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I've heard a lot of stories of people having scarring and other complications from their bands. So it's definitely a possibility.
When you talk to a surgeon about getting a DS, you should see if they can get a copy of your post-op report from the band report. That may have some details about the state of your stomach and anything seen during that procedure. Your surgeon may also want to do some pre-op imaging to see if they can identify any scarring or problems that could cause complications with a DS.
Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!
Coverage for revisions varies a lot. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask what your plan covers-- that's the only way you'll know for sure.
That said, lots of people have addressed regain of 75lb or more without a revision by going "back to basics." If there's nothing mechanically wrong with your WLS, that would probably be a good first step.
Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!
I am wanting to get a revision. Has anyone had luck getting insurance to cover it? I am so disappointed with myself I have gained 75 lbs back.
Hi all - I'm mostly lurking (and now posting) over on the DS boards, but wanted to ask a question here.
I'm hoping to have DS (or possibly SIPS) done and I'm worried about issues from having the lap band for 7 years. I had it removed in 2009 and don't have a lot of issues, but do sometimes have phantom band feelings and wonder how much damage could be going on in there - and if it will be a problem doing the DS.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks!
Jen
You almost a copy of me, I'm 13 years post-op and I started regaigning weigth after 5 years when my reflux started, tomorrow I'm gonna have my revision, VSG to SADI-S (loop DS) on pre-op they have found my reflux is due an hiatus hernia, so they will correct my hernia and do the SADI-S.
I'm from Spain so I can't help you with doctors.
I had my band removed Dec 2017 and the tubing of mine was in my liver as well. I don't remember being told about that in my consult, but that was in 2008. I am trying to get a revision to bypass, my surgeon wanted me to wait at least 3-6 months before considering my for a revision. He wanted the time for my liver to heal completely.
on 7/10/19 4:04 am, edited 7/10/19 10:19 am - WI
I had a revision from VBG to RNY in 2010. It literally saved my life. I had developed Barrett's Esophagus from 25 years of GERD and was headed toward cancer rapidly.
My revision surgery was very complicated, so I'm not sure I'm the best person to respond to you. The surgeon who did my original VBG in 1986 did not do it right and I had some pretty severe deformities that had to be repaired. I went to 7 specialists *****fused to help me because they said they had never seen anything like it. I finally got a referral to Mayo Clinic and a surgeon that was willing to try. He basically had to rebuild my entire digestive system, so my revision would probably not look like the average revision.
My surgery took almost 8 hours. It was an open surgery (not laparoscopic) and I was kept in the hospital for more than a week to make sure there would be no leaks. My recovery was very difficult, but I woke up from surgery with no more GERD and it has never returned. I still have to have regular endoscopies to watch the lesions on my esophagus, but there has been no more damage done since my revision.
Short answer...run...don't walk to the nearest surgeon and get this revision done. Almost everyone who had the VBG done has had to have it revised. It can be done safely...in fact... you are in more danger if you don't revise. You will feel so much better if you go with a revision to RNY. I have not felt this healthy in decades.
HW 270 SW 236 GW 160 CW 145 (15 pounds below goal!)
VBG Aug. 7, 1986, Revised to RNY Nov. 18, 2010
I had VBG surgery 23 years ago. I have had good success with it until recently. I have developed GERD a few years ago and over the last few weeks what I can eat and keep down and minimized to where its only liquids at this point. I was admitted into the hospital a few days ago and the Gastro Dr. has referred me to surgeons to possibly remove the surgery or revise it to a VSG or RNY. Honestly I just want it out and to be done with it completely. I am not sure what this process entitles though and if it can safely be done. Wanted to know if anyone has removed the VBG or has had it revised and their experience. I read online it is a pretty invasive surgery but then have read they could do it laparoscopic? Before I travel to a specialist, as the closest one that will even consider doing it is 4 hours away, I would like to get opinions from anyone that has gone through this. Thank you in advance! Its a bit scary!
It's crazy my insurance paid for the removal but not the sleeve. Do you have the band now? I'm so happy we broke this up in two surgeries. The complications removing a small part of my liver was not in the plans at all.
Oh that's so exciting, congrats!! I had my follow up with my surgeon last Tuesday. Since they are going to approach the insurance company from a general surgery due to band complications standpoint, I don't have any extra appointments that I will need to do(nutritionist, psych, etc.) Just get approved by the insurance. He said he was going to have his coordinator send in the paperwork to my insurance company and see how it goes. So now I wait. I imagine with last week having a holiday, that the insurance has only had it for about 3 days, but waiting to hear something is the worst! Good luck on the 29th. Keep us posted.
