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I have ben banded for almost 9 years now with minimal success. I've flat out abused the band ever since the honeymoon was over. I'm really trying to get back and do things right. I ran into a video on how things are supposed to work. Not bad mouthing my surgeon, but I think this is info a patient needs to know. They may be doing a better job these days of explaining things IDK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3Lwt6ElIs My question is fairly simple yet has 2 parts. 1- Has anyone ever recovered from a stretched out pouch? 2- Is there a way to shrink it back and restore the nerves at the top of the stomach? I lost my job shortly after my last doc visit in 2015. That said, I've not had decent insurance until now. I am working full time now and have pretty decent insurance. I have plans to get to the LB doctor. A revision is not in the cards right now due to just starting this job and not being able to take time off. I appreciate any and all advise!

I had port revision too and I wear The Genie Bra, very comfy, don't know I have it on.

I have loose skin on my arms, breast, tummy, and inner thighs. My arms, and tummy are still really flabby, and I'm trying to resolve that issue now. You can work out, lift weights and tone as you lose weight to help some. I couldn't work out for 4 months so I was late getting started. Plus, I skipped the entire month of December. I just started back today, and will go to the gym for 3 days of strength training/weight lifting, and 1 day of cardio. On Wednesday, I go bowling so I skip Wednesday. I want to get back into my Hip Hop Abs routine for core/ab workout. Crunches just aren't doing it for me. I also dropped 113-114lbs in 6 months so I lost pretty fast with my revision. My cellulite doesn't look any worse than it did when I was fat. I know that now that I am toning up at the gym that the skin will bounce back to some degree. I'll probably be riddled with stretch marks, but I'll keep them instead of the fat rolls.

I'm in the process of revising my band to sleeve. I have no insurance so the surgeon quoted me $12,500 for everything. I have managed to come up with $6,400 so far!!! I'm halfway there and getting anxious lol!

It'd be hard to match a saga like yours. I haven't heard many like it. It's ridiculous that your troubles were allowed to go on so long without appropriate treatment, but right now I think getting that band out of you is priority #1. I had my band removed recently because of damage that my band and/or reflux had caused my esophagus. Like you, I was told that aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs was a serious risk for pneumonia. Like you, I wanted to revise to the sleeve in the same procedure as my band removal, but it didn't happen because of a stricture at the base of my esophagus. When I went for my 2-week post-op visit, my surgeon said that I can have the sleeve revision eventually, when the stricture is fixed, but that the scar tissue I have from my band and other abdominal surgeries will make it a challenge (but not impossible). In your case, I think that waiting a while and letting your poor innards heal and rest would be the best course of action. Good luck!

Hopefully this works. I just posted an album of me with before photos and progress along the way. I doubt I could ever fully describe how incredible this past year has been. My surgiversary will be on March 7th. I started my pre-op diet 2 weeks before at 286.2 lbs; as of this morning I now weigh 142.8 lbs. I really can't believe it myself. I am a Lapband revision and was told that I should expect to lose slower because of that. My hope was that at 1 year I would have lost 120 lbs or 10 lbs a month. VST has been a vital contributor to my success - both in reading the forums before surgery, after and hoping to contribute along the way (though I admit I have not been on near as much as in those early days). Many thanks to all of the wonderful members who have posted and shared your journeys, tips, recipes and challenges. To those of you considering VSG I encourage you to read through the many forums here, as I did. In one sentence I can tell you that this is the best thing I ever did for myself! To those of you in the first month after VSG - hang in there, the first month was the hardest - it gets better and better. Susie

I rarely dine out. I always felt it was such a temptation and I'd screw up because I have less control over what goes into my food. Hopefully after this revision it'll be easier to dine out. Cause also when I had my Lap Band, I'd often have to leave the table due to food getting stuck. It became stressful.

Bryn, I had those same doubts before my forst WLS. Here was my defining thought: The next 12 months is going to pass regardless of what I do. Time doesn't care, and isn't going to stop. So 12 months from now, I can be exactly the way I was, or I can be better. After those 12 months, if I'm the exact same, will I regret it? Haven't I regretted it those same exact 12 months, 10 times over? The time's passing... only I can control what happens during that time. I had fears. I still do, and considering I need a revision - many of them came true. But that's ok. It's not "the worst thing ever," it's just my reality... it's something else I need to deal with. I'm analytica to a fault. I always overthink things, but I'm glad I do. If I didn't overthink, I wouldn't be "ready." I don't think decisions can be as easy as a pro/con list, and you one-for-one your way down it because things can very in severity or consequential weight. But try looking at it that way for starters... Like 'what if it doesn't work': I have researched this a lot and have not found any instances of it not working, as in someone cannot lose weight. I have found people who have regained their weight. I suspect those people did not make the more holistic changes necessary for any sustained weightloss. Just make sure that mentally, you're ready to work and are not expecting a freebie. You may very well get a freebie, but don't prepare for it. 'what if I'm miserable for the rest of my life': WLS is extreme. I have to think that anyone seriously considering it is already miserable, and already expects they will be miserable for the rest of their lives unless they do something differently. Misery has many forms, so what kind of misery are you afraid of as a result of surgery? and 'what if I'm always nauseated': Does this happen very often? I don't have that particular concern, but if I did I would probably be trying to see how often it happens, what medication solutions to long-term nausea were available, and asking myself if I would rather live miserable because I'm nauseous, or miserable because I'm fat (and everything that comes along with being fat). Remember my comments above that some things carry more significance than others, and that misery comes in different forms? Here you go. What's worth more? Which is more significant? Which would you better tolerate? and 'what if I can't eat solid food' and what if, what if, what if...: Then you will adjust to mushy foods, liquids, soupy foods, etc. I've had my band about 5.5 years. There are times when I cannot eat solid foods. I may go through spells of 4 - 6 days where I can't eat solids. I go through spells of a day where I can't comfortably drink liquids. Pre-op, these things were unthinkable... I couldn't imagine what I would do if I couldn't eat solids anymore. But once I was in that position, it doesn't bother me. I'm still feeling a swallow of orange juice I took about about 3 hours ago. I will probably stay away from solids today & tomorrow. It doesn't bother me, it's just how it is. In regards to that last idea, I'm not sure I can explain this very well, but perhaps others -- especially those who have had their VSG a while, or those who have had other procedures first -- can chime in. When you're "living the reality" none of the silly (as you come to see them) things that scared you really matter anymore. You become very resistant. I would have been terrified at the thought of not eating for 4 days. I couldn't possibly conceive of not feeling hungry. Getting full after 3 bites was so abstract, you may as well have been asking me to conceptualize the boundaries of the universe. Possibly having to give up foods I liked seemed like such an ultimate sacrifice. But when the time comes and you (if you) have to face any of those concerns, you just do it. And it's easy to do it because you're getting something out if it. I'm gladly going to skip food today, because it beats the hell out of feeling anything I eat just sitting there. I'm perfectly happy to not feel hungry, because I don't have to stop what I'm doing to eat. Not eating solids for a week or so is ok, because the liquids and mushy stuff is just fine, and wellw orth the avoided discomfort. Hope that makes sense. I know it's hard to "pretend" what things are going to be like, and some of these things probably seem impossible... but when you're there, they are simply your reality and you cope. and 'what if I'm miserable for the rest of my life' and 'what if I'm always nauseated' and 'what if I can't eat solid food' and what if, what if, what if...

I'm new to this site and looking for all the support I can get (tough love is welcomed, I can handle it)! My story started nearly 13 years ago when I had a VBG (vertical banded gastroplasty). At the time I was committed to living a healthier lifestyle (making good food choices and exercising everyday). Over the first 18 months I lost 114 lbs and gained a new baby. Yes, four months after wls I became pregnant (that's a whole other story), and a little over a year from the date of surgery I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Needless to say, my focus became all about taking care of a new baby. Over the years the weight crept back on (poor eating choices, no exercise, a bad attitude, depression, frustration, etc.). In January of 2013 I decided to look into having a "revision". Many things had changed in the world of WLS and I was hopeful that a different type of procedure would be the answer. I met up with Dr Schwartz, shared my previous experience with WLS, and thus began a new journey. I jumped through all the familiar hoops that one must jump through in preparation for WLS along with a few other hoops that are required for someone seeking a revision. All went quite smoothly, however it did take some time. In November 2013 I had my revision. I did not have a single complication...the procedure was relatively painless. In the months since my surgery I have lost 50 lbs. I had expected that having a RNY would force me to change the way I eat, what I eat, how much I eat; like it does for so many others. I will be honest, in my desperation to be thin, I hoped the RNY would force me to change the way I eat. I wanted salty snack foods, sodas, sugary foods, etc., to make me sick! I didn't want to have to rely on self-discipline to stay away from the things I shouldn't eat. After all my extra pounds are not the result of an underlying health condition, simply put they're a result of years of bad choices. So where do I go from here? Another Weight Watcher meeting, Medifast, LA Weight Loss, or a "supervised" liquid diet through my local clinic? I don't think so. I choose to go here...I choose to work the WLS program, but I need your help, encouragement, SUPPORT. I'm looking forward to hearing from all you WLS winners!

Hi. You've done a great job! I had my sleeve surgery last July. Then in September due to complications, I had an emergency revision to rny. I'm doing well (have lost 123 lbs-20 away from my goal) but I have trouble remembering not only to take my vitamins but also to eat & drink! My dr actually told me that my one job is to eat!! I'm hoping that maybe we can help each other. Feel free to pm me (just not on facebook as most people don't know I had surgery). Looking forward to helping each other!

What was the first step? I'm so lost and confused regarding this revision....

That's fantastic! I took one like that in 2013 after a 149 lb loss. The pants were a size 32, and my sister and I each got into one leg of the pants and had our picture taken. It was the most amazing feeling in the world! Unfortunately, I lost myself and ruined all the hard work I'd done by 2021. Now, I'm starting my journey again with a revision to a bypass. I hope and pray that I can take another picture just like this in a few years. Congratulations!

No, there are several people here who had a slip and had all their Fluid removed and it went back to working again. Also, several have had revision surgery with success too. But, it is true that once your band slips the odds that it will return to as it was before are less. I can't say how much less? Maybe 10% or higher of revisions may not work as well as before but the odds seem to be in your favor. I can't back up any of these assertions with any studies fyi. It's going to depend on damage done by the slip, the expertise of your surgeon and the type of slip? Good luck and keep us notified how it goes? tmf

Just want to congratulate all Sleevers on your success and wish you all a Happy Holiday. I am having revision to sleeve on 28 December and I am ready. I will be in hospital alone until the.New Year. Respond back if you would like, if not Happy New Year????

Don't fret just yet. When I had my lapband 4 yrs ago, I was told Id need to modify my diet and to restrict bread, Pasta, rice, and sweets. I mustve had a band of steel cuz I tolerated everytning, in very small quantities. I lost 104 lbs eating everything in moderation. Id be bummed if I could no longer have Cookies, ice cream, and chocolate. Im 5 wks out fro my revision and on soft foods. The only sweets I've had is my Protein shake and yogurt (and applesauce if u count that) and I've actually been fine. Last nite I had an ice cream craving so I went to the Circle K adross the street and bought a pint. I ate about 4 bites before being sattiated. Hubby ate the rest. Its not the end of the world, altho it freaked me out a little aftwerwards. My philosophy: u got the sleeve instead of the RNY ( amalabsorbtion surgery) so that u can't eat very much. U should be able to eat everything in small quantities. Now, if this is ur trigger food, the problem with eating junk is that's its often a "slider" food that u can eat endlessly. U really have to watch ur portion size. Now, I may get bashed for my philosphy but that's ok. Life would not be fun if I just ate chicken and broccoli forever. Good luck with ur decsision

Yes I just found out I have it. I havent had my script filled because I am having to get the doc to revise it. The pills are too HUGE! I found out because she said my stomach had inflammation when they removed it and pathology came back postive. It made me nervous because I know it can lead to ulcers and with what little tummy we have we don't need ulcers. The treatment is suppose to get rid of it though. Did you have symptoms? I have mild unexplained nausea for little over a year. My PCP never tested me for it so it went undiagnosed until surgery.

So, I am back yet again, I've been gone for a while. A little history about myself, I'm a nurse (yeah, I know), and I had lap band done in 2009 with removal in 2015, gastric sleeve in Sept 2015. I lost about 40 lbs with the band and gained it all back after 2 babies- no big issues with the band other than vomiting from stuck food. I decided to have the sleeve done last year and have only lost 50 lbs. My highest weight was 309 (pre-sleeve) and I currently weigh 259, my lowest was around 253, so I have started to gain some of my weight back. The sleeve was great, but just not for me. I was told by my MD to do the bypass after the lapband, but I was just too scared. So, after doing a little research on mini gastric bypass, I am thinking of having this surgery. My only setback is that I have to go to Mexico to have it....Yikes! I have researched different surgeons- Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Garcia, and dr. Ponce de leon. What are your experiences with this type of revision? What MD would you recommend? What are the conditions of the hotels that you stay in? How is the staff? English speaking? I do have a cardiac history of heart failure from previous pregnancy. So, I need someone who will give me the extra TLC that I need.

Hello everyone, I'm 38 years old with a lapband...I've had my lapband since 2009 I've lost 50lbs (I still need to lose another 100+lbs) and have been nothing but miserable since day 1. I've been in the ER twice when the band has suddenly tightened up on me and I haven't even been able to drink water!! It's been so miserable...so I had my husband put me back on his insurance so I could start looking at revision surgery. I'm excited...I just hope I can get insurance to pay for it. Anyone been successful with getting this approved?? Any advice would be much appreciated.

In the last two days I've had to revise my definition of hunger. I thought my band wasn't working because I was 'hungry' most of the time. Then I had a complete unfill two days ago because of the constant pain in my shoulder. *Now* I know what true hunger is. What I felt before was most likely (and I'm still testing that theory) just the craving/hunger created by swings in my blood sugar. It makes me appreciate my band all the more and can't wait until they 'fix' it so I can have it back! .

My husband will be sleeved this time tomorrow. My stomach is in knots, to say the very least. Asking for your prayers and good thoughts for my darling hubby Frank! Then 9 days later, I will be next. Getting a band-to-sleeve revision on the 11th, hoping surgeon will do both in one session. Dear God, I am so nervous for us both. Be well and happy Sunday ~Susan

Hello, UserName (I LOVE your handle!!!), my name is Sheri and I have also had revision surgery and I had a hard course. I got my band in 2007 as well, and I got mine in Mexico, basically shutting me out of aftercare everywhere. The closest band doctor to me was 50 miles away and he had a real problem seeing patients who had their surgery elsewhere, so he charged us $350 a visit, even if there was no fill performed, and that was after a $950 initial visit fee. My insurance didn't cover a single thing related to bariatrics, so that was not an option for me for years. I found a fill nurse who charged $75 a fill but they were just done in any ol' location that would allow them and they traveled, so if I got a fill that was too tight I had to wait until they were back in the vicinity to get an unfill. Nothing was ever done under fluoro. Needless to say, things did not go well for me post-op. The only reason I lost weight during the first year was because I couldn't keep anything down. Everything hurt when I ate except for tortilla chips with salsa and sour cream (no idea why!) and cream of chicken soup. After the first year I learned what soft carbs I could eat to make the hunger pangs stop but I dealt with my issues for 7 years before I finally got some insurance that would cover a revision surgery. By that time my radiographs were showing a tortuous esophagus and a slipped band. What my surgeon actually found, however, was that not only was my band out of place, it was actually slammed right up against my diaphragm and all of my dilated pouch was in my throat, not below my diaphragm. Things were so bunched up I apparently had nothing more than a pinhole for my "food" to go through, which is why everything hurt to eat. I had to have my surgery done in 2 phases; band removal last December and bypass in April. Although my course was rough, I do not regret it for a single second. I am not ravenously hungry any more, ever. I do get hungry if I don't eat, but it is not that out-of-control hunger I was having with the band. I was told that my weight loss would be slower due to being a revision patient, but so far I have lost 87 pounds since I started the pre-op diet 13 months ago and I feel amazing. I so wish I had just done bypass in 2007. If I had had any idea what a nightmare my life would become with the band I definitely would have gone that route, but no one knew back then just how high the failure rate would become. If you do decide to go through with revision surgery, you will be amazed at just how different bypass is. For me it has been as different as night and day from the band, and I really do feel like I can live this new lifestyle for the rest of my life! Good luck to you in your journey. This community is the best resource I have found for information and support!

I was banded in July 2005. I was never successful with the band. I might have lost 20 lbs all together with the band. I did a lot of dieting, just as I had my entire life, but I would only lose while I was eating 500 calories a day and then gain it back. At one point I was even heavier than when I started. I weighed 309 the day of my lap band. Eating bad things was fine, but as soon as I tried to eat lean Protein or vegetables it was uncomfortable going down or would get stuck. I felt like a failure once again. How was it possible to be such a loser that I couldn't even be successful at weight loss even after wl surgery. After 10 years lost with the band I decided to go to Mexico to have a revision to gastric done. The insurance that I have will not cover anything to do with obesity. The great news is after the revision the weight has been coming off steadily. I weighed 288 the day of surgery and at a little over 4 1/2 months I'm down to 227! The gastric has been better than I could have imagined. Anyone who has had the band and not had success please don't waste any more time. I spent 10 years being disgusted with myself because I didn't lose the weight that everyone bragged about, I've since seen that there are many of us who weren't successful. I eat about the same as I did with the band, but now I actually lose weight! Sent from my VS880 using the BariatricPal App Wow you sounds like me, I am waiting for insurance approval for revision, sure hope i get approval and have surgery in May:) it's been waaay too long with this band

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I was approved for revision from band to rny about a month ago, still have about month til my surgery on May 6th. I'm very excited to get this band out, I have had nothing but problems with it. I never lost a good amount of weight with it and have been in discomfort for 5 yrs now. I do have a lot of worries that I will fail at this wls also and I'm very embarrassed that I haven't been successful at it. It does make me feel so much better reading everyone else's struggles with it and to know I'm not the only one out there. I would love to know if any of you are having your surgery around the time I am. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am currently waiting for my revision from band to bypass in 4 weeks time. What really shocked me was finding out that way back in 2010 a Swiss study on gastric bands found that 80% would be removed within 10 years of initial insertion! So the manufacturers of these bands have been pushing a medical product that they know is dodgy for 6 years. Almost as bad as the tobacco industry! Having said that I'm still terrified of the bypass because it is so permanent. Any tips or advice on the bypass? How has it impacted on your life...especially when going out with friends? Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App