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I think the reason for this is the band, to be honest. from talking to my surgeon, the month before my surgery, he took out 17 bands and put in only one. Each of those removals would count as a revision I think. I think a revision is when you take out a band and convert to sleeve (or rny, or other). I don't think simply taking out a band would be a revision. I could be wrong but that would be how I read it.

Some of you know me well as I have been around a long time... but for back story I was pretty hopeless about losing weight and especially maintaining it when I began this sleeve journey. I had "failed" with the lapband in an epic way and by the time I revised to the sleeve I was well over 300# (although down from my lifetime recorded high of 332# while banded). I was super morbidly obese and spent a lot of years there. I felt aged beyond my years and besides feeling physically miserable, I was certainly NOT an object of attention from the opposite gender. Hell, i never even had a chubby chaser interested in me. (I did have a serious relationship, I have never been a loner, but my point is I have always been one to focus on intelligence and personality, not looks or body) Because of my active lifestyle, I have mostly had slender friends even when I was obese. I never went out for girls night with them, never went dancing, I felt like I didn't belong in those settings. So, after losing a bunch of weight, I had plastics and am now maintaining. I social with lots of people now and feel like i fit in many places, but am still sometimes surprised at my own preconceived notions. Currently, I am about 5# over my goal and about 25# over my lowest weight - I am 3.5 years post sleeve so this is frankly pretty typical. It can get a little discouraging as I am having a heck of a time re-losing this weight. I am fine at my current size, but i was finer thinner haha... so it is still something I want. You know how your state of mind is when your favorite jeans are too tight.... that is where i am! Okay, now my NSV Story! I went out to the racetrack on the 3rd for a big girls day of races and fireworks. I went with 3 very attractive ladies who are all naturally very trim. They range from tiny cute as a pixie (Which also makes her look really young) to that tall blond skinny model look (two of those, one fairly boyish looking the other more curvy - both very very attractive). Anyway, all 4 of us are unloading the cooler, doing stuff getting ready to go in. I was applying sunscreen. this really really really attractive man - probably about 40 (we are all about 50) walks by and looks right at me and smiles and says "need any help with that?". All of us freeze as it processes... he is talking to ME! What? I smiled at him as he walked away (it was only later I thought I should have said "YES") and one of the ladies said "this is going to be a good day". I don't spend alot of time comparing myself to others, I really don't. But after a lifetime of obesity, super morbid obesity - you never expect to be the one in your group of attractive friends to get the notice. Looks don't actually matter that much - one of the ironies i have learned in this journey, but it still felt good and my friends were all very happy for me too... That also makes me feel good that they are so pleased with my successes.

I have had the band for about nine years. It literally saved my life as I have lost over 100 lbs. However, I have thrown up a lot during those 10 years. I have a revision to gastric sleeve tomorrow, good luck to you.

Revision from band to sleeve on July 7

    I think I understand your question.... I'm my case for example... When I first started looking into weightloss surgery, I was told I had no real co-morbid conditions (i.e high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease etc.) so the only way I would qualify is if I had sleep apnea. It doesn't mean that you will get a machine right off the bat. In my case, I was tested and little did I know I actually had sleep apnea. It was documented, I received a machine and was approved for surgery. For my revision however, I was denied 3 times even though I had sleep apnea. Of course that was a revision, but they check the severity of the case (mild, moderate or severe apnea). My medical group clained the apnea wasn't severe enough and that I could get rid of it by losing weight. So I was placed on a medical documented weight loss program. After a few months of documented meals and classes and still having sleep apnea, my revision was finally approved. So they might not be saying you need to get one. What they are probably saying is that if you don't have any co-morbid sympthoms (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease etc.) you would qualify if you had sleep apnea. Does that make sense? So yes, speaking to a sleep center and getting tested is be the best way to find out if you actually have the condition. If you don't have the condition, they will not give you a cpap machine. The condition has to be documented and machine approved by your insurance.

I think the reason for this is the band, to be honest. from talking to my surgeon, the month before my surgery, he took out 17 bands and put in only one. Each of those removals would count as a revision I think.

@@Sreeves I've been able to drink quite fast as well. Because of that I specifically asked my surgeon if I could stretch my sleeve by drinking water. He said no, then revised his statement to say as long as I don't keep drinking even after full and TRY to. I think it's safe to say that you just need to listen to your tummy, when it says enough, stop.

I'm so sorry that you are feeling this way. I wish I had something to say that would make you feel better. Just remember, it's early in the game. In reality, if you have problems with your port, talk to your surgeon. Tell him your regrets. If your regrets increase or worsen, set a goal for yourself to make the most of it and your diet changes while saving for a revision. Everything gets cheaper as time passes. If your body is reacting negatively to the port then tell the doctor. I'm sorry you had little support from family. To be honest, I told a lot of people I was having surgery, with the exception of several family members. Our families aren't always our best supporters. Much love and prayers for you!

I have insurance and went thru a lot to get my band removal approved so I can only imagine the anxiety of paying out of pocket! I had my band for 5 years with constant problems. After a horrible experience with a routine fill last year (it took two Drs and a counted 27 needle pricks to get into the port), and an overfill causing severe swelling and vomiting, I made the decision to have it removed and revise to sleeve. I had to go through numerous tests to determine I had severe stricture (which is considered an approved medical malfunction for Aetna). In order to get it all approved though I also had to redo all of the behavioral and nutritional evals and 3 months of weigh ins before it could even be submitted to insurance. It was actually approved in the same day it was submitted but it was a major amount of work. If you have insurance, even the same you had during your original surgery, they may have changed their policy and might approve it now. I would recommend you speak with your insurance (if you have one) and then talk with your doctor about testing. Good luck!!

@@AvalonNeeCee So because you say your surgeon doesn't do lapband anymore, you think that's a reason not to get one?????? Who is your surgeon? Why doesn't he/she do them? I find it almost comical you would post such a reply to someone who is asking for advice on HOW WE. ...THOSE OF US WHO HAVE IT, selected our surgeons. Some of us are very successful and HAPPY with our lapband results. I think it's relevant because if the OP dismissed out of hand any surgeon who no longer does lap bands, just because he or she is considering a lap band, he or she may not get the best surgeon/procedure for him or her. If you narrow the pool you skew the results. BTW, I was sleeved April 20, my surgeon does not do lap bands (that I am aware of), but does revisions. Also, the Lapbanders I talked to said that if they were to have surgery now, they would go with the sleeve. I really tried to ignore and not respond to this thread again, because this back and forth is hyjacking the OP's thread, BUT....thanks for making an important point for me once again. You are not aware if your surgeon even does lapbands.....yet you say he/she "does not do lap bands"......which is it? Who is your surgeon? Why doesn't he/she do them? I really, truly like to know these things. I've asked the owner of this site several times to reinstate the surgeons profiles again, so we can understand the experience level, knowledge of some members surgeons.... You see, people get on here and say these things, yet when I do a little checking.....most every time I get told something different from the surgeon. I wish you well in your WL success...I've had great success with mine.

When I had my band done in 2012 my first appointment was in May and I was approved in late June but my surgeon couldn't schedule the surgery until August. When I had my sleeve revision we decided the very end of April, insurance approved mid-May and I had surgery June 1st.

I had a band to sleeve revision all in one surgery on June 1st. I had the band in 2012 and the first 2 years were fine. Then I started throwing up everything I ate including even something like Protein shake. I kept going to get the fill adjusted and never could get into the green zone. So in April the doctor removed all the fill and then I had the surgery. I haven't thrown up or slimed once. I can eat chicken again. I haven't found any lean protein or non-starchy veggie I can't eat. I can eat fruit. The amounts are still small and I still get full quickly. But it stays down. I don't miss having that port at all either. Mine would move and rub on a nerve and hurt like heck like I was being stabbed. My sleeve surgery was really easy. No complications, no problems with the liquid stage and no problems so far with the real food solid stage. Very little pain in the hospital and didn't take any pain meds once I got home. The hardest part was the 2-3 weeks of sheer exhaustion. The first week I had to sit on a chair to dry my hair or put on makeup and after a shower I had to sit on the bed for about 5 minutes before I could get dressed. I don't regret switching one bit at all. I feel normal with the sleeve. When we go out to dinner I don't have to get up to go to the bathroom because what I just ate is coming back up.

@kiki52 And good luck to you also! I can't imagine two slippages. This experience has been really painful but I'm happy it's out and looking forward to the revision. I'm not as concerned with how fast I lose either. I just don't want to feel sick and in pain every day which is why I'd like to understand from others what the physical feeling has been between the two. I've gathered from my research and conversations with my dr. that I won't go through the same complications. Fingers crossed!

I'm a band to sleeve revision. I had my sleeve surgery on June 1st. I am so much happier with the sleeve. I haven't thrown up once. I can eat like a real person although the portions are tiny. I can eat chicken again - I couldn't eat chicken in any shape, sort or form with my band. I don't have to get up in a restaurant and go to the bathroom and throw up the little bit I just ate because it's stuck. I can drink just fine with a straw. I hate Water so the only way I will drink it is ice cold with a straw. And adding Crystal Light or anything else doesn't help. I just have to make myself drink it. I am so glad that band is gone. I don't miss the port moving and scraping across a nerve and hurting like heck. I don't miss throwing up everything I tried to eat. I'm happy with my choice to revise to the sleeve.

First want to say that people who have the band can share some of their experiences- good and bad. The band was not good for me but great for my dad. I think it's great to understand ALL options when gong in for a surgery. I went in with blinders as I didn't want anything that was going to change my insides and many say the same. There are plus and minuses from all surgeries and really need to be aware of options that's why they are there. By the way- I was handed 2012 lost 25 lbs gained back 3 times that amount and now revised to sleeve 5 days ago. Whatever a person decides on they should view and understand ALL.

It will depend on your surgeon's schedule. When I got my lap band in 2012 it was 2 months from the time insurance approved me. For my sleeve revision last month it was 2 weeks from the time insurance approved it. Total difference.

@@arimerm1 - I posted this message on a band to sleeve revision forum. I am going through my own issues and asking people who have gone through similar experiences as ME. This was not directed at newbies. It's a big giant forum and you will come to see that people have many different experiences that have nothing to do with you and its about being real. Yes, torture! I didn't say you are going to have torture, BUT I dealt with 5 years of torture. I wish you the best of luck with your band but again, my question is directed to people who have gone through a revision.

I'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain! I remember the horrible pain I was in after the band and I suffered for nearly two weeks. The gas pain was horrendous and you don't want to drink anything but now that I know what it feels like, I know you have to push through it and keep drinking to avoid dehydration. Did you have your band removed in advance of the revision or did you have it all done in one surgery?

yes, I have a drainage tube. My doctor said they come standard with any type of revision done by him. I get it removed on Wed, which will be 6 days post op. So far ive been averaging 20-25 ccs every 4 hours. Im 3 days post op now. Is that similar for you drainage wise? Its slowing down a little.. I'm also paranoid whats going to happen if it's still draining fluids when they take it out.

@@AvalonNeeCee So because you say your surgeon doesn't do lapband anymore, you think that's a reason not to get one?????? Who is your surgeon? Why doesn't he/she do them? I find it almost comical you would post such a reply to someone who is asking for advice on HOW WE. ...THOSE OF US WHO HAVE IT, selected our surgeons. Some of us are very successful and HAPPY with our lapband results. I think it's relevant because if the OP dismissed out of hand any surgeon who no longer does lap bands, just because he or she is considering a lap band, he or she may not get the best surgeon/procedure for him or her. If you narrow the pool you skew the results. BTW, I was sleeved April 20, my surgeon does not do lap bands (that I am aware of), but does revisions. Also, the Lapbanders I talked to said that if they were to have surgery now, they would go with the sleeve.

Hi there I am thinking of revision surgery as i dont like my band and sick a lot. But my bmi is about normal now... 25-27 Has anyone done revision with mormal bmi? I am self pay. Thanks

@@Djmohr I had to sign a contract for smoking and drinking alcohol also. It's something new because I didn't have to do it when I was banded 5 years ago but had to do it for my revision (same dr.).

I read somewhere the after band to bypass revision you loose weight slower than you would if you had bypass only. Are any of you finding this true? I am having my second band removed July 30 and converting yo bypass.

Is it a private group? If so I would be interested. Had revision from band to sleeve on July 1st.

I was banded in Nov 2011. I had my revision to gastric sleeve along with a hiatal hernia repair on 7/2. Pain for me, was intense when I first woke up in recovery. The surgeon explained to me that I had a lot of scar tissue from the band that he had to clean out. He did tell me that I would have more pain than the average vsg patient. Honestly.. Most of the pain comes from the CO2. I wish there was some way for the doctors to get it all out before sewing you up. I'm at day three now and still have a little gas pain, but WALKING and deep breathing exercises make a huge difference. Now im just really tired.. Living on 500 calories a day or less doesn't allow for much more than getting up to use the rest room or fill my water cup. Going to try and hit 700 calories today! Thats my goal. :-) best of luck to you all going in for the vsg!