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Oh that's great ! It says a lot that you are returning to him, that makes me feel even better! I was banded also, I did very well until I revised to the sleeve and Iv struggled ever since, it didn't work for me at all I'm revising from sleeve to MGB.

I told 'everyone' both times - when I had the band and now the sleeve - and part of me regrets doing that. I nearly didn't tell anyone about the sleeve op as I knew what kind of reaction I would get but ended up having too as I needed family support in caring for my autistic son. Do NOT listen to anyone else. You know yourself that you need to do it and why you do. The people who badk on and on about it being drastic, risky, the easy option (!!!) are mainly those who have never had an issue with food, do not have other issues in their lives (in my case extreme stress and depression) making dieting virtually impossible - by that I mean being able to get up the energy and motivation to embark on it and stick to it and as Bearded said, those who believe everthing they read in the media. All surgery has it's risks and at the moment bariatric surgery is the favoured one to have a pop at. Do what you think is right and ignore everyone else if you can. Most people supported me in the end as they agreed that I would only gain all my weight back if I didn't have the band to sleeve revision, but there were the odd few who couldn't bring themselves to wish me well and all I say is 'stuff them!' because I know I will be nice and slim, happy and healthy and generally a better and more understanding person. Helenxxx

Congratulations on following thru to revision to the sleeve. I truly enjoyed reading your journey!! I am 59 & hope to get my surgery date later this month if approved. Thank you soo much for sharing, soo encouraging!!

I have Cigna - because you have a medical complication - I don't believe they need anything else. Because I'm looking to have the revision due to band failure (not to mention it' causing me acid reflux) - I have to start from scratch - 90 days and meet with nutritionist, psychiatrist etc..I'm pissed because me insurance plan is changing with Cigna after the new year where right now they will cover 90% and after 1/1 it's only 80% and I won't hit my 90 days until 1/1/15.

Does gastric dilatation limit the success of sleeve gastrectomy as a sole operation for morbid obesity? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16469218 Research Study http://www.weightlosstriumph.com/does-gastric-dilation-limit-the-success-of-sleeve-gastrectomy.html further discussion of research results Great news! This research indicates that dilataion (stomach streching) does not necessarily lead to weight gain. In fact, most of the research that I've done (scientifically based) parallels the results of this study. The reason I've researched this topic is because my capacity has increased after one year post op and sometimes wonder if my stomach is dilated. I don't think my eating behaviors caused dilatation because I can only remember 3-4 times that I ate to the point of discomfort in the past year. Even if my stomach is dilated, I can still keep the weight off. The surgery did its job by helping me lose over 150 pounds and now I have to put my effort into overdrive during the maintenance phase. For me, this maintenance phase is actually harder than the weight loss phase because it is less structured and I really have to watch my portions because my stomach can hold so much more than before. The article recommends revision surgery through bypass or duodenal switch if the stomach becomes dilated. However, according to Dr. Weiner (well known bariatric surgeon, search on youtube for his videos), most patients that undergo this revision only lose an average of 15-25 pounds afterward. He often notices (during the revision surgery) that many patients DO NOT even have a dilated stomach. FYI: Dilation (stretching) does happen, but mostly to larger sleeves. You are going to have many people tell you that it just can't happen, they are wrong. This seems to have a great deal to do with how much of the fundus is cut out. The remaining fundus can stretch up to four times it's original size. Research shows that about 50% of the ghrelin is still produced in our bodies. I can also attest to the fact that my hunger and cravings are about at 40% compared to before surgery. I've read that most sleeves hold about 2 ounces after surgery but will eventually hold 4-6 ounces. This means that it is normal for the sleeve to enlarge 2-3 times its original size over time, despite not overeating. Really, what counts is NOT the size of our stomach, but what we put in it. I've seen patients regain weight no matter what their sleeve size. It's interesting to note that I've lost much more weight than those that boast at meetings that they are full after a few tablespoons. Even if your capacity has increased, the key is to stay positive! You can and will be successful! Further info: http://myaceinhand.blogspot.com/2012/01/bougie-size.html

I would have to agree with the above topic. I have had my sleeve balloon dilated 3 times between Dec 2012 and August 2013 as a last ditch effort (well in addition to two hiatal hernia repairs and a lychees of adhesions procedure) prior to revising to the gastric bypass. I had lost all of my weight 100+ pounds and still then some and have never had one single actual hunger pain. My stomach as my doctor refers to it now is the size of a shrunken walnut and I am on TPN for malnutrition. The balloon dilations however were very welcome procedures as at the time I was unable to keep anything down due to the strictures of the esophagus.

Thanks so much for your reply. I've been thinking in old "maintain weight" rules. I'm down to a size 2 and losing . No appetite whatsoever. Nothing tastes good...almost anorexic. Wish I could do reversal, but don't know if it's possible. I revised from VBG because of severe acid reflux. Told could only do Bypass. Now, I feel as I may literally die eariy if I don't get rid of this. I don't cook, so that's out. Frozen meals if Im lucky can do 8 to 10 bites. And that's a 340 calorie total meal. Im probably absorbing about 600 to 700 calories a day if I'm lucky. I think I'm getting anorexic. I have a total revulsion to food. Nothing tastes good! Don't have the energy to even drive to buy milkshakes every day. Can barely get to hematologist. On Vit B12 injections for past 4 weeks, had first Iron infusion last week, getting another next Tuesday. Also taking double dose of strong 8 wk Vit D therapy. Labs are getting much better, but still feel like hell. Super anxiety, memory loss, I am totally overwhelmed. Crying as I'm writing this. God, I wish I had done intensive therapy before I started all of this. It IS the answer for so many, but not for me now at 67. My health is more important. Even though I was obese for 15 years, I had no chronic health conditions. But fearing I would, I chose weight loss surgery. Now, I'm fearing Im going to die early from this. IF a reversal is possible, not even sure I would be a good candidate for surgery until I can get stronger.

What phase are you in your diet ? (1 week post revision, right?) Did your team speed up your diet progress?

yes, all the patients (revision or traditional RNY or even gastric sleeve) are discharged on stage 2 diets (soft mushy). Prior to leaving the hospital, we all received tuna salad. This stage for us also includes soft white fish.

I might would consider doing the same if it were a choice for me but I'm pretty sure my insurance won't cover anymore surgeries dealing with weight loss surgery. I am doing everything my doctor says right now and hopefully it'll fix itself but I'm terribly sore since he took out all the fluid. I think maybe the soreness comes from it trying to heal. I'm scared to death that I'm going to get big as a house so I'm very careful to count every single calorie that goes into my body. Hopefully I can be really strong and things will fix and I can start gradually getting fills again. I am scared to think of it not fixing itself! I'm sorry to hear you had a similar issue but I'm glad for you being able to revise to something else. I wish you the best of luck and hope that it works out much better for you! I haven't had constant diarrhea but I have gained almost all of my weight back. I'm working hard to get it off on my own now.... what other choice do I really have?

Thanks so much for your answer. It sounds like you have had some more challenging complications than I have- my concern is the amount of damage in such a short time and developing Barrett's. I'm 26 and I feel like there are a lot of years ahead of me for that damage to continue and possibly lead to cancer. I just can't figure out the right thing to do. An added issue is that I'm currently working out of the country and I will have to return to the US with a solid plan of being scheduled for bypass if I go through it. It really is helpful to hear from you. Do you have an idea of when you're doing the revision? Have you tackled the insurance element yet? Wishing you the best!

I am having revision from sleeve to bypass. My information was submitted to Federal BCBS yesterday. My date is tentative for 10/7 or 10/14. I am excited and nervous. I am a bit more nervous about revision than I was sleeve. I will have a 2 week prop diet using bariatric advantage. I heard its a bit nasty so not looking forward to that.

I'm not having a revision, but my sleeve surgery is that same day and I'm also terrified of complications. Feel free to reach out to me if you need support or want to check in or just want a long distance surgery buddy? I hope everything goes well for you.

(Long post and excuse the typos - writing on phone). I was sleeved on 9/30 and even though I did a ton of research I do feel like I overlooked, or missed a few things, so I have just a few questions for those sleeved before me. Quick back story: My surgery began around 12ish Wednesday and was over after 3:30. Doctors encountered some issues. 1. Larger than expected hernia 2. Weird stomach shape. (Small at the top and large at the bottom). 3. Loose stomach? He said it was something he nor his counterpart had ever seen, but my tummy was not set. It was swinging all over the place. They had to stitch it in place which he said would cause more nausea than normal. 4. Had to cut some abdominal muscle because of size of hernia, stomach. 5. Upper GI study showed some obstruction, but fingers crossed its just swelling. I wasn't able to HD anything down until they day I was released. Surgery took over 3 hours because of all of this. Recovery in the hospital was pretty horrendous at times and peaceful at others. I ended up having to stay 4 days. (Just released at 3pm yesterday). Q1: Is it normal to have regret, I literally have some hours were I cry and then some hours where I can't wait until months 6+ to see how far I've came. To add, when I went to get my upper GI study to see why I couldn't hold my liquids in (found it was just slowly dripping) the nurse and doctor both where asking me why in the world I got this surgery saying the usual "your not big enough," or "it seems like they are allowing smaller and smaller patients". So not what I needed to here while being told I couldn't go home and I may have an obstruction that needs a revision. Q2: This ties into Q1 because I think it's the main reason I'm struggling to appreciate my surgery. I'm still wearing the mid section binder to keep everything firm. It actually hurts terribly when I don't have it on or tight enough. I also have to use a pillow to walk since they took my staples out yesterday. I was able to walk fine in the hospital, pretty fast actually with no pain, but now it's painful to even walk to the bathroom or get up from the bed. My pain meds help, but it feels like I'm being ripped apart when I move. Any advice? I'm desperate. Q3: What's with my mouth making all the extra saliva? It's to the point I actually have to have a cup with me. Gross. Anyone have this issue or know how to stop it? Q4: Can I take benadryl for allergies now, or is it something ill-advised? Q5: Where'd you all buy a pill crusher? Q6: I started mixing benefiber in mio flavored Water.. Too soon? Q7: Ive read so any things about how to take care of my incision. What's the easiest/safest way? Q8: Am I being dramatic? Lol. Thanks all!!

October 5 for me! I believe I will only have a week of pre-op liquid diet, but then another 1-2 weeks post-op liquid diet. I will know for sure on September 23. I am a revision from band to RNY. I was denied last year and just approved. Yahoo! I can't believe this is happening!

I went to my Surgeon because he had thousands of lapband surgeries performed successfully. He also does sleeve and by pass. I did not want my intestines re-routed and a large portion of my stomach removed or stapled. the sleeve seems to be the flavor of the week, everyone is rushing to get it. I think over time there will be as many issues with the sleeve as people claim there are with the band. no surgery is 100% guaranteed. I chose the band because I wanted an option of removal or revision if needed. the follow up care has been good for me. I haven't had a fill in 6 months or more, haven't had any issues with my band. I have lost what I wanted and slowly , never lost my hair, never had dumping syndrome or malnutrition. I only take 3 Vitamins a day, B12,D3 and a Multivitamin. I am no longer on diabetic meds, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. I pray that I never have to have my band removed but I will most likely have it replaced if needed. All in all we all have to make the best decision we can for our own health.

Do your research. I was considering the band until I started to research more. I found out that my hospital is no longer even doing the lap band due to high failure rates. Seems like this is the going trend. I also talked to a few people I knew who had been banded. Both have had revisions and removed the band going with bypass instead. I'm glad I've done my research. I still am. Right now I'm in limbo waiting to go to my hospitals seminar. Lots of time to research....

I had the sleeve, lost a little bit of weight, lost restriction, gained weight back, developed GERD & then had a revision to RNY. wish I had the bypass to begin with. I definitely need the malabsorption & restriction. I feel like there’s a lot of leeway with the sleeve in terms of foods that one can eat. But that’s my opinion and it doesn’t happen for every sleever. Good luck in your journey

Thanks for opening up this group! My name is Lara and I am also a band to sleeve revision. My journey started 6 years ago after the birth of my daughter. Weighed 240 when I got home from the hospital, lost 40 pounds on my own and then stayed at 200 for a while. In 2007, maxed out at 215 and got the band. It worked a bit, but I ended up back at 195 when I decided to get that toxic piece of crap out of my body. Honestly, I wasn't even thinking I would lose weight, I just wanted an "insurance policy" to keep me from balooning up after the band was gone. The sleeve has been UNBELIEVABLE!!!! In 3 months, I have lost 33.5 pounds and am now past the half-way point towards my goal. I have 26.5 to lose and I think I can lose them by my 6 month surgiversary, September 7. I could not be happier with my progress. My body feels so much better since the band is gone, the weight loss success is the icing on the cake! Thanks so much for giving us short timers a place to come and support each other! Lara

I agree but Christmas break would probably be better because that's 2 full weeks. I thought I was going to have to have mine originally during that time because I'm having a revision from band to RNY, but because my band didn't slip I'm blessed to be having everything Done on the 15th. Summer is perfect for recovery. I hope things work out for you! #teachersrock

I had revision surgery on Monday, 8/10. For me, I think the pain is worse than the band. It's the gas pain that is getting me. Not the incision pain. But today was a better day because I was able to walk more. And that is helping alot. Walk and sip.

I was banded in February 2008. I blew that. I lost like 24 pounds. Then in June 2011, I was having problems. I had upper GI test and hiatal hernia. When I had surgery for that, he did a band revision. I said this is it.... Time to shine! NOT! I have two of my grand kids and it is hard when they want something for me not to dig in. I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and plantar facciitis. It is hard for me to move with pain and exhaustion. The meds I take cause weight gain!! I actually gave up. I stopped going for fills. I was due last month and said what's the point. I need help!!

Christy & Andrea, did your wound ever close? How long did it take? I'm so upset. Try to make this short. Had Lap Band in Aug/10. Port site never closed. After 4 weeks, doc took me back to OR for port revision. Ended up removing entire band. Said that my body was "rejecting" it. Anyhow, of course I was so upset. I'm a self pay. They wouldn't give me all of my money back. Said they were working with another surgeon that is more experienced and if I was willing, I can go back to OR for new Lap Band. So it's a month after band removed and I'm going back for another one. I'm now 17 days post-op, all healed, so happy and going for my first fill in a few days, and the incision above the port OPENED! It's about a 4 inch incision, and about 3 inches are open. Draining blood tinged, doesn't look infected, not hurting, and I feel fine. I'm an RN, so I cleaned it, packed it, and covered it. I'll call my doc in the am. I figured it's Sunday and I don't want to spend the day in the ER for this. My question is: Is this thing going to heal over the port? If anyone has had the port exposed, did the wound heal? I'm completely traumatized by this. Please help Jami

Let me know when you make your decision please. I will be getting a revision from band to sleeve. I can't wait either!!!! Looks like I am going to have to wait until July for my sleeve. I can't get vacation time at work to take my week off until then.

Personally, the Bypass is my choice. I had the band installed in 2011, long story short, I was revised to the bypass this past march. There are a decent number of folks that end up having their sleeves converted to bypass as well. The Sleeve has issues with GERD and acid reflux that the bypass doesn't have, Not sure why he even offered the band, even 2 of the largest band manufacturers have given up on it at this point. Good luck in your progress forwards!