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Thanks all! I do have gastric bypass. I'm a revision. I just don't know how to change that on here. Lol

Has anyone ever had their port moved? If so how did it go? Mine is on my left side mid ab area. I had plastic surgery in April and the doctor didn't do enough lippo in that area so I need to have a revision sometime in the Fall. My surgeon said he can move it to my bikini line for $1500. I am considering this. Where was yours moved to? Do you know what my options are?

It's scary to think of starting over. The good news is you weigh 163 this time...your revision will keep you there or lower. VSG is a longer, more difficult recovery than band, especially revision VSG, due to scar tissue, adhesions etc. Many of the people I've talked to had their band adhere to the liver, pancreas, spleen etc, which makes removal more difficult. They all report feeling much better getting it out whether they revised or not. Good luck to you!

I strongly recommend you obtain at lease a second opinion on your revision procedure. I have read about others on this site with regard to revision surgery and I don't recall anyone saying they would be required to pre approve an OPEN procedure instead of laprascopic for the revision. Your recovery time will be a lot longer after going through the OPEN procedure. Good luck!

Even though my lapband 7 years I was told that my Sleeve Surgery would be Revision Surgery......the stomach needs be cut free from any adhesion due lapband, etc. Question............How often do these Revision Surgeries have to be done 'Open'.........not Laprascopically? Anybody here that went in for Laparoscopic Revision Sleeve Surgery and ended up with 'Open' Surgery?

I would start the 6 months now!! Just get it on record to get the date moving. The upside of having a new insurance is that a lot of them will only cover 1 Bariatric surgery in a lifetime. I just recently had the band to sleeve revision and have a different insurance now than when I had the band - I still had to go through their 3 month requirement - psyc & nutritionist all over again. Good luck to you

Hi All, My name is Rick and I am 46yrs old. Here is my nightmare situation. Suggestions or help welcomed! After hearing the 1 800 Get-Slim commercials, I signed up in late 2010 and eventually had my surgery in April of 2011 with "Dr. T" in Beverly Hills. For the first 2yrs I was the model patient....Dr. T even asked me to take part in their advertisements (I declined). I started at almost 300lbs and made it down to 218lbs with my highest fill being 10cc (14cc band). Like many, I slowly put on 15lbs and then stayed pretty flat. I was totally happy, active, and doing pretty well with the lifestyle. The only odd bit was that fills were getting harder and harder to do as they suddenly could not find the fact of my port (where the needle penetrates). I eventually had to do them under x-ray while drinking barium....yum. Fast forward... In February 2014 I woke up one night and was physically sick....blood coming out both ends and I was not able to function...my wife rushed me to ER when I started fainting. It turns out that I had 5 ulcers, including one 2cm bleeder on the base of my stomach. The doc who did my endoscopy said my band looked fine and was not the culprit, but I should have it emptied so I can recover 100% (eat foods that will give my tummy a break....however may be tough with the band). He was also nervous about erosion. Anyway, that was a 6 day hospital stay! As directed I retuned to my doctors. Dr. T had actually left the practice so was now being seen by Dr. Sedrak. Doctor Sedrak agreed to drain it to 2cm and we would re-visit fills in a month or two. After two broken needles and a few others bent, plus another go with the x-ray, he finally found his way in and drained it accordingly. I was bruised and felt like a pin cushion, but on my way to recovery. Fast forward... I eventually returned (a few months later) for a fill as the weight was coming back on! This time it was yet another doc as Sedrak was off busy that day. After reading up on my history, we went straight to the x-ray....no need to break more needles. Even with the x-ray, the new doc could not get into my port and even called Dr. Sedrak on the phone and explained the my port appeared to be unattached from my rib muscle! We watched it dance around on the screen every time the needle pushed against it! Both agreed that given my medical history and the fact the port was unserviceable, I would be a great candidate for the sleeve. Fast forward...... It get's better.....as of today, the same above mentioned office (in Pomona CA) no longer has a surgeon on staff and has been in trouble countless times! Dr. Sedrak has left the company and I cannot find him. My insurance carrier changed so I'm having to jump through the same loops again, just like I'd never had surgery. In my opinion, I should be considered a "warranty repair" and not a new client! They already charged my insurance over 120k!!! To compound issues, I moved from CA to Austin TX and I have not had any luck finding a doc to look at me "because they did not perform the surgery". Really? This is silly. I am super depressed here. I've gain all of my weight...even with a decent exercise regime etc. My metabolism doesn't know which was is up! I'm stuck with a useless band and not getting anywhere. The Pomona office offered a port revision, but it appears that nobody else will service the fills (here in TX) since they did not do the work. Just a sad deal all around! Thoughts or suggestions?!?! Sincerely, big and pissed (Rick)

Hhhmm, I don't know if I agree. I didn't have reflux prior to my band and the GERD I began having was caused by the band. I had a revision to a sleeve last May. He fixed a hernia while doing the revision and I've not had ANY reflux issues since my band removal. I think it would have to be based on previous GERD problems prior to the band in the first place. What does their Dr. say?

Question for anyone with sleeve to mgb revision: Did you taste buds change again after revision? Did you go through food phases at same rate? Liquid to soft to solids, etc? Like after sleeve it took 6 months before I could eat lettuce again. Should I expect same? Thanks

If your surgeon said something about removing the band, then it can be done. Bands are removed. When did you have the band/plication surgery? It's difficult to know what you mean by "it is tight around the band" and whether that or the port or both are problematic. If by "tight" you mean you're having difficulty eating, you just may need a bit of saline removed. It would be irresponsible to do more than speculate based on the info you've given, which will get you nowhere, and I'm no surgeon. Your questions should be discussed with the surgeon. Prepare a list of everything you want to know before to take to you appointment. If you see a psychologist and these events related to surgery are having a negative effect on your mood, please discuss it all in your sessions. Keep in mind that, if your band does have to go, it doesn't mean that your wish to lose weight is doomed. Many people whose bands are removed for cause revise to another procedure. If you had a medical plan that covered your band/plication, there are considerations as to whether it will cover a new procedure (your current BMI is a major factor; the insurance coordinator at your practice can go over this with you). It will cover band removal, though. Please post more about what you find out and the outcome.

Yes, I had the sleeve in December 2012 and revised to the bypass on August 1st. I had severe complications with the sleeve and my esophagus was so damaged that I was heading towards esophageal cancer at 21 so something had to be done. I hadn't eaten any solid food since 2012 and was in so much pain constantly, I feel AMAZING now. It was SO SO SO worth it, I wish I would have done the bypass first and I definitely wish I would have revised sooner. I have zero pain with swallowing and no GERD at all, it's all kind of surreal since I was in pain for so long. I'm now on the pureed stage and am eating crackers and black bean Soup and just all sorts of stuff that I haven't been able to tolerate in years. Plus, I'm losing the weight like I originally wanted! I'm not sure what your reasoning for wanting to revise is but there are a few of us who have already revised and the general consensus is why didn't we do it sooner because we feel so great! I wish you tons of luck

Hi, I've been banded 7 mos (Dec 19, 2010). I have only lost about 10 lbs. Yesterday I got a fill ( 9.cc in my 14. band). It has been a very slow journey & discouraging. The first month after surgery- no fill of course. Then each month-visit after that very small fills with hardley any restriction. Last month (July 2010) was the 1st time I felt any noticable restriction. I'm Diabetic, on a high dose of insulin. My bariatric doctor says that this could be causing me to not lose weight?? My fill was yesterday and I'm at 9.1 cc in my 14. band. So, we'll see. I am finally back at the gym after a 3 month break. Yesterday at the visit, we discussed possible gastric sleeve.....& revising my band. I hate to have another surgery so soon. I wish I would have had the gastrin sleeve in the 1st place. To anyone.....let me know what u think :biggrin0:

I've had the band for about a year and a half, and I right back to where I started weight-wise, BMI-wise, and health problems still afflict me. I, like you, have followed everything I'm supposed to follow, so why should I be back up to my original stats? I'm going to get a revision to sleeve in a couple of months (I'm set for 20 Sept, but there's an opening for 23 August, so I'll move it up earlier). All I can say is, call your doctor right away and get a revision. I'm just mad that I waited so long to get mine.

I hear ya! I have suffered for 3 yrs with a full band and no restriction -- then pain started -- it's a blessing and a curse. I am getting a revision next month

Revisioner here! I'm working ASAP to have this "thing" removed and replacing it with what I should have gotten in the first place (had I known about it at the time). I am going to Dr. C, LapSF. The only thing I regret now is waiting and waiting to get a revision to the point I'm only a few pounds down from surgery day. However, I did lose 50 lbs pre-band and have been able to keep that off. Yay!!! Good luck with your decision. Let us know how you're doing.

I have heard that there is some sort of "revision" but I don't know what that is and would use that as a last resort. As others were saying, are you still following the plan? Are you still exercising and following all the basic rules? Getting enough Water in? Not drinking with your meals, etc.? Are you keeping a food journal? This is key!!!! It's magic! And then, the next thing is to try the 5 day pouch test. This is supposed to help you "reset." Try all these things before you think about surgery again, especially if it is just a possibility that you gained a few pounds.

My surgery is scheduled for 8/30. I've been on vacation for about 11 days and still have 7 to go. I figured a longer vacation with my family would be just what I need before I undergo this big change. I had my lap band removed after 12 years on 4/26 and had to heal for 3 months before having the conversion surgery. During my pre op appointment, my surgeon went over the risks and benefits of the surgery and there was on thing that he said that hit me in the head and now has my questioning if I'm making a mistake. Apparently band to sleeve conversion patients tend to have less overall weight loss, sometimes as low as 40-50% less, than us non-banders. On top of this, there's like a greater than 50% chance of developing medication resistant GERD, even if you've never had it, and that may have cause to have another revision to RNY or DS in the not so distant future. I've asked this question before and didn't get any answers, so I'll try again now because I'm running out of time to change my mind. Can you please share your positive/negative band to sleeve conversion stories with me. Can you include your age, surgery weight, current weight, goal weight and length of time since you've had surgery. I'm very nervous that I may not be making the right decision and just need some positive reinforcement stories, please. Thank you in advance! Amy

Hey! The surgery was actually very easy. He did wind up actually removing my port because there was so much infection surrounding it that it wasn't going to clear up. I'll get a new port placed in about 5 weeks. With a port revision, they usually don't have to use the gas to blow up your abdomen so the recovery was actually pretty painless. The day of surgery and the day after I was sore and tired, but after that I was pretty much back to normal. Hope that helps calm any nerves you may have! You'll be glad to get it over with because then you'll be able to get fills and really get your weight loss going! Wish you the best!

I am about 3 1/2 weeks post op from revision surgery. I found it a very easy post op. I was up and about, and to the store within 6 hours. I had surgery on Friday, and was to church and singing in the choir on Sunday. The highest scar was an itchy sight. It is the one right at my bra area, and I guess that maybe my underwire irritated it some. i am happy with my revision. My surgeon found that my slip wasn't as bad as he expected and did not have to remove the band. My only problem is that I have little restriction at this time. I am going in on Wed for a fill. Good luck on your surgery! Karen

I was challenged by my surgeon to go 1 month finding secret calories in my diet. I am revising from lap band, ( sorry to see it go) to gastric bypass or sleeve. He said that ppl that revise sometimes don't have success especially after having a lapband. so I am on the hunt. This will help those that have been having trouble with their wt. loss as well. I got out the measuring spoons and my scale. I have been finding secret calories hidden in most of what I eat. I eat healthy and prepare most of my food but weighing and measuring has kept me honest. I have been surprise about tomatoes being 50 calories, I won't go into avocados, perfectly healthy but between whole wheat bread and lite mayo, my oh my. my half and half in the morning. I still use it but measure serving size. salad drsg. I thought I was dieting. Hell no. I have already lost 9 pounds in a week and half. it takes a little more time but I challenge you to a find your secret calories.

Congratulations on your loss! I currently have the band and I am hoping to get a revision to the sleeve. I see you had the band as well. In your experiences and being 6 months out, how do you compare the two? With the band I NEVER felt full...always hungry. And often I had that "stuck" feeling. Is it similar with the sleeve? I just want to feel full quicker! I'd love your thoughts. Thanks!

Hi all, I have a Lap Band and am going to have a revision to the Sleeve done in 5 days with Dr. Kelly. A lot of different emotions going on, excited, anxious, nervous, etc.. I would love to hear from anyone that's done the revision.

Has your Dr ordered ANY tests? (Swallow test, EGD...) It sounds like your band MAY have slipped. It may not have though. I have been having the same issues for FAR too long myself. I am in the process of getting the danged thing taken out and getting a revision to a sleeve. (Still waiting for one more Dr's office to fax over needed info so the surgeon can submit for authorization.) I can tell you, with my issues, I have had all of these tests done, and my band is in PERFECT placement. And it depends on the day as to whether or not I can keep anything other than liquids down. (Thankfully, today was one of those days.) Oddly enough, I also NEVER have problems keeping a small salad down either. Anything else is fair game to get popped right back up. Be proactive...I can tell you that all the throwing up I have been experiencing has damaged my teeth already. The stomach acid has really done a number with eroding them, so now I am looking at spending a pretty penny at the dentist when all of this is said and done. Hoping and praying insurance will cover this, which I am sure they will because they have no "one and done" clause like so many other plans do. WHEW! I am SICK AND TIRED of living like a bulimic! (I've even been recently talked to by my school's Director of Nursing because so many people have seen me throw up within 15 minutes of eating lunch at school. GAH! THERE'S a situation to explain!)

I had several complications with my band (slip, leak, broken tubing, and towards the end I could barely swallow). If there is pain involved, please have it checked out as soon as possible. It sounds like you may have an infection or slip. I had extreme pain when my band broke apart. It caused an infection at the port site which was treatable with antibiotics. If you do end up having some sort of slip or complication, you really should consider revision. It is so great to not have to worry about fills, sliming, getting stuck, and pain anymore. The stats are not good for patients that have a band complication fixed (slip, etc). When I was having my endoscope at the hospital, there was a lady who was going in to have a slip fixed. She had done very well with her band, but had sudden pain that required immediate surgery. Well, her doctor couldn't fix the slip and she woke up with no band. She was in tears in recovery and I felt so bad for her. Good luck with your appointment. We are always here if you have more questions!

@ I'm sure your journey is well-documented on BP but why did you end up with the revision? For reflux issues or was the VSG proving to be ineffective at weight loss over time??