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April, its completely normal to be nervous and have your head play a few games with you. If you weren't, then you'd be loopy lol. My band has slipped and I might have to have a revision surgery, but even now, with as fickle as the band can sometimes be, I recognize that this is the best thing I've ever done, just for me. I've managed to lose around 90 lbs (although I have put a few back on) and I feel fantastic. As for your decision on whether or not to tell family/friends/coworkers, that's one only you can make. I told my immediate family beforehand, all the gory details. The rest of the family knew I was having surgery, but didn't know what for - figured it was girlie stuff. After I started losing, when they asked, I'd tell them. I work for my husband's company, so the boss knew lol .. but I told everyone else too. There's only one other girl in our office - the rest are 20something boys (all hotties too lol). They've all been extremely supportive. For me, it was easier telling people upfront, rather than having to make excuses as to why I couldn't join in on the massive feed they were having for lunch or whatever. Best of luck to you in your upcoming surgery. You'll do fine :eek:

Ok today I feel a bit like crying. I am trying, really trying at this journey to be successful, but why do I just feel like I'm flubbing up? And yes, I don't mean flubbing, but I'm trying to keep this PG or at least PG13, ok? I finally downloaded myfitnesspal.com, where before I was writing everything as I took it in my mouth (the old Weight Watcher's lingo of "write it if you bite it" comes to mind); however, everyone says use fitness pal, so I'm trying that. Omg I'm not eating enough. How in hades DO I EAT MORE? Yeah, I know ... all the newbies that possibly read this are now thinking "WHAT?" but I cannot eat enough to half of the calories this thing says for me to do. And I went to the gym. Mind you I only did 2 miles, I feel like I was lazy but it was a rushed amount of time and this thing says I burned 384 cals. So I'm now about to where I started after breakfast. What? Oh wait I forgot I "ate" the rest of my breakfast shake later. Well whoopee, only 1174 more calories to consume. It's 7 pm. Place your bets if you think I'm gonna get that in. No wonder I'm ravenous late at night. HOW DO I DO THIS? grrrr And is it ok to count Cytomax pure protein tangerine or tropical drinks as my water for the day? Per my dr., I thought so... per myfitnesspal, no... that has it's own category. Am I going to fail at this? Seems like the story of my life. Yeah I know boo hoo but I'm having a moment. I lived through the surgery, staying an extra day because my temp kept spiking. Went home and got pneumonia so I went back for a week to the hospital... got out only to go back in in extreme pain, come to find out I have a leak and an abscess and have to do surgery again (mind you I paid for this out of my pocket and have the rottenest. lousiest insurance plan ever). Yes these would be tears in my beer, but I CAN'T DRINK BEER anymore. Sigh.... And I'm trying to get back to working out and ppl tell me I'm messing up by doing that. I love love love the elliptical. I miss my workouts of 5 miles min a day. So I'm doing 3 every other day to build up. Mind you the revision surgery was 3/20... so this is too soon? My dr. said do what you want, you should be ok to be active, don't worry your body will tell you whenever you do too much. So it did every other day... enough time for me to recover and get back into the gym and do 3 more miles. So today I "took it easy" and only did two miles. Treadmills are boring to me..... and it's too hot in the great state of Tejas to run outside (yes, it's gorgeous right now but I would keel over and die from lack of oxygen if I ran.... THAT is a huge challenge that I KNOW I am not currently ready for). But then I get on the scale (yeah bad idea) and I'm up a bit. Not enough to mention but just when I'm feeling like ... well since dinner that I struggled to make isn't working for me (as my belly is wringing itself out like a limp dishtowel after I took a few bites of the turkey-nitas --- yeah my own creation. I found a recipe on eggface's website that sounded delish and then in the store I remembered, my dr. says no pork until 6 months out... maybe b/c he's jewish as a friend told me that's not what her dr. said... idk but that's what my dr. said so i follow it, period). Anywho, I digress and ramble because I am having an emotional moment, sorry.... but I feel like I can't eat anything. I'm struggling with not drinking during a meal. REALLY struggling. And in eating enough ... grrrrr. Can someone send me 5 to 10 recipes of what they lived on during this frustrating phase between full liquids to mush? IDK what I'm doing. But here's my goal: NO MORE LEAKS, pray for no abscess (that crap HURTTTTTTS, or mine certainly did as it was in my diaphragm four days after my discharge from the hospital with pneumonia... hmm seems to me that the diaphragm is needed after you get out with pneumonia.... God's funny right? it's not God, forgive me lord....). Just ain't that Murphy's law? It is in my life I guess.... Ok sorry that was ramble city... but how do you "be successful" with this? I'm worried I'm "plateauing" already. And DOES my cytomax pure protein drinks count as my water - or just to the 48 oz a day? Sigh.... so much to try to keep up on. I need help. Lord please, send me a patient angel who doesn't mind the rambling overemotional crappus that women do! Hope all of you are being successes... and pass it forward to those that struggle. One day, dang it, that's gonna be me (gulp, I hope).

I live in Croswell. I had my revision yesterday. I am home now and so far so good. I have a little shoulder pain but other than that I am fine. The first doctor did put it in the wrong place. Maybe I will see you at the support group.

What a great story from beginning to end. There is such a dramatic difference in you appearance from you pre-op to present picture. You look years younger. Does you husband think he has a new wife? He does actually. Not only in appearance, but mentally, emotionally and with greater energy. You have such a positive attitude and you confidence comes through in your message. I hope to have my Surgery this Feb. I go to the MD on 1/28 and will find out then. I am like Irene. I will be a band to sleeve revision. In fact, she and I have similar stats. Your story is so informative and inspiring. I need all this as I get ready for surgery. Thanks again. Cathy

I had sleeve to RNY revision on 10/21. I have lost 57lbs. My recovery was more difficult 2nd surgery, but I don't regret it for a minute. Love my bypass. I will be 6 months out on the 21st and hope to be 60+ lbs down

Hi Starlane, Had you regained weight with the lap band? I am considering revision What pre op preparation did you have to do?

man that didn't come out right lol my tablet is playing tricks with me, just wanted to know if there is anyone on this site that can give me some positive feedback on a sleeve to bypass revision

I live in Orlando. I had sleeve surgery in Aug 2011. Because of horrible reflux I had revision surgery to a Mini Gastric Bypass. I used BariatricPal and had surgery in Tijuana, MX. It was a very good experience. My surgeon was Dr. Illan at florence Hospital. I would like a local support group too. Once a month a least.

I absolutely love love love Dr. Ku!!! I cried when he left reading. He is the most wonderful surgeon I have ever met. He did my band and a year and a half later he did my hiatal hernia and band revision. U will not be let down with him!!!'

Hey everybody!!! I hope you are all having a fantastic day! I am about 1 1/2 weeks out form surgery (surg date 1/7/16) and yesterday I started to get this weird feeling in my stomach. I am a lap band to sleeve revision and did not have alot of pain. Most of my pain is the incisions. This feeling is hard to describe but it is a combination of tingling at the base of my esophagus and light pulling in my chest/upper stomach. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if I should contact my surgeon or not. I have stuck to my post op diet and have not eaten anything I shouldn't. Should I be concerned?

I don't have advice because I'm not a conversion. but there is a specific forum for band to sleeve conversions. I would ask your question there too. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/394-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/ Lynda

Kat817, I have a very very similar story. It was nice to read a familiar tale. When my hair grew back after chemo, at least I knew what was happening. Nobody mentioned the possibility with the band. Thats what made me so angry. Not to mention that there still is no definitive professional explanation for it. Like you, I did EVERYTHING I was supposed to do. I took every suppliment known to man. I drank the disgusting tea, I rubbed on the lotions and potions, etc! Made me crazy! I am having revision surgery next week and will just expect it to fall out again. Oh well. Maybe its time for a change. Warmly, Christine:)

I had a revision three months ago after having the band about 7 years or so The revision was the best decision I ever made. As my band surgeon advised me when I seem him, over 95% of surgeons are removing them as they are too much trouble. They are not a leave on option as I had first thought, one day it will have to come out due to some sort of complication. I lost about 35kg in 6 years (that is absolutely pitiful), the thing failed majorly, I vomited and slimed every day and even after I had all fluid removed, I still had pain every day - no slippage, no problem that they could see, my body just rejected what it was trying to do and mentally this made me very very sick. Today, I can't be happier, having the sleeve is the best decision I have ever made, I am a totally different person. I am happy!

Add me to the list of band survivors that would urge you to just say no!!! Lol I too am revising. My date is set for May 11th. I have actually had TWO bands because of major complications with my first band. Now after complications with my 2nd I am finally revising to the sleeve. It has been 10 long years. I am counting the days until this thing is out of me!!! Best of luck whichever you choose, but I would definitely say the sleeve is a better choice in my experience. Check out the complication and success boards on both Vertical Sleeve Talk and Lap Band Talk... That should be more than enough to make up your mind. There are risks with both surgeries of course but there are FAR more long term risks with the band and much more long term success with the sleeve!

Please please don't do the band. I had mine revised to the sleeve on the 11th. While I did initially do well with the band it was very short lived. I had suffered with it for 6 years. One major emergency surgery. And I learned how to eat around it to survive. Most bariatric surgeons won't offer it anymore. Sent from my iPad using VST

I had the revision on Thursday and will be back in the office at a desk job on Tuesday. Will have to do some work from home tomorrow thou. Ideally would take more time but had to take vacation for the surgery...

Yes, I did have my sleeve done on Sept. 15th and was revised from the Lap Band - so this is my second go round. Lucky, if I were in your shoes, I'd just have to sit down with my parents and tell them that the reason you let them know is because you are their daughter and felt they should know - however, it's your body and you are going to do what YOU feel is best for YOU. If they can't be supportive then to please keep their opinions to themselves. I know it's easier said than done, but for your own sanity it just might need to be done. I believe in time they will come around. Hugs!!

My surgeon who has been doing WLS for over 20 yrs and is the director of the Bariatric program doesn't require one if your BMI or weight is under a certain amount. He's the one I did my band to sleeve revision with. Love him and trust him very much. My 1st WLS was the band and I weighed the same I did for my revision and they required one. My sleeve has been much more successful than my band ever was. I'd trust your surgeon. He knows you weight, BMI, etc. he's the one doing the surgery. If you want to get a jump start on weight loss by all means go for it, but otherwise I'd trust what ur surgeon said.

I totally agree. I am also 73 and having RNY to RNY Revision. On my first visit I asked if I were too old. They said "absolutely no" and my primary care doctor concurs. Good luck!

Hi guys, For those who have had the mgb, how many ounces should we eat post op? I'm just planning everything for my op in August, I'm having a sleeve to mgb revision so want to make sure I get everything right this time around

Hi Boubette! I am so sorry I just now saw your question. I received my original surgery date just before my all day session. I was worried they weren't moving fast enough to get surgery done last year (and they weren't, lol!) so I hounded them incessantly until they told me when it would be. The actual gastric bypass surgery was scheduled at the beginning of March during a followup visit for my band removal. I know that every doctor is different, though. Are you doing a revision from band to bypass, too?

Interesting discussion here. I was banded in 2009. Not that much success - 25lbs lost. No issues to speak of until my last fill which put me at 8.5cc and now I'm finding it harder to keep things down. I seem to do a lot of sliming - sometimes even with just a couple of small bits of something like chicken or other solid/dense foods. Plus the port site seems to always be painful. I'm waiting now to hear back from my surgeons office as to whether or not my insurance will cover a revision. I was thinking about going to the sleeve, but now wonder if I should consider the bypass instead - which I really didn't want something so extreme, but. My sister has had success with the sleeve - she got hers a couple years ago. I'm really torn. But I guess I should wait and see if the insurance will even cover it first. I saw a mention of a "mini bypass" - what is that exactly?

Hi all, I have had my band since 2003 and on October 3 I will be getting the revision to sleeve. I have heard weight loss is slower in revision patients than someone that was getting weight-loss surgery for the first time. Does anyone have experience with this and has it been accurate for you? I'm very short and I have about 50 pounds to lose. I maintained over 100 pound weight loss for all of those years. But I have been having band complications for many years now as well . Now the pounds are creeping back on.

Well goodness girl, now I'm worried about you. What's up with the heaving and the yellow stools? YELLOW? Ok I've tossed my proverbial cookies twice - eating too fast for sure and one of the two might have been related to fat content and I didn't realize it. Maybe something you ate made it yellow? You aren't doing things wrong ok? You are figuring this out and it's alot. It's not easy, believe me I'm right there with you (I spent the MONTH of March in the hospital - yes, I got pneumonia and then sprung a leak and had revision surgery done). Don't ask me how in hades I'm going to pay for all of this, since I was originally a self pay. Some days, I have panic attacks and cry - thinking I really eff'd up now. But then again, I am lighter and hopefully healthier... it's just not easy. I have to remind myself to focus on the positive. I encourage you to do that too ok? Although I can't imagine adding a new job in there. You are going thru alot of stuff. Ok one thing on the counseling - if you have EAP it might be free through that. I did it after my mom died and it was free for grief counseling for x amt of sessions. Something's better than nothing. I'd encourage you to call your EAP benefits hotline and ask them. It's confidential. Are there any support groups in your area? Real, walk in ones? Call the local hospital and ask if they have a bariatric consultant. Just someone medical that might be able to say 'hey you are doing fine.' (beyond this site, altho i love the site) I'm not sure what else to say but I'm worried about you. Alot of freak'n help that is, but .... just so you know, you are NOT alone. Come pee on my rainbow anytime. Prayers and hugs to you from me. xxoo and dang, sorry, that was very long

I had a gastric sleeve revision on January 23, 2018. I have lost only 9 pound, which I lost the first week... nothing after that. I am afraid this won’t work for me again!