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I was banded almost 5 years ago. I lost 55lbs over a very long period of time and from what I honestly think was just hard work and not much help from the band. I hate my band. It hurts. I feel like it's violent when I get stuck (often) and I can feel my port all the time for FIVE years. Sigh. Eating is stressful and to top it off I've gained every ounce back. I sometimes eat 2 bites can't eat another bite longingly look at my healthy or even healthy-ish food and an hour later eat Cookies because I am starving. I feel like my eating habits have become worse because of the band and at this point I'm totally out of control. I'm excited about revising and petrified too. I would like the sleeve but I'm so afraid I will eat thru it like I did with the band. I hear "it's so different" but I wonder if that applies to people like me that ate around the band. Waited for food to pass then slid junk down. I suppose I could fail at the bypass as well. I'm wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience with the band and been successful with the sleeve or failed to lose with the sleeve as well. Any and all advise would be so appreciated!!!

I had a band placed in 2008 and it was a mistake. I just had it revised to bypass this past Wednesday. I was one of the people that couldn't tolerate fills because the band caused reflux so bad I would get aspiration pneumonia. So it was a waste of lots of money, because you don't know if you can tolerate fills until you have one. Also over the years it slipped and twisted and all kinds of things. Lots of scar tissue. It was going to have to be removed regardless of whether I revised to bypass or not.

I have never heard that before! And the head of the medical board for bcbsil didn't event want to hear my case and is refusing to allow anymore appeals. We only had one appeal and that was peer to peer. He said the only complication from the sleeve is a leak and not GERD. So I have to go to the Insurance board of IL. Never would have imagined. And he is not allowing them to treat my hernia. He told them to treat me medically and not surgically. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow, I think we have the same husband! ???? I had my initial consultation with the surgeon (lap band to sleeve revision) to get as much info as I could to present idea to my hubby. I was scared, didn't think he would support it, but he was so absolutely supportive! His main concern is complications, but I gave him some info also and he is 100% on board. Really makes this decision a lot easier when the support system is there. Way to go!! ???????????? Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

I don't have anything new to add, except to say I can relate. I was banded in 2001 at about 272 pounds. I lost 30# in the first month, another 40 by dieting over the next 11 months, never got under 200# at 5'5".... and then I couldnt take the reflux so had to get unfilled and gained gained. I revised to sleeve in 2011 when I weighed 308#. I lost pretty well with the sleeve; hit goal of losing 150# in 14 months. Now, nearly 5 years post sleeve, I have a good appetite, it is easy for me to graze and drink too many calories. Sadly, it's real life. I need to eat less than many people around me. I don't feel like my sleeve is broken, doesn't work, what i feel like is I am living the battle that many many many middle aged women are fighting. I don't have scientific proof, but I genuinely believe that even though I am no longer fat, I still have the disease of obesity and that weight ALWAYS wants to come back, so maybe my struggle is worse than a typical middle aged woman. I am very active, and I agree with everyone that 90% is the consumption, exercise helps in many ways, but I can't lose weight through exercise alone. My hunger is best controlled by going low carb. Intermittant fasting such as 5:2 (google it, or search these forums as it has been discussed many times). right now, I am having too much summer fun and need to lose about 15# to get back down to my "hot" weight and am making zero progress toward it, but i know it is because the consumption...

Things that have helped my joint pain - I found Naproxen (Aleve) to be better than Advil, but am allergic to Naproxen. As such, I haven't investigated whether Naproxen is better for sleevers than Advil, I don't know how the ulcer risk compares. There was an even better NSAID on the market OTC for years called ketoprofen (brand name was Orudis). I have heard that it can be gotten with a prescription, but I don't know if the risk for ulcers is the same as, or higher than, Advil. Maybe talk to your doc about it as a possibility. They also tried me on Celebrex, which didn't help me but many people get a LOT of relief from that. Tramadol is just a mild narcotic, so whether it helps or not depends a lot on what kind of joint pain, and how your system processes it. For me, it's more effective than Vicodin or other similar "harder" narcotics. I take it a couple of times a month when my pain is too bad to sleep. My rheumatologist is thrilled that it works so well for me, because everyone's so nervous about Vicodin and such now. Ice is my friend for my knees. I found the best ice packs that are big, and hold the cold for long periods of time. Don't know if they're there anymore, but I found them on the bottom shelf in the first aid section of Walmart. I ace-wrap them to my knees in the evenings when I need to. I also bought an ice massage mold which is awesome for when I have twisted a knee and have an acute injury to deal with. Interestingly, my joints that hurt from the auto-immune arthritis like heat more - my feet and hands, so I sometimes even have heating pads on my feet at the same time I have ice on my knees... I'm a mess. I also use a BioFreeze gel that helps when I can't use my ice packs. The other thing that helped, and I still don't believe it, is the Tommy Copper sleeve. It has a slight compression, but not enough (I would think) to be significant. My medical/scientific brain refuses to believe that it's actually because of the copper in the weave. But it really did help when I was working ER and on my feet 12 hours straight. Generally, a higher compression wrap gives me a lot of relief, but I have a hellish time getting them to stay put, and when they migrate on my leg I end up having circulation cut off. Some people get a lot of relief from tumeric, I didn't. However, I've been told I should take it raw instead of capsules, and was told to find a recipe for "golden milk" and start drinking that at least daily, and multiple times a day if it helps. I haven't tried it yet. Some people also get relief from glucosamine/chondroitin ... I didn't notice any change at all. Generally, anything you can do to reduce inflammation in your overall body should help at least a little with joint pain. Also, depending on what is wrong with your knees (osteoarthritis vs. inflammatory arthritis), I know MANY people who have had SIGNIFICANT improvements with Synvisc or similar injections. I have a friend who has successfully delayed a replacement for over 6 years with injections about every year. The longer you can put off knee replacement, the fewer revisions you'll need in your lifetime. Hope at least some of this helps. As I haven't had my surgery yet, I can't report back on where in the weight loss I got the most joint relief, but medically speaking more weight off is better for the joints even if you don't notice much relief.

I was told about this app by another lady to help me get back on track. I had the lapband surgery in 2006, lost about 70 lbs, got pregnant surprisingly, and he moved the band. Had to have a revision and went to the sleeve. That was in 2010. I had gained about 40 lbs back and lost about another 75lbs again... however over the years and especially this last year I have put back all but 20 plus pounds of my original max weight. I still can't eat a lot but am eating all the wrong things. So this week starts me back over. Going back to the base diet requirements for getting ready for the surgery to psych myself mentally and physically back into gear. Lots of prayers and wishes and if anyone wants to help bust me to get on track... I would appreciate it. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

I am so excited! Surgery in the USA. I'm in Illinois. Mine is approved through insurance. I am a revision of sorts. I had a failed lapband that came out in December. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

You can absolutely revise from sleeve to bypass. I revised on 7/1 to control out of control acid, not to aid in additional weight loss but it can definitely be done. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App You can absolutely revise from sleeve to bypass. I revised on 7/1 to control out of control acid, not to aid in additional weight loss but it can definitely be done. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I didn't say you couldn't but that isn't the normal route, and it definitely isn't how the sleeve became a WLS surgery instead of just one for cancer and ulcers.

I wonder if BCBS Anthem (TX) will cover me for a revision from lapband to sleeve. I'm having pain in my port area. Although my band did nothing for 5 years, I joined OA 3 years ago and lost 80 lbs. My BMI is just under 35 and I still need to lose 65 lbs. Is it as hard to qualify for a revision? BCBS may only pay to remove band. I see the surgeon 8/5. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Hello everyone! My lap-band to sleeve revision with hiatal hernia repair is set for August 15! I cannot wait to shed this extra weight I've been hauling around on my short frame. I start my liquid diet officially on Aug. 1, but I've been doing Meal Replacement shakes with IdealShape products for the last several days to jump start everything. I am already down 17 lbs from my heaviest weight in the last two months, so I am optimistic that my sleeve will work and my body won't want to hold on to the weight. Good Luck to everyone with the pre-op diets and surgery! I look forward to following the group's progress.

True. The decision is difficult. I postponed for almost a year. First just the fill of the band was removed (I had terrible volume reflux and hiatal hernia) and I tried lets wait and see. Then the band was removed and the reflux got even worse. I got revision to MGB a whole year later after I considered revision for the first time. I had problems for years and maybe should have gotten revision way earlier but as you said yourself: the decision is a difficult one. ETA: when the band was removed it already had started to migrate into the stomach wall. Gastroscopies (and I had plenty of them) didn't show the migration and I was lucky that the band was removed in time.

How do I say this nicely? Please don't comment as you have "never had bariatric surgery" Having WLS surgery is a difficult decision and not to be made lightly. I myself had the 2nd surgery as my band had eroded into my stomach! People who have not had WLS love to comment, however I suggest respectfully that you are not in a position to comment. Deciding to have a revision is a difficult as having the very first operation so having feedback from people in similar situations or at least have had WLS is appreciated. No back seat drivers please:)Well bless your heart. If you don't want opinions (or really, _truthful_ opinions) you shouldn't ask for them. But by all means, go for additional surgery even though it is apparent from your own statements that it's your behavior that is the problem. "When all is said and done, usually more has been said than done. "

I had revision surgery on Wednesday and cooked for my family on Sunday. I didn't need any help at all. Actually would have preferred to be alone. Lol

I'm scheduled for revision on August 29 - a Monday...taking the week off and then will have Labor Day off as well. My husband will be there for surgery and 2 days in hospital and bring me home...but then has an event out of town on Thursday that he wants to go to over the weekend. I was single when I had the lapband done and managed just fine. I have friends I can call. I am fine with him leaving, but just wanted to get some reassurance for both him and me. He feels bad (sort of) and I want him to go. Just need some idea of the condition I'll be in that first week. Thanks

I would also call you surgeon about that pain, I don't think it's normal. I had my band to sleeve revision last Monday and stopped my pain meds wed. I only take one Tylenol at night to help me sleep(I'm a side sleeper and the port incision hurts when I'm on my side). But on my discharge instructions it says on the front in bold letters under the when to call us section "very bad pain not relieved by your pain medicine " Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App

You can absolutely revise from sleeve to bypass. I revised on 7/1 to control out of control acid, not to aid in additional weight loss but it can definitely be done. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App You can absolutely revise from sleeve to bypass. I revised on 7/1 to control out of control acid, not to aid in additional weight loss but it can definitely be done. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How do I say this nicely? Please don't comment as you have "never had bariatric surgery" Having WLS surgery is a difficult decision and not to be made lightly. I myself had the 2nd surgery as my band had eroded into my stomach! People who have not had WLS love to comment, however I suggest respectfully that you are not in a position to comment. Deciding to have a revision is a difficult as having the very first operation so having feedback from people in similar situations or at least have had WLS is appreciated. No back seat drivers please:)

Congrats keep us updated! I have my revision 8/24 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my band to bypass revision a few days ago on 7-20-16. I had to stay an extra day in the hospital because I couldn't pee on my own, but finally got to go home yesterday. Now I am just working on sipping protein water, walking around the house, and resting. I did manage to get 1 premier protein shake in today by taking small sips throughout the day. I am so glad to finally begin my weight loss journey. [emoji4]

I chose a center of excellence that was relatively near my main residence. I wanted to have surgery where the surgeons are familiar with revisions.

Totally agree they will advice you what they can do at your current weight and what revision will be required when or if you get to your goal weight. They may suggest waiting but it should be up to you. I say go for it your unhappy and the change in your arms might be what you need to push you forward and motivate you to get to that next goal. Good Luck I hope keep us updated with what you do

Thankyou. Aussiegirl81. I am similar to yourself - can eat a cup no problem and gulp down water no problem. I am 3 years out from my sleeve and with a BMI of 30 classified as obese. That doesn't feel like a success. I am trying to be good with my food and will see what Dr says in 2 weeks. I have no idea what they may say. Probably eat more protein ( I eat plenty of protein) cut down carbs....... All the usual things........maybe they will suggest checking my sleeve size? Then what - sleeve revision - bypass or nothing?

You will be able to eat more with the sleeve as you have had the band.... the band causes dilation of the esophagus which reduces our sensitivity.. in turn this enables us to have more food due to the reduced pressure. I am the same, i could have half a cup straight out after revision to the sleeve... even now i have no issues drinking 1 litre of Water in one sitting, i can gulp water with ease.... I could probably have 1 cup of food if i really tried.. but i don't allow myself to try, i measure out my food and don't eat till i am full.... i eat till i am satisfied and not feeling hunger... as an ex bander weight loss is lower too.. and yes it is very frustrating! You have not failed.. you have succeeded... you are close to goal... you are not as far away as you were before.. remind yourself of that... look how far you have come.. not how far you have to go.... Review your habits honestly, we all can fall into habits that work against us.. its what we do to change them that makes all the difference... go back to basics... it does work...

I had my revision done April 28 and it's the best thing I've ever done. I've lost 40 lbs so far (started at a lower bmi so have lost somewhat slowly). I love being able to eat normal food and not getting stuck. I'm able to focus on eating protein-rich food since you can only eat such small portions. My eating habits have changed completely. Wish I did this procedure from the start.