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I'm a potential lap band revision and I am scared to death that the sleeve will not work for me. My BMI is 32. It was a little higher when i had my band installed less than a year ago. I have only lost about 20 lbs with the band and I am constantly hungry, constantly getting food stuck and spitting up, etc, etc. Now I am experience acidic stuff coming up when I PB / Spit up. Gross! But I'm scared to take the plunge and have another surgery. And even more afraid that if I do take the plunge, that I won't lose anything. boo!

If you believe it will be the solution, it can be. I was bashed heavily when my failed me. What you need to accept is that the band is just crap. Honestly, I fought to make mine work because I didn't want to fail. BUT, I really sat back and thought "what has this damn thing done for me lately?" It caused me to be in severe pain daily, the food restrictions were numerous, I'd puke on Water some days, so it definitely wasn't "my" fault that it had to come out. Just have faith in yourself, and the sleeve. Seriously, I dropped all but 7lbs with the sleeve alone. AND, I did it in less than a year. So, if I can do it so can you. Get the band out before you end up with permanent damage like I did in 8 short months. I know people that wait and wait and then wait some more hoping it resolve on it's own, but sadly the numbers don't lie. We just happen to fall into that 1 in 4 bandsters will have to revise. You're not a failure, and you won't be with the sleeve.

I saw some older info here and it doesn't look like they approve the sleeve, even for revision. Does anyone know if that's still the case? Trying to figure if it's even worth the effort to try or should I just go to Mexico. Thanks

The original thread stopped allowing me to edit and I had to add more to this list, so I had start another one. June 1, 2012 BigGirlVee -- Dr. Coirin, Modesto, CA 2thenewme -- Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Mexico AChristie -- in Juarez SouthernDonna45 -- Dr. Alvarezta ta1020 and comfortably numb - Dr. Kelly June 2, 2012 Dizzle Ready2Bthin -- Dr. Aceves Mexicali June 4, 2012 ptprincess93 DcMak72 Furby036 -- Emma Patterson Portland,Oregon 6-4-12_sleever Karenb4729 Teasha1 -- dr. Ponce de leon, Mexico Tlaff79 -- Dr. Blaine Nease Angelakay2 -- Dr. Brad Waggoner IrishSoul -- waiting on okay from insurance Dkna2 -- Dr. Garcia, Tijuanna MamaM -- Removal/Revision Mina T -- Dr. Paul Stanish labubakari Ready for the new Lay-Lay -- George Woodman, Memphis TN Sallyincincinnati -- Thegoddesszili Calicolea June 5, 2012 shereebarb Chichis77 Bubblesbgood -- Dr. Michael Nusbaum Kstalvey -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano Miss scarlet Back­­~To~Amy -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano ShannonK Aznoel -- Dr. Stephen Burpee New_Hope -- Dr. Stowers, Decatur, Tx. txdee -- Dr. Nick Nicholson Amom2twins -- Dr. Aviv Ben-meir raindrop Erica E Cat Scratch Fever Redbottoms82 IlyssaDel newnin - Abington, PA Dr. Fernando Bonanni June 6, 2012 SUnshine08 -- Atlanta, GA Kmaskery SylviaMom -- Dr. Aceves – lap to sleeve MadisonPA kfitch Soon2bhotmama -- Dr. Ryan Heider Pooh Krystina kiki green June 7, 2012 Giselle3264 -- Dr. David Kim, Dallas LULU TAT justsleeveme23 -- Dr. Minkin, St. Louis Lovingmeforever -- Dr. Almanza butterflylegacy -- Dr. David Kim MsYoYo -- Fl. Alp50 -- Dr. Kelly Debbiesclipper Bigzoe32 TCBunny - Atlanta GA Jennifer SoFla June 8, 2012 Mari6257 Cristal602 -- Dr. Jaime Kelly Jenz531 Crystalaine -- Dr. Kelly TinaP -- Dr Jose Rodriguez Moms3boys June 9, 2012 cissiesue June 11, 2012 PEvette Vanb0052 -- Dr. Svendsen, Methodist Hospital in Minnesota! Readytobeslimxoxox -- Dallas Blondeej Dr. Aceves, Mexicali -band to sleeve revision KamloopsMom -- Mexicali w/sister surgeries Healthy Mama Kat1 -- Dr. Garcia Pam2011 -- Dr. Orlando Icaza bogeydog blackdahlia -- Dr. Clark celticharpist -- Dr. Brock Borderlon Detroit_Tom cindyandhersleeve - Houston karrina-D cissiesue June 12, 2012 Eager12 -- Dr. Robert Wegner, Memphis Iwant2Bthatgirl need2change -- Dr. David Kim Dayo -- Dr. Robert Casillas Denalisa -- Dr. Wittgrove CRosa -- Dr. Pavlos Papasavas glsun0612 Wolfgirl1978 -- Dr. Keith Chung Joy00 Newme_38 - Dr Babak, Maryland jffjacobs kamrie37 June 13, 2012 Gene1970 JRoybal Slimwithin DuranFan1969 -- Dr. Christopher Hart, Atlanta New Orleans Lady -- Dr. James Redmann, Slidell / Covington, La SweetSusie1 -- Dr. James Davidson NJHANIBAL rherrera Kiloalphatango - Australia Wolf3749 - Dr. Patterson, Portland OR ZoobDude - Dr. Lopez seltyl June 14, 2012 Ssilian -- Dr. Anthony Terracina, VA Karma84 Finding Myself -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico Goofycathy -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico thinmymind -- Dr. Kelly Estrovan - Dr. Bauman in Charlotte NC Pdubbaya23 - June 15, 2012 TLC223 HolyCow1234 Territravel -- June 16, 2012 june16 -- Dr. Jorge Daes, Columbia, SA June 18, 2012 ChrissyDeex3 VeronicaH Pteri -- Dr. Srinivasan at Emory innerme Naturals -- mommieof3 Kymwalla houstonmama jerseygirl June 19, 2012 Sunshine25 -- DFW area DadTo2 -- Dr. Nicholson, Dallas, TX Littlebits Zoobdude -- Dr. Almanza Lehg520 - Dr. Kristin Noonan Katrina8l Katelynrose mz.yournotbigenough erin6573 Janelle Johnson June 20, 2012 Ready! Set! Brandy Riggen nmg4unj5 JRoybal - Dr. Garcia jonamarie2012 June 21, 2012 Angie_Musgrave Skinnytata - Dr Le at Kaiser South San Francisco MDZNCSLIM June 23, 2012 MirandaK -- Dr. Almanza, Mexico June 25, 2012 Looking Ahead Ready Rudy Artichokes -- Dr. Lautz Brigham & Women’s in Boston Jubjub07 -- Dr. Aceves anais02 -- Dr. Garcia Skane10 -- Dr. Garcia Janedeaux3 Lose4good2012 -- Dr. Billy (may use spider surgical tool) aled carolinagirlz 136HereICome- Lawerance hospital in NY ChristianMomma7 CRichard1107 SMP1126 Mariec1 Tam1965 carolinagirlz June 26, 2012 locoladi Trista1975 -- Dr. Almanza-reyes, Mexico JTmoas s.ledbetter17 -- Dr. Edwards and Lane – mcg. Nardelkn cherryseven chuckles -- Dr. Keith Gersin Misslorlor MsPerry 1920-Zeta tumblersmom glocks90 suzilouise rudekitty ShrinkingBellyKelly loulou123 dullkey20 June 27, 2012 herewegoagain Edward Mun -revision GivingItMyAll pkehrer mcsleevy - Dr. Sherman Yu in Houston, Tx Joyce Ellis-joy686 - revision MoreganK Praldous - Saranac lake NY Dr.Hill Carlashooter- Aworkinprogress - spider single incision with Dr. Robert Marema Ris26 kymwalla lsmith cajugirlbecky June 28, 2012 kkm23 -- Dallas Iwannabslim -- Dr. Jaime Ponce – sleeve revision Sleevertobe Mina05pit - Philadephia, PA Apricot111 ready4change79 June 29, 2012 EileenFrances -- Dr. Subhash Kini Robin33 -- Costa Rica tonibugg -- Dr. Rod Juarez SunnyCox - Dr. Kelly in Mexico TinaP - Dr Rodriguez June 30, 2012 lil lee -- Dr. Aceves in Mexicali Mrslittle -- Dr. Alvarez

I'm a revision sleeve to bypass. When I had my sleeve 14 years ago, the only thing I COULD NOT eat was eggs. IDK why. I could eat chicken and steak, but for some reason, eggs was a no go for me. I think eggs swell up in our tummies after we consume them.

This is when it really hits home. You are going through food withdrawals. I just had a revision from band to sleeve and I’m 14 days post and feeling the same thing, just not as intense as the first time around. Just don’t push it, please. Let the internal incision heal. I also just had my 2 week dr visit today and 6 more days until mushy to semi solids. You can do this. You’ll make it through and look back and be glad you did. Protein helps keep you full. I hate shakes and put unflavored GenePro in my broth. It’s a little scoop that has 30 grams and it really keeps you from feeling hungry. I hope this helps!

@@sleevemylife I am in San Antonio TX Low BMI - lapband did not work for me so I am looking forward to stop all the chronic complications I have put myself through by revising to the sleeve.

I haven't seen my doctor yet, my appointment is scheduled for Wednesday June 4, and I just got confirmation from my insurance that there are no restrictions for the revision from band to sleeve....I'm doing the happy dance right now and excited to hear what my Dr has say on Wednesday, I am hoping for a surgery date at my time of visit (keeping my fingers crossed)

I'm going to be the devil's advocate on this one! The question you asked is a very good one - one that I wish I would've looked into a little more before having the surgery. I was told from the very beginning that the band is ONLY a tool - is does not work alone. It will restrict your portion sizes, providing you keep up with your fills. However, it is EXTREMELY easy to eat "junk food", "slider" foods, whether you're just right or too tight. I love, love, love sugar and salt, and everything that contains them. I have found that if you aren't willing/ready to make the changes in your head first - the band will not make a difference. I have been banded for 19 months and haven't lost nor gained a single pound. That being said, I do contribute my success as far as not gaining to the band - because without it, I truly believe I would be even heavier. However, I am very disappointed, disgusted, and frustrated - to say the very least. And, yes, I will be the first to admit that it is my fault. I didn't truly believe what I was told "the band is only a tool", "you have to work with the band, in order to make the band work with you". These things are most definitely true. Although I went thru the psych eval like everyone else - and passed it -- I was not ready to make the changes in my head, therefore, my success is suffering. It is also true that the band requires the most effort by you of any of the weight loss surgeries. I am by no means trying to discourage you from having the band - it is a wonderful tool and many have had great successes with it; I just want to let you know that THE BAND IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. As bad as I wanted to think it was for me, I now know that it was not. I'm actually considering revising to a bypass. Please think about your inner self while you make this decision. It is a decision that no one else can make for you - only you know your personality. I wish you the very best of luck on your journey.

One individual in our Bariatric Support Group meetings had a lap band to RNY revision. His band was wearing into his stomach and had to be removed. When they did the RNY because of the scaring he had to have a smaller pouch. It meant that he had to eat smaller meals than most but he was fine with that. He was very pleased with the revision.

Congrats!!! I am also going for the revision sleeve to bypass. Is there a reason why like GERD, or insufficient weight loss? I am hearing more and more of these cases, and glad to know I am not the only one.

Hi can you tell me what MGB means and also a revision? Thank you and well done on your weight loss [emoji3]

I just found this website and thought I would share it with you all..... $8k ALL INCLUSIVE for a gastric sleeve in the US isnt bad! http://coastalbariat...16/Default.aspx http://coastalbariat...69/Default.aspx "The self pay option of $8,000* for Gastric Banding and Sleeve Gastrectomy in the Myrtle Beach area results in significant savings and can be advantageous to those looking for affordable weight loss surgery and not wishing to travel outside of the United States. *This price covers any complications that might arise within 90 days of either the gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy surgery and one year of fills for the gastric band. Hospital, surgeon, anesthesia and radiology fees are all covered for the surgeries." I have chose to go with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez, MX for $6800 (and many more revision surgeries under his belt) but for those of you that dont like the idea of MX, this may be an option for you. Just remember to always do extensive research on the doc and facility before you make a decision! Sometimes you get what you pay for! Good Luck!!!

Im getting revision from band to sleeve this month so i love this question and cant wait to see answers. Super excited! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there- I am a fellow San Diegan and a Dr Aceves revision patient. Dr Aceves is THE MAN for revisions. They will take good care of you, the hosptial is top notch, and you will have several tests to check for leaks before you leave. It's not a bad drive to Mexicali. Also, Mexicali is much nicer than TJ. This decision is really hard. Its difficult to get your courage and resolve together for a second weight loss surgery when the first one was a failure. Every one of us revision folks knows what that feels like. Its terrible. It also seems, to outsiders looking in, that you aren't fat enough to have another surgery because of the weight you lost with the band. I know for sure I would have ballooned up if I had only taken the band out. Instead, I had the revision and now I am at a "normal" weight on my way to my goal weight. Is it hard? Oh yes!! Is it worth it? Absolutely. Good for you on doing your homework and good luck with your decision.

I was also a band to sleeve revision and my surgeon was Dr. Aceves. I had all the same issues you had with the band. I also could have had a surgeon do my revision here close to my hometown for about the same cost but I chose Dr. Aceves because I felt like he was way more experienced at these revisions than the surgeons here. I had very similar band issues as you. I am so glad that it is gone and I am feeling great. Best of luck to you!

From what I understand you can have the sleeve done at an mtf. But tricare does not cover the vsg at civilian providers. I am not sure about revisions though.

Can someone explain why or when the sleeve is no longer working ? I see on here folks get a revision from sleeve to mini gastric bypass. I got married 5 months ago and have gained 17 pounds .my goal weight was 150 .today I'm 168..thanks, teresa

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to answer me. It’s been over 2 months , so that’s why I’m kinda freaking out (my younger brother died of stomach cancer in his 30s… sooo the thought not getting my erosions to heal and this surgery not having been a success is really depressing me). I have an endoscopy scheduled for 3/15.. I can’t bear the thought of this revision not being a success … thank you , again 😢🙏🏽

MOST bypass patients will not have heartburn, but not all. Occasionally heartburn can happen. Usually it is temporary while the stomach is healing and readjusting itself. Definitely talk to your surgeon about this. If your heartburn was from acid reflux from the stomach when you had the sleeve, the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor that it will settle down soon. Rarely a person can have bile reflux, but this is very different and normally tests are done to make sure it isn't that before revision surgery is done. Also, ask for nausea medication. If you have it and it isn't working well, ask for a different one. For me, Zofran does nothing, but Promethazine is amazing! So you could just need a med adjustment.

My doctor said that after my gastric bypass (revision from gastric sleeve) , I should not have any acid related disorders or heartburn, but I definitely still have it ..also in the middle of the night I feel naseau that comes and goes (can go a way if I change positions) … is this true that bypass patients have zero heartburn?

I have a band and it sucks. Going for revision surgery in a month!

I thought about it, but sleeves do stretch out once they're a couple of years out. Also it has to be difficult to revise from plication to sleeve although I am aware of one person on verticalsleevetalk that has successfully revised. I know the chances of a leak in a band to VSG revision quadruple (virgin leak risk is 1%). Some sleeve surgeons unband their patients, send them home to heal and then sleeve them in a separate surgery. I'm holding off at the mo and trying not to stress too much.

Did you see the questions I posted to you on this same topic in the revisions forum?

ok here is my story......I had lap-band surgery in July 2008 and I lost about 75 pounds, granted I was throwing up most of my food that I ate, so I am sure that’s why I lost the weight. In my mind throwing up and losing weight and having a little bit of port pain and side pain was outweighing not having to take blood pressure meds and having sleep apnea and getting heart disease, (which runs in my family) so I just dealt with it up until March of 2011 when I got to the point where I could not get any food or water down without it coming right back up and I starting having really bad reflux and pain in my stomach and port area. I had to go to the Dr. and he removed all my fluid to see if it would resolve the problem and let my band reposition itself and give my stomach time to heal from all the vomiting and inflammation. Over the next several weeks I was able to eat and not vomit every time I ate, but I would still get nauseated and the pain would still be there, not bad like it was before the unfill but still there. Not to mention I started GAINING MY WEIGHT BACK. In May 2011 I went back and the Dr. started to try to refill my band starting out with a small amount of fluid, at first it seemed to be ok but after a week or so the pain and vomiting came back full force which just happened to be on a weekend and I tried calling my local emergency rooms and get them to take out the fluid and they said that they would not touch me I would have to go and see my Dr. So the first thing that Monday morning I called the Dr.‘s office and they told me to come in and they would remove the fluid. Once again it was like relief. Of course I am still having stomach pain and port pain after eating and nausea, vomiting and reflux. I have talked it over with my Dr. and he decided that my band was malfunctioning and causing all the pain and problems that I am having and that he could go in and reposition it but the likely of it happing again was great, or I could revise to the sleeve or the bypass but it would be my choice so I decided after weighing all the options that my life and health would be better off with the sleeve. So I gave the ok for the Dr.’s office to proceed with the paper work for a revision due to the band malfunctioning and all the complications that I was having. I cannot live with this kind of PAIN and VOMITING ,not being able to eat, health ,and gaining all my weight back that I have lost, and all the co-morbid health related issues reoccurring again. I had read my INS policy and it states that it will approve and cover a revision for compilations related to the first surgery which was the lap-band. I received a denial letter from United Health Care’s Coordination department stating that I did not meet the BMI to have the surgery and that this did not have anything to do with my band. Have they lost their mind or what??? what do I need to do now.....any help would be great.