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I wanted the sleeve but i had GERD and my doctor adviced me against it because in the future you might need a revision, so I decided to get the RNY instead.

I have an appointment n 2 weeks to see my options

I'm having a revision from RNY to SIPS or SADI-S I think it's called. I'm having complications with hernias and ulcers with the RNY. Surgery is schedule for Monday 3/16/15. It's quite difficult to find others whom have also had the surgery.

Trying to decide if I pay 19k to have band revision surgery in Toronto or make the trip to Mexico but travelling alone makes me nervous and I don't know if I have anyone I can take with me as my hubby needs to stay home and look after kids. I had had my band surgery I Toronto 8 years ago and that was just as long of a flight. Is anyone from BC travelling to Mexico for sleeve surgery? I'm looking for someone to travel with or to talk to someone who has travelled alone.

I was so glad I had a coordinator, I paid 5,600 for a revision and a coordinator. 7,500 seems really high.

I revised from my Lap Band to the VSG on 9/15/10. I am doing outstanding and I was able to reach my final goal in just over 10 months. There are so many benefits that I've found regarding having my sleeve rather than my band, but I think the greatest one is the freedom to live my life! No fills/unfills, port pain, stuck food, soft food syndrome, slimies, tight/loose effects.. none of that. Sorry to say but I do NOT miss the lap band. All the best to you!

thankyou so much for your answers,, the reason I have to wait to get revised is because that what the doctor wont do removal and sleeve at the same time, apparantly more complications and risks of leaks,, if i could have it all done at once i would and save going under again,, but only have to wait 8weeks in between so not that bad really..very excited and scared at the same time...

I too could have went to a doctor here in my hometown, unfortunately none of the doctor's here were experienced in band to sleeve revisions and this was the procedure I needed to have. I went to Dr. Aceves because of his experience, not because of the cost. I was very happy with the care I received. The whole experience was amazing from beginning to end. I feel great and was very happy with my choice of surgeon.

Well, I lost 145 Lbs or a little more. When my surgeon over filled me, and thought he blew the band.... He wouldn't see me anymore, and swore it was not his problem. He did deflate me though. So by now were talking laid off, no Ins, and no one to dare touch someone else's mistake. So we moved , and I got my Medicare, and I thought now,,, I can go in for Revision Surgery. NO! ONE! would touch me... So I called them up, and they still said it's not our fault. I posted a add on here saying I want this piece of garbage taken out! About 15 minutes later, I get a call.... The Bariatric center that I was trying to deal with says we have a appointment for you, for Fluoroscopy, and maybe a fill, but we have to see what's going on before we do revision surgery. I went, and saw my band which is in excellent shape. They filled me to the fill line, and I have been on a roll again. He never blew the band, he put me in the RED ZONE. So he could have, and should have done something about it. So this poor little thing has been through a lot for almost 5yrs. old, and it works beautifully Problem was only human, BAD AFTER CARE. By the way,,, the surgeon that I now see, was once his student...... He is nothing like him at all. I think he gave him a call to see me, or Coincidence????? What do you think?

Welcome to our family Road Queen - there are several members here who have revised from band to sleeve and all seem totally thrilled to have done so - me I was a "virgin" sleever and I am (now) thrilled with the sleeve. Don't hesitate to ask anything - someone will always have a response for you.

Hi, I got my band in 2006 and switched to sleeve December 16. I had it done all in one surgery. I was in the hospital one night and home late the day after. I chose to have my band removed because of food intolerances. Some days I couldn't even drink. I never had a slip or any erosion. I did have some scar tissue around my port. I had almost no pain after the revision (or the lap band) , but I did have one complication which I consider fairly minor. I ended up with a hematoma (capsule tube of blood about 3 cm long) where my port used to be and we tried to drain and pack it, but it hasn't healed. So I will have a minor surgery on Tuesday to clean and stitch the wound. The worst of this has been some itching from the tape pulling at bandage changes and some extra laundry from the leaking before I figured out what was going on. Overall, I'm still pleased with my choice. By day 3 I was already swallowing more smoothly than I had for at least a year. I still have some anxiety around it though. I've also had some relearning to do. I just moved to soft foods and the sensations of enough food aren't the same And I find time and measuring are time only things that work. The postop diet for me is easier this time around....probably because I already sip instead of chug drinks and actually chew my food now. I know this is a small novel, but feel free to PM me if you want to hear more. I know revision was a frustrating call for me to make. Best wishes as you figure out the right thing for you, Kristin

I was banded in 2003 and lost about 60 pounds. It slipped once; revised in 04. Slipped again and had it removed in 06. Think slips were from over-fills and testing the band limits too often. Quickly gained 20 pounds after removal. After three surgeries, I sure didn't want to have it end with me at original weight! I exercised, ate a healthy diet and lost 30 pounds. In the past two years, I've slowly re-gained 20 pounds. My doctors say it's aging/menopause and I have to cut back MORE and exercise more. It's sooo frustrating. SO: I contacted my surgeon to explore possibility of re-band. I'm scared I will have same experience, but hopeful the product, procedure and information have improved since original banding seven years ago. I'm worried about scar tissue; I also had tummy tuck to remove excess skin and am not sure how that will impact. Anyone know? My insurance won't cover so this is a big decision, assuming surgeon says it's viable. Feedback from re-banded and tummy tucks re-banded greatly appreciated!

See my thread from yesterday. I lay in the preop room and had a serious commitment issue. I wanted to leave. I feared for my life. Out of a dozen surgeries this one had me very scared. But I knew I needed this band out. So I trusted my surgeon. And when I woke I was in a bunch of pain. But I was so proud of myself and happy. Grinning ear to ear knowing that I had made the right choice. As a revision WLS patient it is hard mentally and physically. I was told six years ago the band was the answer. Now what if this one isn't the answer, there is no going back. But I know his is right for me. You should be scared. But it's right.

VSG - 3+ yrs ago so slightly different than what maybe happening this year: I called the local Bariatric Surgery practice to inquire about how to start the process and was told to attend an in person seminar where all of the information would be discussed After the seminar I called to set up an appointment with the surgeon. At the appointment my insurance was processed, weight taken then official first meeting with the surgeon where we discussed my health & medical history as well as my options. I chose to move forward with surgery ASAP. The head nurse/office manager set up my first nutritionist appointment for the same day because the NUT was available right after my consult. I was given info on the diet I needed to begin to follow (I needed to meet just once or twice more with the NUT prior to surgery for more instructions and weigh ins). At checkout from the initial consult, I was handed a huge packet of info on the next steps/appointments. There were some the office set up and some I needed to do on my own. I needed to meet with my primary for insurance authorization & prior weight loss history. Next was the psychologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist , sleep study, and my neurologist (case specific) Final steps were endoscopy and barium swallow test then the final required WLS seminar. Once it was all complete, all materials were submitted and I waited for insurance approval. Once approval arrived I was given options on surgery dates. Prior to surgery I needed to complete pre-op lab/paper work including meeting with the anesthesiologist about 1 week before surgery. No pre-op diet required but I did one for ~ 5 days because I was nervous. Day of surgery (5 am) was just more paperwork then briefly meeting with the team one more time. Administered light sedation then headed into the OR suite, met the surgerical team, placed on surgerical table, wired with monitors/leads, IV placed and then placed under general anesthesia. From initial call to surgery day ~4 months. *Revision to RNY (1+ yr ago): At one of my regular follow up appointments I told my AMAZING Surgical PA that my GERD symptoms had increased significantly. I was scheduled to see the new Surgeon immediately (original one left the practice). At the appointment with my new Surgeon it was suggested to conduct an endoscopy immediately. It was scheduled for the same week. My new Surgeon conducted the endoscopy to have first hand info on my anatomy since they were not the original Surgeon. A few days later we met again to discuss my options (revision or several months of repeated balloon dilatations) I choose revision and was scheduled for 12 days later. Please note that I was "fast tracked" and I didn't need to repeat any of the initial prerequisites because I was at goal weight and demonstrated significant need for the procedure. No insurance issues either for the same reasons. But this time I had to do the 2 week pre-op diet. The day of revision surgery the same as first surgery. Good Luck with your journey ❤️

The smile on my face is because I was able to wear the new size Large tops that I bought at Kohls this week. I had some kohls cash to use and figured that I would buy some warmer tops since its that time of year. Imagine my surprise when I tried one on and it fit!!! Revised from LapBand to sleeve on 10/18. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh finally hearing other people that have had him! I am going April 24 but was starting to freak if been scammed as I hadn't heard from anyone else that had him! I am having revision surgery as had the worst dream about it last night! Eek

Many people revise from vsg to bypass. They still have a stomach. It cures reflux in almost everyone. Ask your surgeon about the mechanical details of how it all works, I am sure he or she can do a better job explaining than I can!

Yes nightmare is right.. I dreamed about being in court fighting all night !! I just want this whole process to be over... I have not asked the office for a quote for the revision.. I am still holding out hope that tricare will see the error in their ways and pay for the revision.... I believe I am one of the first few who have needed the revision since tricare started paying for the lap band in January....I am hoping my hard path will make it easier for those who come after me...I believe this is ALL just red tape..... As you can see... I am TRYING with all my strength to remain hopeful... I just havent had lots of happy times since my surgery and I am not able to use the device.... BUT I am still working out an hour a day 5 days a week and trying to maintain or lose... not gain!

I hope you find a way to get where you need to be. Once I knew my band was on its way out, I REALLY wanted it out. And I'm glad I was revised to DS...but we're all different. So, I hope you get what YOU need.

So is the hunger part of the stomach acid part of things. I heard you have to take a PPL after surgery or that's what me Dr says. I have not had my band revised to the sleeve yet, but hope to by mid Dec.

Hi everyone, I am so glad I found this forum! I am wondering if anyone has found much info/research on success with the sleeve 3+ years out. I know this is not a new surgery (ie step one in a two part and was used for stomach cancer etc in the past) so you would think there would be some data on long term health issues/concerns as well as weight loss maintenance. I was banded 10 years ago, in Europe where I lived at the time. I would have never gotten that band had the long term risk of complications versus "success" percentages been known to me. I had thought risk of slippage, erosion etc was in the 1-2% range but it is really much much higher. I fear that I am sold on the sleeve based on short term success and I really don't know what the 3+ year timeline looks like. So, I did "ok" with my band the first year. I lost about 70 pounds, and because i didn't loose well unless I exercised like mad, I was pretty fit and happy even though I never got below 200#. (I had a home gym that I used nearly daily, rode my bike to work and did daily walks - losing weight was a huge focus, but I have to tell you, I lost better on Weightwatchers later on in life). Well, I regained all that, plus. At one point I was at 332, but lost a bunch on weigh watchers and got down to 245 about 4-5 years ago. Right now I am floating around in the 285-290 range and NOT happy. I don't exercise like I used to, but still remain active with my dogs and horses. I don't need to tell any of you, you all get this, but I am really desparate to get the extra weight off. My knees are shot due to arthritis and I have alot of physical pain that seems to be weight related. So, I started having problems with the band in ... well, who am I kidding, from the very beginning. In 2003 I was regaining AND having the horrible side effects, by that time back in the USA. I had a hard time finding a doctor to take care of me since my surgery had been done out of the country. I had a flouroscopy and had pouch dialiation so had all the Fluid removed. I SHOULD have gone to Mexico and had the band removed right then and there, but I didn't. I had the wrong impression that an empty band just parked there was "harmless" - it is not. I finally got off my butt and started exploring revision and find that years later, surgeons aren't scared of taking on a foreign implanted band like they were back in 2003/2004. Now, I am having a lot more stomach irritation etc and I had a flouro Monday and found out that my band has a big slip. Doctor said there is a change of getting totally closed off and not being able to drink Water, so that thing has got to GO. Friday, I did the upper endoscopy, and although I was loopy when I talked to the doc, I do remember the great news NO EROSION. Thank goodness, I was scared of that. He did biopsy to check for ulcers and that precancerous espohogal condiion (Barretts?). I was out of it from the twilight sleep, so I can't remember if he said he saw anything suspicious, or if this was routine. I guess I will find out next week. I LOVE the doctor I have found. He was the second Bariatric surgeon I met with and I felt like he was the one that gave me the cold hard facts about risks of leaving the band in, risk of revision. The bands they used 10 years ago where "smaller" so even with all the fluid out, slippage and erosion are still very likely - I am a case in point as I do now have the slippage even with no fluid. When I found out how risky revision is to Gastry Bypass (due to stomach damage from the band) I was SHOCKED. He estimated that risks are something like 5-10X as high as people who have never had WLS. I don't remember THAT in the band promotional literature! I had mostly ruled out the bypass anyway, but that finished it for me. In order to reduce the risk of leakage with the sleeve, I plan to have the band removed, time to heal and then be sleeved. He has done alot of revisions, and based on his own practice as well as other information within the bariatric community, the risk of leakage for revisions IS higher due to the scar tissue etc. The healing time will help, but I still have a higher risk. The good news sees to be that once you get past that initial leakage risk, he felt that band revisions fall into "normal" population in terms of results and long term risks. I got a little scared though after reading how horrible the recovery from a leak can be though... I am curious if this info is consistent with what others have been told by their surgeons. The sleeve sounds like what I need so I can get this weight off, but i would sure feel more confident if I could get a better indication of how people are doing a few years out.

Hi carlissa. I am also an RN. Other than a psychologist consult for insurance requirements, I did not have difficulty getting approval for surgery. My surgeon required just one week of liquid diet prior to surgery but no weight loss required. I had a band to sleeve revision on April 4. I'm 5'3 and my pre-surgery weight was 255. As of today I weigh 221. My only struggle is trying to get the required amount of Water intake on the nights that I work. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. I'm excited for you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dear God... revision, HH repair, and lap. chole all at once?!?!?! OUCH! I bet the weight lifting restriction is for the tummy tuck. I hear that you need 2-3 months sometimes before you can lift weights (just form what I hear). The Prevacid has pretty much stopped all the acid reflux (and the surgery stopped all food regurgitation). I should be getting another fill the first week of May... but if the surgeon doesn't like the pain that I still have, I don't know what will happen. I get the pain when I lie down (every time I take a deep breath) and sometimes when I am sitting/standing. It really hurts (say a 7 on a 1-10 scale... but right after surgery it was a 10). We'll see if the surgeon thinks it is normal to have that 2 months out. It will be 6 weeks this Friday! Sorry you have gained weight. Yeah... um... I am exactly the same weight I was when I had the repair (and I could be a couple of pounds heavier but I have been afraid to step on the scale for the last 2 weeks). Sigh... starting over is SOOOOO HARD!:tt2:

WOW! I am so sorry to hear these kinds if stories... I had my surgery 2004 august 15. head hunger was very hard for me... I've lost 150 pounds... I'm still at goal. I lost my weight so quickly that I now have rhuematoid arthritis... I stay active. I refuse the medications because it causes lymphoma... no thanx to that... I take herbs.. I had a weight loss buddy. she didn't fair so well with the surgery. she ate food she should not have and got really sick... she had to get the surgery revised.... I have a lot of family that had the surgery when I did.... they have all gained around 25 pounds back... I gain I lo [ATTACH]40184[/ATTACH] se... it never stays... gaining a little back is pretty normal. I wish all you guys success. I'm glad you are all here to share your experiences with others...♡♥♡♥♡

I got my band on February 7th 2008 and was extremely successful with it. I started at 277 and my lowest weight was 183. Man I looked great!!! Slowly but surely, I began to be able to eat more so I would go in for fills but they didn't really seem to have much effect. Last October my doctor recommended an upper GI to make sure everything looked okay and sure enough they discovered that my band had eroded into my stomach. I then had an upper endoscopy to confirm it and the pictures are lovely. Not! The recommendation was to have it removed and revise to another type of procedure. Fortunately, our company was doing our annual benefits re-enrollment at the time, so I upgraded my insurance and also did a flex spending card for the co-pays. After the beginning of the year we submitted the documentation to the insurance company for the predetermination and after an initial denial they approved the appeal. Also, according to their policy, they will also cover repeat surgery if the removal was due to erosion or slippage so I am also having to make up my mind about which procedure to revise to. I was initially completely sold on the sleeve but there is also a new procedure called banded plication which I am taking a close look at. Anyway, I finally have my date for the removal of my band. It will be gone on March 29th. Then I will have to wait at least six weeks before revising to whatever surgery I decide to revise to. I have gained back a bunch of my weight (currently at 240) so I am eager to get back on plan. My problem is that I eat because I can. Without that tool inside of me, I don't feel like a need to comply with anything so I don't. I have learned to depend on it. Once I have it, I am am exemplary patient! I will check back in after my surgery and let everyone know how it went. I am specifically posting my experience here since my removal is due specifically to erosion and I want others who may eventually have the same situation to have something to refer to. As far as pre-op goes, a week before my surgery I will have my consult with my surgeon and he will give me diet instructions at that time in order to shrink my liver. I will also be doing the surgery at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville and will be staying overnight as he wants to be able to observe me for any leaks due to the perforation and repair of my stomach. The surgery will be on Thursday, I will go home on Friday and I will probably wait until Tuesday to go back to work just because I don't want to push it. I was up and around fairly quickly after getting my band placed so this should be pretty comparable as long as there are no complications. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I will try to answer them to the best of my ability. I want to be able to help others who may be going through the same situation. Karen