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Is there anyone else out there dealing with what I am going through? I had my lap band done on Jan. 28th 2010 and it couldn't have gone smoother. I lost an astoning 71 pounds and felt like I became the person I should have been a long time ago. My nightmare started the day after my port revision. It had flipped in June of this year and of course was told is was a simple procedure...woke up twice on the table but I guess that can be common with a twighlight...ever since he did the revision it has been pure hell for me. He relocted the port, I have nothing but pain and none of my fills are working. I have had 3 fills since the surgery and nothing is working. I have expressed this to him and he did a CT Scan to see if there was anything going on around the port. Of coursenothing came up so why look into it anymore....he did a fill that day and I woke up at 4am in so much pain my husband had to help me out of bed. I laid on the couch for 24 hours with an ice pack and Tylenol. And cried a lot. I called the nurse and told her everything again and she has been very kind but kind doesn't help. She told me to make another money making appointment and have a heart to heart chat with him and write all my questions down. Not sure what else I can tell him!! When a patient has that much pain wouldn't you think your doc would look into this further or give you options. He told me it could soft tissue/scar tissue from the surgery or my body is rejecting it. Now I can't get in to see him for almost a month. Dec.21st!! Just in time to renew my deductable. I shouldn't worry so much about the money because my insurance does cover a lot of it, but I still have to pay some. So when I see him I am going to give him these options..either do a test to make sure the whole band is working, no leaks, port flips, or band slips. I have been poked so many times I feel like pin cushion. I don't even think he is getting the fluid in the port.. When I drink the water it does get stopped and then he does his thing with the fill. But then the next day I feel like there was nothing done. I think I have a surgeon who is not listening (not the first time), doesn't care or does't believe me. I am actually getting scared. Would've something is really wrong and he is missing it! So again, options are test, see a different surgeon or get the band removed which breaks my heart. It worked so well for me when it was just right. I am so sad about this right now. I thought I finally had found the answer to my obesity and its all messed up due to a flipped port. Gosh darn it! I also travel one hour to there. I go to Froedert in Milwaukee which is an awsome hospital. One of the best. People come all around from the world to go there. How did I end up in this mess. This time my husband is going with me....can someone please hlep me or support me in anyway. Give me any advice..I need something to keep going....I hear all these success stories and I want to be one of them. I was on my way too. Please, maybe just a pat on the back for me right now.Dec. 21st seems so far away. He is going to be gone I guess. There are two other docs in the practice whom i wish i picked now. I have met both of them and they are awsome. oh well...thanks for listening everyone...HELP!!!

I had the revision to the sleeve on November 18 it was called a Duo Denal Switch and only lost 25 # so far. You should talk to your surgeon about it because the same thing happened to me. I lost 50 pounds and gained 15 back. The new surgeon advised me my sleeve was not done properly. I am happy now except my dr told me to eat 6 times per day and I find this very hard to do because I don't know what to eat anymore and I find when I don't eat 5-6 times per day I don't lose weight but when I do this consistently I lose a pound per day.

Hi Everyone! I’m a newbie and this is my first post. I’m 63y/o and probably one of the oldest living that still has a Molina Band in place. The surgery was in 1985 and that sucker has been useless since about 1988. It did work for the first couple of years or so….I lost about 75lbs. I went back to Molina in 1988 to see if anything could be done and he just humiliated me. He made it all out to be my fault and insisted I had abused the band and not followed the instructions. He said I needed to have a revision and a new band put in place. I declined, left his office in tears, felt I had failed and it was all my fault. From that day forward, I worked like crazy from one diet to another and managed to keep most of the weigh off until I hit menopause………. slowly all the weight came back and more. I never had the serious medical issues with the Molina Band like many others had. For me, it just stopped working and in some ways, I was relieved. I was so tired of all the “stuck” episodes, the pain, staying up all night, pacing the floor and trying to throw up….I never ever want anything like that, again. Back in 2002 I was considering the “stomach stapling” weight loss procedure. My primary doc sent me for a upper GI…no restrictions, at all and it appeared the Molina Band was probably held on by adhesions. The radiologist said I was one of the lucky ones because so many Molina Bands were removed by emergency surgery. The surgeon “freaked out” about the Molina Band and would only consider it by doing two separate “open” surgical procedures. I was not willing to be “cut open” twice so I gave up on having any type of revision surgery, until now. Back in 1985 I had the Molina Band surgery because I wanted to be skinny, now…….. things are very different. My reasons for surgery, now are all health related. I have very high blood pressure that has been difficult to control, chronic sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint aches and pre-diabetic. I’m on so much blood pressure medicine I can barely function. I retired early, last year because I just didn’t have the energy to keep working. I’ve changed blood pressure meds several times during the past year and the awful side effects have just about turned me into an invalid. I want off all the meds and I just want my life back. Do I have a chance for a revision to a gastric sleeve? I’m told maybe……. because my band was done in 1985 when Molina was using a material that is much easier to remove than the mesh band he used in the 90’s and I haven’t had the complications that many others had....I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m very grateful for this website. I appreciate all the info and I love the success stories and before & after pics. I really need that now because I’m very scared, nervous and anxious. I get so happy and feel so hopeful after reading all the success the posters are having and then I end up in tears because I’m so afraid it will not happen for me. My emotions are just all over the place. Thanks for being here…… Texy

Hello and welcome!! What a wonderful PaPa you are!! All of us revision folks know what you mean about the band. We all have different stories about how we became overweight, but the bottom line is that the band is just not a good tool for sustained weight loss. I am really happy your approval process is going well. Good luck and keep us posted!!

I'm having my band-to-bypass revision on August 24th (1 more week!). I also had a choice between the bypass and the sleeve. Originally, I was leaning toward the sleeve, but I changed my mind after doing some heavy thinking and research. I have PCOS, and that, combined with the way I had to eat with the band, has really screwed up my metabolism. I need the malabsorbtion component of the bypass to jumpstart my metabolism, since it's already used to me eating very restricted amounts of food. The sleeve is just like the band in that it's a restrictive procedure with no malabsorbtion. I've done the restriction-only route already. It worked fine for the first year (once I had some heavy-duty restriction), but eventually your body gets used to it and you have to work really, really hard to keep the weight off and/or continue losing. One of the most common side effects of the sleeve is GERD. I already have severe GERD whenever I've got restriction from the band, so that leads me to believe that I would likely suffer severe GERD from the sleeve, as well. GERD isn't anything to fool around with. People say, "Oh, it's only some acid." Yeah, well, that acid wears away the enamel of your teeth, it damages your vocal chords, you can aspirate it at night if you aren't really careful (and sometimes even if you are), and it can cause damage that leads to esophageal cancer. It's miserable when it's uncontrollable. With the band, I was eventually sleeping on a high wedge with two other pillows behind me, and still waking up choking at night, and that was WITH the proton pump inhibitor that my first surgeon prescribed AND not eating within at least 5 hours of bedtime. The sleeve doesn't have that many long-term statistics available as a stand-alone procedure. Sure, it could be hugely successful. I got burned with the band, though. When I had my band surgery, it was being promoted as the next big thing, with projected long-term results that rivaled or exceeded those of the bypass. After a few years, though, the crappy results started pouring in. Sure, I could take a chance that the sleeve is going to be great. But I've had two band surgeries (the original and then a replacement when the original had a massive slip), and I don't want to do this again. The bypass has proven long-term results that are really good, and are still looking like they're 10-15% better than the sleeve. And that can be quite a bit of weight, when you think about it. Plus, there are more and more reports coming in of people having to revise from the sleeve to either the DS or the bypass, so in my view, it's following the same pattern that the band had.

So I have had my band in since 2011, about 6 years. Nothing is wrong with it, I had an upper GI and all was fine. I have gained all but about 20 lbs of the weight back, and I never lost as much as I wanted to from the beginning. My doctor won't give me a fill as food gets stuck all the time and he says my band is at the correct restriction. He wants to do a revision to a sleeve, but I am worried about the long term complications of having over half of my stomach cut out. I haven't heard of anyone with the sleeve for 20-30-40 years or even longer. I am 37 so I would have to live with this for a long time. I made the wrong decision before and I don't want to make it again and end up on the operating table again in 5 years. Anyone out there who has had the sleeve for a long time, or anyone who had a band to sleeve revision longer than just a few months ago?

I hope I am only in this infamous stall phase too...... I am 4 weeks out today.from band to bypass revision.... and have lost a total of 1stone 5 1/2 pounds... but of that only 1 pound this week and 1 pound last week... I have a shake for breakfast.... a small low cal high protein lunch and dinner... around 60___80 protein... not quite making my fluid target... but very disappointed the last two weeks..... recovery wise I feel fine...

Dont get me wrong. I love my band. I was banded a little over 2 years ago. I lost most of the weight in the first year. I have lost about 130 Lbs total but i still have 20-30 left ot go. I am OK at this weight but i would like to reach the end. More importantly though I live a longg distance from and fill doctors or after care. I have had ot return to Mexico for all fills and adjustments. My duaghter, also banded, had a problem with slippage that resulted in the need for additional surgery. Even theough she had the best surgeon in the world, Dr Aceves :thumbup: its still something to think about. Seems like the Sleeve is gaining in populatiry and doesnt require the same maintenance. That would be a big plus for me. I have been researching on al the boards, including the newest one Weight Loss Surgery Forum and it looks like I am not the only one thinking about this. Anyone have any advice Thanks Craig

Hi all I'm new to the forum. Had gastric sleeve done in 2012 was 370lbs lost little over 100lbs. October 3, 2017 had revision to bypass due to acid reflux. Think I'm losing slow. Surgery weight 270lbs today 245lbs just about 8 weeks out. Anyone else have revision or surgery around October 3rd. Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello- I will TRY to make this short: I had vsg June 2016-I initially went from 229 to 160ish then got pregnant a year later. 3-4 months postpartum I was at 143 (I tend to loose weight during my pregnancies and loose after) but that only lasted a few months. Fast forward to today, I am at 185!!! I am only about 45 lbs from starting weight....that's scares me, I don't feel well physically...emotional, as I am back to carrying all of this weight around. I had an appt with my surgeon almost 2 months ago and I explained to her and the nurse that I am always hungry. I STILL focus on protein,....my diet is mainly protein but I also make sure I get my veggies in. I was referred to the nutritionist I saw before my surgery. I am puzzled by that because my issues are not what I eat, ive gathered the info I need prior to my surgery. Prior to surgery I had NO comorbidities. Now, I am on medication for blood pressure, and my recent blood test show that my cholesterol is high...first time ever....this is not how this experience was supposed to pan out. The point of my post is, I've done research and want to know if I would be a good candidate for a revision. The revision I am looking at is sleeve to Duodenal switch which I know was originally a part of the sleeve procedure. Just wondering for those of you who have had revision, how exactly did the conversation with your Dr start. Did you have to ask about it or did the Dr tell you it was an option? I have an appt coming up on 11/11. When i made the appt I asked if I could possibly have a scan to see if the size in my stomach have even changed. I was told most like they would not do a scan because YES the stomach does naturally increase in size about 2 yrs after vsg. Now what??

You have to consider if the risk of a revision is worth it. Revisions are far more riskier due to the scar tissue formed by the band and adhesions from previous surgery. Also as a revision your at a higher risk for severe acid reflux.

I have had GERD for about 30 years, literally. I have been on some old school meds, and then on a PPI for about 19 years now. Even post VSG, and losing all my regain, my GERD persists. yes I am still taking a PPI. I've been on them all: Protonix, Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, etc. I was told that after all my loss if it still persists then yes, RNY revision is my only option. I'm now 4.5 years post VSG and STILL hoping it will clear up...

True, you can't avoid the GERD but it can be most likely resolved by a third revision to RNY. GL

While specific insurance policies may differ, typically the industry standards of 40BMI (or 35 with co-morbidities such as hypertension or sleep apnea) still apply. I have seen some that cover the revision with lower BMI if there was a mechanical problem with the band - slippage, erosion, etc. Any chance that you have developed any of those co-morbidities since your last surgery? It would be a shame and counterproductive to have to gain weight to qualify to lose weight, but that is sometimes how the game has to be played (ankle weights, anyone?) The psych evaluation is pretty much a standard provision, though the requirements for nutritional and exercise programs vary widely. Somebody in the process (the hospital or surgeon's practice typically) will usually want the deductible up front and sometimes an estimate of the copay as well.

Hello y'all! I just wanted let anyone, who is being denied by their insurance company, to consider Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, to help in your fight for approval or overturning a previous denial! My story.... I was denied coverage for revision surgery (lapband to sleeve) twice, by insurance xyz (I am not naming insurance company, until I get reimbursed), and enlisted Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy for 3rd appeal and subsequently, a review by an independent doctor. After a few months of diligent and expert advocacy, on my behalf, LHA convinced the doctor and insurance xyz to finally approve my surgery! And this was almost 3 months AFTER my surgery, in which I funded myself! I am just waiting on reimbursement, which is in works now. I've talked to my insurance company and they are keeping me updated in the whole process. They have assured me that I am covered and reimbursement is in the making. Just a matter of claims and paperwork from my providers. Walter and Kelley Lindstrom, makeup the army that fights the good fight for you, by way of expert letters, phone calls, and legal knowledge. These guys are lawyers, who have made their primary scope, that of advocating healthcare, for those who need it. Insurance companies, in many cases, will use a multitude of reasons for denying coverage! In my case, insurance xyz was denying my coverage, due to a clause in our policy, that allows only one lifetime bariatric surgery. Walter Lindstroms letters and provided facts, convinced that my revision was not only necessary, but also eligible for coverage. Regardless of clause in policy. Kelley Brown Lindstrom, does ALL the leg work, as far as medical records and release forms. I can't say enough about her help and willingness to listen and answer all questions! She is simply genuinely awesome! As for the cost, it amounted to about 10% of the cost of my surgery. A risk indeed, but nonetheless, worth it. I will be getting back, minus deductibles and out of pocket maximums, about 90% of my total surgery cost! Three months AFTER my self paid surgery! My revision surgery was worth my self funding, regardless of an approval or not. I am now only 15 pounds from my goal weight, in just 16 weeks out of surgery! But with the help of Lindstrom Healthcare Advocacy, the victory is just that much more sweeter!

Hi - I had a band to sleeve revision a month ago and a large hiatal hernia removed at the same time. Probably same notion? I had my gallbladder removed a little over a year ago - was in the hospital for aspiration pneumonia from a too-tight band and they discovered that I had large gallstones as well. You should probably be able to do it all at once - I'm not a doc, though! danielle

Sleeve was the right decision for me, I'm sure it will be for you, too. If you have any doubt vs the band, go over to the band to sleeve revision forumm here and read all the band nightmares.

Keep on your doctor. If you are having issues as you describe with no Fluid in your band something is wrong. It could be as simple as your stomach is irritated and swollen where the band sits. To answer your question insurance was the deciding factor for me. I was denied my request to revise to the sleeve. It probably would have been approved but I hadn't been going in for regular checkups. I can't see age being a factor in getting the sleeve. If it works today it will work when you're 80. However it is still just a tool. You have to eat the right foods and watch your caloric intake or it won't work either. Sounds like you're pretty disciplined with your band so you should have no problem with the sleeve. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

I revised to the sleeve. Before I had the band in 2008, I had horrible reflux!! During band surgery , the surgeon told me I had a hiatal hernia which he repaired and reflux was gone. In my 5th year with the band I started getting a throbbing in my chest - after X-rays etc. I had reflux again so he removed some of my saline and I felt fine again but was already gaining my weight back. I was sleeved 2/4 - he repaired another hiatal hernia during surgery but this time I was getting reflux after the surgery. I bought an over the counter antacid, took it every night before bedtime and I was fine. Only did it for the first month. Now I only need it occasionally.

I figured I'd follow up on my post. I got the call today that the revision is covered. The only things I need to do are the Nutritional Counseling, Psych Eval and get a letter of medical necessity and medical clearance from my PCP. I do still have to have a BMI of 35+ with a co-morbidity or just a BMI of 40. Which means I technically need to gain 8 lbs. But someone on another page recommended that I just wear some 10lb ankle weights to my weigh in appt. lol. I'm starting college on Monday so I'll be shooting for mid March, during my spring break from school, to get the surgery done. Just wanted to let ya'll know what happened with it.

If your insurance paid for the band to begin with, they will almost surely pay for problems you run into like erosion, slippage, infection, etc. Assuming your policy doesn't change between the time you have the surgery and when you run into the problem. If your insurance didn't pay for the band and you are going self-pay, it's highly unlikely that your insurance will cover any problems you run into. Good to have a plan or idea of how you'd pay for a port revision or band removal / replacement if you do go the self-pay route.

First of all, do what your surgeon said. With that disclaimer out of the way, listen to your body next. No driving for a few days after being put under--standard safety. Second, no driving under narcotics, right? If you are feeling super great by day four, and the strongest meds you are taking is Tylenol, then take a short drive if it pleases you. I had my sleeve done last February and I wasn't really ready to take a drive for a week. Not because I was popping pain meds, but because I felt like a melted poop pile and that was enough to make me feel like NO driving was safer for everyone. I had a revision to a bypass the Friday before Thanksgiving due to complications from my sleeve. Went in on Friday, came home on Sunday and I was ready to go out driving on Monday! Listen to your surgeon first, then your body next. Melted poop=no driving 💩! HUGS! Feel better fast! Congrats!

Lap Band: Yes (obvious, as I did go back and do a different surgery). Sleeve: No. I have no desire to revise to any other WLS any further at this point. Depends on how my health is doing in the future. As for now, me and my sleeve are doing quite well together.

Hello Caley! Congrats to you both for taking a step in the right direction to a better and healthier you! You are very lucky that you both will know how and what each other is feeling. I am revised from band to sleeve and I gotta tell ya... best thing I've ever done!! Don't miss my band what so ever. Just keep in mind that you can still vomit with the sleeve, and some even still slime. I have only vomited once in the hospital and never again, and have not slimed once... but... some still have. That being said, the threshold for food is much better than the band!! You can eat healthier foods without much pain if you eat slowly at first and chew chew chew. You also don't need to chew your food to a liquid once you get a few months out anymore. Good luck!!!

So i was banded in march of 2010 at the age of 19. After a horrible year, of throwing up everyday, getting stuck, going to the gym SIX TIMES A WEEK, being paranoid to eat in public and angry everyday that my lapband isnt working im sick of it and want the sleeve ASAP. almost one year later and im only down 30 lbs. Everyday i feel like this is a sick joke. My lapband i paid with cash, went through no insurance, no paperworks no headaches. My question is, where would i even begin to look into getting the revision, what insurance would approve? Do i ask my lapband surgeon to refer me? Write me letters? How does this process work ? Or if i did chose to go to Dr.A in Mexico is that a different type of insurance? Im just too lost to even begin with this nightmare. A friend of mine got the sleeve 2 months before i was banded and shes so satisfied. She looks amazing and is happier then ever! So that inspired me, but doctors told me i was so young i should get banded instead. it was the "BETTER CHOICE" for my age. I regret it everday. I would like any advice/information possible. Please and greatly appreciated. I feel like im throwing all my money in the trash, every doctors appointment for a lapband adjustment is $250, plus my gym membership, plus the already $14,000 i had to pay for lapband. I just want it all to end.