Complications

[Karrinicole 0]

Hello!! I am brand new to this forum. I was banded 5 and half years ago, lost over 100 pounds and then boom.....no longer tolerated band fills, severe gerd, vomiting. I have gained 71 pounds of the 100 I lost back. I have also developed a hernia I am so upset and defeated right now. Is it worth trying for the revision surgery? Are complications enough for them to pay? Any feedback or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[jaxmom 644]

Hey there. I'm a newbie too but had a revision. I had the band for 6 years and it broke. Horrible news to hear! My doctor said no worries he would remove and create a sleeve. Less than 2 months later it happened and I'm a little over 3 weeks out. I feel FANTASTIC. Why did I not do sleeve before? The procedure itself wasn't too bad. I had quite a bit of scar tissue around the port and as a result have a smaller sleeve. Fine with me!!! Recovery was no issues. In Wednesday, out Thursday, on my feet back to normal (errands, dog park, gardening) by next week. I know what is like to have a bad band... I referred to mine as "space junk"'once I found out it was floating around in me, inoperable.

I would encourage you to go talk to your doctor and see what they say. You have come this far and I truly believe the second time is the charm.

Best of luck let me know if you have any questions. There are amazing people on this website that are super generous with their experience and knowledge. I'm so glad I found it!!

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[James Marusek 5,244]

One individual in our bariatric surgery support group meetings had a band to RNY gastric bypass conversion. His band started to seriously erode into his stomach and was about to rupture his stomach. He was very pleased with the results. He lost a lot of weight. His pouch was a little bid smaller than most because of the scar tissue. This limited his food volume but he was O.K. with it.

[deb.13 2]

I had band to bypass revision on April 26th. Lost around 80 lbs with the band and all of a sudden couldn't get it right. It was either too tight to eat or too loose to help. Felt like I was throwing up and choking for 10 years, terrible reflux too. Gained back all the weight. Felt sick and miserable. My Dr suggested the revision. I'm almost 3 weeks out, I feel really good, way better than I expected. I was up and walking around the same day and out of the hospital in 2. I started eating and it's amazing...I keep waiting for the tightness and the restriction from the band but it's totally different. No choking or feeling like you can't swallow, you just feel full. It's still new but I have hope and I'm excited. Lost around 30 lbs in the last 26 day including the 10 days of liquids before. You should definitely consider it.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

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[Stacylynn1982 13]

Anyone having issues with lap band erosion?

Edited May 17, 2016 by Stacylynn1982

[Karrinicole 0]

thank you all so much for the information!! You have no idea how much I appreciate the feed ab and information about your experiences. jaxmom and deb.13 did you have a tough time getting it approved through the insurance. Both of your stories are similar to mine. The thought of being able to eat without choking or throwing up sounds like a dream right now,

[jaxmom 644]

I paid for my band in the Dominican Republic because my BMI requirements not met. (Not high enough). My insurance covered the entire revision here in the states. I was amazed. No issues getting it approved either!

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Edited May 17, 2016 by jaxmom

[deb.13 2]

My insurance paid no problem...

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[DownsizingDonna 39]

I had band to bypass revision on 3/28. I had my band removed on 12/17 due to complications. I had no problem getting approved, just had to stay above BMI requirements, which wasn't a problem around the holidays, lol. Good luck!

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[WW0747 23]

The band works for some and not others. If you are experiencing issues then you need to see your surgeon and they will perform an EGD. The band will more than likely have to be removed. Some surgeons will remove the band and perform the revision in the same surgery. Others may make you wait. It just depends.

Don't beat yourself up. Many people have been revised from the band.

Good luck with everything!

[Karrinicole 0]

Thank you all for the input!!! After I read what everyone told me, I have an appointment next week????