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I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. The only revision I might contemplate would be duodenal switch (but I'm 'only' in the overweight category so this'd only be theoretical contemplation on my part). You've seriously got to research if you do want it, as it's a serious op and you need to be committed to taking numerous vitamins and 100g protein/day if you're a lady (more for guys). To qualify the BMI is 35 with 2 co-morbities or BMI 40. There's more info here http://www.obesityhe...fore-you-chose/ Don't bother with the ROSE/POSE technique or StomaphyX as I hear people only lose ~20lb and then regain it (they staple the inside of your stomach with a device through your throat). I've been pondering band over plication too (I'm guessing band over sleeve could be an option too), but you say previously had the band so I won't go any further on the subject of erosions, slippage, port flips, the elusive sweet spot, etc! Info on the 5 day pouch test is available on youtube on people's experiences, although info on what it involves is here and http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ I sincerely wish you the best and don't give up... keep searching until you find something that works for you.

I never had the revision. The sleeve is my first go at wls, but it has 100% changed my life. You can read about my journey - the challenges and the successes in my blog (linked in siggy) - but I would go for it! It is an amazing tool, and as long as you are willing to put in the time an effort to do the emotional work as well you will be a great success with the sleeve. Good luck to you!!!

Anyone have a similar story? Had my husband rush me to the ER on Saturday because I thought I was having a heart attack. Just out of the blue I had severe chest pain right below my xiphoid process/sternum with shortness of breath. (I was on FaceBook and drinking a cup of coffee.) It lasted about an hour then just vanished as quickly as it came on. All of my tests and EKG were normal, so the ER discharged me and sent me on my merry way. I called my surgeon and he thinks it sounds like a possible "internal hernia." I questioned rather he thought it might be gall stones, but he said I didn't have any of the classic symptoms. Going on Monday for "laparoscopic exploratory surgery" and whatever they find, they will repair it while they're in there. Anyone have a similar experience? If so, what did they end up finding? P.s. I am 5 months out RNY revision from Lap Band.

I had a BRAVO test, which does the same thing but with a little capsule that is attached to the esophagus to monitor the acid level. I got approval for a revision, I don't know how much the test results had to do with it. My surgeon and I already knew I had GERD and esophagitis. The test did give them an indication how bad the GERD was.

I just got revised a week ago. I did have to start all over. Had to have all tests redone, had to have NUT appointments, weight loss, psych eval. It is very frustrating. Hopefully it all works out for you.

Was your BMI the minimum 40? I'm trying to get a revision myself and I'm about 20 pounds lighter then I was when I got the band. Just wondering if insurance is harder of revisioners then initial patients. ?

curious if anyone opted for a low profile port in initial surgery (rather than a revision w/tummy tuck). I will be banded 8/26 and will be getting a low profile port. My bmi is 31 so my Dr said it was an option. Just curious if anyone had any thought on this. Also, even for those who had it revised at goal- how is it? Is there a bump..can you see and feel it? Thanks!

Do any of you know about the iband? Where they revise the band with actually adding a sleeve effect with it? I was told here by my sugeon in Oklahoma city that all his newbies are getting the combo together. He asked me if I wanted it because I've struggled so bad. I was really surprised when I heard of the procedure. Also any of you have tricare is there co pays?? Just wondering. Thanks

Hello there I'm thinking of having a band to sleeve revision. Has anyone out there had this procedure in Guadalajara with Dr's Osuna, Lopez or Diaz? I would be really grateful for any feedback. Thanks!

LOL Sarah, saying and typing y'all is just normal for us Texans. I was really open about my surgery. I worked in a small insurance agency, and we were really close so they were super supportive of my decision. I really didn't catch a lot of flack from anyone. The best reply if someone does give you flack is " myself and my medical professionals know this is the best course of action for my future health, if I was having heart bypass surgery, would you be opposed?" That'll typically shut them up rather quickly. As for the post-op diet, I didn't return to work after my revision. My post-op diet was between me and the walls of my house. Once I did start venturing out, people did notice, and I was open about my surgery. I am glad I was open. A very dear friend of mine that I have gotten very close with over the last 9 months or so had her sleeve surgery today with one of my surgeons and is doing fabulous. I get to see her tomorrow, and I am elated for her. She told me she would have never considered it if I had not been open, and she was able to see that as the months went on, I dropped weight, but was still eating out with her and the other girls every week. Of course I was almost 3.5 months out when we all met, and well into normal foods, but my portions were tiny. She's been a rock for me, and I hope I can do the same for her now that she is on her way with the sleeve. If you aren't comfortable with telling people pre-op, tell them it's personal, and when you return, you'll fill them in on the details. That way you avoid all the questions, and possible negativity.

hi,the first time i was filled it was 1cc..and before the nurse put it she said let me see if he put any in during surgery,,she withdrew 1cc..sooo alalong i had some when i was on the liquids after surgery...right now i am suppose to have .3cc ..as far as i know i have 3cc..she called and said time for a fill i said no ty,,last i heard from anyone,,i guess if you don't get a fill and give 100..4 they don't call sad,,sad..By the way i had a revision cut from navel up to my rib..thats where my port is,,what a place for one,,right under my bra....I am faing another surgery after my weight loss,and it for repair work..in the abdomen area under my scar is a opening which is from the surgery and a hernia to boot,,I cant bend over because the hernia pops out ..its like 3 inches long...will see when i lose it all what happens...I can go on and on about my surgery a real nightmare...geegee

Well, I'm a revision and a slow loser. My surgery weight was 201. I have have hypothyroid but, I somethings wonder if the reason revision patients lose slower is because our metabolisms have already slowed down from "dieting" with the band. I know there are other revision patients who've done better than me. I'll be interested in seeing other responses.

So I was told by my doctor and the bariatric coordinator that in their experience people who had the band and are revised to the sleeve tend to lose weight slower than "virgin" sleevers. Im 6 weeks out and have lost 24 lbs (but that was all weight that I gained after the Fluid was taken out of my band because it slipped) and the scale is just moving so slow and its frustrating. There ARE other signs that Im losing weight- clothes are fitting better and Im having to get new clothes. But I want the scale to reflect the same. For those who are farther out than me, PLEASE tell me that it will come off. Im just a little frustrated at this point and needing some encouragement. Thanks!

Well, tomorrow I'll find out. I'm a 6-year Bandster who has had nothing but grief with the thing. PBing, vomiting, unable to eat solid proteins, esophageal stacking, reflux, dehydration leading to a monstrous kidney stone, you name it. I am having a revision to a sleeve tomorrow, and never considered the by-pass for more than a few seconds. My mother is a retired nursing instructor, and she said that no one should get the by-pass unless they weigh a 1,000 pounds. Osteoporosis is BAD in my family, and I can't even consider a malabsorptive procedure like the by-pass. The only thing my mom wants me to ask the surgeon about is B-12 shots, since the fundus of the stomach makes the intrinsic factor, which enables us to absorb B-12. That's all she's concerned about. For me, the sleeve is the only option. Good luck with your research. It's a very personal and individualized decision.

Merrywait; The Lap band has worked miracles for many people. However, you really need to be certain that it is the correct procedure for YOU. You mentioned that your Doctor recommended the Gastric Bypass for you. He could have done that for a lot of reasons, but you might want to consider what it is he has to say. He IS your Doctor, so I would hope that he knows your situation. Please be aware that not many GP doctors are all that Bariatric Surgery-aware. Some of them simply recommend what they know about, or have heard something about. Others, on the other hand, are quite knowledgable about it. It’s hard to know how deep their knowledge goes, because it varies a great deal. Going on the assumption that your Doctor DOES know something about WLS, then it is possible that he recommended GB for a specific reason, because he knows you and the difficulties you have had with your weight. The Lap Band and GB are meant for different types of people with different eating and metabolic disorders. People think they are interchangeable, and that is not always the case. While there are people who would do well with either, usually one of them is better than the other for you. There are a great many people who have had the Lap band, and then had to revise to a GB because the band was the wrong procedure for their particular situation. Trust me, you do NOT want to go through this process twice….make the RIGHT decision the FIRST time. The studies that the two posters above cited were funded by Lap Band manufacturers, and are not reliable. They have a product to sell, and they do it by producing “studies”. This is not to say that the Lap Band is not a good thing, but the fact is that it does not work for everyone, and most people do not lose all of the weight that they originally intended to. The other WLS procedures also have their drawbacks…..none of them are perfect. But….ONE of them could be the right one for you. Before you make a firm decision and commit to any of the procedures, I would encourage you to speak to several Bariatric Doctors and get a well-rounded consensus on the path that would be appropriate for you. This is a decision that could very likely have a profound impact on the rest of your life, so it is important to take the time to perform the proper research. You did not become fat overnight, so you should take your time in deciding on a solution to the problem. It could very likely turn out that the Lap Band is the right one for you, but you will not know until you have done the legwork and the research. Never let a conversation with ONE Doctor be the deciding factor in choosing a Weight Loss Surgery procedure. Good luck in your decision! S.

I felt comfortable going in for my revision - my confidence was based on my belief in the doctor I selected. He was a proven revision surgeon and there were lots of testimonials on this web site that kept me at ease. I did not have as hard a time with the band as you did - that sounds awful! I was worried about surgery because it was surgery and I knew what I was in for with regard to recovery. I had some mental anguish around needing a second weight loss surgery. It brings back all the questions about "why can't I do this on my own?" Let me tell you, I felt better immediately after waking up from surgery. All my complaints with my band disappeared - immediately. However, make sure you read through all the revision stories - check out the revision thread - and see all the different experiences. Some people have more complications with the surgery than others. I am still going through my recovery period and I don't regret it for a minute. I was THRILLED to get that band out of my body. Lara

:scared2:Anyone out there had a revision and care to share. I had an unfill due to pouch dilation and/or possible slippage as seen on upper gi....waited 6 weeks and pouch has gone down but my doc says it is still a little large and he is recommending surgery to correct it. He says sometimes revisions can't be done and he has to take out the band and/or convert to gastric sleeve or rny. I don't want either of those and just want my band to be back to normal. I loved it when it was working right. I guess I went too long with too tight a fill but my fills were never done under fluro so no one knew about my pouch dilation which was happening a little at the time I think. I had lost 100 lbs and have now gained 35 or 40 back and want to get this fixed if possible but am worrying about losing by band in surgery if he can't get it revised properly. I have had 2 doctors tell me that sometimes revisions are not possible because of all the restitching over stitching etc. I also was hoping to get a new band during revision as I have heard the newer ones are better. I got mine 4 years ago and it worked beautifully for the first 2.5 years. Please help me by sharing if you know anything!

WHEW that's a hell of a band story, I've been there too. I can honestly tell you that I never doubted the sleeve. I had the band knowing the complications and had hoped to beat the stats. Well, no such luck, it only lasted 8 months before I revised. The one thing I reminded myself is that before the complications really started kicking in is that I did lose weight with the band. Grant it, I gained 3/4 of it back waiting on my revision, but I was successful initially. So, for me, I knew the sleeve would be the solution, and I would make damn sure that I worked it until I was at goal and maintaining. I was extremely optimistic about my revision, and my life moving forward. I was prepared mentally for the increased risk of complications. Believed that I would WIN and WIN BIG. Best wishes on your revision, and believe me, the sleeve is absolutely fabulous ! ! !

Ok, so I have been reading lots of posts over the last several weeks on here. I’ve even made a few posts, but for the first time I would like to talk about my WLS journey. I started on my journey in April 2009 at 241 lbs. I was banded with the Realize Band in November 2009. I lost nearly 50 lbs in the first six months. From the time I was banded, as I know many of you are aware, my quality of life has decreased significantly. I will not discredit the fact that I lost nearly 50 lbs with it before gaining back 10 lbs. I would have just preferred to not have been a forced bulimic in the process. Through this whole process, I have experienced the typical complications for a band: sliming, PBing, vomiting, severe pain from food sticking, port site pain, port flipping, port detachment, severe reflux, chronic gastritis, H-Pylori bacterial infection, esophageal stricture, and now just constant pain. So much for something that was supposedly going to have few side effects…I’m thinking that is just hogwash!! As if having all of those complications weren’t bad enough, I lost my surgeon in February 2011. He and his family moved back to Kansas City, MO. He did send me to another surgeon who has excellent references and experience. So the new surgeon and I have spoken and we are going to remove my band and revise to the sleeve. I am just curious how you all felt going into your surgery? I know that a lot of my hesitation is coming from the fear of one failed surgery. I just want to make sure I am making the right decision and that it is going to work for me. Did anyone else have that fear that a second surgery could possibly fail? If so, how did you overcome it? Thank you all in advance for reading and support! Nichole

I received gastric sleeve in 2019 and was doing really well until covid hit. I lost my job and staying home when it first hit really made me depressed. Now I cant lose any weight i just keep gaining and gaining. Im trying to get some advice on if i should get revision surgery or bypass.

First of all, I just want to say I'm sorry you're struggling and I hope you know you're not alone. The last 2 years have been brutal for a lot of us and there is no shame in any if it. That being said, before you move on to revision/bypass, have you reached out to your surgery center and/or dietitian? They should be able to offer some guidance on how to get back on track. Most suggest going back to the basics: weigh and track everything, prioritize protein, get your fluids in, move your body everyday, etc. If they aren't helpful or available to you, maybe ask your PCP for a referral to an RD? Sometimes we just need someone to point us in the right direction. Also, have you gotten support for your mental health & wellbeing? Making sure you've dealt with the junk internally is SO important. If not, that might be a really good place to start. A few sessions of therapy can go a LONG way. Maybe do some reading on emotional eating or whatever patterns you find yourself falling into. Knowledge is power! Revision is always an option, and there is absolutely no shame in pursuing it. But it's not the only option. You already have the tools, maybe you could benefit from some guidance in how to start using them again? Whatever you decide, we wish you the best! Sent from my SM-A205U using BariatricPal mobile app

are you having a revision, as well? Sent from my LM-V405 using BariatricPal mobile app

Just got a call from my surgeon's office. My insurance apparently requires an EGD. The lady called me on my cell, which gets horrible reception, so I didn't hear everything and didn't have much opportunity to ask. I'm going to call her back as soon as I have a chance. I don't know if the EGS is required for the band removal part, or the revision part. Or if it's required b/c my chief symptom from my slip was reflux. Or if it's standard to check for hiatal hernias when doing a sleeve-type procedure. Or... who knows. Just curious if it was "standard" for band -> sleeve revisions. Hope to have more info soon.

I'm 5 weeks post op from my revision to bypass. I basically feel queasy after every meal. I guess my question is, will this ever stop or is this just the new reality of life? thanks