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Yep. And furthermore, it isn't our place to tell ANYONE that we "think you'll be fine." Unless you're willing to step up and volunteer to pay for their follow-up care and any possible future revision surgeries or replacement bands if a slip should happen because they followed your advice over their doctor's, anyway. In that case, be my guest!

W, don't stress too much about it. I read your earlier posts. It's always difficult to communicate your thoughts and feelings in cyberspace. You are right in that you have to word things carefully in trying to accurately expressing your thoughts. It's hard and I've come across in ways that I didn't intend before. Happens to everyone. Just some thoughts from me based on what I've read from you so far. I know that I don't know you and I'm not judging or trying to fix things for you. I'm also not banded, just in the beginning stages of looking into it. I'm jumping on because I saw it was you who started the thread. In all honesty, please get some counseling. You need some help to get your thoughts in order. You have been through so much in such a short amount of time that it's probably hard for you to even think sometimes. Each thing is so huge one at a time, I can't imagine all of that at one time. Something that my pastor likes to advise people about and I completely agree with him. Don't make any big decisions for a year. Meaning life-changing kinds of things. Examples would be don't purge the house of their things, or sell the house and move, that kind of thing. Maybe in your case it means a revision surgery waiting for a bit. What about something to help you focus. Maybe make it your band or school or just day to day moments or ... Example: "okay, I'm awake this morning, that's good. Now it's time to get up and shower. Now it's time to get dressed. Now it's time to fix a simple, healthy Breakfast and eat it. Now it's time to..." You get the idea. It sounds simplistic and maybe even silly but if it works then who cares! :rolleyes2: Do know that your healing, mentally, emotionally and physically, is going to take some time. There are different stages of grief and no one stage is the same for everyone. Some stages take longer to work out than others. I didn't mean to make this so long. I talk too much even in cyberspace! I just felt the need to post to you and try to help. I do want to apologize if I over-stepped. Try to take care and best wishes to you.

Thanks for all the support, and yes it has been hard. I am on cymbalta and been in couseling since the sucide and the other deaths. It's been a full year of counseling so don't worry about my mental health, thats undercontrol. But...No amount of counseling can get ride of how lonely it is after everything like that. Being in such a small town there is nothing within 100 miles as a banding suport group. I know some get VGB after or gastric bypass. Has anyone had that done? and if not has anyone been successful after a full removal and no revision? It seems people in this forum keep getting told that band removal is an absolute death sentance. Shouldn't this be a place for those to be supported?

I would say this is the right place for removal or considering removal. I might go to the complications forum for revisions. Just MHO though. Good luck! :angry_smile:

In my opinion, if you don't have acid reflux OR diabetes, they are both probably good choices. If you have those condistions, current evidence is that bypass is a better choice. My BMI was 52 when i revised to the sleeve and I have gotten to a normal weight/size and maintained for a few years now. The challenge in making this decision is that the sleeve has been around along time but not well studied for LONG term results. It appears to work "about" as well as the bypass, but the long term data just isn't there. At a high BMI, many surgeons nudge you toward the bypass because there is a clearer, well documented long term results history documented. I had my own reasons for choosing the sleeve and I think some of it was my bias against the bypass based on personal experience. I have known 3 bypass patients close enough to see them from pre surgery, through maintenance and they all "Scared me" 1. Died. but to be honest, she died because she was a diabetic who became an alcoholic drug addict after losing all that weight. It was absolutely terrible - in her 40s and died in her sleep. This was about 10 years ago. Lets be honest, that had nothing to do with bypass vs sleeve. 2. Horrible horrible recovery. But, this was mid 1990s. It only recently occured to me that her surgery was "open" not laproscopic. At the time, I thought the horrible recovery was due to the "rerouting" but I bet it had more to do with it being open surgery 3. The surgery and weight loss really aged her. She looked terrible post weight loss and never got to a normal weight. Again, to be fair, I don't know the reasons. This is someone I worked with about 5-6 years ago. She may have had other health problems and frankly most bypass patients I have seen pictures of or have met since then look great. I recognize my own biases and my views have changed. Now, 4 years post sleeve I tell everyone that I think they are both good procedures. I think they are both excellent choices versus remaining morbidly obese and suffering the increasing health issues over time. The bypass has more documented history, many more studies, and resolves reflux problems. Sleeve has been amazing for me, and many others too... but there are no 20 year studies either.

Has anyone had a revision on their sleeve. I was thinking pfnsleeve to bypass but had a GI barium swallow. Had my sleeve about 5 years ago. Between the age of my sleeve and the big size of it I think I’m opting for a sleeve re do to make it smaller. Any thoughts ? Anyone have a redo ?

I am currently still banded but am having issues. Saw my doc 2day & he thinks it's eroded & needs 2 come out. I lost 85!lbs, gained 10 back & am very very close 2 my goal. I asked him his opinion regarding a revision 2 the sleeve, he's all for it. My hubby on the other hand was sleeved a couple of months ago, has done well, no complications & is very happy w/his progress. I don't know many sleevers but they all seem 2 be pleased. U may want 2 go to the counterpart forum for sleeves. I'm sure u'll (we'll) find goo-gobs of former bandsters to sleeves. Good Luck 2 u & may God ease your path just enough for u 2 make it thru this. Celeste

Hi, I’m having revision from sleeve to Bypass schedule for March 20th. @NewMe3 when they filed the insurance claim did it ready gastric bypass?

I am wondering if anyone has the band over bypass. I am scheduled to have this revision procedure in 2 weeks and would love to hear how it has been for you. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had the sleeve early 2017. Due to GERD and weight regain I also had revision surgery to gastric bypass. My bypass revision was in dec 2020 and since then I’m down 20kg. (44 pounds) so very happy with my revision. Wishing you All the best!

I had my sleeve done Dec 2015 and am scheduled to have a bypass revision in. So 2021 my sleeve failed me as well I am nervous excited how about you

If you have ANY lactose intolerance, stay away from any protein that contains Protein Concentrate. Find yourself a protein that ONLY has Protein Isolate. Like Isopure for instance. Whey Protein concentrate is exactly what it sounds like, it's a concentrated milk protein, but concentrates do not filter out lactose. Isolates remove most, if not all, lactose. You are looking at things the wrong way. Saying you'll NEVER be able to do something is wrong... very wrong. Quite a high number of Bypass patients, myself included, have almost no issues with almost all foods. I can eat pretty much what I want at this point, just over 6 months post op. I drink beer, eat sweets, etc. No issues. I had 2 donuts the other day and that made me feel like crap, but no dumping or other issues other than feeling super run down and icky for a few. If you focus on ways you plan to fail, you will fail. Focus on the things you can switch out. I'm a huge ice cream guy. I could eat a whole pint and want more. I found Halo Top ice creams, protein, no added sugar, low fat, super low calories and they taste good. I don't eat white flour anymore, I choose to eat the high grain count stuff or fiberone has an 80 calorie wrap. Look for the things that you can swap out, and that will satisfy the cravings while still falling inside of your diet restrictions. It's not hard, you just have to do a little bit of work at first. Revision from Band to Bypass was legit the best thing I've ever done. I'm still dealing with some odd body dysmorphia, I still "feel" fat. Like when I'm not paying attention, my spacial awareness is that of my fat body... but I'm not "fat" anymore, so that's an odd thing to deal with. But it's getting better day by day. I don't have any issues with feeling like I'm missing out on food or anything, we still go out to eat, I just pick better items. Your taste buds will change, some folks they change only for a little while, some, forever. I've lost my craving for super sweet things, for the most part. With sagging skin, my max weight was 370 and I don't have much sagging skin at all... I've got some, but it's totally hidden with clothing. The bypass is reversible. It's risky, but it happens. The **ONLY** weight loss surgery that isn't reversible is the sleeve, because the sleeve 90% of your stomach is removed, with the bypass, it's all still there, just shifted around. The other side is to realize that, food addictions are real, even if you don't believe you are addicted to something, doesn't mean you aren't. Some of it is habit, habits take a minimum of 2 weeks to break. Why do you want the surgery? You don't have to answer here, but keep that in mind whenever you start to get frustrated or sad at things that... more than likely won't bother you later down the road. I knew that if I didn't do something to lose the weight, I would be cutting my life MUCH shorter... I don't want to do that to my wife and kids. I'll tell you this. over 90 lbs dropped since March and I feel fantastic. Food does not drive my life, I still enjoy lots of food items, I can hike without issue, I take several flights of stairs without breaking a sweat, I actually did 8 floors of a Federal Hospital in 1 go, just because I wanted to see if I could do it, and my heart rate got to a whopping 121 bpm. I'm prepping now to climb a mountain.... I wouldn't even have been able to entertain the idea 6 months ago. It's ok and totally understandable to be afraid, scared and unsure of the future and all the changes that WILL be required with this surgery. But one thing is certain, if someone stays overweight, they are guaranteeing they will have medical issues down the road.

@@losing_the_band Hi there. I am a 3rd timer also. I had the Lapband in 2008, then revised to VSG in 2010 and revised again to the Bypass in July of last year. No regrets at all. You're making a good choice. I have not had any problems at all, which for the first time ever is a nice thing to say. Any idea on when you will be revised? Best to you.

I had my surgery the same day!! How have you been doing? My weight loss has been slow , my surgery was also a band to sleeve revision

Hello, thank you for your feedback. I am 5ft 5in. I've considered a revision to bypass. I'm very concerned with the side effects afterwards. I have the Gerd under control for the most part. I stay a way from things that trigger horrible symptoms. I aspirated 3 years ago due to Gerd & almost died from pneumonia. I now have 2 spots on my right lung due to Gerd. They did the upper GI test 4 years & when I eat the food creeps up slowly than goes back down. I eat slowly anyway thank goodness. I don't have dumping syndrome. Do you have any tips on getting my metabolism to work? I can't exercise due to my chronic pain, mobility and balance issues. My left hip & knee is bone on bone. I use a cane to ambulate and can't stand more than 5 min without severe pain. I've been suffering since 45 & things have gotten worse the last 2 years. Now I'm 49 with no quality of life.

Thanks everyone, I've certainly not been doing as well as you guys!!! I'm 2 weeks post op and have just been pottering around the house and walking up to the street to get milk most days! My first week post op was pretty damn awful - I'm not sure I could have found my way to the mailbox let alone walk 5 miles!! I'm a band to bypass revision and had quite a lot of scar tissue dug out of me too so not sure if that has slowed my recovery a little too? I have been using my Fitbit to keep track of my steps and trying to get 500 more in every day to ensure an increase in activity level every day. I return to work next Tuesday and don't want to be taking naps at lunch time in my car LOL Well done to you all though - pretty awesome effort considering what your bodies have been through...... And congrats on all of your weight loss - simply amazing!!

Revision is when the lap band is removed and the sleeve is done. You've been revised.

I'm loving these boards! You all are inspirational, honest, and a fantastic source of real-life information. I am banded and due for a revision later this year. I had a meeting with my surgeon today, and up until now we had been thinking the sleeve was the way to go. However, long story short, he is now asking me to consider the possibility of bypass. My question for all of you sleevers, is did you ever consider bypass? If so, what made you decide on the sleeve? My heart is saying sleeve, but now that my doctor has put this other option in my brain, I would love to hear from you veterans. Thanks for any information you can provide!

I am also a band to sleeve revision and have not once ever regretted. It is such a totally different experience from the band, you will love it. Good luck and let us know how things go. Sent from my iPad using VST

One of the main reasons is reflux. There is a high incidence of it with the sleeve, especially in revisions from band.

I highly doubt that stat is based on VSG alone, and it's probably not directed to the actual sleeve. Anethesia, and general surgical complications are more of a concern for morbidly obese and super morbidly obese patients because of co-morbidities, and other health conditions that contribute to increased risks of general surgery. The risk of a leak is pretty standard at 1%, and if it's any higher for your surgeon then I'd find a new surgeon. I almost died with my revision, but it was anesthesia complications and could have happened with another surgery not just because it was during a bariatric procedure.

Hi. I know that you are disappointed that you didn't get your sleeve done, however it may be a blessing in disquise. This will allow your tummy time to heal itself from the band. You will have less chances of leaks. I am a revision, and I will admit that waking up without and band AND without a sleeve was my biggest fear. There are several doctors that won't do the surgeries together. The have the patients wait at least 6 months to a year before attempting the sleeve. I wish you the best! I hope that your tummy heals quickly, and that you are able to get your sleeve in 6 months with no problems!

My surgeon tries hard to convince his patients to go directly with the gastric bypass because of it's long term success and proven history. It's been around longer than any other WLS procedure. That's what convinced me. I only wanted to do this once. The fact that people that never before had a problem with GERD started suffering with it after the sleeve and had to revise to RNY was another thing that helped me decide. I went back and forth for awhile because there does seem to be pros and cons with both surgeries. Good luck with your choice.

Wannabe - congrats on finding your doc! I would have added the question "What is your revision clause" to the list. If a scar needs revising or if anything goes wrong whatsoever. Some docs have a 1 year revision, etc. Where they will not charge you to fix it, though you may need to pay hospital charges. I'll be staying at a hotel the second night after my surgery, too, to make sure there's no complications. I agree with you, it's a smart move! March will be here before you know it!!

Hi All! Got home from 3 days and nights in the hospital this morning after undergoing a band to sleeve revision on Tuesday. I had some pretty adverse reactions to the pain meds...I'd have been better off sticking with Tylenol!! Anyway, I have done well...no nausea while in the hospital and am still sip, sip, sipping. Am going to try my first post surgery Protein shake for dinner. A few questions: 1) Did anyone come home with a drain? I had one on my stomach side that was removed this morning. Had a fatty tumor (lypoma) removed Tuesday, too. It ended up being quite an ordeal and I still have a tube in it. I knew it was big, but it ended up the size of a small loaf of bread and was sending fingers down to the major muscles! Wow! 2) When did you guys start drinking shakes? 3) On returning home did you go straight to 60 grams of protein per day? 4) All suggestions are welcome! So happy to join the Sleeve Society! Cheers~ Barb