Search the Community

Hello I'm looking to do a revision. I had my original RNY in Ohio. I moved to Decatur, GA 4 years ago. Any good suggestions on Surgeons? Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

I think you are making the right choice. I did a lot of research and the sleeve seemed like by far the best choice for me. It seemed that not only was the lap band something you could eat around between fills, but there were too many stories of erosions and slippage- and many people have a revision to the sleeve anyway later. I did not want my intestines re routed plus the dumping for both lap band and bypass scared me. I honestly think the sleeve will become the most popular surgery very soon. I think you will find you are the envy of the two who opt for the lap band. Good luck to you on this wonderful journey!

Wow that is a dilemma. Congrats on hitting your goal weight! Great job!!! Its good that you have not developed a false sense of security and know your Achilles tendon. You are right to be concerned and considering your options to maintain at goal... and I understand not wanting to go under goal. I say trust yourself for now give yourself a weight range to maintain on your own and if you're struggling (you'll know if you are) just know that options for revision are on the table if you should decide to go that route.

Hello Elyssia I had to have a port revision because my port was too large for my body, it was bonking against my ribs (it is on the right side between my ribs and hip bone) being short that I am 5ft2 - it was causing constant pain, sleeping was painful, sitting was painful - pretty unhappy all the time. So that being said I had a "low profile" port put in, slightly lower than where the other one was. It is smaller and thinner and has made all the difference! It was an easy and quick surgery as well :wink5:

Ok, the hiatal hernia is bcause the weight of the stomach area stretched the muscle that is around your esophagus near where it meets with the stomach. Imagine a hose attached to a balloon going through an uncooked bagel....stay with me here....if you pull the hose, the balloon is supposed to stop....if you have a hiatal hernia, the bagel is stretched so part of the balloon (stomach) pokes up through it. Now considering that the sleeve shapes your stomach like a banana, if that opening is stretched then a lot more stomach can shift up through there. Its not really age its more size and wether or not your "bagel" is stretched open or not. I hope I didn't sound too insane. Btw, I had a hiatal hernia repair on the same day as my sleeve and I hardly ever had pain or discomfort. Im 2 weeks+ out from a revision from the lapband to sleeve. As far as other hernias go, there's multiple reasons for them but age still doesn't save you. I was 21, in shape in the Army and got a hernia in my lower abdomen. Just happens.

I don't know if there's as much data out there to show that sleeve helps cure diabetes like RNY, but there is no reason why it shouldn't, and I think eventually it will be shown to be just as effective, especially if your post-surgical diet is low in carbohydrate. I'm a BIG proponent of low carb, sufficient Protein as a way of managing blood sugar, and I've kicked my pre-diabetes several times in the past that way, but I couldn't stick with it without the surgery. I was on metformin for my pre-diabetes before my surgery, was taken off it the day of, and haven't been on it since. The sleeve was originally developed as a pre-RNY surgery for those too heavy to get a safe bypass, and doctors found that the patients didn't need the bypass to lose the weight they needed, unless they had a metabolic imbalance that really warranted the malabsorptive effects of the RNY. And it's slowly gained ground as a primary surgery, and for lower BMIs. It's also a safer / less drastic surgery, which can always be revised to an RNY later if necessary. Maybe you can discuss that with your doctors? They seem to be very conservative regarding proven surgeries, but I think they should consider the risk side of the equation as well. Would you be willing to have a second surgery if the sleeve isn't successful? I truly think it's the best option.

Was banded in May of 2011, I lost a total of 10LBS yep that was it, never been happy with it. Visited my Doctor recently who suggested that I go for the Gastric Bypass and have the band removed. After speaking with him I decided to do some research and I found his site and I really like it, real people going through the same things as me. I really enjoy reading what everyone has to say and it has helped me make my decision to go for the Gastric Bypass. I'm at the beginning stages of approval, but thankfully my insurance doesn't really require much for me to have the revision. I'm glad that I found this site and I'm excited to follow everyone's success. I don't have a surgery date yet, but it shouldn't be to long.

sleep apnea (i.e., patient meets the criteria for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea set forth in Aetna CPB 004 - Obstructive Sleep Apnea); or 4. Medically refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic despite optimal medical management); and 2. Member has completed growth (18 years of age or documentation of completion of bone growth); and 3. Member has attempted weight loss in the past without successful long-term weight reduction; and 4. Member must meet either criterion 1 (physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program) or criterion 2 (multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen): 1. Physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program: Member has participated in physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program (including dietician consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification), documented in the medical record at each visit. This physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Nutrition and exercise program must be supervised and monitored by a physician working in cooperation with dieticians and/or nutritionists; and 2. Nutrition and exercise program(s) must be for a cumulative total of 6 months or longer in duration and occur within 2 years prior to surgery, with participation in one program of at least three consecutive months. (Precertification may be made prior to completion of nutrition and exercise program as long as a cumulative of six months participation in nutrition and exercise program(s) will be completed prior to the date of surgery.); and 3. Member's participation in a physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program must be documented in the medical record by an attending physician who supervised the member's participation. The nutrition and exercise program may be administered as part of the surgical preparative regimen, and participation in the nutrition and exercise program may be supervised by the surgeon who will perform the surgery or by some other physician. Note: A physician's summary letter is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of physician's contemporaneous assessment of patient's progress throughout the course of the nutrition and exercise program. For members who participate in a physician-administered nutrition and exercise program (e.g., MediFast, OptiFast), program records documenting the member's participation and progress may substitute for physician medical records; or 2. Multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen: Proximate to the time of surgery, member must participate in organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen of at least three months duration meeting all of the following criteria, in order to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the potential for surgical complications, and establish the member's ability to comply with post-operative medical care and dietary restrictions: 1. Consultation with a dietician or nutritionist; and 2. Reduced-calorie diet program supervised by dietician or nutritionist; and 3. Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional; and 4. Behavior modification program supervised by qualified professional; and 5. Documentation in the medical record of the member's participation in the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen at each visit. (A physician's summary letter, without evidence of contemporaneous oversight, is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of the physician's initial assessment of the member, and the physician's assessment of the member's progress at the completion of the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen.) and 5. For members who have a history of severe psychiatric disturbance (schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, severe depression) or who are currently under the care of a psychologist/psychiatrist or who are on psychotropic medications, pre-operative psychological clearance is necessary in order to exclude members who are unable to provide informed consent or who are unable to comply with the pre- and postoperative regimen. Note: The presence of depression due to obesity is not normally considered a contraindication to obesity surgery. 2. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG): Aetna considers open or laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) medically necessary for members who meet the selection criteria for obesity surgery and who are at increased risk of adverse consequences of a RYGB due to the presence of any of the following comorbid medical conditions: 1. Hepatic cirrhosis with elevated liver function tests; or 2. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis); or 3. Radiation enteritis; or 4. Demonstrated complications from extensive adhesions involving the intestines from prior major abdominal surgery, multiple minor surgeries, or major trauma; or 5. Poorly controlled systemic disease (American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Class IV) (see Appendix). Aetna considers VBG experimental and investigational when medical necessity criteria are not met. 3. Repeat Bariatric Surgery: Aetna considers medically necessary surgery to correct complications from bariatric surgery, such as obstruction or stricture. Aetna considers repeat bariatric surgery medically necessary for members whose initial bariatric surgery was medically necessary (i.e., who met medical necessity criteria for their initial bariatric surgery), and who meet either of the following medical necessity criteria: 1. Conversion to a RYGB or BPD/DS may be considered medically necessary for members who have not had adequate success (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) two years following the primary bariatric surgery procedure and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure; or 2. Revision of a primary bariatric surgery procedure that has failed due to dilation of the gastric pouch is considered medically necessary if the primary procedure was successful in inducing weight loss prior to the pouch dilation, and the member has been compliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the procedure. 4. Experimental and Investigational Bariatric Surgical Procedures: Aetna considers each of the following procedures experimental and investigational because the peer reviewed medical literature shows them to be either unsafe or inadequately studied: * Loop gastric bypass * Gastroplasty, more commonly known as ?stomach stapling? (see below for clarification from vertical band gastroplasty) * Sleeve gastrectomy * Mini gastric bypass * Silastic ring vertical gastric bypass (Fobi pouch) * Intragastric balloon * VBG, except in limited circumstances noted above. * LASGB, RYGB, and BPD/DS procedures not meeting the medical necessity criteria above. Cholecystectomy: As a high incidence of gallbladder disease (28%) has been documented after surgery for morbid obesity, Aetna considers routine cholecystectomy medically necessary when performed in concert with elective bariatric procedures. Notes: Calculation of BMI: *BMI is calculated by dividing the patient's weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared: BMI = weight (kg) * [height (m)]2 Note: To convert pounds to kilograms, multiply pounds by 0.45. To convert inches to meters, multiply inches by 0.0254. or For a simple and rapid calculation of BMI, please click below and it will take you to the Obesity Education Initiative. *BMI = weight (kg) * [height (m)]2 See also CPB 039 - Weight Reduction Medications and Programs.

I am having a revision, lap band to RNY in June. How long did your surgery take. I am guessing 2 hours plus?????

I have scheduled my Revision surgery (Sept. 10) with Dr. Ortiz and Obesity Control Center in Tijuana. His clinic has designated as an ICE (International Center of Excellence). Dr. Ortiz was selected by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top Bariatric surgeons in America. I had my lapband done with Dr. Ortiz in 2007... and was completely impressed with him and his center. My Mom went with me (she's a nurse) and she was blown away by their professionalism and first class operation. Unfortunately, the Lapband didn't work for me... so, I am choosing to have the Revision surgery to Vertical Sleeve with Dr. Ortiz also. Every question that I have asked has been answered in a timely and understandable manner. I researched and researched... and have decided to stick with Dr. Ortiz and Obesity Control Center. They might be a little more expensive than some other surgeons... but, I believe he is worth every penny. Good luck to all and I hope to meet some of you in Tijuana! Cheers, Dottie

So I'm having my 7 year old lapband revised to rny in 4 days ( excited, scared to death, determined ) and I was in my nutrition meeting and she said never ever drink caffeine again, the next day was my final appt with my surgeon and he said that I can have my coffee right after surgery and use protein powder in to replace my creamer. They also disagree on the number of meals, one says 3 healthy meals of protein and the other says add 2 tiny protein snacks in between meals . Please help clear the confusion . I want to heal perfectly and do my part to make that happen

Hi there, western medicine is all about drugs and surgery so it doesn't surprise me they would recommend a revision. It sounds like you know what you need to do and you're doing it now -- recommitting to your health following a horrific time of grief. You have tremendous determination -- I can hear it in your writing. A few days into whatever method you choose -- 5-day pouch test has always sounded interesting to me and many people do periodic liquids to reboot. You can do this and you're not alone. We are here for you. You'll be feeling so much better when you're eating clean and getting some exercise. That should help with the depression. Choose yourself and your health first, above all, and the rest will follow. Best wishes for this coming year!

It just so happens I was doing a bit of light reading this week on the ASMBS.org website. I discovered stats on bariatric surgeries including revisions. Check out this link to the ASMBS site: https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers When you take in the numbers holistically. Revision rates are climbing rapidly.

Let me first say that you're doing fantastically. Don't let this little set back matter in the least. Are you in the hospital now? I am curious as to why you're going to get a revision to bypass if the sleeve is working well. Not a judgment at all, I am simply interested in the doctor's reasoning

This information helps me, as I'm looking at revising from the Band to Sleeve. One of the worst things about the band is the gross stuck/full feeling you have while the bottom half of your tummy is still growling for food...to me that is SO miserable. Not to mention the horrible stuck feeling...I can eat ice cream, cake, pudding just fine, but if I try and eat something healthy (chicken breast and salad) I spend 2 hours trying to get it un-stuck. Yes, I'm a little grouchy, the lapband has NOT been good for me.

Sorry, that happen to you. Hope your doing well on your revision. Thanks for the good luck, good luck to you too.

I'm almost two weeks post op from my revision. It's had its challenging moments I won't lie but after five years of dealing with lapband issues I'm beyond glad to have that crap out of my body. Ended up with a band slip, severe GERD, and Barrett's esophagus

Thanks! I am cautiously optimistic that this revision will work for me. I am a bit scared about dumping syndrome. I need to research to find out what is going on to make you feel that way? It sounds awful although I know if may be weird but I hope the minute I try to cheat and eat crap food I get it bad! LOL

Has anyone had their port flipped? I had a revision sugery yesterday for this reason. I thought the procedure would be much more smoother than my lapband surgery 16 mths ago.

Hi all, i had my revision band to sleeve surgery 13th oct 2014. I have lost 150lbs (yes a whole person) as of last week however i have a fair way to go. I am happy with what i have achieved to date. I walk almost 14 klm (8.7 miles) a day 5 days a week! I wont ever be able to run as i developed OA on both knees prior to wls surgery. Im alive, and enjoying life ????. When i get a bit more confidence ill post before and after pictures. Best wishes to you all xox

Thank you for the information. I called this morning and they did mean Port Revision, the Doctor just wrote the wrong thing. Thanks again!

Hi Zoelifechick, I have Dr. Halmi too. I went into Potomac on July 19th and was discharged on the 21st. First two days were Pure D MISERY but today is a new day and I'm feeling a little more normal every day. Today I went out for a nice long walk. I did make one HUGE MISTAKE. They send you home with what I call a narcotic ball. You have a bag with a plastic ball filled with pain medicine with the tubes running from the bag thru the tubes and steadily into your belly. Well the directions were to wait untill the ball deflates then slowly pull out the tubes which should be in a couple of days. I didn't realize there's two layers to the ball so when the outer layer was completely deflated I pulled out the tubes (don't worry that part doesn't hurt). My curious 16 year old inspected the ball , stabbed it with a knife and a large amount of pain medication was in the center of the ball. There had to be at least 2-3 more days of pain meds in that ball. You can't put the tubes back in once you've pulled them out. Needless to say after about 10 hours the pain monster kicked my butt. Fortunately they send you home with a precription for liquid hydrocodone so the pain monster subsided and all is well. Lesson: DON'T PULL OUT THE STOMACH TUBES UNTIL THE WHOLE BAG IS COMPLETELY DEFLATED!!!!!! On a good note Dr. Halmi was fantastic, I also recieved visits from Dr. Nain, The P.A. Amia, and the other P.A. Renaldo. The repaired my hiatal hernia, removed the lapband and revised it with the Gastric Sleeve. From the 19th to today I'm 14 pounds down. I'm not getting too happy because most of that was from the liquids completely emptying my colon. Now all the pounds from this day forward will be fat . Good Luck Zoelifechick, you have a great Bariatric team. Keep me posted.

Have you checked out the board here for band to sleeve revisions? LOTS of positive info on the process and the outcome. http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/13-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

Hello! I am looking for any advice to help with this dilema. I have had the lap band 2 1/2 years with great success. A few months ago I was violently ill with the flu and the band slipped. The company I work for changed insurance in Jan 2010 to Anthem BC BS California. The insurance co is denying my claim for revision surgery due to an exclusion placed by my company P&G. Ins is telling me that I have to request an exception from my company benefits manager. When I try to get that information I am giving a title & po box to mail all requests. This has been 2-3 months ago! I have no way to contact anyone directly and the insurance company keeps pushing it back on my company. P&G. If anyone out there has had a slipped band, you understand just how painfull and misreable it can make your life! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Sure Michelle, I don't mind sharing at all! I believe that one of the biggest factors that has made me successful is tracking my food, fluid, and exercise. By doing this I find that if I fall off track I am able to hold myself more accountable for my actions. I exercise a fair amount, generally do at least an hour of cardio 3-4 times a week in addition to an hour to an hour and a half of hot yoga 2-3 times a week. The yoga has really helped me trim and tone not to mention it is a huge stress reducer for me. As far as what I am eating well.... for the most part I try to be good, but everyone has their slip ups right? I avoid pastas, breads, rice, and any other high carb content foods. My carbohydrate intake is generally about 40 grams/day and I try to eat at least 70 grams of protein in a day. I am a stickler for my fluid intake and I consume generally a minimum of 2 liters of water in a day. I avoid eating foods with high sugar content and for the most part stick to sugar free, if that is not an option I will not eat more than 5 grams of sugar in a meal. My average calorie intake is roughly 900-1000 calories a day. I am almost to my revised goal of 140 pounds, I know that to keep up my amount of physical exercise and to maintain 140# I will eventually have to increase my caloric intake which seems right now like it will be a difficult task. I stick to my vitamin regimen as well. I think my greatest challenge is getting past that little voice in my head telling me that I want junk food and that makes me want to eat even when I am not hungry. Also I have a 2 year old and an 8 month old + I work full time so fitting in all of my exercise is a challenge, but I have learned that if I don't I feel awful. Treating yourself is helpful too, get your hair and nails done.....makes me feel like a million bucks every time and it makes me want to try even harder to do the best I can. Good luck!