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Can't speak to the band to sleeve revision but can say that after one month I was pretty much back to normal as far as pain level and activity. My diet plan allowed solids after 5 weeks...albiet small amounts but I was able to eat most things...I say most because you find that some things you ate pre-surgery no longer agree with you... But speaking solely based on my opinion, I would allow my insurance carrier to remove the band and then move forth with the sleeve at a later date...With the chances being about 50/50 whether they can do the band to sleeve revision in one surgery, you run the risk of two surgeries anyways and the letdown of waking up to find out you are not sleeved. You also your sleeve surgeon time to reviews some medical records and X-rays to get an idea of what is involved so they can give a realistic expectation when you would be ready for surgery and what it would involved (i.e. scar tissue issues) to sleeve ya. But I am just a gov't worker and not a doctor so take what I say with a grain of salt...

So here I am speaking from the horses mouth..................I had my revision with Dr Garcia September 10th. He only charged me $500.00 to take out the band. IMO it would be the best decision to do it in one surgery. I had a small stomach hernia and he fixed it also for free. I had no complications and had the band for 5 years. There is nothing to "heal" if you have no issues with your band, don't risk the weight gain by doing two surgeries. You could probably have your surgery this year and be well on your way by cruise time.

My insurance covered my revision 100%, but; I had to do the "MD run" as I like to call it again. That means, psych eval, Nut, cardiologist, pulmonary, and primary MD. I was a "light weight" too...my BMI at day of surgery was 35.2

Mine was revised last year. Then it stopped working. I slowly gained and was getting more and more frustrated. I then got cellulitis and they said it would be better to take the band out. My body was rejecting it. Last month I had it taken out and now I am getting the sleeve June 12... With insurance they said it was covered because my body was rejecting the band.

Hi Everyone, I've followed VST for several years and finally joined. For years I've found this board so informative and helpful. Many thanks to all of you who have shared your stories, situations, ups and downs, victories and accomplishments! I'm positive there are many of us who are lurking in the background, learning, reading, watching, waiting and wishing. Fortunately, for me, I've jumped through all the hoops and completed all the pre this and that and I'm having my revision on Monday May 6. Heres my story..... In 2002, I "bought" a lap band... I'm 4'11", my starting weight was 202 lbs and my lowest weight was 135 lbs. I've had a love hate (mostly hate) relationship with my band for over 11 years, now I'm thrilled to have it removed. With my lapband, I reached 135 lbs by way of "overfills", puking and chewing and spitting my food. I never successfully found my "sweet spot". I maintained my weight for over a year around 2006 and had 26k in plastic surgery...lower body lift, breast lift, liposuction to arms, thighs, axilla etc.. HUGE MISTAKE. Shortly after my plastic surgery I began having serious complications with my persnickety lapband - vomiting blood, shortness of breath, chest pain etc.. Went to the Dr. after "band slip this and dilated that" (I was told about 5-6 different reasons) and various other band issues the unfilled my lapband and left it to heal. Once I had it unfilled, my Dr. went into teaching and was no longer doing any WLS. When I was ready, not one Dr wanted to refill or touch my lapband after my previous complications...they all recommeded removing and revising to RNY. I was reluctant to have RNY and decided to just deal with it. Over time I noticed, I couldn't wear tight pants, tight bra, or anything that was restricting, most anything that put pressure in any area of my abdomen left me miserable. This year I began to have some serious breathing issues...went through a multitude of tests, eventually was diagnosed with adult onset asthma...started on steroid injections then steroid dose packs, steroid nasal and steroid oral inhalers etc...the list is long and I could go on but to make it short...finally after more testing etc.. the GI doctor discovered that all of my issues have been caused by my lapband. I addition, I've regained all the weight, ballooned up to 214 lbs, and Im now hypertensive and prediabetic. It's been a turbulent ride!! My question is... has anyone else out there had their lapband for over 10 years when they were revised to sleeve? I've had long conversations with my Dr about the possible complications and risk etc...he has reassured me too many times to count. I have great confidence in him and I know I'm in good hands but I'm curious if anyone else out there has been down this road as well. Thank you!!!!

After suffering for 12 years with a horrible band experience, I was sleeved in May 2018. I started the process in Jan 2018. By the time my May 17th surgery/revision date came, I’d struggled down to a 30 BMI. My husb of not quite 2 years kept asking if I really needed the revision. Regularly suggested maybe they should just remove the band and get out. He never knew me at 260lbs. He never saw me bigger than the 209 I blossomed to after our marriage (so I knew his questions were innocent in nature). Your husband sounds a bit different. It’s understandable. It’s a frightening time for him. He’s about to have his life change too. The woman he’s married to is about to transform. You will! Completely and totally. In so many ways. He knows this. Can you imagine how he feels? Don’t let him shake you, though. Have empathy but keep YOUR compass straight! As far as age goes, i’m 54 now. I was almost at the mid-point of 53 when I had surgery. It’s been a breeze. Age means nothing. Your lower BMI will be helpful. I was at goal quickly. I am well below what I ever imagined. Even with a 3.8 pound holiday gain, i’m Right in the middle of the recommended weight for my height. My surgeon said if I wanted to gain a few more he’s fine with it. If I want to maintain this, perfect. He doesn’t recommend losing anymore. Think about that!!! It has been 20 years since a doctor told me they don’t recommend I lose another pound! THIS COULD SO EASILY BE YOU IN SEVERAL MONTHS! ❤️👍🏻🤷🏼‍♀️

I've had mine 9 years coming up in September. Just went to my surgeons office today to discuss removal. I hate it! I have an endoscopy scheduled on 5/16 to see if their are complications from it, etc. Good Luck on getting your revision!!!

My BFF had hers for 11 yrs, converted to DS. Took 6 hrs to remove, TONS of scar tissue and other issues. She's going great now. I had my band for almost 8 yrs, no issues at all with the removal and revision.

I had my band for nearly 10 years and in the beginning it worked but about the 4th year things began to change. Not only did I have to have some of the saline removed but I still continuing to throw up. So in between the throwing up and weight gain I was miserable. But I still kept trying to lose the weight. It has been a struggle but the best decision I could have ever made for myself was having the revision to the sleeve. I too had a lot of scar tissue from the band but my surgery was a success. The progress is slowly moving towards the positive and I am so happy. For those considering a revision to the sleeve don't be scared. This is the best option and I wish you nothing but success.

hello i had my band for 9 years just had a revision to sleeve on 4-16-13. I am so happy i did.

I had mine for 8 years before having revision surgery in June 2012...

Hi B and R's Mommy and anyone else who's done or doing the band revision to sleeve in Tijuana......how much does this cost in Tijuana? Has anyone done a price comparison of the costs that the various doctors in Tijuana are currently charging? B and R's Mommy. Wht is Dr. Rodriguez' charge for that? How many days in a TJ hospital? Anyone else who can help with pricing and their doc's levels of experience would be great. I'm trying to not reinvent the wheel and hoping one or two or three of you have already invented this wheel? I think my insurance here will pay for the band to come out. I want to then wait about six months for my stomach and esophagus to rest and heal as much as they will and work on my own behavioral patterns of self-sabotage. Then in 6 months, and only if I'm emotionally ready and practiced at self-discoplina and following the rules I will go to TJ and pay cash for the Sleeve. Please share pricing. Thank you, Sara Thank you, Sara

Im glad you guys were talking about this because I used to get the pains everyonce in awhile but now im worried about it. Im going for a revision in Nov to the sleeve just hope its not erosin so i dont have to wait for my surgery. Thanks again for asking the question and the great replies!

The dr talked about how he was going to do my sleeve. He actually folds my stomach over the staples to prevent any leakage (the thing they worry about the most with the sleeve). Told me from my ct scan (they took a ct 6 weeks ago while in the ER for a band herniation) that I was a perfect candidate. So I was all ready to schedule my surgery for next month. Then..... He sent me to the insurance coordinator. She then found out that I had cancelled my Medicare part B last year (it's for drs office visits and since I'm a vet, I go to the VA for drs appts, I felt like I wa wasting $110 a month on it if I never used it. Medicare part A covers the hospital. Then she told me that part B covers the dr's charges, bloodwork, etc. Comes to $5,000! I can either re-up my Medicare part B or come up with 50% of the money to have it done. I call Social Security and they inform me that I can't re-enroll until Jan 1st and it won't take effect till next July! A whole year! So here I sit with a herniated band, totally unfilled. And I got on the scale today and weighed 177! I weighed 144 Dec of 2011 when I got married. I've gained 33 lbs in a year. About 10 lbs just last month. I know I can't do it on my own, I tried for 40 yrs. My husband is convinced that I should low carb it (he actually means almost NO carbs, he takes everything to the extreme) like he does. Keeps reminding me that when I was on Atkins in feb (I didn't cheat once in 4 weeks) I lost 14 lbs. Which I gained back the next month, of course. It's so easy for him to low carb it, not for me. He's very supportive of my weight loss surgery goals but thinks I could lose the weight dieting. I cried all the way home (a 3 hrs drive). I'm so afraid if I fail again, I will become a hippo and weight 250 again. I know that 177 isn't the end of the world, but to me it is. I have 1 pair of shorts that fit me this year (out of about 18 of em) I was wearing an 8, now I tried on a 12 today and it was comfy. Double digits again. Anyway, if you've read this all the way thru - thank you. I know I write novels when I write. You should hear me in person, I chatter alot! So it's either come up with $2500 (almost impossible), or diet until next July when I can have the sleeve done and my bad band taken out. I guess I hafta have it out eventually. I'm sure a slipped band isn't something that can stay in forever. And I loved my band. It made me feel "normal" for once. I didn't have to count what I was eating, I just ate what I wanted, just much less of it. Thanks for listening...Advise? Marci

I am not sure if insurance would consider that a complication; however, you might be able to have the surgeon's office state you are having complications and do a revision on you. Good Luck and keep us posted!

Hi guys, to clarify... I had been having issues with throwing up with my band for so long there was nothing in my band the last few months! My surgeon actually removed some residual fill about a week before my surgery and that was it! I have heard some instances where folks get the band out first and then bypass done after but I'm not sure under what circumstances that would be done. I'm now 3 weeks post op and feeling like this was the best choice I made! It was a rough first 2 weeks but I think I turned the corner this past week. I really hope you guys can get through this process as fast and as stress free as I have so far! I know what it feels like to be in your shoes! Cannot wait till I hear you guys are approved and ready to go for your all in one revisions

I had d same pain and one day i woke up and I coudent even drink. So i called my dr.and I had a slip and my port had flipped. I didnt want it removed cause I lost 140lbs. and was only 10 lbs. to my goal.Long story short he took d liquid out for 2 months and gained 15lbs:(. Now im 5 weeks out frm d revision and lost18. Slow but he said it will cause I only weight 170. D diff. With d sleeve is that I have no problems with any food and @ times i feel like I eat too much.Lol.

I was 113 pounds from my goal weight the day of my revision. I hit goal in about 6.5 months, and yes, I'm having issues maintaining. But, I am still within a normal weight range, and BMI. I am holding steady at 130-131 for the last few days. The gallbladder removal threw my body for a loop so I'm trying to get back to normal. I can technically lose another 11 pounds and be in a normal weight range for my height. But, I have zero desire to be that small. I am perfectly content at my current weight, and size.

I can absolutely attest that Dr. Aceves in Mexicali is a fantastic, very very qualified surgeon who has done many revisions. I would not hesitate to recommend him and his team to anyone. It's a real hospital with ICU, Blood bank ER etc..., private rooms, excellent nursing care and it's safe. Wish you the best in making your decision.

Hi, I hear what you are saying, and I am also here to tell you Dr. Aceves has done so many revisions. Please call Nina his patient coordinator, she is fabulous to talk to, and will not pressure you in any way. She will give you all the advise and information you are looking for. This is how you can contact her. Her phone number is 1-888 344 3916. It is really normal to have all the feeling you are feeling. This is a big step and change. I didn't have a lapband, but I can tell you that the sleeve is the very best thing I have ever done for myself. I love it, and how I have lost the weight and it has been easy to maintain the weight loss. I am always here if you have any questions. Hugs, Suzanne My private E-mail is Suzannesh@aol.com if you want to send me an E-mail too.

hi all - I'm in the process of starting a new part of my weight loss journey... from band to bypass. Any feedback from those who have experienced the revision surgery? successes? problems? Some will ask, "why the revision?"... well, I have been disappointed with the band - after fills, etc. even my surgeon believes it's time for me to go the bypass route. It's been there since 2008, but I have struggled - up and down, up and down. I gained back some of my weight, but not all of it. It's equally emotional as it is physical, so therapy has been helpful in terms of understanding the "why" behind my weight gain. I guess the band, as a tool, has been moderately helpful. Anywho........I'm hoping for input and advice about the revision and experiences before/after. Thanks

I went to another surgeon today for a second opinion. It's like night and day from my previous surgeon. I am having my lapband and plication removed and getting sleeved on March 7th. I am only required to go to the education class next week and do the preop diet for one week. The surgeon stated that he also thinks my body is rejecting the lapband. He also said I will be much happier with the sleeve. I am so glad I don't have to go through two surgeries just to get a revision to sleeve.

just to update - fter the saturday disaster, i had another fill attempt last thurs - seemed ok but two days later - no real restriction - so tonight i ahd a fluoro xray and apirartion - had only 4 in should have been 4.5 - so allseems ok - no leaking or disconnected tubes etc - band n port n piuch all looked great (not seen them for a few years!!) so heres hoping this fill stays put - am very tight now but it should ease off after a day or two as i just got my period n this always causing tightening <nos how without Punch, eh?) anyway am just glad no leaks or revision etc. fingers crossed i can drop my recently regained 20 lbs n get back in my jeans! i squashed into them for the hosp visit n was mortified when he stood me up to drink the fluid n as my shirt was raised, this huge roll of flab was bursting over my jeans! that should keep me off the nibbles even if the band doesnt!!!

Hi...I'm new too. I'm hoping to have a revision to the sleeve. I had the lapband done April 2008...weighed 278 day of surgery. I was able to get down to 189 (5'7). But now as of this morning, I'm 213. I have an appt this month with the surgeon's office who did my lapband. I hope he will be willing to agree to a revision. Also I'm hoping my insurance will approve. Good thing is that I have a new insurance company since the lapband. Anyway, I'm tired of getting stuck on simple stuck like diced chicken, back burns after eating, I've had too many embarrasing moments of vomiting after being filled & unfilled. I just want this band out & lose weight. Good luck to you on your weight loss!

am 5 years banded and have a plain sailing journey with a fair few fills/unfills - other than the necessary push to get the needle in have had no pain or struggles and good restriction/relaxing. on saturday i had a fill with a nusre at a well reputed clinic (she has filled me twice before so i know she is competent) but saturday was a battle - one attempt made me yell it hurt so badly - it did not feel like the needle had gone into the rubbery-resistance of the port - we got there eventually and tho i felt some restriction as i had a little drink i now have less than before my fill and am esting and drinking like a horse! i am going back on saturday for another fill but am now worried that the painful hit might have caused the tube to leak as, unlike the port, it is not self-closing after injection. Anyone any info on port revision (cost, location. anest etc?) or where i can get an x ray to see whats going on in there - it mught just turn out to be something simple, like an alien growing, but better safe than sorry eh?