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I haven't had my band to sleeve revision surgery yet, but had to have my band emptied earlier this year due to complications. Good luck to you!

Hey girl regain is actually common that far out on the sleeve statistically you are not alone. You could try to get revision to d switch or you could try to lose the lbs by following plan. Also maybe consider getting apetite suppressant to help if you feel hunger. This reads more like binge so maybe make appointment w counselor

I have banding from 22 years ago and been struggling with it, and constant weight gain and loss from just after 3 years after getting it. Until the end of last year I was told I had to put up with this, or only have band removed, but learned I can have revision to bypass and in process of having it done now. A new spring of hope has arrived, and thanks to all hear for your input.

Is there a military hospital that you can go to and get the sleeve if that is the surgery you really want. I refused RNY/bypass when I had to revise from the band and I listed the reasons below. I've also included the basic information about both surgeries. There are many reasons why I chose VSG instead of RNY, and my VSG was covered at a military hospital 100%. I would recommend checking out the obesityhelp.com website, look under surgical forums, check out the Revision forum so you can see how many people are looking to revise from RNY because of weight regain or complications, and then check out the failed weight loss surgery forum just so you can get an idea of people that are further out. Here are my reasons for getting VSG instead of RNY: The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by approximately 20 surgeons worldwide. This forum is titled “VSG forum” to include the two most common terms for the procedure (vertical and sleeve). The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band® procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that “stretches” the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group of very high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ‘first stage’ of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient’s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ‘stage’ the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively “downstages” a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the “second stage” of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux–en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band®. Current, but limited, data for this ‘two stage’ approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. Vertical Gastrectomy as an only stage procedure for Low BMI patients(alternative to Lap-Band®and Gastric Bypass) The Vertical Gastrectomy has proven to be quite safe and quite effective for individuals with a BMI in lower ranges. The following points are based on review of existing reports: Dr. Johnston in England, 10% of his patients did fail to achieve a BMI below 35 at 5 years and these tended to be the heavier individuals. The same ones we would expect to go through a second stage as noted above. The lower BMI patients had good weight loss (Obesity Surgery 2003). In San Francisco, Dr Lee, Jossart and Cirangle initiated this procedure for high risk and high BMI patients in 2002. The results have been very impressive. In more than 700 patients, there were no deaths, no conversions to open and a leak rate of less than 1%. The two year weight loss results are similar to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch (81-86% Excess Weight Loss). Results comparing the first 216 patients are published in Surgical Endoscopy.. Earlier results were also presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting at a Plenary Session in October 2004 and can be found here: www.facs.org/education/gs2004/gs33lee.pdf. Dr Himpens and colleagues in Brussels have published 3 year results comparing 40 Lap-Band® patients to 40 Laparoscopic VSG patients. The VSG patients had a superior excess weight loss of 57% compared to 41% for the Lap-Band® group (Obesity Surgery, 16, 1450-1456, 2006). Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include: Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Those who are considering a Lap-Band® but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician. Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn’s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band ® patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use. All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. As Dr. Jamieson summarized in 1993, “Given good motivation, a good operation technique and good education, patients can achieve weight loss comparable to that from more invasive procedures.” Next: Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy >> This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. Next: >> Frequently Asked Questions About Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. Bypass information

Has anyone had the gastric sleeve done and then have to have the bypass revision surgery? What are the outcomes and things I should watch for. I lost 120 since June 2014. The Dr said I may lose more.... will it be as quick as the sleeve?

I wanted to see if anyone has had a problem with insurance approving revision surgery. I feel like an absolute failure. I had a band placed in 2010 and had to have it removed because of complications and converted to a sleeve in 2015. For some reason my body just didn’t let me lose the weight as easily as I did with the band. I’ve put back all the weight since then. Im going to see my surgeon on Monday. When I called to make the appointment the lady told me that I may have a hard time with approval since I hadn’t continued to follow up with the office. I went to all my scheduled appointments and was never told I needed to continue checking in. Im just trying to mentally prepare for my appointment. Im afraid they will tell me there is nothing they can do to help me get healthier. I just feel defeated.

Has anyone used carecredit to pay for surgery and how did you like it? Is there better financing for this type of surgery? Of course my insurance excludes any WLS or problems from WLS. I looked at carecredit last night and if you don't pay them off completely in 24 months the interest rate is really steep. They also only give you 23 days before they demand credit again..meaning one day late and the interest rate climbs to 26%!!! I'm despertaly trying to find a way to pay for this revision since my band has failed. Thanks for answering.

Great news. I do not have to wait 3 months. Final appointment 3/22 hopefully revision in April Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Hello All, I had the lap band put in five years ago, and it hasn't been the best journey. I've had two revisions due to the band being punctured at fills, one in which it snapped and was poking me all over inside. We've never been able to find the sweet spot...it's either no restriction or so tight I can't get good Protein down. So in the past 5 months or so I have had unexplained swelling in my feet, ankles and calves. My regular physcian says it's due to sitting at work. Long story short, I had my band released a little bit (like .5 cc) and it was so loose that I had no restriction. She put more in, no restriction filled it back to where it was too tight at one point and still no restriction. I am now scheduled for an endoscopy to see if I have band erosion. Honestly, I feel like my body is rejecting the band. I'm holding Fluid everywhere...my belly feels like I have a bowling ball in it, my shoulders ache and my chiropractor today confirmed that he can tell my body has changed..he said my body is much tighter indicating to him I am full of fluids. My body hurts, my feet, ankles and knees are the worst...I can hardly stand to walk. I can't get comfortable when I try to sleep So I am wondering, have any of you been through this, and if you have, what did you do to help yourself? I cut out as much sodium in my diet to see if that was an issue, but it hasn't made a difference. TIA!

My revision surgery is October 25

Start getting in better shape now. I walked, lifted, and did as much as I could 5 times a week getting ready for surgery. Started practicing eating slower for lunch. Watched many videos, talked to people who had been through it. Oh, but best work was preparing for the mental changes with my therapist and worked through this book: http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1436729032&sr=8-13&keywords=bariatric+book If you drink, like I did, you need to assess how to wean yourself off. Ditto cigs, and slowly cut the caffeine. Don't try to cram it into the final week, you will feel horrible, just put it on a calendar and do it in a controlled manner. Followed the pre-op diet to the letter Shopped two weeks before surgery for the foods I would need for the first two weeks. Revised my will and power's of attorney just in case something went wrong Tried pureed meal ideas before surgery so I had some meal plans. The result of this work - flawless surgery, up and running a day later, no real drop in energy, and ready for the change. Its been a great ride. Off BP meds/CPAP and the sex is incredible, but that's in a different forum (look up sex, oh my god sex in the men's room if you need motivation).

Had appointment with Surgery Center and final appointment with Doctor this am. Revision surgery is at 7 am Tuesday and I was told it would last about 45 minutes to an hour. I am more excited than nervous.

I only had 1 day pre op for when I was banded a few years ago and did revision 7/1/15 and had 1 day of clear liquids and both times no issue.

Yeah Bobbe! Great to hear! The revision has been the best thing and so much easier then the band itself.

My lap band/sleeve revision was on Friday and I feel amazing! Back to work on Monday. I have pretty easy job. Doing great and no problems. Lots of scar tissue around band but it is gone! Yeah! This has been the best surgery I have ever had. I did lots of walking......that is key. Good luck for all whonare about to have your surgery. Sharon

I started out with the LAP-BAND®. What a mistake if money is an issue. I have ended up spending about $50,000 out of pocket for problems associated with the LAP-BAND®. I even had insurance that paid for the initial implantation of the band. I can honestly say, the band nearly killed me. In December, I self paid for the gastric sleeve. Believe it or not, my insurance would not pay to have the revision. They even stated in the letter they sent that I needed to have the band removed immediately due to all the problems. They would not however, pay for revision to something else. I ended up going to Mexico. I am Director of Nursing at an outpatient surgery center. I have been a nursing supervisor in hospitals all over the world. I can honestly say that the surgeon and care that I received in Mexico was better than any care I have ever received in the U.S. or in Europe. The surgeon I used has a world wide reputation for excellent work. I paid $12,500 for my revision from band to sleeve. This included everything. Please, before deciding to get the Band, go to the sleeve forum on Obesity Help and read how happy people are with the sleeve. There is also a section there dealing with revisions. Many of the revisions are those who are having problems with the band. I will say that the sleeve has been wonderful for me. Once you get the sleeve, that is it. No shelling out money for fills, etc. They have been doing the sleeve for years. It is the same thing that they have been using to treat stomach issues for years. It is the same thing as a gastrectomy. I know people who are years post op gastrectromy and the only thing they are is "skinny". Just want you to be aware that there are other options available besides the band. Good luck in your journey.

I saw this as well. I'll be honest, I think it's all a bunch of crap. My fear is that this is only going to further the epidemic of eating disorders in our society because people ARE obsessed with the numbers. I say if you're a healthy weight for your height, then forget the revised BMI.

Unless you qualify for medicaid the only other option would be self pay! In the US it can range from $9-25k. You can pay cash or take out a loan, some providers offer payment plans through companies such as care credit. You can apply online for them & find out if you're approved in minutes. The credit line is given based on your credit score (I know they use experian as their source). If you know you have a few dings you may still be approved but maybe not for the full amount. A co-signer would help increase your credit line in that case. Be warned though that unless you pay in 18mts or less for their promotional offer their interest rates run high but again this varies based on your credit. So you can visit their website & search for local approved providers & go directly through your surgeon or you can first find a surgeon you're comfortable with & then find out if he accepts finance plans such as this. With a 5yr plan (in cali they offer only up to 60mts but I've heard other states are longer plans) your payments for an average priced sef pay procedure of say 16k could be about $300/mt. For me when I added up the cost of meds, gyms & jenny craig not to mention the dining out & other weight related bills I would no longer have it seemed like nothing!! There's also the route of having it done in a diff country such as Mexico for as little as $4500- I honestly couldn't tell you what, if any, payment plans they use. Some say ofcourse foreign countries offer lower quality & can have more complications but that's something you'd have to research. With the band though you're required to have follow up care for life & many US surgeons want nothing to do with a foreign placed band- liability! Without the fills your band is useless so if you go that route locate a local fill doc that's willing to work with you first! Also my surgeon told me the company that produces the lap band in the states (Allargan) does not sell its product to places like mexico because they are not certified so the band many people receive there is a swedish band that's an older, cheaper model of less quality subject to leaks & erosion. Ofcourse these are unresearched statements from my bias surgeon. So take them with a grain of salt! It is true the mexico did perform the first lap band & austrialia & europe have also been doing it for years longer than the US who didn't approve it until 2001. So something can be said for their experience. But again in a foreign country you have no recourse if something goes wrong. =/ As a self payer you'd just want to keep in mind that your insurance typically will not cover any part of the wls -in some cases this includes any complications related to it. And remember the cost of follow up/fills that in yr 1 are every 4-6wks or as needed & can vary from $50-350/ visit depending on your provider so shop around for the best program package! Many include 6mts to a yr of follow ups & some practices also offer revision insurance for a yr which cover leaks, slips, erosions & port flips. Be diligent in your price comparisons & research! There's a thread in self payers forum here where ppl have listed what they paid in diff states you could inquire there also! Best of luck!

Hi. I am new to the site and was wondering if anyone has had the Lap Band over Bypass revision surgery. If so, how as it been? I am scheduled to have this procedure done in 2 weeks.

Hi all, I had my Lapband revision with Gastric Bypass on 9/5/17. Thankful I only had to spend one night in the hospital. Walking good since the day of surgery, and have slowly worked up to walking outside around our block twice a day! [emoji5] I was in a car accident 4 years ago, multiple health issues since, and last 2 years consistently gained wt. I was miserable prior to surgery, felt like you could pop my abdomen with a pin (looked like 9 months pregnant). I am diabetic, was on Trulicity weekly injection several months prior to surgery, which is the main reason for having the surgery - hopefully help reverse diabetes, get healthy and feel better physically. I'm a disabled nurse now (pediatric/NICU). I know this will/is a journey with ups & downs, and is a "tool" - I have to do my part, but thankful surgery went smoothly and I'm on my way to better health! God bless each of you on your journey! HW 205 SW 188 Post op from IV fluids wt. 197 CW 181 Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Cathy, First off congrats on your smooth recovery from your sleeve surgery. I've heard lots if revision patients say that it's such an easy transition that they almost feel nothing had been done. But the feeling of blah can get us all in the first month. Oh and I moved this thread to the "band to sleeve revision" section so it can be seen and answered by fellow former lap-banders

DG, you may not know this but reading your post has brought me peace being a former lapbander soon to be revised. Knowing ahead of time about the blahs will help me when that stage comes around. Congrats on your sucess too.

So I had my band unfilled in August because I was getting so sick. They took as much as they could out. I've had very little issues for the last 2 months. This week I started having resistance with eating or drinking again and the last 2 days I've gotten sick after trying to eat. Literally eating 2 small bites and it comes up. And now liquid is getting stuck with an unfilled band. Anyone else have this problem? I'm self pay and already know what revision surgery costs :/

Oh Lord :/ That's my whole reasoning for wanting a revision is that for the life of me I can't loose anything after getting the liquid out I've gained 15lbs and now that I have liquid put back in I can't even loose the 15lbs I gained!! apart from having some minor issues with my bad. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Anyone know if the docs or Doc Illan at BariatricPal Mx require a pre op diet if you want them to do a band & plication revision to Gastric bypass??? Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App