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Ugh, I'm going to have to jump through hoops to get this revision done! Surgeon says I'm going to need to get a letter of medical necessity from a PCP, problem is that I haven't had a PCP in years. Can anyone recommend a good one that is easy to work with? Prefer Dade/Broward area, but will drive if necessary.

Awesome I'm having a revision also can't wait to get the band out

im having a revision from rny bypass to sips on monday 3/16/2015 my dr just started doing this type of wls last october. im only 8 months post op from rny. i have had some issues with hernias and ulcers. sips seems to be the solution. how have you been since surgery? was the healing process terrible? i am a mom of 3 little ones. i hope not to be out of commission too long.

Hi all, i finally saw this thread and thought i should check on in . Had my revision from band to sleeve 13th Oct 2014. I joined this site a lil later but i lurked for a bit and then just joined in the conversations . My stats so far: SW 383 lbs CW 279 lbs GW 165 lbs Its been a lil slow losing for me as i have only just started to add in exercise. I have lymphoedema on both lower limbs along with osteoarthritis on both knees. Since surgery my lymphoedema is diminishing, and oa gives me grief on the odd occasion. I don't get all my Protein in, i struggle with this and with Water intake every day. Since i was sleeved, i cannot eat meat or dairy, and have developed GERD which I'm on daily meds for. I had an emergency surgery at the end of January 2015 to get my gallbladder removed and was restricted with what i could do physically for 5 weeks. So you can see why my progress has been a little slow. No excuses, just the facts. I got the green light a few weeks back from my gallbladder surgeon and have started going on slow steady walks. Im now walking around 21,000 steps a week compared to 2,500 a week! I am trying to get to 5000 steps a day as my mini goal for exercise, i will get there . Life is good! xox

The revision if for people who have had a large gain back of weight. Thanks for the info, this helps. I went to the doctor today and he graduated me to blended food.

I know this is easier said than done, but try not to panic over bumps in the road. What looks or feels catastrophic today is probably not as bad as it seems. That’s what my mom used to say when I was growing up and despondent about something (which was often, especially during adolescence). I was strangely comforted by her words because I knew (and she frequently reminded me) that Mom had seen some pretty bad stuff in her life. It's easy to "awfulize" things when you have a pain, symptom or experience you didn't expect and can't explain. You're sure that's something's wrong. You haven't lost weight in three days, or you found hair clogging your shower drain, or you puked up your dinner. Don't let fear cloud your thinking. You will wear yourself to a frazzle if every event becomes a crisis. This applies to many aspects of your life. It's extremely difficult to make a good decision when you're in a panic. Your vomiting might be related to WLS, but it could also be the result of a garden-variety intestinal bug. Your teenaged daughter's failure to return your phone call could be because she was in a terrible car accident, or it could be because her cell-phone battery died. So ask yourself: Is this an emergency? Is it life-threatening, disabling, or just inconvenient? What will happen if I don't do something about it right now? Can I deal with this myself, or do I need help? What kind of help (medical, emotional, spiritual, financial)? Who can help me (my surgeon, therapist, best friend, minister)? Be careful how you choose your helper(s). I know you love your sister, who might tell you that everyone in her family has been sick with a bug since you saw them (and their germs) on Sunday, but she probably can’t accurately tell you whether your symptoms are related to your WLS. Is whatever you fear might be wrong really, truly the very worst thing you could hear? I’ve survived some scary and disappointing stuff during my WLS journey. I’ll probably never forget hearing my surgeon say, “Jean, your band has to go,” and “Jean, I removed your band but I wasn’t able to do your sleeve revision today because of a stricture in your esophagus.” I’ve also gotten bad news about friends who are fellow WLS patients. I mean really, really bad news, when death was reaching out its evil hands to take my friend away forever. In my own life, nothing can top losing a parent. “Jean, your mother died today,” is (so far) the worst bad news I’ve ever heard. A cancer diagnosis, the death of my husband, or the loss of my home to a tornado (entirely possible where I live) would also be mighty devastating. But if I dwelled on those possibilities, I’d spend the rest of my life in anxious misery, and I’m pretty sure that’s not what God has in mind for me. I'm not saying that your struggles aren't important. They are. But it will be easier for you to handle them if you do it with a clear mind and a calm heart. So take a deep breath. And when in doubt, call your surgeon.

When things go wrong (especially medical things), the bad stuff can take over everything else. After all, having weight loss surgery isn’t something you do every day, so you have virtually no experience dealing with its challenges. You’re in a strange new world. How can you find your way across a post-op territory filled with medical landmines? I know this is easier said than done, but try not to panic over bumps in the road. What looks or feels catastrophic today is probably not as bad as it seems. That’s what my mom used to say when I was growing up and despondent about something (which was often, especially during adolescence). I was strangely comforted by her words because I knew (and she frequently reminded me) that Mom had seen some pretty bad stuff in her life. It's easy to "awfulize" things when you have a pain, symptom or experience you didn't expect and can't explain. You're sure that's something's wrong. You haven't lost weight in three days, or you found hair clogging your shower drain, or you puked up your dinner. Don't let fear cloud your thinking. You will wear yourself to a frazzle if every event becomes a crisis. This applies to many aspects of your life. It's extremely difficult to make a good decision when you're in a panic. Your vomiting might be related to WLS, but it could also be the result of a garden-variety intestinal bug. Your teenaged daughter's failure to return your phone call could be because she was in a terrible car accident, or it could be because her cell-phone battery died. So ask yourself: Is this an emergency? Is it life-threatening, disabling, or just inconvenient? What will happen if I don't do something about it right now? Can I deal with this myself, or do I need help? What kind of help (medical, emotional, spiritual, financial)? Who can help me (my surgeon, therapist, best friend, minister)? Be careful how you choose your helper(s). I know you love your sister, who might tell you that everyone in her family has been sick with a bug since you saw them (and their germs) on Sunday, but she probably can’t accurately tell you whether your symptoms are related to your WLS. Is whatever you fear might be wrong really, truly the very worst thing you could hear? I’ve survived some scary and disappointing stuff during my WLS journey. I’ll probably never forget hearing my surgeon say, “Jean, your band has to go,” and “Jean, I removed your band but I wasn’t able to do your sleeve revision today because of a stricture in your esophagus.” I’ve also gotten bad news about friends who are fellow WLS patients. I mean really, really bad news, when death was reaching out its evil hands to take my friend away forever. In my own life, nothing can top losing a parent. “Jean, your mother died today,” is (so far) the worst bad news I’ve ever heard. A cancer diagnosis, the death of my husband, or the loss of my home to a tornado (entirely possible where I live) would also be mighty devastating. But if I dwelled on those possibilities, I’d spend the rest of my life in anxious misery, and I’m pretty sure that’s not what God has in mind for me. I'm not saying that your struggles aren't important. They are. But it will be easier for you to handle them if you do it with a clear mind and a calm heart. So take a deep breath. And when in doubt, call your surgeon.

I just wanted you to know that I am in the exact same place as you are -- and I wish it was because I was eating cupcakes and watching Daytime TV! So know that there are those of us who had to get an unfill (esophegal dilation and mobility for me), were very sucessful with their band, and rapidly gained weight while doing two-a-day workouts and eating approprately. Thankfully I have a great NP and NUT who both BELIEVE me, and are working with me. I had an appointment this week and finally ONLY gained a pound -- it was so exciting to not see the scale bound up and up. So know your body will finally realize its not starving, and will level out (hopefully in time for your fill). Sadly for me a revision seems to be in my plan due to the severity of my esophegous issues. Good luck!

@@JacksdadShane, I would suggest meeting with your bariatric team and go over your health issues. The reason I say this is you may get your heart set on one surgery only to find out another will actually solve your issues better. For example, if you suffer from reflux/Gerd, the sleeve can make this problem worse where as RNY can cure it. It is so important to take your personal health issues into consideration with your surgical team before deciding. Also I would not get overly concerned about the rerouting issues that everyone talks about or in the case of sleeve where they remove part of your stomach. They have these surgeries pretty well figured out by now. That is one of thee reasons you see less bands being performed. I have seen quite a few bands have to be revised to bypass or sleeve on this site. Keep doing your research because it is important that you are fully informed and comfortable with your decision. I had planned to do the sleeve and after research on line and meeting with 3 different doctors I was switched to bypass and have not ever regretted it. I wish I would have done it 20 years ago. Good luck on your decision and certainly keep us posted.

@@tattooedmum72, you definately need to talk with your surgeon. Here's the thing, the sleeve can make reflux even worse. Most patients that suffer from reflux or Gerd are moved over to RNY for that very reason. RNY gastric bypass can resolve all of those things you listed. I was dead set on going with the sleeve and after I was told by the bariatric team that the best surgery for me was bypass because of this issue I was initially devastated. I met with my gastroenterologist and he confirmed that I would be making a mistake and would possibly be looking at a revision to bypass down the road. I had my RNY completed on sept. 29. I left the hospital with no medication for diabetes. Within 30 days I was removed from nexium, cholesterol drugs and high blood pressure drugs. I have never regretted making the decision to bypass. I only wish I would have done it a lot sooner. There is a reason RNY is the gold standard. Please do all your research so you only have to go through this once. There is a ton of it on this site and of course leverage your bariatric center, if in the end the only option is sleeve because of your scar tissue issue, then make sure your surgeon has a solid plan to address the reflux issue before moving forward. Good luck to you, I hope all goes well. Regardless of what you choose it is absolutely positively worth it!

Hi.. I had my lapband placed in 2010 and it was awesome for the first couple years and then nothing but problems. I had a revision on Feb. 5, 2015 to gastric bypass and I'm loving it. No more throwing up, heartburn, feeling the port inside my belly! I couldn't be happier. Remember there is a higher rate of complications with either surgery since its a revision and probably a nice amount of scar tissue is hiding under there. Anyway so far (5 weeks post op) I'm feeling amazing. I'm losing weight and feeling great! Starting 229 now 204. So excited. Btw I started before my lapband at 305! Can't wait to get to 199.9! Good luck, research. And figure out what would work best for you. It looks like the lap band being restrictive only didn't work.. The sleeve is the same restrictive only. The bypass is restrictive and gives you malabsorption... You will do great no matter what you choose!

I would take a good look at what your eating ect.. I am a slacker In the exercise department (that will change next week finally!) I still lost 60 lbs In 4 months even w/o any exercise. I do track everything that goes in my mouth though and I'm extremely caution of what I eat. Maybe you do need a revision...better discuss that with your DR!

Failed sleeve? Had sleeve in 2013, only lost 40 lbs - cannot work out because of medical reasons. Has anyone converted from sleeve to bypass ( or band) and achieved weight loss? Got to have another surgery and need to get the weight off. Your thoughts.

I saw the new surgeon with my UGI results today. The lapband must be removed due to esophagus and pouch dilation. Yes, pouch dilation is a real complication. I am getting sleeve revision during the same removal surgery in 3 weeks. I have an enormous amount of mixed feelings, but, I know one thing and that is, I will be forever grateful to the band because it saved my life and I made a promise if I were to lose the band, I would never bash the band or become a band hater or make anyone feel like the band was a bad decision! Facts are facts, when I signed on the dotted line, I knew that this type of surgery, like all others, had potential complications and it was my decision to take a gamble on the band. Period! I become angered with the opinions of others that don't understand what a banded person goes through. As it has been said again and again that support sites, we mainly hear about the negative or about issues and we don't hear much about the very successful banded people that have been banded many, many years and don't post on these site often. I definitely have no regrets!I I will miss the band! The only thing that I will say is that I thank God that I have insurance that covered most of my fills, checkups and now revision. I can't even imagine if I were out of coverage. If complications are becoming more pronounce with the band, Ehthicon should provide help for people that no longer have insurance coverage or help push for affordable bariatric insurance coverage. Just my opinion. Did I fail the band? I'll take some responsibility, but not all. I think of myself as a compliant band patient, but who knows anymore. I have talked about my severe allergies and massive drainage in multiple posts. I will reiterate - if you have severe allergies - the band is NOT for you. I will admit that at one short period of time, I became non-compliant with the rules especially with not eating slow and chewing well and stretched my pouch the first time. I had a deflate for 6 weeks and pouch shrunk back to normal. Once you've stretched the pouch once, it will probably happen again. I started measuring my meals to prevent pouch stretching, but, allergies continued which probably contributed to pouch and esophagus dilation. On top of this, the revision doctor tells me that I was fitted with a standard size Allergan band and I probably should have been fitted with a large, which makes the most sense. May be why I could only hold 2.2cc's at most without being too tight. With all the fills, unfills due to allergies, which were always done under fluoroscopy, my band doctor checked my band frequently and is why we found my issue early enough. If you don't get anything out of my post, Please, Please have the band checked at least once a year. I want to thank many of you for your help and suggestions that you offered in my many times of distress. Be well, Be safe and most of all Be respectful to one another and beware of opinions of others. Remember a very successful banded person is not a doctor! Always, check with your doctor when you are not sure. The "know it alls" mean well, but they are way off at times. I will probably not be coming back here as often because I joined a band to sleeve revision support group and am enjoying the respect and compassion they seem to all have in common. Good luck in your journeys and may God bless each one of you! Jake

@@KS123 - I was 46 when I got my lap-band and 58 when I revised to the sleeve. You are, definitely, not alone. In fact, you're practically a youngster! I'm now 59!

Hi everyone, I'm new to bariatricPal. I was banded June 2008 by Dr. Joseph Burnett from Albany, Ga. Due to hiatal hernia causing problems with function of band I required a revison. The bariatric clinic where I had my surgery closed so I had to find a new doctor. Dr. Robert Cywes from Jacksonville, FL did my hiatal hernia repair and lapband revision March 2013. Overall, I lost approximately 50 lbs. Enough I was able to come off diabetic and bloodpressure meds. I have gained 9 lbs. over the past year and recently went for a fill. Had to return and have the fill removed. Dr. said I was at a spot where I would probably not tolerate any more fills. I do not fill restriction and can eat anything and usually any amount. Anyone with an obese/food addition problem can relate to the HORROW of that. In addition I got a call from my doctor after my annual physical stating I need an AIC test and to track my bloodpressure daily and send them the record. The 9 lbs seems to have made a BIG difference. Anyway, I've been reading the forum on lapband to sleeve conversion and am very interested in talking to my doctor about this. My husband would like for me to have the band removed but is against any other surgery. Any encouraging information regarding the conversion will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks, I need some support. Not much at home. My boyfriend did not want me to have the revision. He said it will be like all the diets you go on. Then I had the surgery on the 2nd of March and had a few complications, and of course, he said, see I told you so. You shouldn't have had it. I had what is called "endo stitch". They went down my throat to do sutures in my stomach to make it smaller. The surgeon that did it is not the surgeon who did the original bypass in 2000 so had no idea how that surgeon had done the bypass. I guess some bypasses are done by totally separating the old portion and some are just staple lines. Because mine was just a staple line, the intestine got perforated by accident. I was,in the hospital for five days, but am fine now. Just treated it with antibiotics and nothing by mouth for five days. It gave the intestine time to heal on its own without having to do another surgery. What kind of revision are you having?

Hi!! Im in Kansas. My gall bladder comes out March 18th and then he will plan my revision. I would love to be your buddy!!

Hi, I am looking for a body/mentor in the Chicago area. I had a revision to my gastric bypass on 3-2-15. Had a few complications at first, but am good now. Would like to find someone I can talk to! Anyone interested?

@@honeysmash I'm glad you'll get to have a revision. I get my band removed and revised to gastric bypass all in one surgery in January 2016 (soonest insurance will approve it). Keep me posted if you don't mind. Take care!

Thanks so much babykins529 ???? I will be revising to gastric bypass in the next while as well. Gastric bypass is covered in ontario uner ohip ...but I paid for the band which was not covered but believed at that time it was a better choice for me ( big mistake ) ... Pricey lesson learn but I feel very fortunate cause things could have been much worse.

I was able to have my revision done in 1 surgery

Good morning, I just had a RYN revision from a RYN that was done in 2003.....I'm 3 weeks post op and I am just starting on my soft foods but I am still doing my Protein drinks and shakes too. The first 2 weeks I was only doing my Protein Drinks and shakes, broth, and sugar free Jello, crystal light and Water...I'm doing 30ml every 15 to 20 minutes.

I was not aware you could do a revision to the RNY interesting??? Pls tell me more about this. I don't need this I don't think but I am having complications due to gastroparesis...

Good morning everyone, My name is Candice, I am 38 married to a wonderful man of 18 years and mother of 4 wonderful daughters. Okay, here is my weight loss story. I had a gastric bypass back in Sept 2003 and lost a total of 150lbs..But started having a lot of heath issues that weren't related to my surgery and was placed on 15 different medicines and 11 were steroids. So after dealing with my weight and trying to loss the weight without much success, I decided to find a doctor to help me out. After many test and all, my doctor found out that my stomach had went from a size of a pecan to the size of a lemon....So we decided that a revision of my first gastric bypass would be the best. I starting weight was my most high of 340( my weight went up and down over the past year), on surgery date I was sitting at 331. Now I am 3 weeks post op I am weighting in at 306...I am so proud of myself and know that this is my second chance and having a healthy life. I am truly bless to be at this point in my life and knowing that I have a wonderful support group at home makes it worthwhile.