Search the Community

I am in the same place you are. I have my psychological evaluation next Friday, then my paperwork will be submitted to the insurance company for approval. I am hoping to get revised from the lap band to rny. The surgeon said that I definitely need my band out, but he is working on getting the revision approved so I don't have a huge out of pocket expense. I was told, once the paperwork has been sent, I should have an answer within 2 weeks because of the band problems, but then I will have a pre-op class to attend. I too have a cruise planned for mid October but I may have to cancel. I wanted to go so bad, but if it comes down to surgery or the cruise, I will choose the surgery. If its too close, I may still cancel. I don't know how fun it will be if I am on a post-op liquid diet I wish you all the best with your journey.

Has anyone had a stricture dilated with success? I have one and had my first dilation today. The doctor said there is a lot of scar tissue in my esophagus causing food to get stuck and vomiting. From what I've read on here, many people have had no success with this procedure and end up with stents or revision surgery. I'm worried. Has anyone been able to eat after this procedure?

Thank you. I had lots of problems with my band too. First band I had eroded. The second was working great and then the port flipped and the tube starting pushing out on my skin. I had a port revision to fix that and then shortly after that it slipped. So, now I'm going with the sleeve. I wish the sleeve would have been available when my first band failed.

That lump is a sign of being too tight, but since you don't have other symptoms of being too tight, you probably aren't. Probably better to check with your doctor who will be able to do an exam and evaluate the entire situation? Why did you have to have revision surgery?

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

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!

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.

I flew to Dallas the other day for an appt with a surgeon who was able to get me in next day. My sleeve and esophogas is eroded and I have to have a revision to RNY. I'm on weekly infusions, meds to coat my stomach in hopes of keeping food down, and zofran until surgery. I'm so disappointed and scared! I've now failed TWO WLS's!

My original posting was on the LB talk site but have never liked it because so many people talk to you like you're a freak of nature when you say the band hasn't worked for you or you've had complications, you get the whole "you're doing it wrong" "what do you eat" responses. I guys, any thoughts on Lapband removal and going to sleeve? I was banded April 2008 and have many complications over the last few years from GI issues to slippage causing weight gain. Spoke to my doctor today originally thinking of going to gastric bypass, but after much discussion of how I am dedicated to working out, counting calories and portion control, that he feels the sleeve would be a better option for me to lose the weight Ive gained and help me obtain my goal weight with out dealing with the complications of re routing intestines and malobsobtion. Here's the break down: I had never really considered the sleeve only because I had read that those who failed with the band would fail with the sleeve. And with my track record lol... Let see banded April 2008, lost about 30lbs in 10months Bad break up on Feb 2009 prompted the run/drink water/smoke diet and lost 40lbs or so in 2months. April 2009 got life back on track and was less depressed so was able to eat and hold down food and gained 60lbs in 6months Aug 2010 went back to nutritionist and was put on phentramine (yet have lb but still needed diet pills) and lost 30lbs in 6months. July 2011 delt with slight weight gain and possible ulcer Nov/Dec 2011 nearly hospitalized from GI issues and had ever test they could think of to figure out what was wrong with me and scoped from WMD to end. Off phentramine March 2012 learned my band had slipped which wa cause of a lot of the issues my GI doctor was trying to figure out. And band unfilled and began discussions on revision to gastric bypass May 2012 band looked better had partial fill and more talks about revision, up 7lbs, back to other doctor an put back on phentramine weightloss program July 2012 gained another 13lbs and another fill, stated to start researching revison options. Got personal trainer at gym for 2xs a month work out for extra support. Still on phentramine Aug 2012 down 3lbs, still having issues with band, can't lay on stomach because port site hurts, can't do certain work outs because it hurts to twist. Still not much restriction but fear tha because my band is tighter when I stress that any fill can cause issues. Discussed my fears of gastric and my doctors/my fears that of band is completely removed I will gain even more back and then some. Doctor recommended sleeve over bypass. So yes I've been looking into it for awhile, I'm doing everything that has been asked of me and then some to lose the weight and keep gaining the min I'm off diet pills and sometimes even when on them. Doctor expressed that believes its my intolerance to certain healthy foods (the good Fiber ones) is a big problem, cant have a salad or fresh veggies with out getting stuck, sliming or PBing. So that's why I'm torn, hadn't given much thought to the sleeve before it scared me more than bypass until I read all the horror stories of it and heard stories from friends who knew people who died from gastric complications months after surgery. I've spent 4hours yesterday just reading and researching and so far the sleeve really does seem like the best option. The idea to continue to have a tool to help me control my weight gain and the ability to eat a salad at the same time with out being in pain or throwing up sounds heavenly lol So that's where I am at lol

I'm nervous and excited. Doctor has extra steps he makes his client take than just the insurance requirements for the revision, which is frustrating because I'd like it out last week lol. I'm miserable and in so much pain. But I'm happy to be gettin it removed. Looks like it'll take another 3-4mos. Wish I would have made my decision back in march so I would have it done already lol

I don't think there's much to learn from this 4 year old blog. It's pretty obvious that one should get rid of their psychological problems before having surgery. Not only do they stand to mess up (counteract) their surgery but complicate any revision if possible. It takes willpower to transition to that, I just find it easy given the health problems I have and the desire to be healthy again drowning out any voices of wanting to eat crap. One has to treat the addition like life and death and take control of it, not to mention change their mindset about food as something of comfort to something only essential for survival. It's not easy for many people, which is why they go down the road of eating crap early on post-op and wind up screwing up their WLS. Hell, how often do we see alcoholics on the verge of their liver being cirrhotic not stop? Sometimes people are just too far gone to help, and certainly some of those people are here, they won't learn, and they're destined for failure. Addicts also tend to lash out when people confront them with the harsh reality of life decisions.

It took me 4 years to lose the weight I have so far. I requested a slow-fill-course because I kept having to have ortho surgeries over that time. I wanted to have enough nutrients to heal well. And so I did and here I am, starting over- getting the basics back down; how much protein/carb/veg per day, etc Now, I'm struggling with finding my green zone. I think for the first time. my weightloss was primarily due to pain (theres no hunger with screaming pain!) and also inflammation around the band-site i.e.: a false restriction due to painkiller meds & stress of not working etc. Now, I'm also dealing with another unexpected complication. I'm working through it. NOT giving up on my band even though I've been maintaining around 160# for about a year- 25# from goal- so close. I'll make it! I spoke with my PA at last visit and told him I'd seen many posts about band failures. He told me that percentage-wise, I was the exception to the rule for "their" bandsters. "Most are have gone with revision to the sleeve" he said. So I asked him- "In your opinion, were the revisionist bandsters' failures due to impatience (want a quick fix) and not following instructions and/ or eating around the band?" At first, he wanted to avoid the question- mumbled a little. I asked more specifically & precise in a way he couldn't talk around. He ultimately said YES! That's why the majority failed. He said many people, aside from not wanting to give up old habits, want that next best thing, i.e.: latest fad. The sleeve, as the next best thing, many people jumped on board. A Quick fix. Quicker weight loss. Not as much patience required to lose the weight- at least in the beginning. I've read about complications on all the WLS forums here. There's a percentage in every category genuinely struggling with complications. (not lazy non-compliers or quitters) It's like that with ANY kind of surgery, not just WLS. There's always going to be a certain percentage of failed procedures. There's also a percentage of failures due to patients not following doctor's orders. Can't just heap everyone into one category. And then there are the successes! To my amazement, I've found so many band-success stories here. I've found a good many bandsters who've lost upwards of 150-200#, found their green zone, and are living happy lives in band-synchronicity. I'm not at green zone, nor at goal yet. Even so, I expect to be one of the many band-success stories And I will!

hi all, similar stories here, I just had my band removed last week, I was going into my 8th year with the band. the first 5 years were like a honeymoon, the 6th started w/some light heartburn-no big deal, the 7th ok here comes the bad stuff (erosion, severe esophogeal dysmotility, band slippage, megaesophagus, hiatal hernia, pseudoachlachia, 3 interabdominal surgeries-extensive adhesions) no matter what we did including another band, repositioning, band emptied for 5 months nothing worked, hence removal. My EG junction is so damaged that at this point that it will need to rest for a few months before any surgery could every be done. I was down to a goal weight of 126lbs so for me the restriction of the band worked, if it was not for the late complications I would have had the band for life. So I am looking into the sleeve as it seems to offer good restriction and hopefully not all the late complications. I am excluded from the RNY or DS due to disease state, so this is pretty much it for me. I am currently trying to find a good high risk revision surgeon in NY, referrals wouldl be welcome, as my leak complication rate hovers around the 25% range due to my complications. high risk revision surgery is not to be taken lightly, I wish everyone great success in whatever surgery they pic, as no one weight loss surgery is perfect for everyone. I am one of those that loved her band, and I do miss the restriction..... Mila

I am also considering revision surgery from the sleeve to the RNY. I originally weighed 308(sleeve performed in October of 2011) and was able to get down to 213. I was working out with a very tough trainer 3 to 4 times per week. Then about 3 years ago I began experiencing sciatic pain, that progressed into muscle, nerve, and severe joint pain. One month ago (after much testing/and a family history), I was diagnosed with SLE (systemic lupus). It doesn't seem to matter how low my carbs or calories are, or how high my Protein is, I have gained almost 30 lbs. For health and honestly vanity reasons, I really need to be under 200 lbs. I would welcome any advice that any of you can give. I am currently trying to get in touch with my original surgeon as well as the top rated physicians in my area. Not sure if insurance will cover this. My particular plan is listed as covering the cost, but who knows. Thanks so much for any suggestions you may have. Jennifer

I'm not sleeved yet (got banded in 2009, considering a revision to sleeve), but these are some awesome sources!! Thank you so much for sharing! I've just bookmarked them for the future. I might even try some of them now! They actually sound really yummy (and pretty darn simple)! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I apologize RICKYT? 4years ago True Results the staff was what was wrong. The nurses who have me fill an unfill were always pokin at me blind tryin to act like they knew my situation. I was always too restricted or toooo loose.. After the first year I couldn't afford all the fills and Unfills and trips back n forth. Honestly the band just wasn't for me. I do know one lady on my FB group whom had a tremendous amount of wt loss w the lapband but out of 64 of us about 5 ppl already had a revision or in the process. I have no self control when it comes to food unless I'm on some form of pill or shot helping my cravings go away. I BELEIVE the sleeve will be better for me. I'm type 2 diabetic so I get all Godzilla when I'm hungry or start getting irritable plus my hormones... Stick to the instructions and wt your food a week in advance no bs. Either you "fail to plan or you plan to fail" Be ahead start measuring and freeze, strength train 7days just so u get in the mental habit. Make this work for you. BEAST MODE BRO ur not like me u can do this regardless who u went through for the lap band. Got any pics ?

For revision I'm awaiting for insurance to give me a date but No I pd cash for the lapband 4 years ago. I went through TRUE RESULTS I do not recommend it better to find a bariatric dr near u. They will sit and take care of u very close than an agency pushin wt loss surgeries. They have no idea what they are talkin about.

Reflux is a very common side effect. The usual advice is avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, too much protein , caffeine etc. Don’t eat within a couple of hours of going to bed.Dont drink and eat together, wait at least 20 - 30 minutes. If none of that helps then maybe your Dr will prescribe something that does and if the meds don’t work a revision may be required

I'm a month ahead of you (July 16th) and have only lost 17. I knew I'd lose slower (started at 174 - band to sleeve revision) but this is ridiculous. While I'm on track for Weight Watchers (about 2 1/2 lbs a week), I'm nowhere near wls losses. I'm going to start going back to the gym tomorrow to see if I can jumpstart my loss again that way. it'd be really hard to eat less. I'm amazed that somebody can live off such little food everyday! I only have 26 lbs to goal and I've heard the last 20 lbs were the hardest. I keep bouncing between 157-156-157 for the last 2 weeks. Wish it would go down just 1 lb and I'd feel a little better! I have lost 2 sizes since surgery so thats something I guess. can't wait to haul out all the winter clothes that fit me the winter of 2012 (gained 30 lbs after lapband slipped) but not last year. Already fitting into some jeans that previously fit but haven't fit in about 18 mths. Good luck. Slow and steady wins the race (or I've heard, anyway!)

Had my daughter at Parkwest in TN. However, I am in the same situation. I originally wanted bypass or DS but Dr pushed for sleeve, now I'm getting DS. Based on having the sleeve the best revision is the DS from my understanding. When is your revision scheduled?

Congrats on the approval. I'm being revised from band to bypass on July 13th. I have been struggling with horrible GERD that causes me to sleep upright. Sometimes I wake up choking. After serious persuasion by my surgeon I was convinced to revise. It was a struggle because the scheduler at my surgeons office didn't want to submit for the approval because she was SURE Tricare would say no. After reporting her and starting the process of changing to a different surgeon she submitted and I was approved within two days! I didn't expect it to happen so fast so I'm scrambling to get things in place and people to cover my shifts (I work 12 hour night shifts in a hospital). Whatever it takes to not have to sleep sitting up! Best of luck to you and everyone else having revision surgery!

I had a revision from lapband to sleeve. The pain was less for me believe it or not on this one. The only difference really is they are cutting scar tissue from the band that it left. And maybe adjusting stuff where band was. I had my surgery in mexico and I was walking 30mins after I came out of recovery. Exspect gas pain. Sucks

I had gastric band in 2009. Im about to be revised to a mini bypass. There have been numerous studies showing the general failure of the band as a weight loss method. A swiss study in 2010 showed that 80% of patients with bands will have to have them removed within 8 years. It has been known to have a poor outcome for many years now. Sent from my GT-I9505 using the BariatricPal App

Saw that you had band revision surgery in Feb, why is that? Sorry cant answer your ???, have not been banded yet!

That’s so funny... Dr Snyder is my surgeon and I recommend him in a pm to Cathy. He is the best of the best and saw me through my difficult time. Poor man... I was his first (and hopefully only) leak. After my surgery he actually revised how he did the sleeve. Great man - I actually texted him today to thank him for everything.