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I recently went in for a band revision. In my mind that's what was happening. Worst that could happen was that they would have to replace the band. Wake up from anesthesia and hear the nurses talking about the band being removed. Well, needless to say, I was devastated. Seems I had developed significant adhesions to my spleen. Nowhere in the literature or even on here have I seen that as among the more common risks. But while he was in there, he didn't see anythng wrong with the band that would be causing all my slippage problems, he just went ahead and removed it. This from a surgeon who is not a great believver in the band to begin with. While I was still dopey from drugs he's talking to me that this isn't necessarily the end of the world. They could always do a bypass later or if he could get insurance to approve it, a sleeve. I was still in tears emotionally from the roller coaster and drugs. He absolutely is adamant that the stomach adhesing to the spleen could not have possibly cause the band to not function properly. But something clearly was causing the slips. I go for a second opinion in a few weeks and maybe can get more questions answered. After seeing what they do with the sleeve, I'm not willing to take the risk. If a band surgery will cause enough adhesions to have to have 100 mini staples in my stomach, what are the risks of them removing half your stomach and a gazillion more staples. Financially I will be paying for this for the next two years. I wasn't at goal yet...I'm abuot 25 lbs out but maintenance was always my issue. I had hoped that this would be the answer to maintain. So for 10k+ I've got a whole lot of staples and a pretty messed up looking abdomen. Would love to know if anyone else has ever had their spleen adhese to the stomach. Trisha

I had my revision on December 27, 2011. So far I've lost 88 pounds. (130 with band and sleeve). GREAT idea!!!

Okay, I went to see my ps today and I have a date for my surgery! Whoa! October 16th! I'm going to have a lot more work done than I previously thought. I have lost more weight since my TT, so I have a lot of loose skin on my upper abdomen. Dr. Saltz wants to do an anchor incision and revise my lower one to get everything tight. Also, going to do my arms. Also, going to do my thighs and a butt lift and lots of lipo. He said it would take about 6 hours. I'm actually excited about all this. He is going to do the same thing that Frangi's doc is doing with the butt lift, he will add my own back fat to my bottom to round it out. (Sounds reall appetizing, doesn't it). My journey is almost finished. This is exciting stuff. I couldn't talk him into the horizontial thigh lift in front like Becky had. He said it would be too much. But I'll be so close to being the best that I can be! Four weeks after all this surgery, I'll get my knee done and then rehab for the entire body! I'm glad that Frangi is doing this soon.

You are not alone, Happy. I lurk here, but don't post much. I'll lose a few pounds right after a fill, and then spend a couple of weeks gaining and losing those same few pounds. I, too, have never PB'd, slimed or got stuck. (not that I really WANT to, LOL) I can eat whatever. Last week I ate 3 slices of pizza with absolutely no trouble. :cool: My net loss is about .5 lb per week avg. I know, a loss is a loss. I AM happy that I have lost some, but I know I could/should be doing way better. I have a heck of a lot to lose - at least 150 lbs. I thought because I am starting at such a high BMI the weight loss would be easy at first, THEN slow. Ugh. I'm behind in my fills, which I know is part of it. I may be looking at port revision soon - my port is at a funny angle and I have to have all my fills under flouro. My surgeon does not typically do the flouro, and he is not happy about it. I'm afraid my ins will not cover it. Anyway, I don't mean to be too negative. I do have hope and faith that this will work for me eventually.

because when I talked with a local surgeon he seriously discouraged the band eventhough he would give me one if I wanted. because if you look around this board you will see many who have had the band and are now having to have it removed and have revision surgery to the sleeve because either their band slipped, or stopped working for them and they gained some (or all) of their weight back. because I don't have time to go have the required maintenance on it (filling, etc) because the thought of that foreign object in my body gives me the heebiegeebies..

Oh wow! Our stats are so similar! Good luck with your revision and Im sure your results will be fantastic!

Hi Jane, I'm having my sleeve surgery on July 13th. I am having revision surgery from a slipped band...Just a few questions which i haven't been able to find the answers to so far - How long does the surgery take? I will probably be having open surgery as I only had an operation last year but I guess the operation duration will be similar to laparoscopic won't it? What sort of pain can I expect (don't worry about telling me it all!) and will I be on my feet straight afterwards? Were you tested for leakage in any way before you left hospital? I could do with a step-by-step guide of everything to expect including my diet afterwards etc.! Many thanks for you help and hope you are doing well. Helenxxx

So I had a mini tummy tuck which then turned into a super extended tummy tuck. My belly button was moved and my doc cut off a lot of skin almost 365 degrees around my body (did not have my muscles touched). I am now 10 weeks post op a revision on my front and 3 weeks post op the extension on my back. Anyways I am starting back at the gym and tried to do some sit ups. I got to about 15 ( full sit up, lie down not crunches) and my lower stomach hurt. It felt like I was really stretching the skin near the scar. I actually stopped and didnt try to do more. My question is, has anyone had any problems doing sit ups after a tummy tuck? Im so excited to be back at the gym and used to do 150 sit ups a day ( 50 full sit ups and then 100 motorcycle way) but now with this uncomfortable feeling, I wonder if I could somehow cause a problem with the incision or....?

I have not updated that in a long time. I was below my goal weight with the band but when it slipped I gained back 50 pounds really quick. I was at 170-175 when I did the band to sleeve revision. I lost 20 pounds when my stomach was really swollen after surgery but now I can eat as much as I want no restriction at all. I have gained that 20 pounds back and then some since getting the sleeve. I know its just a matter of time before I gain it all back I do not have a leak our anything, just no restriction. I think that the doctor I went to should have done it smaller maybe he wasn't the best choice for a revision. i'm guessing after my two lapband surgeries I had a lot of scar tissue soo maybe he thought he made it small enough but who knows. I know the sleeve will work for me if its done properly, I have faith in that.

ooooooohhhh. ok. lol.. yea.. So... is anyone having the issue of being torn between the band and the bypass??? Ive literally been obessing over it for the past 16 hrs.. Im scheduled for the band... but Im worried that its not going to be for me. . Ive looked up the pros and cons and i am seeing way too many people having to get it revised.. WOMEN in particular.. seems to be that the men do better with the band. Anyone have any input or advice?

Frangi: Yeah! So glad that you like your revision. I too had a funk after my last surgery and then knee surgery. I feel like I'm just getting out of it. These things take their toll physically and mentally. I hate my inner thighs also. Doc says surgery is the only way to correct them, but unlike you, I'm just not ready for it. I'm still doing a lot of physical therapy for my knee and need to get it stronger before I rest from exercise for a month. I also am just getting back to weight lifting and pilates and I think this is helping me mentally. I am so interested in this procedure. I would also have the groin incision. I think I may do it in the fall. I am probably havins so more lipo on my arms and maybe a few other choice spots in April. After my brachioplasty, the ends of the incisions are a little pointy and lipo will supposedly fix that. I love my tummy tuck revision. It looks better than the first time around, too. It's just amazing what can be done if you can tolerate it! Glad you're feeling better. I'll be watching how everything goes for you. Thanks for keeping us informed!

Trisha, Wow I can't believe that. I believe that we were banded around the same time. I'll be heading into surgery for a revision from a slip on Nov. 18th. You bet I'll be questioning the spleen before I go in. I'm about 20pounds from my goal and told my husband that I'll have the revision this time but if it slips again, I'll just have it removed. I think we've made enough changes in our lifestyle so the weight wont come back on. (I hope) Im praying that the revision works! Let us know how the second opinion goes. Pam

I had my revision on December 27, 2011. So far I've lost 88 pounds. (130 with band and sleeve). GREAT idea!!!

Globetrotter, I have heard of some people getting a revision, but not really a routine rejuvenation. Most of the revisions were from people who stretched their sleeve by overeating everyday and gained a lot of weight back. I don't know if I would want to go through surgery again lol

Yep Im sure I will see you Kyla.. If that is the case with your port, that isnt as bad as the band leaking. I know someone who has already had to have her port revised. I think she is the first and only one so far. Hers flipped over though and they couldnt get it to flip back. Support group is next monday right?? the 24th? Thats the first day of finals, that gonna be a fun day lol.:Dancing_sorry:

@nssmia A thought, bmi 30 and over is obesity range, WIll lyposuction get you healthy long term or will you regain with that proceedure? I'm also concerned about all the posts recently about weight gain and revisions. Know there are many of us that bounce back from surgery with no complications and have kept the weight off. I had the sleeve in 2014. I reached goal in six months. I maintain in the 130's. Many people at goal or maintaining no longer need the support on this site.. the positive is not getting enough recognition. You will see mostly. People researching, new to wls complications, weight gain and a handful of vets that stick around I have a link of positive experiences to help balence out the other posts. It may help calm someone's anxiety. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

Sounds like you are NOT enjoying life as normal if you are in constant pain from your GERD. Has your doctor explained that constant GERD can make changes in your lower esophagus that can eventually turn to cancer? And you may be able to put off GERD with your "double dose nexium", but studies are suggesting that long term PPI use is being implicated in problems such as osteoporosis, kidney disease and vitamin deficiencies. And your GERD is not likely to improve without some sort of surgical intervention. And once you get through the post op diet, you should be able to eat the same food you feed your family, just a smaller portion. I hope I don't come across as being harsh, but your health will be affected by your GERD, and I know the thought of a revision seems daunting, but in the long run you might be much happier if you address it soon. Whatever you decide, good luck! Keep us posted.

So, 13 years ago, I weighed 350 pounds. I made a commitment to change, and lost 100 pounds through dieting. After that, in Sept. 2013, I had a sleeve procedure and hernia fix (without complications) and went from 250 down to 155 (my lowest) in 2016. That's when the problems began. I have been suffering with terrible on and off gastritis, constant GERD and reflux, stomach ulcers, and my hiatal hernia needs repair again. I have had two recent endoscopies,including one with a Bravo probe, and the surgeon claims the only way to permanently fix the problem to to revise from a sleeve to RNY. The problem is, I do NOT want full on bypass. I am terrified. I like my life as it is, and I can't imagine going through the surgical recovery process again. I am remarried now, and have a ten year old daughter, and I can't imagine what our family meals/vacations/birthday parties are going to look like post-RNY. I am at the point with my sleeve that I have reincoporated most foods, and eat relatively normally. All of this decision making stress has made me go off the rails with my eating plan, and I have regained almost all the weight I lost (back up to 230 pounds), partially because I have been eating everything in sight, preparing for the moment after which I will "never be able to eat normally" again. I approach every meal with a "last supper" mentality. I enjoy food and beer and traveling, and I don't want to constantly be the odd man out at functions. I am tempted to have the revision for purely vanity reasons - a quick weight loss fix for what I've regained. Nothing I am currently suffering is imminently dangerous, nor is it constant - I have excruciating flare ups. My surgeon will not fix my hernia without doing the whole conversion, because he claims it's "useless" to fix one without doing the other. So, here's what I ask everyone...to anyone who's had the revision...is it worth it? I'm tempted to just keep taking my double dose nexium and drinking my Gaviscon, and enjoying my life as normal. I have a husband who loves and accepts me, and I don't want to do this and risk my life for a surgery simply for appearance's sake. If I can live with my current pain, can't I ride this out with my little sleeve which worked so well until depression made me abuse it? Do I just get back on track, or go under the knife? I have never been so torn. Please help!!! Thank you for listening

Im nervous being a revision too. Dawn<br />Sent from my SPH-L710 using RNYTalk

Hi Trishb! I wanted to share my experience with you - one month post op, the good, bad and ugly (sort of so far) The Good. Dr Gagner is a consummate professional, and so are his staff. He takes the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. His staff are responsive (within a couple of days at the most). To date, I healed well and only faced my first test today with nasty acid reflux...hopefully its not a recurrence. The Bad. I didst realize the clinic in which the operation was performed was in a commercial building with a shopping centre. That threw off , but I was pretty determined to go through this. I think in another lifetime I would have run away lol. Its a major surgery and you should ideally be in a hospital. I didn't receive any post-op/discharge instructions re warning signs of complications. Dr Gagner discussed them with me over the phone, when I returned to Ontario - but I had to intiate the request for information... It's rather expensive when you start piling on the hotel costs/travel costs/and other expenditures - considering we can be completely covered through OHIP for the same procedure. The Ugly. Long-term aftercare, or heck even short term! There is mental health side to weight loss surgery and I can't stress how important its for you to feel that you can schedule an appointment with your surgeon, and his team and meet him next week/month or whatever the case. I can only speak to Dr. Gagner on the phone, and I didnt' realize how important after-care is...the OHIP program offers weekly support groups managed by psychologist and nutritionists and follow up for five years! You can't join these support groups if you had the surgery has self-pay. So we're kinda on our own. Second, I started to really be concerned about how I manage complications long term - such as strictures..I am lucky to have a family doctor familiar with the procedure...but there are untold advantages of going directly to your surgeon and his capacity to refer you to a known professional for whatever treatment is required. . I am very lucky to live near a Bariatric Centre of Excellence (Humber Hospital) so if I have a complication, I will head to the ER. But I will have to always explain my story and lack that team based support. I completely understand your need to jump in! and not wait - but there is something precious about that wait-time that I only understood afterwards - this is a significant permanent change in your life. That wait-time prepares you for the challenges ahead and it can get very intense! I found that Dr. Gagner, explained the procedure well, stats on the main complications - however, there was no mention of the fact that GERD (acid reflux) can be so bad for some patients who acquire it post-op that they need to be revised to Gastric Bypass. I heard several stories on Facebook groups and instagrams. He essentially told me that a few # of people develop acid reflux, but you can easily take meds for it and generally resolves it self. I am finding that's not always the case - because its not diet related...its the mechanical problem - the sleeve is a high pressure system and folks either immediately get severe acid reflux or develop it over time. There were no mention that most surgeons now recommend that you do not take NsAIDs - advil etc w/ the sleeve as it can cause ulcers and damage the stomach. There was no mention that long-term some people suffer like teeth decay due to the body's incapacity to absorb Calcium appropriately. I am not sure he's Vitamin list is necessarily the most extensive...most surgeons recommend B12 supplements, but his nutritionist does not...and calcium is on a as need basis. I wish you the best on your journey, and I urge you not to discount the importance of local medical support

Well...let's see. Banded in 2006. Got the typical probs...reflux, vomiting, uber restriction w/fluid removal. Fast forward to 5/20/13 and had removal, revision AND hernia repair all in one surgery. Now...I am 70% down in weight and in a size I've never seen in my life! I got the best reaction on my visit home this summer. One of my best friends of 20+ yrs. walked right past me until I said something to her back and then she recognized my voice! This surgery is what I hoped my band would do. Good luck to those upcoming revision folks. Work the plan, stick to your mini goals and long term goals and it WILL happen for you!

Long story short: 2010: Band...minimal loss 2011: band slipped, repair surgery past two years...several small slips, reflux, and constant daily vomiting. I did lose weight! ha. but at what cost. Five weeks ago...band slipped, all Fluid removed GAINED 25 lbs. I went out of control. My own fault. Going to Mexico FRIDAY for revision with dr. jaime Ponce de leon He has been very honest...saying he won't know until he gets in there if he can do both procedures (removal of band/sleeve) in one surgery. IF you have had band to sleeve in one procedure...please share. And all good thoughts are welcome! Laura

I had a revision done on November 14 from the sleeve to the loop DS. I haven’t really lost anything. How much have you lost? Starting to get concerned

There are excellent surgeons in Mexico - but I think that it is a misrepresentation to say their patients get better results. These boards have alot of patients of certain Mexican surgeons - when you go out of country you don't have as much "in person" support so the boards are a major source of info and support. I think the key is to have a good surgeon, and that the patient finds a way to get proper education and support - through whatever means. I was blessed with insurance to cover my revision to sleeve and the local practice I went to boasts pretty good stats. I certainly feel I have done very well.

I suffered too with all of the problems that the Lap Band brings with it. Throwing up EVERY meal that was not a liquid, reflux, wondering why I was not getting full after 2-3 bites then having those bites come up 5 minutes or sometimes an hour later, lost 60lbs then 4 years later gained it back, then found out the band slipped and had to be removed and that was why I gained the weight back. 5 years of misery. Finally I had it rremoved a month ago and had a revision to the sleeve. WOW, what a difference. Finally, something that actually does what they told me it would. I eat a couple bites and I am full. I am a month out and 22 lbs down and feel amazing. I finally feel like I have my life back