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@@mylastchance21 Your surgeon should not push you into the bypass for weight alone. Both the sleeve and the bypass deliver excellent weight loss outcomes. The biggest difference is bypass typically happens a little faster but in the end both surgeries can handle massive weight loss. That being said, there are other reasons related to your health that your doctor might push you toward bypass. Mine did and I am thankful everyday that I made the decision to have bypass over sleeve. The biggest one for me was gerd. I had it severely and had I had the sleeve it could have made it even worse because of the design of the surgery. My gerd is resolved 100% and has been since the day I got out of surgery. Also all my other comorbitities are in remission. If he recommends it for a reason, do your research. I know I was so upset when it happened to me and then I started researching the benefits of bypass and I found I was afraid of things that honestly were not important. I was mostly afraid of the malabsorption that comes with bypass. Then I learned that all of us have to take Vitamins for life even sleevers. All of us have to go for blood tests at 3,6,12,18 months and every 12 months after that for life. Once I understood that RNY (the gold standard in WLS) was the best option for me, I felt fantastic about it and was excited for the day I had it. I also knew that I wanted to have 1 surgery and be done. Had I went with the sleeve anyway, and my gerd was not cured, I would have ended up needing a revision to RNY anyway.....I did not want that. I have since lost all of my excess weight, 152lbs. I currently weight 158 and have been maintaining since March of this year. Best of luck to you and I hope all goes well. Both options are excellent and will give you the weight loss you likely need.

I don't have your experience, but am stopping to throw out a couple of thoughts. Maybe I'm missing something here. If the reviewer looks at the paperwork only to see if you meet the eligibility requirements (minimum 40 BMI for 5 yrs and 21+, as you report), it seems that you'll be rejected again. Wouldn't that mean it's likely that the initial denial will stand? It certainly won't hurt your peer-to-peer procedure if you supply letters in support of sleeve surgery from any and every doctor you can. These letters aren't about explaining why you don't have the required five years, but rather to state all the medical reasons you need to lose gobs of weight, all sorts of health and physical problems that are dangerous and can be solved by weight loss. If you do have doctors who can whip out brief letters, you need to move fast so that your insurance coordinator can get them to the peer review people. It can't hurt your case. If the process fails, you may choose to go to the next stage of appeal, whatever it is. I don't have personal knowledge of them, but there is a law firm that works on these things. If you'd want to consult, the head's is Walter Lindstrom. If worse runs to worst, would you be covered if you wait until you have 5 years of 40BMI? Would you be covered despite the earlier surgery? Just tossing out questions in case they haven't occurred to you. Good luck. Yes I'd be covered but I have other health issues right now that I need the procedure for.. And I work in oil and gas and chances are we will see more layoffs. My doctor should be able to justify that this is a revision of the failed procedure UHC covered me for before. That I have health issues now that would greatly be reversed through the weight loss. If I went in today to have my lapband removed, UHC would cover a revision. Hands down, no questions asked. My surgeon has had success in overturning their decision before and the care coordination rep I spoke with at UHC said that she sees the initial denials get overturned all the time especially for someone in my position. The peer to peer is a chance for my surgeon to sit down with the UHC medical director and clearly state the facts and fight for approval. If that fails the next step is appeals and that's where I would get any and all supporting documentation from my other physicians. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So my company's policy only has 2 requirements for obesity surgery: 1. Minimum of 40bmi for 5 years & 2. Be a minimum of 21 years old I had lapband surgery in 2008 and lost 60 lbs before it eroded in 2011. I had to have it removed and by 2013 was back up to my pre-op weight of 255. At the time I was with another employer and weight loss surgery was an exclusion so no revision surgery for me. Last week UHC denied my request for the sleeve because I don't have 5 years of a 40 bmi.. Despite my doctors notes that I had another procedure in place in the beginning which was why I don't have 5 years. My surgeon's care coordinator told me yesterday that they have scheduled the peer-to-peer for next Tuesday. She said 9/10 times the "medical director" that reviews the requests is a primary care physician and they don't fully review everything submitted, they just look to see if you satisfy the eligibility requirements. So she is confident my surgeon can get them to overturn the decision. If this type of situation happened for you with United Healthcare (initial denial), what happened for you? Thank you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm going to copy and paste something I wrote a couple weeks ago explaining my reasons for choosing the RNY over the sleeve. Hope my perspective helps in some way. I did consider sleeve and would have happily gotten one if my surgeon had had some reason for me not to do the rny. But rny seemed like a better option for me based on a lot of different things. - There is much more long-term data on it. - It's considered the "gold standard" of wls. - My bmi was very high at the beginning of the program... about 67. From everything I've observed/researched and learned in the surgeon's seminars, those with higher bmis tend to lose more during the honeymoon phase and continue to lose more/easier in the maintenance phase. I had a looong way to go to get to my goal. - I wanted the accountability of the rny. Many sleevers I talked to simply didn't have dumping, or were able to tolerate slider foods even in the weight-loss phase. I wanted the most strict accountability either surgery could offer, and that meant the rny. - Many sleevers I talked to years out that had started very heavy as I did were not really happy with the larger amount they were able to eat, how easy it was to eat bad foods they should not eat, etc. The rny offers more restriction. True, I can stretch out my pouch just like a sleever can stretch out their sleeve but it seemed to me (and statistics back this up) that rny-ers had more restriction farther out than sleevers, and I wanted that. - I also knew a lot of sleevers who, for whatever reason, wanted revisions years later and couldn't get them because of insurance, etc. I could mess up my rny too, of course, but I wanted the smallest chance possible, and the biggest bang for my buck. - I saw many sleevers, particularly ones with high bmis, entering maintenance with 50, 60, 80 pounds left to lose to reach goal. Of course, this wonderful tool will help you reach goal after maintenance has started with enough work and dedication regardless of the type of wls, but since I had such a long way to go and I wanted to lose weight as quickly as possible to give me a good head start on my life-long road to health, the rny seemed a better option. As it is, I'm not yet in maintenance and I'm about 45 pounds away from my goal. Chipping away. - The only arguments people had against the rny did not really matter to me at all. I have to take Vitamins for the rest of my life? Okay, no problem, most people probably should be anyway. There's a slightly higher risk with the rny? Okay, it's really a tiny extra risk, and with all the added benefits, entirely worth it. It didn't scare me at all. I may deal with malabsorption and other complications? Well yes... but so may the sleeve. The different percentages of risk were so close anyway, it didn't worry me at all to take that leap for what I perceived to be my best chance at getting the best head start I could, which would not only greatly improve my health (it has!) and greatly improve my self-esteem (it has!) but also greatly reduce the difficulties of everyday life (it has!!) as soon as I possibly could. I'm 24 and I left college two years ago because I was so sick. I've been sitting here fixing my body and essentially saving my life, and I really don't want to and can't wait another second to start my life. I'm enrolled and going back to school in about 3 weeks, and I look and feel pretty much normal now. I've had no complications, and I've lost 172 pounds since the day of surgery less than a year ago. This was my dream, and it felt like a silly and ridiculous fantasy before. But here I am, and everything I could have possibly wished for has come true for me. AND BONUS! It only gets better from here! For all these reasons and many more that are more personal and harder to explain, I would choose the rny all over again, and again, and again...

Nope, you're definitely not alone. My band was unfilled a few months ago, and I've put on ~20 lbs, and the nurse told me it's common, most of the time far more than just 20 lbs. Good luck on your surgery! My revision is scheduled for early September.

I chose bypass because I need to lose approx 50% of my current, starting weight (my BMI is 49), and I know that I (personally) need every possible advantage to help me reach my goal. I am also 49 years old, my metabolism will be slowing down soon, and I don't feel like I have much more time to waste. I have been overweight since toddlerhood, and I am ready for this to be done. I am quite healthy now considering my BMI, no co-morbidities except sleep apnea, so I am comfortable that I will be able to heal well. And I am having my surgery at Duke, so I have huge faith in the skills of my surgical team. I have GERD now, don't want to take the chance that it will get worse if I had a sleeve, and hate the thought of a revision surgery if my GERD got dangerous. So, it's RNY for me on Thursday, barely 3 days to go! Going to support groups for a few months pre-op and talking with people who have had both surgeries really helped me with my decision. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm going through the same thing with BCBSIL, I'm in the 30 day waiting period too. They don't want to cover a revision due to severe GERD or my hernia repair. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Mine started at 2.5 months. I was revision so I was already on all Vitamins, get my protein in and use Biotin and nioxin. I should be happy Im getting healthier but losing my hair had me in tears two days,ago Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal A

hehe You all are definitely lucky. When I had my lap bad back in 2009, I had to go a strict diet (can't really remember the details anymore) and now I'm on pre-op diet for a revision for 3 weeks, ALL liquid diet... Yeah. Fun fun lol.

What was revision like. I had my surgery in 2003 at 304 now I'm 239. Approved for surgery again in a different state Sent from my LG-H634 using the BariatricPal App

Has anyone been revisioned..what was it like. Anyone close to Nashville Tn Sent from my LG-H634 using the BariatricPal App

I have to lose about the same (essentially half my body weight) and I decided to go with the bypass. It was an extremely hard decision, though, I nearly drove myself crazy with the what ifs. In the end, I decided to trust my doctor's guidance, and I also had to admit that I -- personally -- needed absolutely all the help I could get with this effort. And I didn't want to wind up with a revision surgery BC my GERD got worse, not better. But that's just me. I have my surgery on Thursday, 4 days away. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@magoosmom My program does no pre-op diet for someone at my BMI (which was 40.5 at surgery), and only 1 week of Clear Liquids. I had read so much about liver shrinking and so forth that I was prepared for the diet, but when I had my appt with my surgeon a week before my procedure, he said he's found it to be unnecessary. I was relieved, and I completely trust him so I wasn't concerned about not doing a diet. But seeing the variations in programs since I joined BP has been fascinating, as has seeing how some things that were universal 'musts' even a couple of years ago have been relaxed or revised.

I went last week, have lost 42 since revision in April. Surgeon told me I was right on track. Not going to lie I am disappointed but I feel great better than with band. Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Mine started at 2.5 months. I was revision so I was already on all Vitamins, get my protein in and use Biotin and nioxin. I should be happy Im getting healthier but losing my hair had me in tears two days,ago Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I would like to have known exactly all of that and more - however, there aren't surefire answers to these questions as it all varies a great deal from patient to patient. I now think that maybe these not-really-answerable questions have been the reason I postponed revision for over a year. I couldn't even know for sure if it would really solve the problem I was getting revision for in the first place (reflux). There was a good chance, yes, but no guarantee.

Well my surgery was revision, is yours? I had the sleeve in 2013. I have sleep apnea so I didn't have another sleep study. If this is your first wls I don't think you will have any problems at all! I received the denial 2 weeks after submitted. It's nearly been two months. I started this in January. I know you must be excited!!

I'm only 3 weeks out and I feel great! I know everyone's experience is so different and you never know where you will fall on that scale. I had read both extreme's before surgery and because I'm in my mid 50's I was worried I would not bounce back as quick as some of the younger ones. But I have been blessed. The worst pain was the headaches in the hospital that first night after surgery. I assume it was from the anesthesia or caffeine withdrawal, or both! I never even took any of the morphine they offered because I was afraid it would make me nauseous and I had not had any nausea. I still haven't. Not once. I am just starting soft foods and I've not had any trouble tolerating any thing I've tried. I've eaten Beans and shrimp and stewed tomatoes. I've always drank a ton of tea and coffee and I continue to do so. I drink 24 oz of coffee in the morning then switch to earl grey tea for the rest of the day. Most days I will have another 12 oz cup of coffee after dinner also. No it's not decaf. No it doesn't keep me up at night and no it doesn't bother my stomach. I take no PPI. Like I said, I've been truly blessed. I had a lapband put in 2.5 years ago and went from 233 to 183, then slowly started gaining it back as the band was either too loose or too tight. My doctor recommended revision to sleeve which he did all in one surgery. This is usually a little more in depth and so he did leave me with a drain for a week after surgery. The drain caused some discomfort when I walked. I wasn't sure what it was until he removed it. It wasn't painful, just kind of a weird tugging feeling. Kinda worrisome until I knew what it was! But the drain and the pain are all gone. I don't have the sluggishness described by others after the first week or so. I've been meeting all my Fluid and Protein goals from about day 3. Will this be your experience? I have no idea. But I do think it's true that most of the posts on the forum are people looking for answers to questions or people having problems. The rest of the people having no problems and no current questions are off living and enjoying their new lives. For me, I think this was the right move. I hope you are as happy with whatever your decision, as I am with mine.

Hi there. I used to weigh 500 pounds and had a VSG in July of 2014 that I self-paid. I went down to 299 pounds last fall, but after a really hard time I went back up to about 360. I'm down to 340 after recommitting to eating better, but I'm just not seeing much movement on the scale. For 2 weeks I've eaten less than 800 calories most days, and I actually gained 1 pound this week. I've had several people tell me that at that large of a size I shouldn't have gotten the sleeve, but should have gotten a D/S. My current insurance does pay for weight loss surgery, but I'm not sure if they'd pay for a revision to a gastric bypass and I *think* I read that they don't cover the D/S at all. I'm going to call on Monday to see for sure, but I'm not hopeful. Now, I have read that there are places in Mexico that will do a revision for just under $10K. I could possibly get a home equity loan and have this done, but I'm really hoping that someone here has gotten surgery in Mexico and might share their experience? After paying $14K for the sleeve, I just can't afford the $25K that I've read it costs (minimally) to self pay in America. I have to say I'm embarrassed to even be considering ANOTHER WLS after just 2 years, but here I am. Anyone have any thoughts?

I had the SIPS/SADI S Loop this past Monday August 8, 2016. I am a revision from a VSG and the first patient that my doctor has completed this surgery on. He has done several other types of revisions and decided to enter into this part of weight loss surgery with him as his first. I believe that this was the best choice for me.

I'm 2 years post op. Had horrible time the past 2 years with strictures, ulcers, and revision surgery last October. Now that I can eat I'm starving all the time. My start weight was 245 Got down to 123 now I'm at 156 surgeons goal was 145. I have fallen off the wagon any advice to get back up and lose about 20 lbs. I feel fat again and its a mental struggle now! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120A using the BariatricPal App

I'm 2 weeks and 1 day post op. I had band to sleeve revision. Up until about 3 days ago I felt like I was on track. I was feeling a little better every day. Then out of no where I'm hit with the worst nausea I've ever had. I was allowed to start mushies yesterday but the thought of any food whatsoever makes me want to vomit. I'm to the point now, where drinks even make me gag. Nothing helps. I've tried phenergen, sour candy, ginger candy, lemonade and nothing touches it. Has anyone else experienced this at the 2 week mark? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

I'm 33. I had my initial RNY at 22. I lost 150 pounds. I started at 375. And then I found out the day after my surgery my doctor was out of business because he lost his medical insurance. I followed up with another doctor after and found my pouch was too big. I was devastated to say the least. Over the last 10 years I went almost back to my original weight. I had a revision at 350 done in April of 2015. I've lost 100-ish pounds since then. But now I'm stuck again. I live in Dallas, TX. Been through a divorce right before my revision. I'm engaged but I feel bad for my fiancé. He tries so hard not to show that my weight bothers him. He loves me unconditionally but I want to be the girl he deserves. Starting Monday I'm doing a 10 day pouch reset diet. Has anyone done one of these before. As for exercise I'm getting back into 1 hour a day on the wii fit and my Apple Watch say I burn around 400 calories in the hour. All in all I'm 250 I was to lose another 100 pounds to be not only a better looking girl for my soon to be husband. But also happier and healthier for myself. Any tips or advice are welcome from all. Looking forward to getting the help and support I didn't get the first time. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm 33. I had my initial RNY at 22. I lost 150 pounds. I started at 375. And then I found out the day after my surgery my doctor was out of business because he lost his medical insurance. I followed up with another doctor after and found my pouch was too big. I was devastated to say the least. Over the last 10 years I went almost back to my original weight. I had a revision at 350 done in April of 2015. I've lost 100-ish pounds since then. But now I'm stuck again. I live in Dallas, TX. Been through a divorce right before my revision. I'm engaged but I feel bad for my fiancé. He tries so hard not to show that my weight bothers him. He loves me unconditionally but I want to be the girl he deserves. Starting Monday I'm doing a 10 day pouch reset diet. Has anyone done one of these before. As for exercise I'm getting back into 1 hour a day on the wii fit and my Apple Watch say I burn around 400 calories in the hour. All in all I'm 250 I was to lose another 100 pounds to be not only a better looking girl for my soon to be husband. But also happier and healthier for myself. Any tips or advice are welcome from all. Looking forward to getting the help and support I didn't get the first time. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@1Cor2:9 Well done and Congratulations! Awesome result! I am 1Ib away from being a sleeve success. I lost 60Ibs 5 months post op. Well, my revised goal is another 22Ibs down, and my stretch goal is 33Ibs away. I most certainly don't want to stop at my current weight. I want to keep losing until I reach my goal, then maintain it. My motivation is like yours, so I wish you all the best! We can do it