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Immediately !! I coughed that whole first night after surgery and kept my roommate up it was so bad. I ended up having a revision 11 months ago because of esophagitis D and a hiatal hernia. I was afraid of getting the bypass too but as far as weight loss and maintaining it has been much easier. I honestly liked the sleeve better because of the restriction and being able to eat all foods, but the flip side of that was I constantly had to watch my weight and struggled just to stay around 170. I was 180 the day of my revision and this morning I weighed in at 150.8. This is the lowest I have ever been and usually maintain 155 to 159 with no stress. I had a temporary crown put on 2 weeks ago and dropped 8 lbs because I am not getting the food I usually eat because of pain. I go in on Monday for the permanent crown and am sure my weight will bounce back up. lol Good luck to you and whatever surgery you choose.

From what I've seen on this and other forums, it does seem to be true. Revisions do seem to lose a bit slower. Not all, but some. I don't really know the reason why, but now I'm curious and may use my Google Fu to look it up

My surgeon told us about the 1 band that he had leak (of the 200 surgeries he's done). It wouldn't hold saline. They attempted to fix the leak without removing it, but literally couldn't find the leak, even after inserting dye. Eventually they did a revision & replaced the band with a new one that held the saline. It's the only band he's ever removed... and he replaced it the same day. I didn't ask if they found the leak once it was out, lol. Sorry I don't have any first hand knowledge.

I had heartburn and could not sleep because of it. If I ate anything after 8pm I had sleep upright just to get even the smallest amount of sleep because it would wake me up. No pain at all. But immediately I could eat things like pasta and bread that I couldn't before and larger amounts of other things. There was still restriction but it wasn't the same. My slip was only diagnosed when I had an egd in order to be approved by insurance for removal of the band and revision to sleeve.

Slimmap, according to my doctor, it's the weather around here, and they seriously think that's what starting causing it. The barometric pressure in the air, as it drops, it can cause the band to restrict. After getting more fills, then having too much -- as the yo-yo started, I realized that I wasn't stopping eating at a 1/2 cup. If it was there, I was eating it whether I felt full or not (I usually did feel full). So I was overfilling the pouch and that can cause it to stretch out and ultimately cause a slip, where it's wanting to basically "spill over" and lay over the band. Just before my revision surgery, I knew something was wrong. I found myself drinking a lot of cold Water to see if I could feel it going through. When it was normal, I can feel cold going through the band. For the longest time, I couldn't feel that. When I went in and they checked it under flouroscopy, it was not only stretched, but had started to go over the band -- so since it wasn't "straight", things were just barely dripping through. That's when the dr. said it was time to do a revision and basically start over. But I know now, that this is my last chance for this -- for several reasons. One, is we no longer have the insurance we had when I got it in the beginning and had revision surgery in April. My husband changed jobs and we can't afford their insurance, plus from what I understand, insurance companies won't pick you up and cover previous lapband procedures. Also, I know that the stretching was MY fault. I allowed myself to go back to bad habits instead of babying my band and treating it right. I know my biggest issue is overeating -- when I feel full, if I still have food on my plate, I want to eat it regardless. So that's why I've joined OA to help get a grip on that -- it's basically a disease and I have to learn how to control it. So if you don't think it's the weather where you are affecting the band, could it possibly be bad eating habits? That's why a lot of us are overweight to begin with and were able to get the band. If your band feels fine for a while, then it's suddenly giving you the restriction problems, then there's got to be another factor that influencing it and causing the restriction -- i.e. weather (you may have developed a sensitivity to it) or even hormones, that time of the month, stress, etc. Start a journal and see if you notice if things are happening around the time you start having the trouble. It's worth a shot. I had my fill Saturday. I'd gained 10 lbs. since April and I'm almost within 30 lbs. of where I started when I first had the band. So I'm ready to do things right and figure out why I don't want to stop eating, why I depend on food so much, etc. I've done everything to a "T" since Saturday like they told me. I've been cranky and testy and I know that is why -- it's hard to give up a vice you've depended on for so long. But I have to realize that I only need food to sustain my body -- not for anything else. That's a tough lesson and it'll be a life-long lesson. I wish I could give you more answers -- just realize you have to figure out what the outside factors are that can cause your band to tighten up one day, when it was fine before. This is a foreign object placed inside our bodies, and since everyone is different, it could be anything causing your sudden restrictions. When it happens, go to clear, warm liquids for a couple of days and see if that helps. Also, as I mentioned before, try journaling and see if you notice any patterns, etc. Good luck, sweetie and let me know if I can do anything else for you!

Hi everyone!!! I am 44 and just had a revision from Band to Sleeve 11 weeks ago. I have been overweight since childhood, so my entire life. Long story short. I was banded in 2013, port flipped and was non-accessible. My new doctor an I decided a revision would be best since I had regained everything I had lost (60lbs) with the band. So I was sleeved 7/20/16, the loss is very slow. Im down 39lbs from the beginning of preop. I have a different mind set this time around, so I'm hoping for a great journey. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thanks to everyone. Allison, my plastic surgeon is Dr. Robert Dennis (DC). Chrissy, I've never had any issues with my band. Early on I would feel some port discomfort, however, that I chalked up to muscle pain in this area due to working out coupled with the tummy tuck healing. I've not felt any discomfort or had any issues that required me to have revisions to the band.

I have been banded for over 7 years at this point. It seems that things change so much with the band. At least with mine. MOMENT OF TRUTH! I am not the poster child for lap band. I have lost and gained at least a bazillion pounds in that time. I was 210 at my lowest. I stay round 275 these days. Well it's time to kick it into gear, one last chance before searching out info for a revision. For sure I am the tightest in the morning. If I drink a cup of coffee or tea, I loosen up enough to take my pills. After that I can barley get anything through. Lately I have been sipping Water or SF lemonade letting the sip go all the way. Sometimes I time myself and only take a sip if the time is an even number. lunch has been small lately, but for years I'd fight and fight to get anything down. Usually regurgitating several times a meal. sometimes end up vomiting. By dinner I am able to eat a half a side of beef... My life is in no way a regular life. I drive truck and start between 3-4am, work way too many hours, eat on the go, get little sleep, and the stress level is out of sight due to the cargo I carry. I'm getting pretty tired of not being my ideal weight, so here we go again. I'm not sure if I'm asking a question here, or if I just curious of what others deal with. Feel free to tell me how your band acts from day to day. Thanks for taking the time to read this post!

Yay Rachele! Congrats on a successful revision. Thanks for keeping us posted, Sue. I'm anxious to see how you both do with your weight loss with the DS. I'm sure you will both be fine!!!! Heal up quick Rachele!!

Honestly I cannot even imagine that I will be able to lose the weight... Been at this all my life....revision is my only hope.

I am doing a 2 step revision. How long and how painful is the removal? Will presenting at a conference one week later be possible? Thanks!

I had a dilated pouch and had it repaired last Friday. My symptoms were horrible reflux, heartburn even with heartburn meds, and I couldn't keep any solids down. That went on for months. I got three unfills during that time; they took out everything, and the problems were not solved. I asked my surgeon if I would be prone to get dilated again and he said it was rather rare. I hope he is right because my insurance would not pay for my revision since I was self-pay for my first band. Other than soreness from the surgery, I am feeling much better. No acid taste or reflux. My surgeon said that it was having the band too tight and throwing up too much that caused the dilation. He fixed my hiatal (sp?) hernia, and put in a new band above the dilated part on my stomach.

On my way to the hospital.I did not sleep all night.The day is finally here and I hopefully will by the grace of getting GOD I will come out of this surgery victorious and ready to spring ahead on my new improved life.I have suffered with the lap band since 2004 .I never came close to the amount of weight loss I needed.I have dealt with sliming,frequent trips to the bathroom to puke,carrying plastic bags to stop off on the side of the road to vomit.Obsessed with eating...what could I eat to avoid an episode....weight gain....constant pain and protrusion on or around the port area and acid reflux to no end. I lived with it for so long because I was convinced I could make it work.Other health problems ensued DVT ,gallbladder,breast cancer,hysterectomy and PCOS.These were immediate needs that I attended to with band issues simultaneously.I really tried to make it work....All the weight has returned. I need a reboot in my life and this is my new chapter ..."I want me back"!!! Wish me luck...this site and everyone has really informed me with such useful information and shared experiences..I am grateful. Almost there.....surgery scheduled for 11:30....psyched!

87 pounds???!!!!wow ...fantastic.Congratulations!!!I need tips please.... I am exactly a week post op....sore as hell...tough revision surgery exactly as yours ...that band really did a job on me!Will try to go to work tomorrow....yes a week out....work....will play it by ear... Ugh a flashback...remember how hungry you would get from the band....I was so obsessed...with food....ravenous...Trying to cheat puke ups....those days are definitely behind me...My poor tortured esophagus will hopefully heal....

When I was talking to my surgeon on yesterday, he told me that the range of weight loss was between 60-80% He told me that because I have a band and it has been in for almost 7 years the top of my stomach (my pouch) is probably expanded some ( it has a little) he said that it would effect the amount of weight I would lose with the Sleeve, he expects me to be more to the 60% end of the percentage.... My question is, is there any revisioners who have achieved the 80% mark, I truly believe I can get to the 80% (I know how I am when my back is against the wall, I'm a fighter) and I am praying I can lose 100% of my excess weight, I'm starting now... I just would like to hear from you... thanks

I would try your insurance first. I had an exclusion and went to Mexico three years ago only to have my band fail me and the aftercare is horrible for Mexican patients in the U.S. (I did receive excellent care while having my surgery, though. The doctors really know their stuff. I just can't afford to fly down there everytime I need something.) I know the sleeve doesn't really require aftercare, but if something does go wrong, at least you have a doctor here. They treat you like the plague when you say you had surgery in Mexico! I now have insurance to cover my revision, thankfully. Don't give up! Hang in there! :thumbup1:

I had revision from the band to bypass 4 weeks ago and it went great but I have only lost about 12lbs and I just think that I should have lost more I only eating about 400 to 500 calories a day so what is going on

I can't say enough about Dr. Kelly and his staff! I am NurseMichele's sleeve sister! lol Everything she said about the staff, well I say it too. Dr. Kelly surprised us with operating on us the day we got there instead of the next day. We thought that was great so we didn't need to stress another day. Being a lapband revision I had a little tougher time than the other two (I was first also). It took 1.5 hours for me including the endoscopy I had to have before they started because of the lapband. They had a little problem with my stomach because of the lapband but they took care of it fine. I had a rough time coming out of the anastasia also and started to go into to shock but they brought me out quickly. My sister was there at that point and said she got worried because I was pastie white and shivering bad. She did a good job helping out when needed and I'm glad she was there right then. I had to have a drain tube for 2.5 days but that didn't bother me, I thought it would if I had to but it didn't. By day three I think I was caught up in heeling with the other two. Cece (Dr. Kelly's wife) and Omar, the coordinator, took us to Lucerna Hotel. Beautiful! And then they took us to lunch for a nice bowl of broth and then to the board walk on Tijuana beach and we all stuck our feet in the ocean. It wasn't that warm of a day though. A bad day on the beach is better than any good day at work though. Then they took us shopping and back to the hotel. We did a LOT of walking and all of us did good. The next day they gave us pedicures compliments of the Dr.! Cece gave us each a massage and plucked our eyebrows! lol My niece and I also chose to buy the manicure. Each day we felt a little better. I'm not hungry much at all and just been drinking broth, juice and water as told. I have a little pain in the area where my tube was but it might be a gas pain from being operated on. Scale of 1 to 10 it's only a 2-3 and it is very seldom....good! Tender where the incissions were is about all. We got home Friday night. The flight was 2.5 hours and then we drove 4 hours, a little tiring though but glad to be home. Today my niece and I went garage sale-ing and then to a Vintage Fair and walked around for 3 hours and then I visited my uncle for 1.5 hours and home to rest as I have to visit my aunt in another hour. I might go to bed a little earlier than my normal time. I do feel good though. I would truly recommend Dr. Kelly and his staff. The other doctors were very nice too and obviously competent since we are all doing good. Michele was so much fun to have around with my sister, niece and myself; we had a lot of fun together; she's a hoot! Nice to have a Sleeve Sister that you care about and want to keep in contact with. Good luck to you! We will all do good I'm sure. That's my update with no sugar coating on it. I will post my progress also. Good luck to all that have this done, I'm feeling it was a good choice for me.

The plication is not as reversible as it's marketed. Several plication patients are looking at revisions to the sleeve. There are a few patients who had severe complications that have shared on obesityhelp and personally, I would never consider the plication. Partial gastrectomies and complete gastrectomies have been performed since the 1800's for stomach cancer and ulcers. Many people live fully-functioning lives without part or all of their stomachs. Best wishes in your research.

I have done TONS of research and been on these forums for months and I have't heard anything at all about VSG causing a build-up of scar tissue. I've heard a LOT of lap-band patients having trouble with scar tissue from their bands when revising to VSG. I don't think you'll have to be a "gym rat" to maintain your weight loss, but regular exercise is a requirement for maintained weight loss no matter how you lose the weight. I lost 90 pounds "on my own" a few years ago and stopping regular exercise contributed greatly to my regain. As for stretching the sleeve, it will relax and expand some by about a year out, but it can never be back to anything remotely resembling your old, full-sized stomach.

My doctor told me revisions lose slower. I'm just happy to be losing again Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

I had sleeve to bypass revision and considering I weighed much less I lost I beleive at a quicker rate. I see you are eating oats for breakfast; during the wieght loss phase I would never have eaten such a high carb food plus it does not satiate you protein does. Stick with higher protein meals and maybe your weight loss will increase. Oh same with beans I didn't have any beans until I reached my goal weight. Now I am 7.8 punds below my goal wieght and I do eat beans!

When first making the decision to open up to the tool of bariatric surgery I simply assumed that the sleeve would be the procedure that I preferred. This was due to having the full run of my plumbing and perceived ability to eat the foods I wanted, but restrict the amounts. Seemed simple. My younger sister had bypass 15 years ago and I just didn't think that "aggressive" a procedure would be needed for me. After all.....I've lost large amounts of weight in the past through diet and exercise....I just needed a little help......or so I was believing. My physician who was discussing this with me eased me into the conversation and led me to find my way to the surgeon I've selected. I've been to his group presentation.....the first required step. Even after listening to my sister and seeing her progress.......for 15 years......and for secretly thinking in some small way that she took the easy way out.........I didn't "get" it. That presentation really altered my thinking about restrictive and absorptive restriction. I realized in that group session my "hero" status as the big brother doing it on his own......over and over again......was a stupid cycle. I needed to get all the help available.....every tool in the toolbox to get the lifelong results I strived for. Dr Carlson addressed the full room and fielded every question asked. An hour went by....then more.......he'd long since made his informative presentation.....yet stayed to discuss our concerns. A lot of "ah-ha" moments were had. I heard the lady seated behind me speak to her friend, "The sleeve is what will work best for me". My wife, seated beside me, was quiet. She reserved her comments until much later when we were driving home. She proceeded carefully fearing that she knew my mind had already been made up on the sleeve. It was a relief to her when I acknowledged that I felt I needed the bypass.......like my brave little sister did so many years ago.....doing her own research.....as a young woman on her own.......when most folks hadn't heard of such. One of my issues is reoccurring reflux. Some nights it can be really bad. It subsided greatly once I completely cut out alcohol from my intake on April 2, 2015. Back in early April of this year I'd begun resuming the fight to loose my weight. I'd taken evaluation of my current state of living. I loved to grill out.........really loved it. It is therapeutic. I loved to crack open a cold beer and fire up the coals. More beer throughout the cooking and serving everyone had me relaxed and happy. After dinner, I'd normally get drowsy due to several beers......then it'd be time to hit a couple tequila shooters and another beer......or a rum & diet coke or two. I'd get my relaxed and happy state back. It was clear which non-essential calories to drop first......cut out the beer and liquor along with seriously revising the menu on my plate. Guess what.....these were the nights the reflux was bad. Drinking + spicy food (the only kind off my grill ) = reflux. I discussed this "revelation" with my wife. She pointed out a few times since when I'd complained of reflux....since I'd cut out alcohol. I realized she was right......it was still occurring but less often. I have decided that I'd prefer the bypass.......but don't even know yet if I'm approved for it. The waiting and suspense of insurance is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong.....I'm glad the procedure isn't something as easy to get as a bad tattoo.......but I wish it was more straightforward from the insurance company standpoint. Down the road the results I get from the bariatric will certainly lessen the costs I'd otherwise pose to them, right ? Sorry for the rambling. I'm just eagerly impatient and ready to get this ball rolling in the direction that will lead to successful and long lasting health provided I continue to do my part. I'm checking stuff off the mandatory list at least.....and this website and the folks here are already helping me find answers to the tons of questions I have. My mandatory checklist: Attend the group session---done in early June. Meet with the bariatric program's & surgeon's nurse to review my case and 8 pages of medical Q&A i was to complete--done this past week. Meet with surgeon on official visit----scheduled for July 1. Meet with program's nutritional guru----first of the 6 visits is on July 7. This I understand will be the "start" date of the mandatory 6 month timeline to surgery. Meet with psyche guru----awaiting appointment scheduling now. Internal scope evaluation of stomach and other plumbing-------to be scheduled after visit with surgeon I still don't have any type of official indication that bypass is a covered procedure (United Healthcare). I don't know if I can hang on 6+ months before getting this latest umbilical hernia taken care of. I want to get on to eating the foods I'll be living by after the surgery......eat like I've had the surgery......begin accelerated weight loss now......not wait until the surgery. I just want to be sure that I can't lose "too much" on my own that the insurance balks and says, "No way buddy.....you got this.....do it yourself". I can do a lot off by myself.....but I fail to keep it off. I don't want to sabotage my chances for coverage. So many questions that I'm sure will be resolved and clear in the weeks ahead......it's just right now I want to get going with progress of some type......no matter if it's from bypass or from my jumping onboard with the new plan. The compelling reasons for the need to get going are probably no different than most other folks here: I'm having back spasms from reoccurring back injuries due to herniated T-12 vertebrae. Spine surgeon stated that bariatric surgeon can do more for my spine than he could with back surgery. Sounds legit. Umbilical hernia is driving me nuts. It's worsened when back goes out and my posture and such gets weird. Knees are shot....ortho doc says I need knee replacements sooner than later....he's saying 5 years tops.....plus hip, too. He also stated that 200 lbs off my frame would push those replacements back a long time. I already feel some benefit in my knees from the initial pounds coming off. Swelling in my ankles is greatly reduced. Sorry again for the rambling. I'm jittery after finishing up the last day of miracle steroids (4th round with them since April) on my back. The side effects are sleeplessness for me. I get jittery after the 6 day cycles. I'm hoping for a good long sleep later today....tonight. Aside from dropping the alcohol, fried food and reducing sugar & starch intake (doing these).........what can you advise me to do? What other dietary-related actions? Breakfast choices now are oatmeal (made with Water and small amount of salt) vs sausage biscuits and such. lunch & dinner has me eating lots of salads. Snacks are nuts, fruits like blueberries and apples and occasional whole grain toast with small amount of health choice butter substitute or Greek Yogurt. Drinking tons of water. 40oz of coffee every day during the first portion of the day......a lot, I know. I use nonfat creamer and Splenda or Equal (10 packs for 40oz coffee). I'm still having 2-3 20oz Diet Mt. Dew's every day. Sounds like a ton....but it's way down over the number I used to drink. I go to one a day on days off....but do poorly during workdays. No more drive thru's and only salads from fast food restaurants. What else should I be doing? Should I order the "Big Book on Bypass" and get started on it ??????? Stir crazy and tired of my 46 years of fat fighting. 5 years ago I burned off 120 and felt like a new man.......still have many of the 2X & 3X clothes. I saved most of them.....refusing to toss them due to that being symbolic of me throwing away my hope of wearing them again. I lost that weight.....but failed to keep it off. The brief period at that reduced weight was enough of a taste of healthier living that I have craved ever since. Virtually painfree and full of energy. Leaner.......able to wear my old high school letterman's jacket and button it up......too small still, but at least it would button up. Another 100 pounds off that and I feel like i'd be walking around feeling like a Gazillion dollar lottery winner. I may never get a winning lottery ticket.....but I'll be supremely happy to get 200 lbs off........and MAINTAIN that level. So ready to get this machine krunk up and in gear and burn some rubber down the track. This waiting is like sitting there with the engine revving up but the parking brake locked in place...........

I'm going through the process of having a revision surgery. I lost 20 pounds with the lapband but I had complications. My surgeon told me that he can not perform the revision if my BMI was lower than 35. Long story short, I had to gained all my weight back and start from 0 in order to qualify for a revision surgery. I'm at 35.5 BMI right now and I have several health problems. My insurance and surgeon require documented lap-band complications and compliance with follow-up Lapband appointments (for the Lapband removal part), at least 35 BMI and 1 comorbidity, 6 months diet, pschy evaluation, documented active methods of weight loss (gym memberships, etc), 1 surgeon visit and 1 NUT visit. I'm submitting to insurance this week. I'm going to a center of excellence so their requirements are super strict. Every surgeon is different and I hope you can find one that help you through this process, good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

BILLING/CODING INFORMATION: CPT Coding: 43644 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy (Roux limb 150 cm or less) 43645 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and small intestine reconstruction to limit absorption (investigational) 43770 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band (gastric band and subcutaneous port components) 43771 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; revision of adjustable gastric band component only 43772 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric band component only 43773 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric band component only 43774 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components 43842 Gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; vertical-banded gastroplasty 43843 Gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; other than vertical-banded gastroplasty (investigational) 43845 Gastric restrictive procedure with partial gastrectomy, pylorus-preserving duodenoileostomy and ileoileostomy (50 to 100 cm common channel) to limit absorption (biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) 43846 Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity; with short limb (150 cm or less) Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy (may be done laparoscopically) 43847 Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity; with small intestine reconstruction to limit absorption (may be done laparoscopically) There is no specific CPT or HCPCS code to report mini gastric bypass. A laparoscopic approach is used with the mini-gastric bypass. The stomach is segmented similar to a traditional gastric bypass; the jejunum is anastomosed directly to the stomach, similar to a Billroth II procedure. The mini gastric bypass is not based on its laparoscopic approach, but rather the type of anastomosis used. This on the Blue Cross Blue Sheild page: http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.main&doc=Surgery%20for%20Clinically%20Severe%20Obesity