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may42012 my doctor here in the U.S. said he'd do the revision to bypass but my insurance is very unlikely to pay (even though they say they will) since my bmi is low. I'd have to do the 6 month supervised diet, psych and nutrition classes. If I can afford it I may just go back to Mexico but the revision is expensive. I'm just worried that after 6 months they can still deny the revision and I've wasted all that time.

I had my consultation with the plastic surgeon today. The first thing Dr. Weiss said after I told him I've lost 130 lbs. is, "Well you look great!" And I laughed and said, "Well yeah, with my clothes on!" He asked what my biggest concerns were and I told him stomach, boobs and side boobs (that bit that spills over the top sides of my bra). After I got undressed he was impressed with the amount of excess skin I had. It was funny sitting there and him gathering and poking to see how much is skin. The good news is he said I can get away with an extended tummy tuck, I won't need a body lift (whew!). He said he should be able to remove nearly all of the loose skin, including my stretch marks on my stomach. He showed me where he would cut and I could not believe how high up he would be able to go. He said I should end up with a nearly flat stomach and he and his assistant said I have a very nice body shape/build because I'm a natural hourglass and under my loose skin is a small waist so I will avoid looking boxy like most tummy tuck patients. ???? He said there is quite a bit of loose skin in the breasts and showed me where the nipple should go. Again, I was surprised. We are talking about six inches or so. He also said I really REALLY need implants because I have zero upper breast. I'm basically pectoral muscles and then breasts below that. He wants to remove all the loose skin, some of my existing breast tissue and then put implants at the top where I'm completely lacking anything. Without them I can get a lift but will end up with the man boob look I'm dreading so much. Right now I'm a 36DDD and I told him I'd like to end up a 34DD. He also said he can easily fix the side boob issue with expanding the lower incision line. I asked him about my back rolls and he said they are all loose skin. He basically said there is nothing to lipo. I'm just skin! Which blows my mind because I still feel so fat when I look in the mirror. But he said that could be fixed later down the road if I decide to do any other surgeries. He said there is an increased bleeding risk when there has been extreme weight loss which is defined as losing more than 60 lbs. However, he has never had to give anyone a transfusion and he is very confident I will have no issues since I've never smoked and my skin is in great condition. He does want me to have a CBC done to make sure I haven't developed anemia from bariatric surgery. He said I could probably return to work after a few weeks if I'm sitting but I still plan on taking at least three, if not four. I can begin light cardio like walking after four weeks but no high impact exercise or lifting for many months. Also, no resistance exercise for many months although I can use my own body weight. It will cost $8,150 for tummy tuck only or $15,310 for tummy tuck and breasts. He offered to repair the side boobs for free. The cost includes all post-op care and if I'm not happy with my results he will do a free revision. He said, "If you're not happy with the results, I'm not going to be happy with the results." Now on to the mental/psychological part of this. I had a bit of a meltdown on the ride home. Part of it was because I made the mistake of listening to "Reflection" on the way home and started bawling. "Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? When will my reflection show who I am inside?" ???? So I did a lot of thinking. On one hand, I feel selfish for spending $15,000 on myself. I don't feel like I deserve it. I don't know why I feel that way. I also don't know why I feel so weird about implants. I've always had very large breasts. But I've always kind of thought of women who got implants as phonies trying to be something they aren't. Just accept your natural body! But now I'm trying to replace what I've always had. And now I'm becoming more understanding towards those who want/need plastic surgery. On the other hand, when I see myself in the mirror I can see my potential but I feel like I'll never feel complete until this excess skin is gone. I really want to finish my marathon and get the medal at the end, my new body.

I had my consultation with the plastic surgeon today. The first thing Dr. Weiss said after I told him I've lost 130 lbs. is, "Well you look great!" And I laughed and said, "Well yeah, with my clothes on!" He asked what my biggest concerns were and I told him stomach, boobs and side boobs (that bit that spills over the top sides of my bra). After I got undressed he was impressed with the amount of excess skin I had. It was funny sitting there and him gathering and poking to see how much is skin. The good news is he said I can get away with an extended tummy tuck, I won't need a body lift (whew!). He said he should be able to remove nearly all of the loose skin, including my stretch marks on my stomach. He showed me where he would cut and I could not believe how high up he would be able to go. He said I should end up with a nearly flat stomach and he and his assistant said I have a very nice body shape/build because I'm a natural hourglass and under my loose skin is a small waist so I will avoid looking boxy like most tummy tuck patients. ???? He said there is quite a bit of loose skin in the breasts and showed me where the nipple should go. Again, I was surprised. We are talking about six inches or so. He also said I really REALLY need implants because I have zero upper breast. I'm basically pectoral muscles and then breasts below that. He wants to remove all the loose skin, some of my existing breast tissue and then put implants at the top where I'm completely lacking anything. Without them I can get a lift but will end up with the man boob look I'm dreading so much. Right now I'm a 36DDD and I told him I'd like to end up a 34DD. He also said he can easily fix the side boob issue with expanding the lower incision line. I asked him about my back rolls and he said they are all loose skin. He basically said there is nothing to lipo. I'm just skin! Which blows my mind because I still feel so fat when I look in the mirror. But he said that could be fixed later down the road if I decide to do any other surgeries. He said there is an increased bleeding risk when there has been extreme weight loss which is defined as losing more than 60 lbs. However, he has never had to give anyone a transfusion and he is very confident I will have no issues since I've never smoked and my skin is in great condition. He does want me to have a CBC done to make sure I haven't developed anemia from bariatric surgery. He said I could probably return to work after a few weeks if I'm sitting but I still plan on taking at least three, if not four. I can begin light cardio like walking after four weeks but no high impact exercise or lifting for many months. Also, no resistance exercise for many months although I can use my own body weight. It will cost $8,150 for tummy tuck only or $15,310 for tummy tuck and breasts. He offered to repair the side boobs for free. The cost includes all post-op care and if I'm not happy with my results he will do a free revision. He said, "If you're not happy with the results, I'm not going to be happy with the results." Now on to the mental/psychological part of this. I had a bit of a meltdown on the ride home. Part of it was because I made the mistake of listening to "Reflection" on the way home and started bawling. "Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? When will my reflection show who I am inside?" ???? So I did a lot of thinking. On one hand, I feel selfish for spending $15,000 on myself. I don't feel like I deserve it. I don't know why I feel that way. I also don't know why I feel so weird about implants. I've always had very large breasts. But I've always kind of thought of women who got implants as phonies trying to be something they aren't. Just accept your natural body! But now I'm trying to replace what I've always had. And now I'm becoming more understanding towards those who want/need plastic surgery. On the other hand, when I see myself in the mirror I can see my potential but I feel like I'll never feel complete until this excess skin is gone. I really want to finish my marathon and get the medal at the end, my new body.

My one year sleeve-sary, is next week, wait don't congratulate me yet! Yup...I've lost about 91#s initially...then the holidays...now I'm up 13#s. Not too bad you say?! Well I am panicing because of health issues, specifically, diabetes. It did not take much weight for it to develop for me. Seen pcp today and discussed Byetta and even to bring up revision to surgeon next week, that is if it gets to that point. Now I feel as if I should've weighed myself more often...maybe monthly atleast?! Please understand that even though I am panicked, I will excerise (no pun intended) every avenue that brought me to my 91# loss. I still haven't even reached goal...what a naughty lady!

262. I made my first goal but missed my revised one by 2 lbs. I'm so excited to be this far!!!! Hopefully I can start the next one at260!

Hey there, I was banded in 2001 and revised in 2015. I did not have a slip but after a series of fills and unfills I developed a hernia, esophagitis, gastritis, severe left shoulder pain, and a myriad of other band related issues. I felt like crap, developed really bad eating habits including a sweet tooth I did not have before, all because of the band. I was unfilled for three years prior to my revision and regained all my weight. I feel great now that I have revised and am down the weight I regained. Just a few pounds to go to my lowest after banding. I have no regrets about my revision. The recovery was a little rough for me because of how long I had the band and the hernia repair and because I did not take any pain meds after discharge, but it has been worth it. Read through the revision boards. There are lots of us on here who have revised and some long term revisions that have done great. Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions.

You've been through a lot, so I'm happy to hear that your revision has been approved. I'm sure the journey will be easier this time around. Best of luck and congrats!

I was banded in November of 2008. I went from a surgery day weight of 316 to my lowest of 236. About a year and a half ago I started having problems. I could not keep anything down, began experiencing right upper quadrant pain, constant reflux and had to have several unfills/refills. In October of 2015 I found out I had a ulcer, esophagus dilation, hiatal hernia and my band had slipped 3 cm. I have also regained back to almost 300 pounds even though my eating habits have not changed significantly. I found out this morning that my insurance has approved the revision from band to sleeve. I have several friends who have had the sleeve and are doing great but don't know anyone personally that has had a revision. I guess I am just nervous and looking for advice and support. My revision should be in early March.

Guess what guys..I FINALLY BROKE through my 5 week long stall and reached 205 this morning! That's 65 lbs in total (if you include the 20 I lost with my LapBand before revision!) im still going to go for liquids for a few days as a cleanse but just thought I'd let everyone know! Yay!! And PS you are all doing great!!!!!

Hi all! I had revision (VBG to rny) February 10th so I am 4 days out. Going back to work tomorrow. We'll see how that goes. Have not used any pain meds since I've been home but I have slept so much that I'm finding it hard to get all of my fluids in. I'm only allowed water, crystal light, Powerade zero and broths. I can add protein drinks next week. My dr said three weeks liquid then four weeks soups then start soft diet. I'm going on a cruise in April and hope to try soft foods before we go so I know what I can handle. These forums have been very informative and encouraging! Thanks!

I get the hiccups when i had my original surgery in 2002 I told myself the Dr installed an alarm! Here i am 5 days post op revision and my alarm still kicks in when I'm full .

I have a nutrabullet and I've put nearly everything in there . I'm 5 days postop (RNY endoscopic revision) & just 2 days into full liquids but it pulverized the few blueberries i put in my peanut butter protein shake this morning leaving nothing to strain. Its takes up very little counter space!

We don't usually like to answer this question. Everyone loses at their own pace. We are all at different levels of physical capabilities . I think safely I can say 1-2 lbs a week. More in the beginning but as your body adjust so will the rapid wt lost. As for me at 6 months l lost 56 lbs. but I am a revision from a band. We lose a bit slower and due to a bad shoulder, wrist and both knees I keep active but can't do repetitive things. So see a lot of factors will determine your wt lost.

I am 5 days post op revision VBG to bypass. I am really sore on my left side and have zero energy to walk but I am going back to work tomorrow! I'm ready to add protein drinks next week! My dr is telling me after three weeks of liquids then I have four weeks of soups before soft foods! Ugh this is my post op pic

I just had my revision from VBG to gastric bypass 5 days ago. My insurance finally did approve it as I had complications from the VBG 15 years ago. I had a lot more scar tissue than expected but it was completed laparoscopically. Scar tissue had adheared my liver to my stomach which took an hour and a half to remove. I am having extremely low energy I assume from only drinking water, sugar free Powerade and chicken broth. I hope to start protein drinks next week. I'd like to hear others healing times, energy and what you ate post op. (I'm going on a cruise in two months!) Thanks!

Hey team. Quick update as weekends around here are a little crazy & everyone else is still in bed. Since I was only a RNY Revision I don't have the swelling it sounds like everyone here is experiencing. I'm so sorry! Instead I have an extremely raw throat which is bad and good. Nearly constant sipping warm tea makes it feel so much better to that's really helping with Fluid intake. The gas definitely stinks *snort* no seriously that was kinda rough but I've had 2 solid BMs and the gas has really subsided. I think I'm lucky because I'm really able to get in all my fluid & plenty of Protein. I got 70g in yesterday and was very proud of my BM this morning LOL... Speaking of protein if you can tolerate them Slim fast has a high protein (20g) version ready to drink with only 1g sugar and I was able to tolerate it very well. It was very "low bubbles". The Isopure protein Water tastes weird but it's totally worth it to help things move through my system. I'm really playing around with the Protein Shakes & puddings today so I'll catch up with all of you later!

So if I need a revision done from a open RNY in 2002....who is a the best to go to?

Can you advise update on how it went? I am looking into revision from VBG from 22 yrs. ago and hope all goes well with operation, as well as dealing with the Ins company approvals. It will be so nice to no longer be dealing with all the VBG problems for many years. THX

I had a RNY revision on 2/9 is it okay if i crash this party too??

I had the sleeve done in 2012 and now have less restriction. To any of you who have had revision surgery, did you get some restriction back? Did you lose weight again? Was it worth it aside from no more heartburn? Any info would be great. Thanks!

I, too have a thyroid condition and struggled w/weight loss for 17 years, nothing helped. I have lost a lot, not nearly as much as others-can't help but think my thyroid condition plays a factor. I am so sorry you are going through this. But, I've read and heard of a few people who had to have a revision. Please go on youtube. I remember following a young ladies journey who only lost probably 20lbs her 1st year. A year later, she saw a new surgeon and had a revision & eventually got to goal. It is possible, so don't give up hope. On this site there is a subforum, I think it's called complications or something like that. You may be able to connect w/others who are experiencing the same thing. Wishing you success this go around.

I went into the Dr here in KC yesterday seems they're not big on revisions , he scheduled me the EDG for the 16th, saying more than likely I have nothing wrong , he told me revisions are seldom done , I guess my cold sweats and pains are caused by , well I am not sure !? I bought a book on resetting your pouch 14 days of nothing but liquid diet , then 2 meals liquid , 1 meal end of day 3 oz protein and veggies ... Guess we will see ! Good luck to y'all ! Please keep me posted !! This is a new Dr for me as well as my original Dr in KC is also no longer involved in the doing the surgery .

Hello K, I went through all the same tests as you but my doctor didn't do the procedure that you had which is shrinking of the stoma as I was told it wasn't as successful for revisions. I had surgery on January 18th with my previous surgeon. I'm glad I had the full RNY revision because I had an internal hernia and he also repaired some other issues that don't show up on an EGD. I figured that in almost 11yrs the procedure would be a little different for the better. I'm glad it's over and hope and pray my issues I had before are no longer. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.

Jeanell - sounds like we're in he same boat. My story is I'm now 40. My original surgery was an open RNY in March 2002. I'm 5'3" & started at 269 pounds. At my lowest I was 132 but I honestly looked sick all the time. I discovered alcohol and slowly gained 70 pounds back from chocolate martinis and cosmos - I don't drink at all anymore . My original surgeon has since retired so I found a surgeon in my area that does revisions. He did a barium swallow on my first visit. He put me basically against a table the was upright then leaned it back just a little bit. They turned on an X-ray machine and had me swallow a chalky white substance and we could watch where the liquid went on the X-ray in real time. It was pretty freaky but pretty cool too! He said right there on the spot that my pouch looked great but my outlet seemed way to big like the original sutures didn't hold it small. When he determined it was the outlet of my stomach that was the real issue he scheduled me for an endoscopy-they knocked me out, went through my mouth/throat and put a little camera in my stomach. He snapped a couple pictures. A couple weeks later his office was happy to inform me that Dr Snow could fix my outlet so I was scheduled for outpatient surgery Feb 9th at 9:30am. They went in the same way that they did for pictures except this time I had to have a breathing tube too. It took under two hours to cinch up the outlet down to 1cm and while he was in there he also stitched in some pleats on the inside of my pouch to make it a bit smaller too. (Bonus!) No drains or anything and I was back home by 1pm the same day. I have my first followup appointment Tuesday the 16th. As for the results - So far so good. I'm still on Clear liquids and I'm sipping Protein Water throughout the day. I still really don't have an appetite but I get down a couple servings of chicken broth as well as a sugar free Popsicle and maybe one serving of sugar-free Jell-O each day. I'm looking forward to this revision helping me with the unpredictable digestive issues I've been suffering with and any weight loss would be a great bonus! I look forward to keeping up with your story ~K