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Hello my name is Sasha, and iam going from band to sleeve on Nov 2 . I had a lapband done done 2yrs ago and had weekly complications until my dr. deceided to do a revision and i cant wait i have been with out a fill for about 5 months and has gained about 20 lbs im doing pre op testing now so keep me in your prayers...

Yes, it's very possible. Check out Chancie's posts, she is one year out and she's dropped 172lbs. She posts frequently in the "monday morning weigh-in" thread. I started at 263 the day of my revision, and today I weigh 130lbs. So, in 9 months I dropped 133lbs. I'm only 5'2" so my starting BMI with the band was over 49, and I only technically lost 7lbs with the band. There are many patients that started close to your pre-op weight and were able to lose close to that amount. The sleeve is very successful as long as you are willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes to be successful.

New to forum, just found it. Had lap band in 2005. Went from 240lb to 120lb in about two years. In 2008, I started gaining weight back, my dr that performed procedure moved. Found new dr not far away, WRONG DR!!He treated me like I was the biggest pig, because he saw me at 120lb. He suggested exercise, like I wasn't. I kept going to him sparingly for 6-8 months. He done multiple fills with no restriction at all.Finally, I told dr office to switch me to different dr in thier office. I seen him once for fill, it was over full with saline. He sent me for upper GI, found that my band had slipped and eroded. He suggested surgery, I asked about sleeve. He said he would do it if my stomach was in good enough shape. My insurance oked sleeve. I had revision on Dec. 29,2010. I had to be opened up all the way. 45+ staples, two Jackson Pratt drains, epidural for 4 days. I had complications from all scar tissue from previous surgeries. I was in hospital for 5 days, surgery lasted 5 hours. Dr said that only one-forth of the band was NOT ERODED.I like the sleeve so far...alot better than the band. I had good results with the band until it slipped and eroded. I wouldn't recomend the band now that there is the sleeve as an alternative.I am now able to go to gym daily, not back to work yet.Just got rest of staples out this week..they took them out in two seperate phases.I have lost a little more than 20 lbs since surgery.

Oh no, you're not the only one. I was banded in January and have lost just over 15 lbs. I am supposed to have 10.2 in my band, but actually only have 8.8. So either I have a leak or . . . I just had an upper GI and everything looks great! It just isn't working for me. I'm either PB-ing all of my food, or everything is sliding right down. Not what I was hoping for. And guess what? I'm getting a revision on Tuesday the 19th. I'm tired of this thing! I thought I was crazy for even considering it when I first started investigating in June, but the more I researched, the more I just want this damn band out!

Well...those people are where the cautionary tales come from. So in a way, their failure can help future patients. I met a guy in one of the support groups I went to prior to surgery who had RNY, he must have weighed over 500lbs. He went in for surgery, lost about 100 pounds over the first six months, but when he was healed up he decided to go back to drinking Coke. Then his pouch stretched out and he started eating crap again, thinking "Wow, the surgery helped me lose 100lbs and I could eat pretty much whatever." In short order, he regained the 100lbs and then some. He was back in another six month pre-op program to have a revision...this time, with the knowledge of what NOT to do. I took his story to heart, and I knew that if you don't go into this with your mind right, you are SCREWED. I see a whole lot of that on this forum and others. Cautionary tales waiting to be written.

I can so relate to the fears and issues over family / friends not being supportive. When I had my VBG 13 years ago, I only told about 2 or 3 friends, no family members- none, nadda, zip and to this day they do not know I had the surgery. They just figured I lost a bunch of weight the "old fashioned way". I'm SOOOOO glad I didn't because it would make it even harder going into having a revision knowing they would be even more judgmental this time. I favor more of my father's side of the family, although both my parents have weight issues as well as one of my brothers. I won't be telling anyone at work and it goes without saying, no family will be told either. I have only told 3 of my closest friends, people I felt pretty certain they would be supportive or at least willing to listen to me without being judgmental. Even when I go for short term disability from work, my boss will likely try to get me to tell him- but all he will get is that I am having surgery to fix a past surgery that has been causing some complications". That's all he needs to know, if that even. But, to avoid being completely rude and cause an uncomfortable conversation by just flat out saying I won't say, this will be my approach. You have made a sincere attempt to include your family. You have done what you can do and now the rest is up to them to meet you in the middle on this. Like the others have said, this is about YOU- not about THEM. Just keep focused on the goal and you will be fine. The others will have to figure out how to deal with their own insecurities on their own time.

The long term success of either surgery depends upon you. Many of the initial benefits of bariatric surgery fade over time. Your hunger comes back, your restriction can soften, it is possible to eat around your smaller tummy & your body’s new set point, etc. What the surgery does do is give you time. Time to make changes to your relationship with food: the why you eat, what you eat, when you eat, how you eat. Time to understand your cravings & develop strategies to better manage them. Time to establish new habits about eating & exercise. Time to work out how you want to eat in the future & what works for you & your body. Regain occurs for many reasons: psychological, physiological, behavioural. Bounce back regain (usually 20%+/- of the weight lost) around the third year is common. It can be because your body settles into the weight it is happiest at (your set point). Medication changes. The crap life can throw at you (employment, relationships, health, pandemics). Complacency. A too restrictive way of eating or too demanding exercise regime. Not dealing with your relationship with food. And for some it can be a deliberate choice as they themselves feel happier at a higher weight or they make adjustments to their food choices to better suit their life. Not failure of the surgery but the impact of outside factors. The average weight loss for both sleeve or bypass at the three year mark is about 65% of the weight to be lost. Of course as with all statistics there are some who lose more & some who lose less. If you are considering revision surgery of sleeve to bypass as a sign of the failure of the sleeve, remember many who have revision surgery do so because they developed GERD not necessarily weight gain. I have a sleeve & lost more than my goal and have pretty much maintained though at only almost 4 years post surgery I’m still somewhat of a bariatric baby. I settled at 49kg (48.5-49.5). I unexpectedly gained about 2kgs about 18months ago (50.5-51) but recently we discovered I wasn’t absorbing my HRT meds. Changed to a patch & my weight is slowly decreasing (49.2-50). Small numbers I know. Has it been difficult? No, not really. It was very obvious what I had been doing wasn’t working for me & I needed to make changes. I put myself & my health first. I changed my relationship with food. Made a decision to change what, when & how I ate. It became a new mindset. The changes have been sustainable & haven’t restricted my life. I still enjoy food & eating but my desire is for healthier, more nutritious foods. And no I’m not running marathons or spending hours in the gym just some at home stretching & resistance bands. Sorry long post.

The surgery is supposed to be a tool. When I got my sleeve 3 or the 5 other bariatric patients were having lap band revisions so maybe it wasn't the best tool... but I would think seriously about having a third surgery maybe this isn't the best choice for you in the long run.

I have Anthem BCBS with employee in Cali. I know the policy by heart. Req 6 mos weight loss (regardless if you are having a revision). No nutritionist requirement except one visit. You must have BMI of 40 (min) or 35-39 with two co morbidities. If you don’t have any co morbidities then you need to have 40 BMI Md must do required testing based on your health and after the 6 mos monitores weight loss, submit. You will need a referral letter from your general practitioner referring you to a gastric specialist and some documentation by your md showing at least 3 years of attempting to lose weight. Like something giving your back story on challenges with weight loss. WW does not count as a monitored program. However, if that’s something you tried, be sure to have that documented. You can actually download the anthem policy online. Do a google search for it and I can’t recall what site it is but you can find it for your state etc.

I saw my doc this week for a pre op physical and she couldn't be more excited for my revision to bypass What a big contrast to the doc I had when I had the sleeve. Sent from my Z6201V using BariatricPal mobile app

I had port revision...it was a lot easier than actual first lapband surgery. I'm glad you insurance covers it! Good luck!

From what I read Kaiser doesn't cover revisions. BUT I also know that every Kaiser is different and every situation is different. It sounds like you had an entirely different procedure . I don't know if I would even mention WLS to the doctor but I guess you kind of have to to figure out what really happened. I'm so sorry you're going thru all this. I am with Kaiser OC & I see a doctor in Santa Ana. Only seen her once and I'm pre-op right now, so I don't have much advice. Let me know if you want her info. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So we should let the sick and poor die according to some people, not very "Christian" of you. Jesus said to take care of the less fortunate didn't he?????? I don't want hand outs but a hand "up" for people having problems is a good thing. As far as the redistribution of wreath, that has been going on since income tax, except now the rich pay less than they did under GWB's revised tax code, all Obama wants is to go back to the Clinton tax code for the wealthy. I dont' think that's socialism. It's paying a fair share, how many times have we heard about rich corporations and people paying NO TAXES because of loopholes, and brag about it. That is NOT FAIR to any of us middle income folks who pay the majority of taxes. The right wing has bamboozled us all over the years and we let them get away with it while they laugh at us. From my dealing with wealthy people some good some bad, they seem to have contempt for everyone who is not rich. Sure they may give to charity but mainly because it's a tax write off. Oh there are a few good ones.. like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, but there are way too may bad ones. We don't' hear about them often, they are silent in their contempt. I hope we as a nation can support Obama and give him a fair chance to undo the total mess GWB got us into over the past 8 years. It will take time.

I used Dr. Nicholson for my band in 2010 and he just did my revision to sleeve a few days ago at forest park. My mom had a sleeve a few months ago and she used Dr. Roshek out of his office at one of the Baylor surgery centers. The baylor surgery center was a nicer facility just based on aesthetics and room size but I had no issues at forest park. I would recommend either Dr. They were both wonderful and we've had no complications. Everyone at their office is great and very helpful. I especially like Sandy, one of the Nurse Practitioners.

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 pm'd my dear friend jean mcmillian about this thread as i belive something similiar to this happened to her and she recently revised to the sleeve..i am sure she can offer some insight.

Many have come back and posted after weight regain. You are not alone. Your options are to have a surgery revision or Get back on track. The only way to know if you stretched your sleeve is to have it diagnosed by a surgeon. Many sleeves have less restriction years out, but our stomachs are not back to full size. I can hold more food volume. I had to find strategies to fill the extra space and satisfy hunger with out regain. Many people confuse grazing/ eating around your surgery with stretching. Grazing is eating many small meals healthy or unhealthy choices that total over your weight loss/maintaining calories. When you eat small meals, you don’t feel your surgery restriction. The calories quickly add up and you will gain weight. When you eat around your surgery the sleeve will no longer works. If you get back to basics and control what you eat again, you can start losing weight. Getting back to basics and finding the right mindset and discipline is not as easy as it sounds years out. I would suggest getting a counselor and dietician to support you through all this. Bariatric Basics. Eat your bariatric real food plan - Weigh your food on a scale, log your food in a food app,(my fitness pal or baritastic) drink a minimum of 64 oz of water, exercise. **stay within your weight loss calories and macros ** You can ask a dietician for a meal plan and calorie range. Other people here that are years out are willing to share their plans. I'm five years out with the sleeve. Some do the pouch reset suggested above. Some find it too restrictive. Real food plan can be more satisfying.

Hi, I live in Detroit and my surgery is tomorrow morning. I'm having a revision from a band to a sleeve. Sent from my SM-T820 using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats on the revision. I get mine in a little under two months. How are you feeling?

I realize it's not easy. I'm in maintenance, and a band to sleeve revision patient as well. It's really a slippery slope because some days I can eat a lot more than others. Some days those little food demons are still there, but if I want to use the sleeve, and continue to see success, then I have to make the right choices. You'll feel restriction when you eat more of the dense Protein as prescribed. I wasn't scolding you, but explaining why you didn't get restriction with the food choices you made. I never get full on stuff like mashed potatoes, or Pasta, heck Pringles slide right down without issue. I never feel satiety with sliders foods. I just know that I don't need to eat those things, or overindulge on those foods. The only way I would feel full is if I slammed down an entire cup of mashed potatoes in less than 15 minutes, and even then I'm pretty sure the full feeling would not last long. You asked for our thoughts, if this is normal, is this supposed to be happening, etc, and stated that you were worried because of the lack of restriction. I was simply explaining "why" it happened. It's just like the band essentially. If you eat sliders, no satiety. If you choose more dense Proteins, you'll get a better gauge of how it all works.

If you struggle with food NO WLS is going to "fix" that, get your head straight first. I think you've already realized that a 2nd band isn't the answer and with what you posted about having an abcess etc. it "might' not be possible? Besides the studies don't support 2nd banding, I 'd put the link here but it would just get bashed to death. I'm sure your aware but revision to a sleeve will be slower weight loss and the actual long term WL results are better with the RNY=Bypass. Just depends on if you can/do take supplements due to the Mal absorption. I don't promote any 1 surgery over another it's your decision, But it's best to RESEARCH all the options, studies then decide WHAT YOU can live with!!! Your Doctor's NOT having the Surgery YOU ARE. GOOD LUCK

I DO agree with the main message if even I DON'T agree with every assertion made. the larger point, which matches my personal experience (I am 3.5 years post band to sleeve revision and maintaining) is that you WILL regain if you don't make fundamental shifts in the way you eat. For some people, it will also contribute to not losing their desired amount of excess weight. There are people who advocate anything you like, any time and rely on the restriction to keep your portions small. That works the first 6 months, heck maybe even the first 2 years for some people. Across the board, when people hit the 3-4-5 years out ... things really change. If you have any doubts about that, read some posts in the veterans forum... So, I do sometimes have a sandwich with bread... but rarely. My daily life is a moderate carb diet with most of those carbs coming from vegetables (and lets be honest, a glass of wine here and there). My daily plate is very reflective of a bariatric diet even now 3.5 years post op. When I get cocky and veer from that, i gain weight in a heartbeat.

Thanks for the reply. I'm really leaning more towards vsg because the thought of malabsorption scares me. What have you noticed is the biggest difference between the band and gastric bypass? Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App the GB has a similar feeling of restriction as the band, so I like that. The differences are pretty significant. I have had about a four week recovery period, and I don't really have a lot of interest in food. I have had some nausea when I eat certain things. I really wanted a bypass because of the fact that eating sweets really affects some people. I have not tested myself in this area yet, though. The bottom line for me was that my surgeon strongly recommended the bypass for lap band revisions, and I trust him. He has several years of experience to back up his recommendations.

53 here. Revising from Lapband to VSG on October 18th. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats on your revision.