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Planned on revision from lap band to bypass but got revised to a VSG sleeve instead, doctor insisted. 2/27/18. HW 315 After dieting, and preop diet presurgery- 302 today- 288 goal- as healthy as I can get with God’s will

I had the band and also was deciding between the two, I ended up going with bypass because I had heartburn issues and also didn't want to have to revise to bypass in the future of the sleeve wouldn't work for me as revisions tend to lose slower and I need to lose over 115 lbs.

Is MGB an option for you at that practice? The weight loss approaches DS, with fewer side effects, and there's a proven great effect with VSG-->MGB revisions. The DS revision wouldn't do anything for your reflux, so that'd be on borrowed time anyway. The MGB could solve it.

Yes. Every year after my vsg surgery, I did two things: Full blood test and have a check up visit with my team including a barium swallow to check my sleeve. I was always paranoid I had stretched it. I will probably do the same now with my revision. Sent from my SM-N986U using BariatricPal mobile app

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! .

Audree - Another question about your brachioplasty. A woman on my thread about the brachioplasty told me that she really regretted having it done. She had it done in 2004 and her scars are so bad she feels like Frankenstein's monster. She even had a scar revision. Are you unhappy with your scars? Do you think the scars are worth it? Do you have any photos you can share with us?

I'm a "revisionist" too. The doc that put in my band is the one that mentioned taking it out. I lost 50/lbs with it right away, then nothing for 3 more years. I started having vague abdominal pains the first part of last year and found out I did have gall stones, but that wasn't really the problem. I was not thrilled with the band, but didn't know about the sleeve yet. When I went to my band doc to make sure it was OK due to the pain I was having he told me a lot of band patients end up having to have it removed or replaced 3-5 yrs after their initial surgery. Wish I had known that 4 years ago, but no one really knew about it in 2006. Since I needed my gall bladder removed, I made the decision to revise to the sleeve at the same time. I wasn't having major issues, just typical stuff like eating anything some days and not being able to get anything down on others, PB's, etc. But I didn't want to take the chance of having to have another surgery a year from now to do something with the band. When the doc got in there, he found I also had a hiatal hernia close to the band area. I've found this to be very common with people having their bands removed. I'm very happy with my decision, and being self-pay also, I really thought hard before I did this. I can now eat all the good foods like salads and fruits that I couldn't get down through the band before. One thing I CAN'T eat now is sweets - they make me absolutely nauseated - but that's a good problem to have in my opinion. If your doc feels you're a good candidate for a revision, then it's certainly something you should seriously consider.

Having the band out that long, will decrease your risk of complications substantially. Of course, they can still happen, but your stomach has time to heal from the band removal. I had my revision in one procedure, and did have a leak due to the damage from the band that was not known until my surgeon got in there. As for the recovery for the band vs. the sleeve. The band sucked recovery wise for me because of the port placement. As for the sleeve, the first 2 days post-op were pretty great, my actual pain was minimal still had the nasty gas from the CO2 gas they use, but nothing that was not manageable. Due to my leak, and leak repair surgery, my recovery was completely different than everyone elses. But, no lifting for 6 weeks, I wasn't allowed to lift anything over 10 pounds. Incisional hernias are still an issue with lap procedures. Plus, you do not want to stress the staple line of the sleeve. Most patients experience fatigue or exhaustion for a couple of weeks post-op. Staying hydrated will be your focus, and staying on the post-op diet. If you have any other specific questions feel free to contact me via the private message system here. Thanks, Lan. I just happen to click on this thread tonight.

I will be going for VSG to MGB on June 15 with Dr Illan. I'm glad to hear yours is going so well. I had really bad reflux before my VSG but immediately after, it went away, I suppose I was one of the lucky ones in that regard, I hope it does not return. I am curious about the salads...I have tried every kind of lettuce there is, even shredded, and every time it causes severe pain and I throw it right back up. Did you not have this issue with the VSG or is it something that you can now handle since the revision? I would LOVE to be able to eat salads again.

Kyoto...this far out you shouldn't have to stick with such liquidy foods in order to keep them down dear and to still be having slight issues with those tells me something isn't right. Bridgette - you should also be able to eat solids without having issues and having "a sore throat from throwing up so much" is also a sign you're throwing up ALOT. Damage can be done to your esphogus. Be careful folks! What I can't stress enough is a simple swallow study that takes 15-30 min will allow you peace of mind or at least to know IF something is wrong with your band. BELIEVE ME......I've been there. I too was surviving on soup, soft cheeses, liquid protein drinks and a tell tale sign something is wrong is if it's been 2-3 hours later or more and you're still burping or tasting whatever it is you put in your stomach. NOT GOOD! I had my first band in 2/2006 and a revision surgery because of a slip in 12/2008 and my band removed in 2/2010 because of yet another slip and prolasp. I know all too well what can happen. This last time was a doozy in that my band that was placed inside me in the position of looking at my left shoulder was looking at my left foot by the time it was removed. PLEASE.....just get yourself a swallow study. As I said before whats the worse that can happen...1. you're ok and have peace of mind or 2. something is wrong and now you know why you're burping, throwing up and can't get healthy protein down. When folks have the band all that should be happening is that you can eat smaller portions and feel full...not feel pain, not throw up and you should be able to eat just about any healthy food you want other than foods that group or bloat when in your stomach like bread, rice and pasta. Any meat, veggie or fruit should be able to be eaten without too many issues or getting sick. Sure you'll have some foods that just won't agree with you but for the most part you should still be able to eat, exercise and be comfortable. If you're not then your band is either too tight or something is wrong.

I had my revision mid Jan. Not sure what the worst part about the bypass is. So far I haven’t thrown up whereas with the band I could get stuck a couple of times a week even though I didn’t have a lot of fill and some of the foods were soft and shouldn’t have got stuck. I haven’t really been hungry. Yes sometimes I start feeling as though I need food but this is generally close to when I should be eating anyway. I haven’t had any real cravings. I can walk around a supermarket filled with chocolate and not feel the need to buy and eat it. I am not constipated! Apart from the first week when I was on liquids and the body trying to readjust to food I haven’t had any dumping episodes. This could be because at this point I am trying extra hard to avoid sugar.

It is not allowed by my doctor (lap band) and won't be after I have revision surgery. I had to quit drinking soda for other medical reasons, and then had one after a year or so of not drinking any, and it tasted awful.

Well then I have to disagree with the 10 pound lose for revisions. I started at 308 and am now weighing in the low 140s after revision to sleeve. Revision is any other op on the stomach after WLS. For sleevers, it could be RNY, DS, or a modification of the sleeve due to ulcers. Lynda

My BMI is 33. I will be sleeved on the 20th of October. I will have 60lbs to lose. Excited for this new journey. I am a revision from Lap Band.

If you read the posts you will see that no one has issues with medically necessary revisions but at least a few times a week some one starts a thread basically saying that they successfully lost weight but regained it and are angry that their insurance wouldn't pay for another surgery. A few of them have had lap band revised to sleeve, not because of a mechanical problem, but because they regained the weight and call it a surgery "failure" (the i r words not mine) and are now seeking an RNY. The sleeve doesn't "break" and the stomach capacity can be evaluated. If the sleeve works why risk another major surgery? My concern is that for these people the underlying food issues have clearly not been resolved. To my way of thinking performing another surgery is unethical. I myself was sleeved on 10/25 and though I have never had GERD or any digest problems before but I now have severe GERD I sometimes vomit up even with the Protein shakes. It might improve. I'm hoping it does. Of course, one would want to live with this for the rest of their lives. No one should have to. I hope this clarifies the reason the thread was started. God luck with

Oh wow, Saddy... that is awful. You have my absolute sympathies - I know what you're going through. I had a stomach leak with my sleeve back in September of 2017 and was in hospital for 3 months. Had 6 surgeries, had the picc line in, etc, etc. No food or water passed my lips for 3 months. The TPN they give you is full of nutrients and has calories in it - I too didn't lose weight in hospital, in fact I gained. It was galling having to weigh in and see the number go UP. The only comfort is that you will have ALL your nutrition and be pretty healthy in that respect! But, the whole this is nightmare I know. Did they say why you had a leak? I know mine was just 'bad luck'. The reason I came on to this section of the board is because I was thinking of getting a sleeve to bypass revision. I might have to rethink that one - I don't know if I can go through that again. I've lost 80 lbs but have stalled, so right now I'm trying some weight loss meds. We'll have to see... I am so sorry for what you are going through. If there's anything I can do, let me know. Do you have a good support network where you are? By the way, are you in the UK or from the UK? Just asking because you sound like you are and I'm British (living in the USA since 2003).

Question for vets...I’m 6 weeks out, getting all my fluids, protein in and carbs about 20g. I’m wanting to make sure I’m getting maximum weight loss in these first 6 months (I’m a revision and terrified of not being successful this time) but I see conflicting information about either keeping calories low (around the 600 mark) or eating more to get calories in the 800-1000 range because “your not eating enough”. What is your experience when in the losing phase?

Wow, first let me say I can completely understand your frustration! I have not yet had my surgery but I will be a band to sleeve revision, and just getting up to this point has been extremely frustrating. I decided to take extreme measures almost 4 years ago when I was first banded,and here I am now, still overweight, feeling like a failure, and having to go through all of these emotions all over again. But enough of the negative! Congratulations on your success so far. I have read hundreds of posts on here, and one thing is guaranteed -- we will all plateau. Some may only last 3 days, some up to two weeks. And although you already said you don't want to hear it, many people have said the way they have jump started their weight loss again, is by doing something different. One girl mentioned adding a tsp. of fat (olive oil) - maybe you're actually eating too little? I don't know what the answer is, but even if you do absolutely nothing different, the weight loss will continue if you stick with the plan. As for the hair loss, it is a HUGE concern of mine also. Also just like you said, my hair is "my thing". I may be overweight, may not have porcelain skin complexion, but I have always gotten compliments on my hair. That is another thing people say gets better over time, but for your daughter's wedding, if it will make you feel better go and get yourself a hair piece! But you will look absolutely beautiful regardless of whether you have thick hair, thin hair, or no hair! You are just dealing with an awful lot right now, and I bet it is quite overwhelming. When you start feeling like this, go for a walk or start a journal, or if you still have any - go try on a pair of your largest size pants and I bet you will start to feel even just a tiny bit better. Best of luck to you, and keep up the great work!!

I don't know how a person gets obese without overeating on a regular basis! But I have seen those posts too. I have no idea. As far as food addiction, I think I used and sometimes abused food but I'm not one of those that struggled to comply with the food stages/rules after surgery by any means. So I actually don't think I was ever a food addict. But if we are saying food addict is like other substance addiction, there must also be recovery right? Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App I got obese not by overeating, but by having to take 60mg of prednisone a day, monthly decadron IV infusions and the inability to be active due to a debilitating illness. The end result of the steroids? No metabolism. Little to no adrenal function. There are those of us around here that didn't overeat. I'm no better than anyone else because mine wasn't a food addiction, I'm simply saying that there ARE other reasons for serious weight gain and inability to lose it. I personally know several people who had Lap Band and serious repercussions from it. Horrid stuff!! Two went on to have Sleeve, one did nothing after it was removed. The two sleeve revisions have been Ubër successful. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So my question is to all of you, how many of you are revisions from LapBand? I tend to get really pissy about people who haven't lived with a LapBand judging me for having revision surgery. If you haven't walked in my shoes, don't judge-you haven't experienced multiple "stuck" episodes where you feel like you will die because you cannot even swallow your own saliva. You haven't experienced the feeling of food sitting in your esophagus, not getting past the band, because the Band has impacted your ability to swallow. My request is that you not be quick to judge what you don't know. Don't make assumptions that band failure is strictly caused by the user. Don't judge my ability to be successful with the VSG because I had a device in place that did not work the way it was supposed to. Don't for a minute assume anything about any of us that are forced to revise-I was prepared for my LapBand surgery and I fully expected to have the band until I died. I was compliant with routine maintenance-saw the surgeon, bariatric Doctor, weight management center staff including dietitian and exercise physiologist for over six years and sought out therapy to address my food issues for three years. I don't need any of you to judge whether or not I was worthy of revision surgery. Bottom line is, if this isn't your journey, don't make assumptions about those of us who are. And while I'm on this, why does it matter to you WHY someone is revising?? Does it impact your life if I choose to revise and I am approved by my medical care team? Just saying... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There are many reasons for having a revision and it's not always due to eating too much. Just my 2 cents

I saw more than just a handful of revisions in my support group. A LOT of band revisions due to complications, and some sleeve to bypass due to GERD or regain. The former banders were generally more successful the second time around. But bottom line with any of them was if the patient didn't drastically change their lifestyle, the revision was just as much of a failure as the first time around. It was very frustrating for me to watch so many make the same mistakes and come to group with all the same complaints, never really holding themselves accountable for the failures. Or worse yet, knowing what the problem was but not taking the steps to correct it. There was one surgeon in my area that refused to do revisions unless the patient first went through six months of psychiatric therapy to address their food addictions and/or eating disorders. The psych had to give two thumbs up before surgery was approved. A lot of patients were pissed and looked for another surgeon. But for those that didn't, they were very happy with the help they got and were quite successful the second time around.

Sorry to hear that bikerchick519 I’m awaiting surgery my insurance covers the revision

Carrie...let's break it down here. What about your sleeve are you unhappy with? Your surgery went well...you've recovered perhaps a bit slowly but you are recovered/recovering. You should be on to soft foods by now..mushies, and whatnot. Maybe even more than that. That's more than you've been able to do for how long now while you were on a mostly liquid diet? You wanted the band out and you didn't want to regain all the weight you had lost plus some. You now have a tool to keep that from happening and you will lose more weight and become more healthy. What about any of that makes you unhappy? Try to separate the issues...because they are totally different. The how's and why's you ended up having the surgery when you did has nothing to do with the reason why you initially decided on having the revision. I read in another thread where you said if you had been given the option you would have had the plication done instead. Do you think THAT would have given you a different outcome or a different attitude? The post op stuff is all still the same. There are no benefits of having that procedure over the VSG except you're left with a lot of useless (probably dying) stomach tissue in there. Sorry...that just creeps me out. Many of us have suggested to you that you need to see someone professionally to deal with all these different issues you have. You've not responded in any way (that I've seen) to that advice. Why is that? You're mad at your husband, you're mad at the anasthesiologist, you're mad at your body, and that is just not healthy. You HAVE to deal with those issues... I also read how you're on several different medications...some prescribed by a pain management doctor. So basically you're taking narcotics to deal with a pain issue..you didn't say how much you're taking or how that affects you, but perhaps that could be a contributor to your mental state as well...especially coupled with likely out of whack hormones following surgery. How are you spending your days? Are you staying in bed all day feeling angry and sorry for yourself? Are you spending time with your children...taking care of them...taking them outside to play...taking them on outings, whatnot? If you want to leave the boards and take a break...then do it. But support isn't about just saying poor poor Carrie...she's a total victim here. Support and friendship is about saying the tough things that maybe you don't want to hear but NEED to hear. You say you did this for your kids, because you want to be healthy for them and be there for them. Well....what are you waiting for? Deal with your issues so you can move on and BE healthy for your kids. Because you know what? They deserve to have a WHOLE mom. All of us here truly want the best for you....I hope you believe that.

THANK YOU! I don't understand the theory that now you've had surgery, your new normal should be to lose 5-10lbs a day! Oh and we must be doing something wrong if we're not!!! And these are bariatric people talking like this! Not clueless family, friends and acquaintances!!!! To be honest, I'm in a very different place than most people. I never thought I'd be offered a revision. I expected to have to deal with my band the way it was and just do the best I could to NOT gain. I never thought I'd ever lose weight again. I was trying to be happy with were I was at. So, no, I don't get where people are coming from when they are upset with their weight losses. I try to be positive and let people know how wonderfully well they are doing and support some of that process. I don't know what is in another person's head or where they are in their own daily lives.