my severe GERD and it seems to have helped. Hope everyone else is doing well. Let me know when we get our own page.So good to hear you are doing well !!! I asked Alex 3 times for the forum.but no word yet. I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I get my surgery date. Submitted already just waiting for Cigna approval. My gerd is still out of control but I'm feeling hopeful!!! Sent from my Z981 using the BariatricPal App

This is very interesting to me, since I also have RA/PsA. When we started discussing biologics, I asked my rheumy's opinion of WLS. She was enthusiastically behind it, citing WLS as many times reducing the inflammatory factors. However, she and my surgeon (and my research) all said that the bypass was NOT a good option for someone with auto-immune because of the complete contraindication for NSAIDs and steroids, where the sleeve only has a relative contraindication for those meds. Not criticising you or your docs, just find it interesting how there are so many differing opinions in the medical community. BTW, biologics are now off the table for me for the forseeable future. My inflammatory factors are down, and we still have dosing room on sulfasalazine and we haven't tried plaquenil yet. Mtx failed and I developed an allergic reaction to it, so at least I don't have to give myself chemo anymore! LOL. So the sleeve has worked amazingly well for me. Not remission, but meds are working better and we're able to avoid the real heavy hitters indefinitely. It is interesting how doctors differ in their opinions. I have autoimmune diseases as well. Medications really truly were the reason i packed on so much weight so quickly. I have Psoriatic Arthritis and hypothyroidism. At the same time, I had a very severe case of GERD causing me to cough every day all day for over a year with no solution. We had to heavily weigh the right choice of surgery for me. GERD is 100% resolved, issues with pain control for my joints are an everyday battle and I can not and will not risk taking any nsaids even with treatment. Because I have Psoriatic arthritis oral steroids are out as well as it kicks up the psoriasis so bad that it has caused serious infections that have caused me to be hospitalized over the years. I also never over ate. However, I ate crap all the time so i was actually malnourished while being morbidly obese. In fact my family and friends could not understand how i was so heavy because they saw how much i ate, they just did not realize that all the carbs were killing me. Anyway, since bypass I am still on biologics (Stelara) and Cyclosporine to keep my Psoriatic arthritis under control. It has been well controlled for the last 2 years so we have slowly be reducing the quantity of those medications. We tried lowering the dose of Stelara over a year ago and I went into a full on several month episode so we increased it back to where it was. We are discussing trying a reduction again in the spring as everything looks like it is going into remission. That being said, anytime i have surgery it seems to kick back up again so we are going to wait until after my plastics in January to try again. The biggest thing about having WLS is the head game. You have to change the way you live and learn to make better choices. I think for the most part i have done this well. Of course there are times when i indulge but 90% of the time, I do have to fight with my head. In the beginning, it was easier for me because even if i did indulge, the weight still came off. Now that I am two years post op, those decisions matter. I will gain or lose based solely on my behaviors. I believe this MUST be true of anyone going through or that has gone through WLS. Yes, some people will lose slower than others - I was one of them. It took me 18 months to lose my excess weight and alot of hard painful work to actually get there. Others have lost their weight of similar proportions within the first 12. I am sort of glad it took me longer, and took me understanding that I am now in the drivers seat, not my pouch. What i choose to put in my body and how often will dictate whether i lose, gain or maintain. If i choose to get no exercise at this point, it will and does have an impact on whether i lose, gain or maintain. I am in the drivers seat......not my surgery. The sooner some people realize this there will be less need for revisions in my opinion. Of course, I am NOT referring to those that have a equipment failure. I personally feel that a surgeon that is considering a revision for those persons who failed to lose the weight (not by malfunctioning equipment/surgery) really do need to see someone to assist with why they have not lost the weight. There is a nurse in my doctors office who had bypass surgery at the same time i did. I know this because she told me and seemed almost upset that I lost all of my weight and she has lost very little. She immediately blamed the surgery for not working. Then proceeded to tell me that her schedule simply did not allow for her to focus on herself so she is unable to get the right Protein and even fluids in her body. She skips meals and then eats whatever is handy in a few minutes in between patients. Ok, that is not the surgery failing, clearly she is still following the same behaviors she was before surgery. Dont get me wrong, I get it....she is taking care of patients. But, there comes a time when we have to be selfish and focus on ourselves if we want to be successful in the end. I literally started taking care of everyone else but me from the time I was 16 years old. I was a working married mother of 2 by the time i was 19 going through a horrible marriage. By 22 I was divorced and a single mother working 3 jobs just to make ends meet. By 25 i was remarried to my wonderful hubby of 29 years and working a high paying very stressful job. I did so well in my career and became the primary breadwinner. Well, then there was the stress of that so again, not taking care of me just working like a crazy person. By the time i was 51 i was in big trouble health wise and was literally told, i would end up in kidney failure soon if i did not lose weight. So, it was time for me to be very selfish and start taking care of myself. For the last two years, I have been focused on my health and well being and when you are morbidly obese, that is a necessary part of getting your health back. So, i say again......your head really has to change in order to be successful. It is why they send you for physch evals before this surgery. I honestly think they could do a better job of assessing patients and setting them up with the right people to help them through the mental part of WLS. Most of us need some sort of help. @@Djmohr, thank you for your comments. I was on the October 2015 forum and your posts have been encouraging. I am finally going to have gastric bypass surgery on December 12th and I have learned a lot from you and others in that and other forums. I just wanted to let you know that you are appreciated. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I had my revision on Monday Nov 14th. This isn't as easy as the Sleeve and my incisions are bothering me more this time. I had a rough start in the hospital due to some complications but i think I'm getting much better. I'm supposd to go to work on Tuesday but don't think I am quite up to it yet. Thanksgiving was difficult.... I felt so left out, and hungry but I guess its worth it. I had the surgery to cure my severe GERD and it seems to have helped. Hope everyone else is doing well. Let me know when we get our own page.

I was sleeved March 2013. Got down to 142 at 5'5" and stayed there for over 2 years. Then I would gain 5 pounds, the take it off, then gain 10 pounds and take it off, but over the past year my weight has steadily crept back up again to 167. I was drinking iced lattes, but no juices, sodas, not eating sweets. But I have lost pretty much all the appetite suppression I enjoyed for such a long time. And now I'm having issues again with reflux, joint and back pain. I haven't discussed it yet with my surgeon, so I don't know if it will be a sleeve redo or a DS. Wait, what? You're not even CLOSE to being heavy enough for a DS at 167 pounds! And you do realize that there is a certain % of normal 'bounce' weight that happens years out. @@Fredbear is right, the appetite suppression isn't permanent, and neither is the amazing restriction. This surgery isn't necessarily meant to be permanent. You did great getting your weight off and then getting the small regain off a couple of times, so you did well taking advantage of the effects of the surgery. But after those wear off, it's really all on us. I mean, your weight right now is a lot of people's goal weight. I know regain sucks, but I don't feel you need any kind of revision at all. My opinion, of course.

Anybody have surgery or revision of any type at Mayo in Az? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Since You Say You're Sure Your Ready This Time. Then PRAY AND TAKE THE STEP to go talk with your surgeon. If he's meant to be the one to perform your surgery and he's been doing this for a while, he'll understand. You weren't the first to change their mind and won't be the last. I had my revision on Nov 14, 2016 & I was actually having second thoughts on that day, and they told me that it happens often that people get that far and change their minds for varies reasons. Step Out and do what I believe will be one of the Best things for You and Your Health. And PRAY PRAY PRAY WITHOUT END For With GOD YOU CAN & WILL DO IT Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

I gained all my weight back. I had a another slip, Dr took out all Fluid and told me time to think about revision. Unfortunately my insurance would not pay for that Dr to do it, so had to find new Dr. Who I love.. Had surgery on 9/27 HW 211, SW 201 CW 177.6. Lowest weight with band was 166. Dr. Did tell me that weight would probably come off slower like 2-3 lbs week and not worry about stalls as long as following plan. Still think this was best decision I made. Good luck. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App