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Hi FNJ: What did you think after the consultation? Which doctor did you see? My approval process was uneventful. I didn't have to do a diet. My BMI is over 40. I have arthritis in both knees which has required both knees to be replaced and the right knee replacement to be revised. I also have high cholesteral. I believe I went to the consultation in October. The delay between the consultation and my surgery date was caused by the time it took me to process the bandster rules and decide if I was prepared to follow them. It took me about five months to work through my issues and feel committed to the new life style. Once I did that, I had the psych evaluation and the very next week the Clinic called me to schedule the surgery. I had my first fill on June 3rd. So far everything is good. Let us know how things are going with you.

I was revised January 2021, and 1 year out I had lost 105 lbs. Revision weight was 295, high weight (pre-sleeve) 365. I am currently 195. I just finished treatment for uterine/ovarian cancer and oncologist told me to not actively try to lose weight, but I have lost over 30 pounds since the diagnosis.

Hi All!! Lol I have not been on this page since my surgery date. Want to see how other DSers are doing they had a revision from sleeve last July. It has been an adventure for sure. I am down 75 pounds so far. Lots of hard work, but loving it.

Hi, I also had my surgery today. I had revision from sleeve to bypass I feel ok. I’m home now resting.

Here in the US, the MGB is not a common option, though it has been adopted by bariatric groups in other countries. When my wife and I were first investigating WLS some twenty years ago, the MGB was kicking around the sidelines of the bariatric field trying to find its place, but it never did here, failing to gain acceptance of either the ASBS/ASMBS or the insurance industry. In the meantime, both the DS and VSG have gone mainstream. There may still be a few isolated practices that offer it on a self pay basis, and there are several groups in Mexico that offer it, mainly as a cheaper, but not necessarily better, alternative to the RNY. The main bugaboo that I recall with it has been a greater propensity toward bile reflux, which is easy to understand if you look at its anatomy. As for a revision to counter regain, It doesn't make a lot of sense to me, as its metabolic strength is so similar to the RNY - much the same as switching between the VSG and RNY, or vice versa, for weightloss/gain reasons, doesn't make a lot of sense. To counter a regain problem, one should look to a stronger procedure, which in the current world is the duodenal switch (DS). Unfortunately, that is a very complex revision which only a half dozen or so surgeons around the country are capable of doing. That would be your best shot at losing a major part of your regain, but also the hardest. There is the newer SIPS/SADI/"Loop DS" that is a simpler and more accessible procedure that seems to sit between the RNY/VSG in DS in effectiveness, but it is still working on gaining acceptance from the ASMBS and insurance industry, but it doesn't seem far off now; that would be a compromise worth looking into, but it's not an easy revision, either, as it is sleeve based procedure, so the stomach first needs to be but back together before proceeding with the revision. The RNY, overall, is a difficult configuration to work with if it's not working right. The "simple" regain fixes such as re-doing the pouch, tightening the stoma or putting a band over the pouch don't seem to work all that well - figure on losing maybe 20 lb, on average, mostly from having to go through all of the restrictive diets around surgery time again, but beyond that it is mostly individual effort (which is what one does without surgery.) The other major option may be offered is to change it to a distal RNY (as opposed to the familiar proximal RNY) which dramatically increases the malabsorption component, with the trade off of the expected increase in supplement needs and potential for more significant nutritional problems. It is not usually approved by US insurance as a primary WLS procedure, but sometimes can be justified for special circumstances. Revisions are not a simple thing - research them carefully to fully understand what is involved, and what the potential risks and benefits are. Good luck,

Hi there, I was also looking at having my sleeve revised to switch, I have GERD and gained a little weight back since my sleeve surgery. But I could only find Mayo Clinic to do a revision, and they will only revise to bypass. Are you having it done for gerd as well? I also have sleep apnea real bad , I want to get away from cpap but need to lose more weight. was your process difficult? Or was Alina willing to work with you? thank you

I've lost much more than expected, but it has not been fast weight loss. A couple pounds a month for the past 6 months (more in the beginning months after surgery). My surgeon was very please with my overall weight loss when I saw him at 8 months post-op. The revision has been very, very different from sleeve surgery. I'm hoping that the slower weight loss will result in long term success.

At four months post tummy tuck the scar is VERY visible and most definitely more problematic than my tummy was (I had the TT for reconstructive purposes and to prevent further herniation after big abdominal surgeries, I had a pretty flat stomach anyway). But I had an awful twisted keloid scar that needed to be revised and when the colour has left my TT scar, it will not be a real problem. Its hidden in a bikini bottom. I truy dont know how you have a tumy tuck with almost no noticeable scars - its hip to hip! But it is a very flat, neat scar that when it loses it purple/red colouring will not be terribly ugly. And it would certainly be preferable to hanging flesh. I think if you're pale, you often scar better than olive skins - their scars tend to get that dark brown pigment. Us pale people get the red/purple colour that fades away to white. My lapband scars are totally white now.

I had a revision on May 6th and my BMI was low like yours. I weighed in at 164.5. I am now about 151 after 17 days but I think it melts off in the beginning due to low calorie intake. My Dr. said I would plateau because I was worried about the same thing. I would just up my calorie intake a bit if I lose to much. Good luck!

Thanks! I see you are a revision as well, how are things going for you

I’m thinking the GERD is from my regain, is there a bunch of hoops to jump through? My sleeve was done at north memorial hospital and when I went there about revision, the doctor stated that revision wasn’t an option and I needed to see dietitian and exercise more, I explained I was doing all that but I had some med changes and it caused a little weight gain. They said it would be at least a year of supervised diet and excersize then we could talk about a revision, uggg. what clinic did you go to and what hospital is surgery going to be done? mom sure it would be better than traveling to Rochester for all appointments. thank you

I also am not covered under my benefit plan at all. The wait for me in Ontario is 1 yr to even get an appointment to see the surgeon etc then all the hoops to jump through after that. I am going with the Sleeve anyway. Too much after care and costs with band from my research and people getting revisions to the Sleeve after 3-5 yrs and paying more money anyway. I am looking at paying over 5 yrs and for me it is what I want more than anything. Not sure where your from but keep looking into options for sure and don't get too discouraged yet if this is what you need and want. Good Luck.

Hey guys! I am from NY, Long Island area,and looking for others that are going through the sleeve process in NY. I think it'll be a great way to support each other, share things and ask questions! My revision sleeve surgery was just approved and my sleeve is scheduled for May 2nd! (I had a lap band that didn't work) Email me and we can go through this together!! ijackson7501@gmail.com LET'S DO THIS!!!! :)))

Congrats to you! I am on my liquid diet as well. Starting at 160. I had the band for five years. I am getting a revision. Today is my second full day and I want to EAT oh my goodness. I am proud of you for sticking to it 7 days

Thanks everyone! I was thinking of all of you while I was laying on the table getting poked for the ninth time. The doctor kept thinking he was hurting me and didn't want to continue- I looked at him and said that I know of a few people who have it much harder than me...Donali, Lisa, Penni...you guys all popped into my head and I was strong because I know your stories. Knowing that you guys have been through the port revision surgery makes me feel a lot better about it if it comes to that. Kyleigh- I have had 7.5 cc's injected into my port, but who knows how much is really in there after a year and a half. My band is the Swedish band so it's different than what most people on here have. And the amount of saline differs for EVERYONE. Good luck with your fill!!! Megan

Megan: I had a port revision surgery. IT was a breeze compared to the first surgery. THey use the same incision for the port placement. If he is thinking about moving it to the other side then you might have a second incision on that side. NOt sure how he is going to do it. I had mine cause the port was tilted on it's side and the tubing was almost protruding through the skin. It lies nice and flat now. PM me and I will give you my home number if you want.

Hey All... I'm Jacee and this is my story. I am 23, female and living in Australia. In 2008 I underwent Lapband surgery and went from (127kgs) 275lbs to (70kgs) 150lbs. I was initially very successful and I loved my band. In early 2010 I started suffering for undiagnosed gallstones, which meant that in turn my Lapband had to be loosened from unrelentless vomiting. My gallbladder was removed in December 2010 and by then I'd gained back (20kgs) 45lbs. In early 2011 I suffered from a Lapband slip and my surgeon recommended I undergo RNY Bypass. At first it was a very daunting decision that I wasn't ready to make, but within a month I changed my mind. My codependency to food had returned due to a constant feeling of hunger and an urge to eat after being so severely restricted for 3yrs. Our health system in Australia is very different to the US. We do have public health provided by our tax dollars, but it is a VERY LONG wait for elective surgery. When I was 20 and got my Lapband I didn't have private health, so I had 2 options - wait on the public waiting list - 3-5yrs or pay for outright. So I took the second option and $12,000 later I had a Lapband. When my Lapband slipped in 2011 I didn't have private health cover available to cover the RNY bypass, and my surgeon told me without private health he could only put me on his public wait list for revised surgery. It's been 10months wait now and I go in for surgery in under 4 weeks. I currently weigh close to 140kgs which is over 300lbs. My BMI is 49, nearly 50. The last 10months of my life have been devastating emotionally and physically. I have felt and lived success, but here I am now, bigger than I've ever been, ready to start all over. I'm literally terrified, but at the same time, I am extremely eager to get my "restriction" back. To feel healthy, happy and confident again. I'd love for my husband to know thin me, to feel beautiful for him. I also want him to know that in the next few years I'm going to be healthy enough to give him the family he so eagerly desires. I can't wait to fit into my AU size 12 - US size 8 - clothes again that are piled in boxes in my cupboard. I have so much to strive towards because I've been there, I've felt success, and now I want in more than ever. I wish you all luck and plenty of love on your journeys, I'd love to hear other stories. My surgery is in Brisbane Australia on the 25th of May 2012. All the best, Jacee

I am a binge eater, comfort eater, stress eater, emotional eater, you name it. For a while after surgery I was fine but gradually I started to eat more and more, and eat the wrong foods (junk, too many carbs) and since surgery 4 years ago I have regained 50lbs of the 100lbs I lost. I stretched my sleeve and became addicted to carbs and soda again and now I am having to restart my journey with a stretched sleeve. I will probably have to have a bypass revision next year. I don't tell you this to scare you, but I think it's a really really good idea to have counselling and try to fix your binge eating asap. The sleeve won't necessarily "cure" it. If you try, you can cheat and work around the sleeve. My advice is, stay right away from junk food, don't eat simple carbohydrates, don't drink soda even diet, esp when eating. And get professional help (which I am now doing). Good luck!! I am a RARE case of failure, so don't panic, just be sensible and follow your food plan ALWAYS.

First, I'll start with a little background. Three years ago, I had the Lapband. My surgeon was very capable but did not have a very good bedside manner. During one of my follow up appointments, she made negative remarks. She told me that I was not losing weight as she expected. I had a fill that day and left determined that I was going to do better. I started losing weight but before I had my next appointment, I gained a couple of pounds. I was ashamed and cancelled my next appointment thinking that I would go back after I lost weight. I ended up not going back until a year and a half later. I had gained all of the weight back. I contacted the director of the program and requested a new doctor, she told me I needed to go back to my surgeon's office to continue the program. I nervously went back for a fill and after no success, stopped going all together. I was ashamed and embarrassed. This past January, I scraped up what little courage I had and made an appointment to see a new bariatric surgeon at a different hospital. I was hoping for a fresh start. I had totally taken responsibility for my Lapband failure. My new doctor ordered tests to make sure the band was in place. Everything checked out fine. During my second appointment with this doctor, he suggested that I consider the Gastric Sleeve. He told me that he no longer did surgery for the Lapband band as there were too many complications and not enough long term success. He was not at all surprised that I had not lost weight. I knew nothing about the Sleeve and went home and decided to educate myself. I read three books, joined this support group and did a lot of research on the internet. I am convinced that the Sleeve will truly help me with my weight loss goals. I am now enrolled in a new bariatric program. I need to follow several steps before I can have the Lapband revision to the Gastric Sleeve. I am now going through the Psych Eval. My therapist is concerned that because I did not follow through with the Lapband I may not have success with the Sleeve. She asked me to convince her that the Sleeve is right for me. I am nervous that her eval could make the difference between my insurance approving or denying my surgery. I am discouraged now and need advice. I have wonderful insurance that is willing to cover my surgery. Yes, I could go to another therapist and have a second Psych Eval, I may have to! Of course this would push me further behind. I cannot progress until the eval is complete.

My insurance (UHC) requires revised mental health evaluation for revision from lap band (2008) to sleeve (to be 2011). It consists of one hour talk and two hours of tests on first appointment. Then one more hour of talk two weeks later at second appointment. Then about a week to write a letter to surgeon for approve/not approve. Seems excessive. What was your mental health evaluation like ?

My band has not slipped, but it is extremely sensitive to my stress level. Recently, because so many major life events were happening all at the same time, my band tightened up to the point where I was having the horrific reflux at night. I had moved to another state, and had to consult with a different surgeon who was not familiar with my medical history. If a band has slipped, the first recommended action is usually to unfill it entirely and wait for 4-6 weeks to see if the band will reposition itself. Unfilling my suddenly overly tight band and following a few simple changes in my evening routine has allowed me to get complete relief from nighttime reflux and decent sleep again. As for revising to another procedure, it would be best to consult with a physician who is aware of your medical history. I have already been advised that I am NOT an acceptable candidate to revise to the sleeve due to my long history with GERD. It is not advisable from what my physicians have told me to allow the band to remain too tight. There are real risks for medical complications. I hope you feel better fast...but in my experience the only way to do that was with a complete unfill.

Yes I did. I had the lap band in 2012 and by earlier this year I was throwing up everything I ate. I lost about the same amount of weight with the band you did. They couldn't get me in the green zone with the fill. I decided at the end of April to switch and had a revision from band to sleeve in one surgery on June 1st. I'm so happy with the revision. No more throwing up. The scale is moving downward. I can eat chicken again - I could never eat chicken with the band. I would do it again in a heartbeat. And the best part is no more port in my stomach that would move and scrape on a nerve and give me a sharp stabbing pain!

I am possibly looking at a revision from sleeve to RNY. GERD, and apparently I have a small ulcer and had a stricture. I was cash pay for the sleeve, any experience with insurance, specifically Anthem BCBS covering this if it comes to that? Thanks y'all.

I'm having a revision I had a sleeve 3 years ago. A week from now I'm getting bypassed. Is week good to stop smoking pot? I'm nervous because I smoked. I stopped as soon as I started my liquid and had to stop all herbs.

I work for insurance and also have Highmark pa, it all depends on your benefits and if your employer chose to cover revisions. If they didn't choose yes or no either way, it would come down to medical necessity and medical policy. If you call your insurance, they will send you the medical policy just for reference. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App