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I had a flipped port from very early out of my band surgery. It eventually became inaccessible, and encased in scar tissue. It actually migrated a little in my abdomen before the scar tissue grabbed it. I had pain from 6-8 daily, couldn't bend over my washer, could barely bend at the waist. It was causing the tubing to tug on my actual band that was wrapped around my stomach. Hence all the complications I had with the band and my revision. It could be a number of things, but in my experience when I would have major discomfort or pain, it was from the scar tissue being pulled, or stretched. Best wishes on your revision. I love the sleeve, and am so glad to be rid of the band.

When they wheeled me up to my room my roomie had about 8 people in there, one guy was laying on my "bed" with his shoes on.. My husband immediately said to the nurse this is NOT ok, there are to many people in there and they were all really loud. He asked if I could have a private room and they obliged.. I was revision from band to rny but only stayed one night. Left next morning .. It was the easiest surgery I ever had. So glad my hubby put his foot down lol I was up walking within an hour after surgery and walked every second I could.

Yes, I was sleeved Aug 2014. Bypass is the type of revision surgery I am having. Thank you all for encouragement! Sent from my SM-G996U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

In December I had to have a revision surgery. Everything went well. (Thank goodness). After I was healed it was time to start filling up again since I was told my band was emptied for surgery. I went in last month for my first fill, doc first checked to see if there was any fluid still in my band because he stated that you can't always get ALL of the fluid out. There was 1 cc still in it, and he proceeded to put in 3 more cc's to equal a total of 4. I had another appointment today and needed a bit more since I felt I was not feeling a difference. He did the same thing and took out what fluid was in the band already to check.....only there is just 3 cc's in the band! I hope my memory is just being faulty here and not my band. I do have another appointment in a month where we will check it again. Now I'm putting it on here.... 4cc's were put in today! lol. Cross your fingers,pray,send good vibes that its NOT the band. Oh and yes I do believe that the doc should have put it in his notes....but alas...that part was missing. Hmmmm

Hi Lee, I'm 49 and almost 4 years out. I love being this age an no more periods to worry about. Just a few options to think about or try. Menopause and women having their period struggle. Hormones, water weight and cravings. Uggg the joy's of being female. I took the same route as @jess9395 I workout. Let the hot flashes work for you by walking or elliptical. Menopause will give you double the sweat. Getting in physical activity pays off mentally and physically as you go through the change. It is a bit harder to lose weight/maintain with the sleeve years out. Just know it can be done. The vet's have been talking about the sleeve holding more food after a year. I miss the tighter restriction. I can easily get in more calories. Honestly, My weight gains have been from me being complacent, eating more calories, carbs and sugar. I have to monitor/log and get back into the discipline and motivation that I had in the beginning to get the weight back off. Revision is an option. Question to the bypass patients. Years out can you regain by eating carbs, sweets and extra calories? What ever you choose,I hope you find what will work long term

No personal experience but my surgeon performs duo switch to revise sleeve after weight gain or if loss is not enough.

Kat - I don't know anything about the revision, because I am just getting my sleeve on March 8th and haven't had a band, but having done low carb many times, it is not unusual to have a stall within the first few weeks. If you've done low carb before it seems to be worse the second time. I have had that happen my self and have seen posters on low carb forums post on the same thing.

FOREWORD...I am not a revision patient. The sleeve is my first and (hopefully) only weight loss surgical procedure. Three years ago I qualified for the sleeve through my insurance company with a BMI of 37 and one single comorbid condition (elevated cholesterol, a.k.a. dyslipidemia). Like you, I was in my mid-30s and sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I'd telephone a local bariatric surgery practice in your area and schedule a consultation if I were you. The patient advocate or office coordinator at the bariatric surgery practice will call your insurance company to verify if the procedure will be covered in addition to any additional hoops required by the insurance policy such as supervised diet visits, psych eval, nutritionist appointments, sleep study, cardiac clearance, etc.

Hi there! I too have been through this. I had mine taken out and will be getting the VSG! Yes they should cover the revision. I would think. There are different ways they could look at this but yes I believe they will:)

I was going back and forth about band, vsg and rny. After talking with my Dr vsg was the best option for me. He too said soon the band will not be done any more. Too many complications. Most either revise to rny or sleeve a few years later. Or just have it removed bc of problems.

A lot of us thought about the band first... But I don't think I've read one person have the sleeve and say afterwards "darn I wish I got the band" there is a sub forum here called band to sleeve revisions you might find some interesting stuff there. The sleeve is a major surgery and not easy at times but most of us are happy with it. Good luck on your research.

This is my first post on the forum, so here goes. I got a band March 2006 and was self-pay. I'm scheduled to have a revision to VSG on October 30th with my original lapband surgeon. I went to him for a checkup because of abdominal pain. After an abdominal ultrasound it was found that I have gallstones. After discussing my band "issues", he suggested we do the sleeve. My insurance will pay for gallbladder removal, so we're going to do it all in the same procedure. I will pay $5000 for the band removal and VSG. This is much less than most revision surgeries since the insurance is already paying for the hospital, anesthesia, etc. I know this is not the way to go about it for most people, but it is something to consider if you have gallbladder issues and your insurance will cover removing it. Good luck!

Hey All, My insurance Co., Aetna Health Care has approved the cost of removing my band but NOT the sleeve revision. My Dr says he can perform the procedure at the same time. Price will be $8000 for hospital and $1736 for his fee. Total $9736. I asked about a discount as it seems my insurance company is already paying for hospital, surgeon, anthestiga, etc. They are telling me no because it is two different procedures even though performed in in the same operation. Has anybody else run into this?? I expect to cover the cost difference and I am sure there are some but this really sounds like I am being double dipped. If anyone else has had this situation what was your out of pocket expenses?

I've been banded 2 1/2 years. The first year was great. Found that sweet spot on the second fill. When I was 5-10 pounds away from goal, I started having problems. I was unfilled, and the battle began. I haven't been able to get that sweet spot again, and have constant problems with back aches, heart burn, acid reflux, former banders, you have all been there. In the short time I was unfilled completely, I gained back about 20 pounds. I've since lost that, but am sick of all this. I currently most likely have an expanded pouch yet AGAIN. The problem is that I was self pay, and insurance isn't even covering unfills due to dehydration (twice, yet they pay to have me go to urgent care and get 3 bags of fluids in me). What conditions will insurance pay for removal (and then a revision to a sleeve). I'm afraid to just get the band removed, I know I would gain everything back, but not sure if insurance would approve doing the sleeve at the same time since I am so close to my goal. The quality of life at this point is getting very frustrating. I can't eat healthy foods, and I can't even get in to a routine since one day I'm fine, then the next I'm throwing up an antacid tablet.

As I am finishing up with things in preparation of revising from the Lap-Band to gastric bypass I was doing my psych eval. I was asked what would I want to do once I was at a healthy weight. I said the usual things of playing with my children without being overly tired, riding a roller coaster comfortably, ect. I began to really start thinking about what I really wanted to do that I never had the confidence to do due to my weight. So I wanted to ask what is some of your non scale bucket list type of things that you always wanted to do but was too weak, heavy,or embarassed of your size to do? I guess since I asked I will go first. 1) I want to do a couch to 5K run, or a color run with my daughter. 2) I have always admired dancers and have always wanted to take classes like contemporary, hip hop, ballroom dance, I want to be able to take my non dancing abilities and hone them into something amazing for me. That's all I've got for right now but would love to hear some of yours!

So, I am definitely feeling a bit discouraged right now. I've had the gastric band since January 2011. Since the very beginning, I've had the throwing up/regurgitating. It doesn't matter what I eat. If I have any restriction at all, I'm throwing up 2-3 times per day. My current surgeon (not the one who did the surgery) also said according to the X-ray, my band is slightly higher than it should be, but not technically "out of place". They had to loosen my band, and since then (2 months ago), I've gained about 15-20lbs back. My HW 300, SW 290, LW 220, and CW 270. My surgeon said he'd do everything he can to help me. I've done the nutrition class (again) and the psych evaluation. They submitted to insurance yesterday, and she said I should hear back within 2-3 weeks if I'm approved or not. But I've been reading A LOT of stories of people being denied for revision unless there is a serious complication with the band. I have BCBSNC. The insurance company that originally paid for my gastric band surgery was Tricare Prime, by Dr. William Richards in Mobile, Alabama.

I had my revision from band to sleeve on June 3rd, 2009. I haven't seen a lot of patients on here that are more than 2 years. There are several long term sleevesters on OH.

55 male in southern Wisconsin. Was banded 2010 and it failed, had band removed and revision to rny on 10/26/15. I'm struggling with failure fears. I lost 40 pounds quickly after surgery, by 11/19/15, then stalled. Been stalled since then and trying to not lose hope as the lap band failed. Could use some guidance from someone non judgemental who will be truthful through this journey. Thank you!

Welcome Lapband. I had a revision from band to RNY as well. Welcome to the boards!

Hi everyone I am new to this site and having revision surgery next week from band to bypass and would love some suggestions of food to buy before I go into to the hospital and some comments about what to expect. I am excited but very nervous at the same time. Looking forward to reading your comments.

Was finally approved for a revision from band to bypass!!! I'm excited. EXCEPT...I'm getting married in December and I already have my dress (which is in the middle of being altered), I won't be able to eat (I probably won't want to anyway from the stress) and I'm afraid that I might be sick if I get it beforehand. The earliest is at the end of September, wedding date is December 5. Also, if I weight too long then I might lose my approval. My questions is, how long did it take after surgery for you to feel "normal" and not sick? Thoughts? (is this the right forum to post on?) Thank you!!

and more............ http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/ THIS MEDICAL COVERAGE GUIDELINE IS NOT AN AUTHORIZATION, CERTIFICATION, EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS, OR A GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT, NOR DOES IT SUBSTITUTE FOR OR CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL MEDICAL DECISIONS ARE SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN. BENEFITS ARE DETERMINED BY THE GROUP CONTRACT, MEMBER BENEFIT BOOKLET, AND/OR INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIBER CERTIFICATE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME SERVICES WERE RENDERED. THIS MEDICAL COVERAGE GUIDELINE APPLIES TO ALL LINES OF BUSINESS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED IN THE PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS SECTION. Non-Covered Billing/Coding Reimbursement Program Exceptions Definitions Related Guidelines Other References Updates DESCRIPTION: In cases where a severe, potentially life threatening condition develops which is documented in the medical record, gastric bypass revision is considered medically necessary and may be eligible for coverage. WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED: The following lists examples of conditions AND/OR diagnoses for which gastric bypass revisions may be covered: <LI class=bulletedList-1>Weight loss of 20% or more below the ideal body weight (based on the 1996 Metropolitan Life Height & Weight tables Men and Women) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Esophagitis (e.g., esophageal reflux) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Hemorrhage or hematoma complicating a procedure <LI class=bulletedList-1>Vomiting (bilious) following gastrointestinal surgery <LI class=bulletedList-1>Gastrointestinal complications, (i.e., complications of intestinal (internal) anastomosis and bypass) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Stomal dilatation, documented by endoscopy (not UGI) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Pouch dilation documented by upper gastrointestinal examination or endoscopy, producing weight gain of 20% or more <LI class=bulletedList-1>Stomal stenosis after vertical banding, documented by endoscopy, producing vomiting or weight loss of 20% or more <LI class=bulletedList-1>Other and unspecified post surgical nonabsorption (i.e., hypoglycemia and malnutrition following gastrointestinal surgery) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Other post-operative functional disorders (i.e., diarrhea following gastrointestinal surgery), <LI class=bulletedList-1>Severe dumping syndrome <LI class=bulletedList-1>Post-gastric surgery syndromes (i.e., post-gastrectomy syndrome, post-vagotomy syndrome) <LI class=bulletedList-1>Disruption of operation wound <LI class=bulletedList-1>Staple line failure, documented by upper gastrointestinal examination Disrupted staple line provided there has been prior weight loss. WHEN SERVICES ARE NOT COVERED: Gastric bypass revision services are not covered when coverage criteria are not met as described in the WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED section or when the member's contract does not provide benefits for these services. BILLING/CODING INFORMATION: CPT Coding: 43848 Revision , open, of gastric restrictive procedure for morbid obesity, other than adjustable gastric band (separate procedure) 43850 Revision of gastroduodenal anastomosis (gastroduodenostomy) with reconstruction; without vagotomy 43855 Revision of gastroduodenal anastomosis (gastroduodenostomy) with reconstruction; with vagotomy 43860 Revision of gastrojejunal anastomosis (gastrojejunostomy) with reconstruction, with or without partial gastrectomy or intestine resection; without vagotomy 43865 Revision of gastrojejunal anastomosis (gastrojejunostomy) with reconstruction, with or without partial gastrectomy or intestine resection; with vagotomy 43886 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; revision of subcutaneous port component only 43887 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal of subcutaneous port component only 43888 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal and replacement of subcutaneous port component only ICD-9 Diagnoses Codes That Support Medical Necessity: 530.1 Esophagitis (esophageal reflux) 536.1 Acute dilatation of stomach (documented by endoscopy, not UGI) 536.1 Pouch dilation (documented by UGI or endoscopy; producing weight gain of 20% or more) 537.6 Stenosis of stomach (after vertical banding documented by endoscopy; producing vomiting or weight loss of 20% or more) 564.2 Postgastric surgery syndrome (i.e., post-gastrectomy syndrome, post-vagotomy syndrome, severe dumping syndrome) 564.3 Vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery 564.4 Other post-operative functional disorders (i.e., diarrhea following gastrointestinal surgery) 579.3 Other and unspecified postsurgical nonabsorption (i.e., hypoglycemia, malnutrition following gastrointestinal surgery) 783.2 Abnormal loss of weight (20% or more below the ideal body weight according to the 1996 Metropolitan Life Height & Weight tables for men and women) 997.4 Digestive system complications (i.e., complications of intestinal (internal) anastomosis and bypass) 998.11-998.13 Hemorrhage or hematoma complicating a procedure 998.3 Disruption of operation wound (i.e., dehiscence; rupture; staple line failure documented by upper gastrointestinal examination; disrupted staple line, provided there has been prior weight loss) REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION: Refer to section entitled WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED. PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS: Federal Employee Program (FEP): Follow FEP guidelines. State Account Organization (SAO): Follow SAO guidelines. DEFINITIONS: No guideline specific definitions apply. RELATED GUIDELINES: Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity (Bariatric Surgery; Gastric Bypass Surgery), 02-40000-10 OTHER: To view the Metropolitan Life Height & Weight tables Men and Women, see Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity (Gastric Bypass), 02-4000-10. REFERENCES: <LI value=1>American Medical Association CPT (current edition) <LI value=2>Florida Medicare Part B Local Medical Review Policy # 11920: Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery (01/01/02, retired 02/01/04) <LI value=3>Florida Medicare Part B Local Medical Review Policy # 40000: Digestive System (01/01/02) <LI value=4>Medical Practice and Coverage Committee (BCBSF) St. Anthony’s ICD-9-CM Code Book (current edition) COMMITTEE APPROVAL: This Medical Coverage Guideline (MCG) was approved by the BCBSF Medical Policy & Coverage Committee on 09/23/04. GUIDELINE UPDATE INFORMATION: 10/15/99 New Medical Coverage Guideline. 01/01/02 Coding changes. 12/15/02 Reviewed; typographical corrections. 10/15/04 Scheduled review; no change in coverage statement; added 43848. 01/01/06 Annual HCPCS coding update (revise 43848; add 43886, 43887, and 43888. Private Property of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. This medical coverage guideline is Copyright 2006, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF). All Rights Reserved. You may not copy or use this document or disclose its contents without the express written permission of BCBSF. The medical codes referenced in this document may be proprietary and owned by others. BCBSF makes no claim of ownership of such codes. Our use of such codes in this document is for explanation and guidance and should not be construed as a license for their use by you. Before utilizing the codes, please be sure that to the extent required, you have secured any appropriate licenses for such use. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is copyright 2006 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. No fee schedules, basic units, relative values, or related listings are included in CPT. The AMA assumes no liability for the data contained herein. Applicable FARS/DFARS restrictions apply to government use. CPT® is a trademark of the American Medical Association. Internet Privacy Statement | Terms of Use © 2006 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM

I've had a crazy year. August 1, 2012 I was getting my band removed with revision to RNY but woke up with no RNY. Then had 6 months to wait til my RNY. As of today I'm 7 months post-op, 57 pounds down, 44 pounds to a healthy weight. It's been one heck of a journey dealing with the highs and lows of not getting the surgery and being frustrated waiting...so, I just wanted to say thank you to all those who have replied when I've asked questions or responded when I whine. My friends, family, and coworkers are awesome....but they just don't understand! You guys are my weight loss family,my friends, my cheerleaders. Thank you all so much for the support you've given me the last 13 months. We really are all rock stars for doing what we're doing! HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 199

Hi SC, I am so sorry you are having this horrible time. I never had the band, just the VSG, but this site has lots of people on it who have revised and are very happy with the new weight loss tool. I hope you decide to go down this route and your insurance company pays for it. Tiffykins is probably the best person here to talk to in your position. Let us all know how you are getting on please. Jane x

Today, I had my first appointment with the bariatric surgeon, Dr. Burpee, in Tucson. It did not go well. After looking through my paperwork, he said he doesn’t like to do revisions, and that he probably wouldn’t do it. (sigh) I was trying so hard not to get my hopes up beforehand, but I couldn’t help myself. He noticed my bipolar medication listed on the list, and just said “Lamictal?” Then he noticed I have some minor heart issues. My cardiologist has been wanting me to have the surgery for years, and I told him that. He said he would get the endoscopy notes from my gastroenterologist, look them over, and let me know. He said I could check with two doctors in Phoenix (175 miles away) and see if they might do it. I feel frustrated that he said he does revisions at the seminar, and the website says they do revisions, because he made it sound like he never does. I am hesitant to try this all over again in Phoenix. They do offer a webinar with a test at the end, so I don’t have to drive all the way there for yet another seminar. I plan to start the process with Dr. Juarez, and Dr. Fang in Phoenix while I wait to hear back from Dr. Burpee. I will take the webinar and test tonight, but I hate to get my hopes up again.