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This frightens me because I have a lap band and now I am intolerant to it 10 years later , so I am in the process of getting a revision. I have pretty severe acid reflux & heart burn, to the point that I have to get an endoscopy next week to make sure I don't have erosion. I was wanting to get the sleeve but after reading all the stories about severe reflux, it makes me want to run for the hill! I have been so miserable with acid reflux that I can barely drink water without getting it! My problem is that my bmi is 35, I'm 5'4 and 207 pounds. My surgeon seemed to push me towards the sleeve because my bmi but I would rather get bypass if it will be better for this wretched reflux. What should I do? Sleeve or bypass?

Thanks for sharing. I guess I'll see what happens during my upcoming appts. I kind of don't want the responsibility of picking a goal. I'm afraid of selling myself short and setting a goal too high. But I'm also afraid of making my goal so low that it's unachievable. It's good to hear that some of you revised your targets. Of course, this is something I can decide to change. So much to learn...

Hi guys! I'm 24, I'll be 25 in April. In the process of planning my second wls: revision from the lapband to the bypass. The band just doesn't work for some people unfortunately. I'm hoping for a second at life!

Oh wow 6. so I won't complain anymore. Lol. I didn't ask about the weight loss as I was more concerned about the complications I was having. However I hope I lose more than 30lbs. Because with the revision I am going through the exact same process as before as far as food intake is concerned but I guess I'll find out soon enough. But I let you know my progress and will ask the question at my 3 week follow up appt.

I had 6 drainage bulbs on my first surgery, so two will be a walk in the park for me although I am a bit older myself ! And thank you for the update , I was told you can expect to lose 30 pounds with revision ? Curious if you were told the same ?

I'm a week out and still feeling tired but moving around a lot more. I hate with the revision you have 2 drains. I got one out. The other one is for the old stomach and must stay 3 weeks. Ugghhh. Things have changed a little since I had my first surgery but for the better. I'm 11yrs older so I know recovery is different too. The one thing I've had no issues with thus far is eating or drinking which is good. I feel the restriction which I didn't have before so this is a good sign. I'll keep you posted. Good luck with your appointment.

Hi Runner1, I am a patient of Dr. Jayaseelan. I am currently going through the approval process and have not gotten a surgery date yet. This will be a revision surgery for me, as I have recently experienced some complications with the Lap-Band (banded in 2006) and am looking forward to this alternative procedure. I will update when I know more.

I had the Sleeve almost 2 years ago & it's been a struggle but worth it. My surgeon & her partner won't do the lap band because of the low percentage of success. My cousin & a friend had the lap band & both have gained all the weight back plus some more. Our support group is run by the psychologist that I had to talk to before my surgery. This is a requirement by my doctor. BTW, if your Mom's band no longer works she should look into a revision. I was 70 when I had my surgery. I no longer use a CPAP & my oxygen use has decreased. Yay!!

Thanks to all of you ladies and gents, if any responded. The person facilitating the meeting is a patient advocate. That's what was frightening. I am not a band bashed in the least. My mother had the band 13 years ago. She has maintained her weight loss. Her surgeon told her that she should do a revise, but she won't due to her age. I know that all of the surgeries work if you work at it. This board has been great and people like Cowgirl are an inspiration. My cousin texted me that there is a support group at the hospital that she works for. They're group is a little bit bigger and she heard it's better.

band superior to sleeve? In 2016 very few surgeons would agree. To many don't work as expected, cause complications, are removed, or revised to sleeve or bypass. Many surgeons won't even do them anymore.

Thanks for the responses. I hadn't thought too much about not having enough breast tissue or revisions. It's nice to see that revisions are not rare. I'm thinking that this probably won't happen for at least a year, so I have plenty of time for more research and my weight can stabilize.

Hello everyone. I read the forum daily, but never post. After an incident last night, I felt compelled to. A little about me: I'm 34 and was sleeved on 12/16/15. My SW was 295 and CW is 271. I had my surgery through True Results. I had been depressed lately because I went through the 3 week stall. I really wanted to talk to others that knew what I was going through. So I planned on going to True Result's once a month support group meetings for guidance and support. I live with my cousin who had the lap-band 5 years ago, but it didn't work so well for her. She decided to have a sleeve revision when I had my sleeve. I asked her if she wanted to come to the support group at True Results with me and she said yes. We went and when everyone introduced themselves, I realized that I was the only person who had the sleeve. They were so anti-sleeve and found myself defending my choice all night. I heard things like "with the sleeve you gain all of your weight back after a year", "the enzymes grow back within 6 months to a year, "the sleeve is too invasive", and "the science proves that the lap band is superior". I felt vulnerable already because I feel like I'm not losing like I should, especially after my 3 week stall. They just made fun of me for whining about not losing weight fast enough. They were even rude to my cousin because she wanted the revision. I left even more discouraged than when I came in. Three of the women monopolized the discussions with any and every thing that popped into their heads. I was only able to speak during my introduction. I didn't want it to be all about me, but I didn't feel like I could get answers or just let how I felt out. We are all there for the same reason. Our surgical methods are different, but that shouldn't have mattered. Rants over. Thanks for reading.

I am a little confused so perhaps you can clarify. In May 2013 you underwent a gastric sleeve surgery. Then after 110 pounds loss, you had the gastric sleeve removed. In gastric sleeve surgery as I understand it, part of your stomach is cut away permanently so a revision to restore is not an option. Maybe this is a misunderstanding on my part, since I had a RNY and not a sleeve. Generally when a person has a revision from a sleeve, they either re-sleeve the stomach, have a revision to RNY or to duodenal switch. Since you successfully lost (and maintained) a weight loss of 125 pounds, I wouldn't exactly call that a failure. It may not have achieved your expectations but it was a success. I guess that when you talk to your insurance, I would not say that the first surgery didn't work. It is just that you need to drive your weight lower.

You don't mention what kind of revision you are seeking. Are you thinking of just redoing sleeve or converting to a DS? I am also in Florida. I live in Orlando but had my band and revision to sleeve in Miami. My insurance (BCBS FED) covered my revision from band to sleeve even though I self paid for band. There is a new doctor in Celebration doing the DS if that is what you are looking for. Best of luck!

Thx I am having a revision done and looks like DS may be best option. Right now I am just starting the process, so will look to the Dr. for best options. I had Vertical banding 20 yrs. ago and went from 410 to 170 but started bouncing back within a couple years after that. Since then, I have I bounced between 200 and 300 several times, never being able to keep it off without severe diet and exercise that I could not maintain.

Long story Short -- I had VSG 5/2013. I successfully lost 125 pounds. Not giving excuses just giving background, I was a self pay patient; and my surgery was scheduled and about two weeks later found out my step-daughter was taken from her mom and put in foster care. Everything was paid and I could not back out, so I proceeded with surgery. I stuck to my guns through all of the stress and changes, it took us nine months to get her out of foster care and into our home. Life changed at that point as well going from an us, to we have an 8 year old in the house, which is fine! She loved to eat the food I prepared and is not a picky eater by any means. I had to have my GB removed right around the 110 pound loss mark, i though okay this is my restart moment. Took the momentum and was in an epic stall for about 6 months. Got the scale moving again and it stopped. We have now moved closer to home and family, and I have maintained my eating. I am now considering revision, at my HW of 470, losing my 125 has given me a start but is no where close to where I need to be. My insurance will cover part of the surgery, and am going through Rehab to see if they will cover the remaining portion. I have a general practitioner here, that many years before my VSG was my doctor and saw my struggle with weight; I know he will support my decision and be helpful in any way. My biggest question is does any one have experience with Rehab OR insurance covering revision? I'm sure I will have a lot of explaining to do regarding WHY the first surgery didn't "work." When in reality I don't think it was the best surgery choice for me at the time. Any thoughts or ideas would be great! I appreciate all of the support that has been given over the years, ready to get get healthy and stay that way!

While the lap band (adjustable gastric band surgery) is not as common as it once was, many people battling obesity are still successfully using it as a tool for considerable weight loss and eventual weight management. Slippage is most commonly due to eating too quickly resulting in stomach bloat. Other contributing factors can include vomiting, overeating and even drinking too many carbonated beverages. All of these issues can cause the band to move as a result of over-extension (bloating) of the stomach. Gastric Lap Band Slippage Signs: Food Consumption Changes You may notice a decrease in appetite, being able to eat more than usual, or experiencing an unexplained discomfort during and after eating. Nausea or Vomiting When the band on your stomach slips, it can be difficult for food to pass through. This may make it feel like there is food trapped in your prolapsed stomach. This sensation can cause your body to want to expel that trapped food, leading to vomiting. Acid Reflux Feeling heartburn-like symptoms is a sign that your stomach acids are coming back up your throat from the stomach (esophagus). This can lead to chest pain, bloating, burping, hiccups that won’t stop, and other GI discomfort. Abdominal Pain Some patients with gastric banding slippage have told me they just feel like “something isn’t right” in their stomachs. They are able to complete normal daily tasks but don’t feel close to normal. “I Think I’m Experiencing Lap Band Slippage” If your lap band moves out of place, your lap band surgeon will need to make an adjustment as quickly as possible in order to relieve symptoms so you can resume losing weight. If it’s only a mild slip, your surgeon may be able to deflate the band so that it can re-adjust. However, moderate and severe band slips will typically require a laparoscopic surgical procedure to replace the band or remove it if further complications are present. If you notice any signs or symptoms of what you think could be a lap band slip, you should contact your surgeon right away. Even if you think you’re showing all the signs, only your weight loss surgery doctor will be able to tell you for sure. What if I’m Ready to Replace my Gastric Band with Another Bariatric Procedure? Changing from one bariatric procedure to another is called revision bariatric surgery. For some people, gastric banding, and the ongoing need for office visits and adjustments, no longer fits their lifestyle. Or, they did not achieve the overall weight loss goal they had hoped. Since the lap band’s initial popularity some years ago, the sleeve gastrectomy (“the sleeve”) has become the most popular bariatric weight loss surgery operation. For others, gastric bypass bariatric surgery is the right procedure. If your lap band needs to be removed, by choice or as a result of a complication, a qualified bariatric surgeon can go over other weight loss surgery options with you. There may be another procedure that will work better for you and help achieve your ultimate weight loss goals.

As with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of gastric banding complications. Slippage is one of the most common issues related to the lap band. This occurs when the band slips up or down from its original position around the stomach, resulting in one or more symptoms that can cause unpleasant physical symptoms and offset weight loss. While the lap band (adjustable gastric band surgery) is not as common as it once was, many people battling obesity are still successfully using it as a tool for considerable weight loss and eventual weight management. Slippage is most commonly due to eating too quickly resulting in stomach bloat. Other contributing factors can include vomiting, overeating and even drinking too many carbonated beverages. All of these issues can cause the band to move as a result of over-extension (bloating) of the stomach. Gastric Lap Band Slippage Signs: Food Consumption Changes You may notice a decrease in appetite, being able to eat more than usual, or experiencing an unexplained discomfort during and after eating. Nausea or Vomiting When the band on your stomach slips, it can be difficult for food to pass through. This may make it feel like there is food trapped in your prolapsed stomach. This sensation can cause your body to want to expel that trapped food, leading to vomiting. Acid Reflux Feeling heartburn-like symptoms is a sign that your stomach acids are coming back up your throat from the stomach (esophagus). This can lead to chest pain, bloating, burping, hiccups that won’t stop, and other GI discomfort. Abdominal Pain Some patients with gastric banding slippage have told me they just feel like “something isn’t right” in their stomachs. They are able to complete normal daily tasks but don’t feel close to normal. “I Think I’m Experiencing Lap Band Slippage” If your lap band moves out of place, your lap band surgeon will need to make an adjustment as quickly as possible in order to relieve symptoms so you can resume losing weight. If it’s only a mild slip, your surgeon may be able to deflate the band so that it can re-adjust. However, moderate and severe band slips will typically require a laparoscopic surgical procedure to replace the band or remove it if further complications are present. If you notice any signs or symptoms of what you think could be a lap band slip, you should contact your surgeon right away. Even if you think you’re showing all the signs, only your weight loss surgery doctor will be able to tell you for sure. What if I’m Ready to Replace my Gastric Band with Another Bariatric Procedure? Changing from one bariatric procedure to another is called revision bariatric surgery. For some people, gastric banding, and the ongoing need for office visits and adjustments, no longer fits their lifestyle. Or, they did not achieve the overall weight loss goal they had hoped. Since the lap band’s initial popularity some years ago, the sleeve gastrectomy (“the sleeve”) has become the most popular bariatric weight loss surgery operation. For others, gastric bypass bariatric surgery is the right procedure. If your lap band needs to be removed, by choice or as a result of a complication, a qualified bariatric surgeon can go over other weight loss surgery options with you. There may be another procedure that will work better for you and help achieve your ultimate weight loss goals.

Great! Hoping I find that "green zone" too after 2/29/16 Just scheduled my surgery for revision from band to sleeve. At the very least I won't have to feel this dang port in my ribs anymore.

I can't help with the insurance part of your question however I have had the sleeve and revised to the bypass. The absolute best decision I could have made. Very different feelings and restriction with the GB. I also have an aversion to sugars and fats by this I mean have no desire to eat either; and I don't plan too. Good Luck with your process.

I also have Aetna. Have you looked at their bulletin. The requirement for a two year history weight has been removed. I'm not sure if you have to follow other requirements. When I first started my journey the bulletin stated you need 2 year weight history. They have removed that statement. If you look at the revision history and on 8/12/2014 it will state what was changed. http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0157.html

I had my surgery on 12/21/2015 and also had my gallstones and gallbladder at VSG survey. I was also a revision from lapband though not at the same time as surgery. I have tracked my progress against others on the site, and I think having the two major ops together, it might take a little while longer for recovery. I am at 5.5 weeks post surgery and although it has been a struggle to get my fitness back I am getting there, and I would definitely not have wanted two surgeries.

Please research as much as possible.I had the lapband in 2004 and really suffered.I was revised to GB.There are many options out there .Talk to your surgeon and ask him/her which WLS would be most beneficial to you.Please ask many questions including the success/failure rate and risks for each procedure.Very important.Congrats on your journey and best of luck.

Hi! I'm new to this site & so excited to finally find some Aussies!!!! I have had a lap band done by Chris Hensmann in 2011 & am now contemplating bypass surgery. I would really like to meet a few people that may live nearby in eastern Melbourne that have had either revision surgery or straight bypass surgery. I don't know where to start!!!! Hopefully someone on here mayb able to help? Thanks ????

I had revision December 14th. No reflux. I love my sleeve.