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Hello all. Just wanted to give an update on my progress. I did not have the RNY done. Still scared to death of it. But, I am in the process of getting the Duodenal Switch approved. Had an EGD last week which showed a slip and a hernia. Still don't have a fill and have maintained my pre surgery weight. Three years and still hover around the same 10 lb mark. If the DS is not approved, I will be forced to either take out the band and have nothing, or revise to RNY. Please keep your fingers crossed for me to be approved for the DS. If you are having issues and are looking into a revision, please read the studies on DS vs. RNY. The website dsfacts.com has some wonderful information. I like the DS because you don't have regain 2 years out. You still have to take your Vitamins like the RNY'ers, but with greater freedom of food choices and a better long term success rate. Will let you know how I do WHEN I get it. Hope, Hope!

I'm not saying EVERYONE will have a complication, but there was a woman from India who had posted some information on another board. She says they've had the band there for quite some time now, and nearly everyone who's had it there for a significant amount of time has had some type of revision or removal of the band. Hey, maybe this is your complication and you're through! But really, I didn't expect this to be permanent, to be honest with you. I just hoped it would last long enough for the next big medical miracle to come out. Heaven knows there's enough research being poured into it, with the new numbers on the lifespan of our children because of obesity.

Hi everyone, I am now recovering from a pacemaker revision, asserious as lapband and on same side as port just at shoulder, so still having some pain on left side. I have made trip to Doctor for discharge lost 1 lb 14 days after surgery , not too discouraged since I never was a huge eater, but grazer, so now I am on 30 20 30 and no snacks just 3 meals a day! I am on bed rest till 2/29, so am really bored and have eith read every book, magazine and newspaper in house, Can not shower till 2/29 so sponge bathing is the way to go, UGH! Protein intake is good, Soft proteins are not so bad and I try for 15 proteins grams per meal. Also have found the vitamins and calcium citrate chews on my program seem to satisfy my sweet tooth. My dear husband has been a doll and yesterday looked at me and said I can see you are loosing weight, Made my day! Although I can't see it.

I had gastric sleeve in 2015 and never had problems with sulfur type smelling foul gas / stool. Then I had a hiatal hernia in November 2020, that the surgeon repaired and at the same time revised me from a sleeve to a bypass, now I’m having very bad passing of this very foul smelling gas and stool. Dr gave me prescription Colestipol Hydrochloride granules to stop extra bile from going into the large intestine. When I took it everything went away and I was ok. He also scheduled me for a specialized SIBO test?, small intestine bacteria test, to make sure overgrowth of bad bacteria is not growing in the small intestine, hope this helps everyone on this forum.

I am having theee WORST smelling gas and poops since having DS surgery. Does this ever subside!? It’s terrible. I don’t want to be in social situations, or at my cubicle in the office building where I work. I just don’t know what to do. My hubby thought it was hysterical at first and now he is grossed out. I can’t deal with it anymore! I don’t know exactly what sets it off but when it’s bad, it’s really really bad and when it’s not as bad, the smell is still outright putrid. It lingers forever and no spray will help. I wish someone would’ve warned me about this. I literally had no clue. I had DS surgery as a revision to GSV because I gained most of the weight back. I am 4 months post DS and 52 lbs down but I’m afraid to be around anyone. It’s embarrassing! I’ve tried a pill called Devrom I read about Amazon that’s supposed to be an internal “deodorizer” but it didn’t work. I’ve tried charcoal pills to control the gas…still no relief. Anyone have any other advice? Anyone else experiencing this? I literally have to isolate myself and after a year of Covid where I was basically quarantining, I’m tired of being alone in a room!! Help please?!

He's referring to a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy... also known as a Vertical Gastrectomy. Basically, it's the first part of a DS... with no intestinal rerouting. 80% or so of the stomach is removed... and one is left with a long tube like stomach. It's a restrictive-only operation that has shown good results. Some people who are considering a Band may go for this operation, especially if getting regular fills would be a problem for them. It's also a popular revision for Bandsters who lose their Band for whatever reason, but don't want to go for a new Band, RNY, or DS.

I have a sleeve and am looking to revise too, I'm pretty sure I'm going with the MGB, have you looked into it at all ?

Just an update - Cigna approved and 1 week post-op from revision surgery!!

I lost half my hair. I am afraid it's going to keep coming out when I get my revision to sleeve. I can't afford to lose anymore hair!

Hi! Well, bored and on the couch in my jammies since I can't seem to shake this crud I picked up when I flew home to WA for a few days a couple of weeks ago. People are always needing help with their tickers and it's hard to find that tutorial post, so this time I bookmarked it for easier access next time someone needs help. Wow! Revision to sleeve.. a big step, but I know, Janet, for one always says if she ever had a band problem that's what she would do, too. I've read up on it a little, but not yet that familiar with it. Best of luck to you with that. I think I read a post on another board from someone who was having band problems.. lived in your area and used your surgeon. But that's all I remember!! Claiming another senior moment! LOL

@@Positive44 - I have to ask when can you remember "only" losing 12 pounds in 8 days? Come on honey you are doing fan-freaking-tastic!!!! I have learned (the hard way over and over and OVER) that if that scale stops moving its usually because I've let my Protein drop (again). How much have you been getting? @@It's Time - if you can tolerate the tomato soup well and really want to freak your taste buds out try this: In a pot mix 1 can tomato soup, refill can with beef broth & dump that in there add 1t Worcestershire Sauce, 1 t lemon juice then 13/4c Water - bring it to a simmer for a few minutes. SO GOOD!! If you have unflavored whey protein you can mix in (while its all still cold) that would be even better I seem to remember someone having an avocado craving and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. It was driving me coocoo so.... I invented an Avocado Protein shake for Breakfast this morning and it really help me with the craving! 1 scoop unflavored whey protein (or maybe vanilla?) 1c lactose free skim milk, 1/2c water, 1 whole ripe avocado and some black pepper and salt (I used a salt sub called Nu-salt) - blended the heck out of it in my Nutrabullet and didn't even have anything to strain out -- I added some ice to my travel tumbler and some extra salt & pepper and YUM! I think text time I'm adding a little mild salsa verde! I know I've only had a revision (from bypass) so your mileage may vary on these recipes but with the acid reducer my surgeon has me on I'm starting to enjoy food, even in liquid form. I have my post-op appointment tomorrow afternoon & I'm really looking forward to it.

Hi All, Thanks for the kind words and thoughts...but really bad news...I slipped my band. I guess one of us September bandsters had to be it, so here I am. I feel horrible, I've been crying since yesterday. Doc unfilled my band and we're waiting 3 weeks to see if my stomach will go back to where it's supposed to be and my band will move back up into place. I have a 50/50 change it will correct itself. But that also means a 50/50 chance of surgery to revise or remove my band. I feel desolate...like no matter what I do, I'm destined to be a fat & unhealthy. I know thats not the right attitude, and I really am trying to be positive. It's just so hard, I never expected for this to happen so soon. I just can't understand how some people PB all the time and I only did it 2 times and mine slipped. I'm in a little pain but I feel much better without restriction. But I'm also back to being ravenously hungry. I'm sticking to the challenge and trying to live each day as if there is nothing wrong. What else can I do for 3 weeks? I'm not gonna worry myself into a tizzy. I'm working on a mantra here... I am OK. I trust in God to bless me and fix my band. I am not giving up. This has made me wiser and stronger. I am NOT defeated. I AM OK! I'll see you guys next Monday with my weigh-in. Please everyone stay positive for me and keep me in your thoughts & prayers.

Band revision to sleeve on the 19 th. I'm very tired but the pain is very minimal. I'm on oxygen that has more to with living at altitude. As far as going under, my preop nurse gave me something to take the edge off and the next thing I remember it was 6:30 and my family was in my room.

Had my post opt visit with my Surgeon yesterday. It went really well. When I had talked to him before surgery, one of my concerns was that I was a lapband revision to sleeve patient, and I had heard that because of this I would not loose as fast or as much weight as a regular sleeve patient. He told me that he just did not see that to be true. He said that each patient looses different, it has not been proven that the lapband revision has any bearing on that. Well, yesterday I had lost 19 lbs since starting the pre op diet. And he was very pleased, he said that the most he has every expected anyone to loose was 20 lbs. Then he told me "See, I told you that the lapband revision would not hold you back. Just say positive and keep up the good work." Very excited, came home and started to clean out my closet, already have some thing that I do not intend to wear again. My big moomoo dress, looks like it was made by Omar the Tent Maker. LOL Good luck to everyone where ever you are on this wild ride!!! Laura

Hello Everyone.... August 7th is my day. I am a band to sleeve revision. Got my band in 2007 and did really great until it slipped 3 years ago. Insurance is paying for the band removal and I am paying for the sleeve. I am so ready, I loved my band as a tool, and am looking forward to having the sleeve as a lasting tool. I start the liquid pre op diet in 3 days, ready. Good Luck all Laura

Hey All!!! I am day 8 post opt from my revision from band to sleeve. I commend everyone who is going back to work so early, I just don't think I could do it. My pain is not bad, just my energy level is lacking. Today was the first day I have not need a nap to get through the day. Still have a few placed that are tender, and feel like I have a deep muscle stitch or something. Got to start my pureed diet today. Very exciting, I had a boiled egg (food processed until mush) will FF mayo, little salt and pepper, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Took me about 20 min to eat it, but I was full and happy, LOL. For dinner I had canned chicken, with some broth, and then some mashed up avocado....yum. Excited about tomorrow. And wondering about what the scales will do with this added food. I tracked my calories, not really much more than my shakes, but we shall see in the morning. Keep the faith all you on pre op liquid diet, this to shall pass, and YES it is worth it. Good luck to all who are schedule for next week, I know the nerves are kicking in, stay busy is all I can say. My house was very clean when it came time for me to go under. And very good luck and best wished to all of my now sleeve buddies, post and let us know how you are getting along. Take care all, Laura

October 1st revision lapband to Sleeve, could use some support

Manatee....sorry to hear that you need a revision!!!! Your health is the most important thing though. Everyone is doing great!! My weight loss is soooooo slow.....so far this month I have lost 3 lbs. I am down to 171 lbs. I am okay.....but I am having a real hard time eating. I throw up a lot and it seems like even the softest, mushiest foods get stuck too. Some days I can eat shrimp, some mashed potatoes, veggies and be fine....the others I will be stuck all day. No rhime or reason??? Sandra 255h/242s/171c/165g

JSRICO, Glad to hear you made it through your revision surgery well. My thoughts will be with you as you start this leg of your journey. Please keep us all posted about your progress. No matter what method or methods we use, I think the support we can give each other is tremendously important. Only we who have lived the struggle and made these life-changing decisions can really understand what we go through. All best, Margaret (NimbleBean)

So today is day 4 after my revision to gastric. Not feeling 100% yet but on my way. I have that same excitement as when I first had my Lapland done. I can see the finish line in my mind of the new healthier, thinner me. I pray it goes well this time around. I am not left disappointed or with having to have another surgery. So here are my new STATS Before lapband 265 Before removal 237 After revision to gastric 225

Jsrico, Also so happy to hear you are doing well after your revision. I hope you keep us posted on your progress. Margaret (NimbleBean) said it perfectly as well, it is important to keep connected. We need to help each other. NimbleBean, I am so excited about your progress as well. I keep plugging along, at about the same, you both are inspirations to me to keep at the battle. Hopefully my next post I can write that I have finally lost at least a pound or two! Keep up the good work!

Hi ladies. I hope you all had and are having a good day. Yesterday was a not so busy day with Jaimi. We had an afternoon playdate and then I had a ladies night of "crafting." Though I didn't do any project, just went for the company. Had a great time. Food yesterday.....hmmm. Why do I have such a hard time remembering from day to day? SF/FF latte, 2 protein shakes, 1/4 c wild/brown rice, a couple turkey swiss roll-ups that came back. I did manage to get 60 oz of water in. This morning Jaimi woke me up with a fever and a sore throat. When I finally got her to take some tylenol she went back to sleep for a couple of hours. The poor thing just sobbed that her throat hurt so bad. When I looked in her throat her tonsils are ginormous yet again. So, we went back to the doc this morning but the quick test came back not strep. They are sending it to culture for a couple of days because the quick test isn't always accurate I guess. For now it's just rest and tylenol. Poor little darling. Jeff took Nick to therapy today. He really is having some behavior problems. The doc thinks its because of Michael leaving so we will see. I was going to take him but Jeff preferred to take him over staying home with the dear little sick one. Imagine that. Hopefully we'll have some good news when he gets home. Karla, we will never be free of our addiction. You know that, but it's so easy to fall back. Same way that mentally ill people think they have control after being on their meds for awhile, or drug addicts think they can just take one hit. Why are we our own worst enemies? It's crazy. At crafting last night we were talking about a book called "Made to Crave." I thought of you while we were talking about it. It has to do with food addiction and that what we are really needing is a fulfilling relationship with God. You might try checking it out. It might make you feel better about the faith conversation we were having at the beginning of the week. After I finish my current book I'm going to download it. I also thought of you as on of my other friends there was telling about her problems similar to your female parts. She was so funny about it. She said when they did her last surgery they left a couple of staples in and so instead of having an inviting woman part (her words) she has a "snapping turtle." She is going to Denver in a couple of weeks for surgery and will have to spend 8 weeks on complete bed rest. She was so funny. Reminded me of you. Janet, you always have just the right thing to say. Love you! Have fun with the kiddos. I'm sure in a couple of days you will be ready for them to leave...you love your private world. But, enjoy it while it's here. As much pain we have all seen the last few months with loved ones being diagnosed with cancer, or car accidents, or all the other nutso things happening, we need to make that extra effort to enjoy the time we do have with each other. Candice, you are just becoming a musical sensation up there, aren't you? How much fun is that? Retirement has been so good for you. I love that. Karri, welcome back. I know how hard that first post is. It took a lot of strength to make it. Obviously I know because it took me a LONG time to find the courage to do it myself. However, this is our family and we all understand how horrible you must be feeling about your band. I don't think any of us can imagine the fear. I know it is a hard decision. Heck, I've been putting it off for well over a year. I am sure that I need to revise. I know that I need to be able to eat real solid protein and that I will never be healthy without it. But....it's so scary and frustrating and if you're anything like me you spend time thinking "I messed this up, why won't I mess that up." That's just our own little devil talking to us and trying to win the only way it knows how. We talked last night so I know you know my thoughts. I agree with Janet. I wouldn't go anywhere but to Wasa's doc for a revision. We do understand the fight and you are in the exact right place. We love you. We've missed you. Welcome back. I hope you will feel good about posting through your struggles here. No tough love from me. Just unconditional love and support. Hugs my friend. Welcome home! Okay...now off to find something soft for Jaimi to eat. Have a beautiful day ladies. When does Phyl get back? I really need to get some help for my memory. It sucks. My forgetter just keeps getting better though.

DO NOT cover your children!! They're all over 21 now, right?? They need to take responsibility for themselves. Get jobs that have coverage, etc. No one in school now?? Colleges have health insurance available for a reasonable price. Get a plan that will allow you to get the surgery that you need!! So... how was the LOST finale???? Gave up watching that several years ago when it just got too weird!! TOO FUNNY!!! Bailey's in his coffee!!! :sneaky::tongue2::tt1: :tt1:You should be able to get SF Irish Cream for his coffee, but maybe not at Starbucks. Their SF flavors are so limited considering the myriad of SF flavors that are out there! There is a SF white chocolate powder that is wonderful! I usually get that mixed with a little SF Raspberry or vanilla. So.... scale went up today... TOPS weigh in... I'm back a hair over 200 again and it's depressing!! Just farting around with the same 3-4 lbs for way too long!! Up, down, up, down, up, down!! Especially considering all the exercise and walking I've been doing. Have to revise what I'm eating! Apparently my body likes this weight! I weighed right around 200 for a lot of years. But I don't want to stay here!! Anyways, nothing to do with that... I'm feeling kind of depressed and weepy for no apparent reason! Go through this from time to time which feeds my theory that even after menopause we still experience some sort of "cycle". Then, since Earl skipped TOPS this morning, I went to the pet store on the way home. Not a good thing to do when I'm already depressed! But I'd never been inside their main store and it is truly beautiful! Big aquarium room, reptile room.. all beautifully decorated with soft lights and music! Would never seriously consider buying a dog there because their prices are too high. They had Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles. The poodles were so cute... 5 of them, all blond... but $795 and NO papers! Not registered. And that only includes puppy shots and exam. Shelters are way less than that and often include spay/neuter, all shots and pet exam. But... I spent about 1/2 hr browsing through their books on several small breeds... Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Maltese, etc. I really want a Yorkie mix. One book said that Yorkies make great therapy puppies... like to take to a nursing home or hospital, because everyone they meet is their BEST FRIEND!! That's the way Gigi is! Tracy will bring her over and she opens the door and lets go of Gigi's leash and she races across the room and dives into my lap! Love it! Oh... so you have another hour of Lost to watch. So you haven't seen the climax yet. Thought there would be comments on Face Book this morning but haven't seen any so far. Home before noon this morning and nothing else on the agenda for today! Just sat around all day yesterday. Can't do that again. Will maybe take a cruise around the neighborhood. And think I'll go do my routine at the gym, too. You probably all saw Karri's prom picture already, hope she doesn't mind, but I'm going to post it anyway. It's so cute and so funny!

I would call around to find a doctor who would fill it with Omnipaque first, before doing anything else so drastic. If the Omnipaque doesn't do the trick, then go for a port revision (or whatever). If you need more info on fills done with Omnipaque, you can call my Dr's office (Dr. Spivak) and one of the nurses will be happy to talk with you...they're great. Dr Spivak has been doing this longer than any US doctor. He was part of the original FDA trials and has proctored many, many doctors. He's been using Omnipaque for disappearing fills with no problems whatsoever.

Even though you can drink when you leave the office, sometimes you can get some swelling after a fill for a few days, so they like to be careful, not to overfill. You might not be tight enough or you might feel a difference ( of varying degress) once you start eating solid food. Just go slow trying foods to see what goes down well, to be sure you don;t get stuck. They probably told you about the port, so if anything changes you'd be aware and ports can move a bit as we loose weight, so they might be waiting to see how that goes. Revisions to ports can be made. I've seen posts about it on the forum, I don't think it's a big deal, if that have to do that.