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Hello everyone. I was revised from VSG (Aug 2019) to RNY (Sept 2021). I was wondering if it is typical not to feel any restriction. I am 2.5 weeks post-op and I can easily consume 100g of protein since the day I returned home from surgery which amazes me as I could not consume 100g of protein with VSG until 2 months post-op. When I get hungry, I eat and I stop when I feel I've had enough and I always measure/track so I know exactly how much I'm consuming. I never feel full. I just feel not hungry. It's difficult to explain. Is it typical not to feel restriction? When does restriction typically come or does it at all? Do you ever feel "full" as with VSG? TIA

Just remember your body, your decision. If you don't trust your doc 100%, then you have to own your decision- not "let" him rush you. Tell him "I want to wait "x" amount of time, then if it's not better I will consider revision options.

I was in the same boat. But I had the revision surgery. When the band slips, it doesn't fix itself. And waiting too long can cause more damage. I suffered from heartburn and acid reflux. The morning after surgery.....all gone. Mind you, I had to start all over from 1cc, which caused weight gain. And it's takes more fills to feel any affects, but I'm on the upswing. My advice, if your being given medical advice, take it. They are the professionals. Slipped bands are so dangerous. Don't take chances.

Pretty much at this point the only thing that would probably stop me from losing still is steroids. Which i obviously dont want to do. Unfortunately it pretty much comes down to calories in for us. Right now i just cant get enough in to really build. BUT i know this is part of my journey. Another hump to get over. But i also dont want to fast forward to when i can eat MORE again. Im just taking this time to learn and prepare for when that time does come! Your situation is tough because you just had the revision and dont have anymore left to lose. I would definitely talk to your nutritionist on how to get those extra cals in.

Hi, I am also a mother of 3 in NJ. I have a tentative date of March 3rd and I'm excited and nervous all rolled up into one! I have the band now (hasn't worked in 5 years) and I am having it removed, hernia repair and sleeve revision all in one day! Any advice or support would be great!

At my second fill, my port had totally flipped and I had to have revision surgery. That too, is rare, but it happened to me. It is discouraging, but its just a small bump in the road. Look at my ticker, couldn't be happier and you will be happy again soon. Hang in there!

I've heard SO many people on here talk about band failures and complications. And what's more...once you decide to have a revision surgery from band to sleeve, the damage from the band can complicate the sleeve and cause more problems. Just something to think about. (I'm not just saying random thoughts. These are actual incidents I've heard from people.) Many problems. At five weeks, I'm feeling great and looking forward to my smaller self!

What's a sweet spot? I have an idea, but clarification is needed. The sweet spot is the point where upon a person achieves restriction that provides consisten weight loss. Usually you do not need further fills after reaching the sweet spot, however everyone has different results. How do I know if I need a fill or if I'm too filled? Some signs of being to filled are vomiting, sliming, bps, food being stuck, and/or the inability to keep fluids down. Is it painful if you eat too much? I hear lots about heart burn. I suppose it can be painful if you overeat. I have not had this experience because I don't over eat. I measure my food, track my calories, I eat slow and chew my food thoroughly. I am not distracted while eating, which means no tele, radio, car driving, or computer. I have never had heartburn pre-band or post band. Is your diet restricted completely to avoid certain foods once your back into the normal eating phase? I can eat any food. I have no diet restrictions. I do eat in moderation. And if I am going to have high calorie foods, I increase my exercise to compensate for my sweet tooth. My doctor states that I can eat any food types, but the thing is the band is very fickle. What goes down the pipe for me might get stuck for someone else. You just have to see what food items work with your band. Is there anyone out there who found the liquid portion after your LB surgery completely torturous? Yes, just plain and simple the liquid diet pre-band and post band sucks! But it does not last forever. Has anyone had a leak and if so, how do they treat it? Yes, I have a leak, which the doctor and I monitor every month. At one fill, I was missing .5 cc at another fill I was missing 1cc. If the leak is significant, then revision surgery will occur. How long is recovery time? I was planning to take 3 days off and go back in the middle of the week... is that too soon? It depends on your ability to recover and the type of job you have. Everyone's experience is different. I took two weeks off from my stationary job. I felt great going back to work with lots of energy. I like bulk fiber... is that a no no forever after being banded? No food types or off the list for me, but what works for me may not work for you. Really, you just need to play by ear and see what works with your band. What happens if you have a stomach virus and vomit? I know that vomiting, among other things, can loosen the band or displace it... is that indication for surgery? My doctor gave me anti-nasuea Patches just in case of an emergency...aka flu bug... Ask your doctor if they will do the same for you. Constant vomiting might make the band slip. Is anyone else in the same situation where they have kept it a secret? I'm not even sure if I will tell anyone afterwards. I have not told anyone, except my sister. And the only reason why she knows is because she was my emergency contact person for the hospital. My family, friends, and employer do not know. I do not lie; when people ask about my weight loss, I tell them the truth..I am training for a marathon and eating healthier foods. I do not lie; when I need to go to the doctor. I tell my employer I have a medical appointment and I do not provide details of it. I am on FMLA to safe guard my job, so I can attend medical appointments. I am very aware of my HIPPA rights, and I chose not to disclose my medical information to anyone. I have to go 1.5 hours away to attend my appointments, so yes people are curious, but they don't dare ask me why. Good luck!

I'm not sure if it is "kosher" for me to say what I paid. However, I have a lap-band to sleeve revision so I paid more than someone who has just the sleeve. You should go to his web site and get in touch with Nina. She will give you the price. Dr Aceves is known to be the most expensive among the Mexican doctors, but a lot of us feel he is absolutely the best. You can look through the boards for everyone who sings his praises.

A recent study was released showing that bariatric surgery is no riskier than any other routine surgery. Large-Scale Analysis Finds Bariatric Surgery Relatively Safe People have this idea that the band is somehow "safe" and all other bariatric surgery is "dangerous" but this is a misconception. There is a risk to all surgeries, even the band, but bariatric surgery is pretty safe comparatively. It's not dying on the operating table that you have to worry about. If your husband wouldn't worry about something happening to you if you got your appendix out, he shouldn't worry about this. As for having more scar tissue, they'll cut away most of the stomach so you'll actually be losing some of your scar tissue. OTOH, doing a sleeve on a scarred stomach will increase your risk of leaks a bit so you should be very careful. Also, depending on where the scar tissue is, the surgeon may prefer to do RnY on you. It's something you should talk to him about. There are a lot of "what ifs" involved in a revision so you want to be prepared for them.

Hi Janette, I had open lap band to VSG revision surgery two weeks ago and I, like you, was having my doubts right up until they wheeled me down to surgery. Open surgery is when they cut your stomach open rather than doing it laparascopically and it is usually preferred if you have had surgery before. I had had several operations on my stomach and my surgeon told me from the start that he would need to open me up. I had had my band repositioned last year and then it slipped again and that's why I came to the decision to have the VSG and, like you again, all my family were concerned. I won't say they were against it but they were worried about the surgery mainly as a result of all the media attention. But, as has already been said ALL surgery carries some risk. You really need to discuss this with the surgeon if you can and find out how much revision surgery he has done. Here in the UK there aren't all that many bariatric surgeons, in comparison to the US and elsewhere, and our services are absolutely swamped with people wanting surgery. My particular surgeon has got the monopoly on it in the Yorkshire area and has carried out loads and loads of operations and is held in wide regard across the whole country. He had also carried out my band surgery and abdominal surgery so he was well familiar with me and my personal situation. He was absolutely confident that performing the sleeve op was the right thing for me and as a result I had to put my trust in him as I would most certainly have regained all my previously lost weight. He did point out the complications to me and did tell me that there were more risks involved, but, as I say he was absolutely confident in his ability to perform the op successfully and help me. Talk to your surgeon, find out how much revision surgery he has done and then take it from there. I am two weeks out and am fine. I have had very little pain from my VSG op and am progressing well with the diet. And don't worry about open surgery either. I have had loads of open surgery and although I have a nice big scar running right down my front it is nothing compared to all the extra weight I was carrying and still am! Good luck in your decision. I know it's not easy. Love Helenxxx

I don't know what the percentage of band to sleeve revisions are, but I agree that your choice to start with a sleeve is best. As for the seminars, usually, whichever doc does the program is who you sign up for. They are both good. I haven't been to the support group in several months. Mainly because of my band issues. I didn't feel I would be a good spokesperson until I get resolution....band out, change to sleeve, etc. I am going to call my insurance again this afternoon to check on the status of the revision. I never have been a patient camper.

Two weeks for me! I had my lapband removed and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. I have more of a desk job so it isn't too bad! Katy W- Louisburg, NC Lapband revision to VSG with DS HW- 297 Weight at Surgery-279 CW- will update at two week appt

I am starting 5 weeks today. I have bad shoulder pain today so I am wondering if I over ate and opened up my stomach. I can eat one egg and maybe 4 Vienna sausages different times of course. I had a few chips and salsa yesterday at th restaurant maybe 5 but chewed them very well. How do I know if I am over eating? I really need to up my calories and protein so is it okay that I am eating every couple of hours? Mushy foods stage. I have lost 14 since surgery. Past 3 weeks the scale hasn't moved I am a low BMi to start with revision from band to sleeve. I am 148 now and am wondering if I will lose this extra weight and get to my 120 goal. Don't want this surgery to have Been a waste for me...... Help!!!! What I'd you all eat at 5 weeks as such??? Stalls etc?!?!

"start" with the sleeve? Then why not do the bypass now? Are you okay with surgery again for a bypass? does your insurance cover revisions? second opinion? playing devils advocate here...

I had a couple of options when I was considering my revision from band to sleeve. My port was flipped, and was causing the band to tug on my stomach. I hated every aspect of the band (except the first 6 weeks) and only had it in for 8 months. I could of had the port replaced and repositioned along with the tubing, but I didn't really want to deal with it possibly happening again. I opted for the sleeve, and couldn't be happier to have gotten rid of the band.

Read the stories that all of us have posted who have had revision surgery from band to sleeve. Once you have the sleeve, after care is pretty much over. No erosion, no fills, no unfills, no chance of a slip, etc. I could go on and on. Life is so much better with a sleeve.

I hope mine isn't much smaller! Haha! Although anything is better than what I'm going through now! The revision is happening because my sleeve is messed up :/ I thought maybe there would be someone out there with a similar experience...

I think it is great that you have so many experiences to hear about on this site. I personally chose the Lap-Band originally because it was less invasive and had a much quicker recovery time. I just was one of the unlucky few that had problems. After one revision surgery on the band, and 2 years of trying to get the fill just right, I pretty much gave up. I have been seeing my doctor again since November, hoping to get a revision to RNY bypass. I lost approximately 80 lbs the first year, but after the problems, and second surgery, have gained nearly all back. So glad I still have options. That being said, many, many people have good luck w/the band and are still doing well years later. You really should listen to your doctor the most though, he/she knows your personal health history and will be the most unbiased about what you need to attain your goals. Good luck with your surgery, and here is to the new healthier you!

You are over thinking. I've got 2 kids myself, I started my WLS back in 2011 when they were in their early teen years, I can say that they both benefited greatly from my WLS. You didn't specify which WLS you were going for. When I was banded back in 2011, really the only thing the band did was reduce my quantity, this helped my kids even still, people tend to overeat and not realize it. When I was revised to Bypass this past March, I had to greatly reduce my sugar and fat intake, this has already had a positive impact on my whole family, less sweets, fattening foods, etc and more healthy options has already started to show on my family. Honestly best thing I ever did and I truly wish I had done it sooner. Just be open and honest with your little one, even at 8, they understand things better than you'd think.

I agree with everyone else - go back to basics. Protein first, then non-starchy vegetables. Weigh/measure and track your food. It's too early to consider plastics (plus they don't really do plastics for weight loss, that I'm aware of - they lipo sometimes for small, stubborn fat deposits and/or to even things out, but to make people lose weight - no, not really...). And normally revisions are done for medical reasons. I'd give it another shot - you could probably drop more weight if you really buckled down.

I relate with you. I just went through a revision almost 2 weeks ago. The things that ran around my head! Oh man. I don't know what surgery you are gearing up for but we all go through that. I said to my husband the night before "Not worried about making it through surgery, nor the temporary pain afterwards but I sure hope I'm not making a huge mistake that I can't retract later in life." For me, so far (yes, I am still worried about problems down the road as we all are.) everything has been great and I feel like now, I'd do it over and over again. Life isn't really different except that I'm feeling better, sleeping better and am enjoying the additional weight loss. And it is not like many of the things I've heard on YouTube or forums that frightened me. Hugs to you and keep us posted.

Cleo's mom- I just had the revision because what bothered me about the band is that when food did get stuck - I rarely threw up but would dry heave. Then I would go finish my meal. Or in a restaurant- I couldn't eat the whole meal because I was getting stuck but as soon as I got home I would finish it because I was still hungry. I'm still in the liquid phase but what I want is that if I take leftovers home- I won't eat them until the next day because I'm satisfied for the night. I'm praying that this works but right now I'm focused on my body healing & following the doctors instructions.

I had the lap band surgery done in 2008. It never worked as promised for anything. It never caused me to have satiety. It just made it painful to eat. My surgeon was inexperienced and put a 4cc band in but told me it was 10cc so I was confused at to why 3cc of fill was causing me so many problems. He ordered an upper GI and found out why and immediately took out 1.5 cc (nothing was getting through). He had unrealistic expectations for weight loss (wanted 10-15 lbs in 3 weeks post surgery and without any fill). I left him and went to another doctor at another hospital who was satisfied with my weight loss at that point. However, I always had left shoulder pain (my original doctor never heard of this), I never felt satisfied, none of my vital statistics improved, and neither did my back pain. So, after a major stuck episode in 2009 that took me to the ER, all the fill was removed. And I only went back to the doctor I think once after that - haven't been back in years. I still get some stuck episodes but have learned how to make myself throw up. Very unpleasant. And the left shoulder pain. And the ability to eat the wrong but not the right foods. So, I want this band out and am taking the initial steps to do so, however, I don't know if I want to go through another surgery - gastric sleeve - at this time. After all the failures of the band I don't know if I have the motivation to not eat this type of food or that type (e.g. bread, Pasta, rice - you know all the stuff the band has problems with). I am 64 years old and although so many say the sleeve is what they thought the band would be - I am not sure at my age I can go through all this again. How much follow up is there to the sleeve? Do you lose your hair? Do you get stuck? Are there foods you can't eat (not because of calories but because of the sleeve)? I'm not looking for any easy way out - but I have to be honest that my motivation isn't what it was 7 years ago due to all the disappointments already. Any suggestions?

I am scheduled for a sleeve revision to gastric bypass, however I never heard of a mini bypass. Can you explain what the difference is?