Myrna A.’s Posts
I was never happy with the band, it wasn't the right choice for me and didn't work. I am now almost 5 months post op RNY and have lost 63 lbs, more than I did in 2 1/2 yrs with the band. I love it!!! You will too! I hope you're approved and can get the show on the road!
I just told people the truth-the band didn't work for me and I had complications requiring removal so I revised. But you really don't owe anyone an explanation, you know......
Myrna
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I wish I had done it sooner because I had the band 2 1/2 yrs and only lost 30 lbs by 4 mos. post -op, never lost anymore and developed esophagitis, bad reflux, and could never go above 2.5cc fill without everything getting stuck. I never had restriction at less than 2.5cc and anything more than that caused major sticking and vomiting.. So it was fill, unfill, fill unfill until I finall developed a band slip. It was just a miserable 2 yrs.. Feel free to ask more questions if you like.
Myrna
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I had a revision from lapband to RNY gastric bypass, and am just sorry I didn't do it sooner.
Dr Wade Barker is an excellent revision surgeon. He is at 1151 N. Buckner Bl., Dallas, TX
972-270-4800. Website is www.drwbarker.com.. I sure hope you're feeling better!
Myrna
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Myrna
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Like I said before, It was the best decision I could have ever made. I just wish I had made it sooner!!!! As far as the month after the bypass, except for when I was just waking from the anesthesia immediately after surgery, there was actually very little pain. It was more soreness than real pain. Of course everyone is different but I was mostly just tired for the first couple of weeks. There was no hunger at all and I just concentrated on trying to get in enough fluids and protein, and walking as much as I could. (Which for me wasn't much). And yes the vitamins and other supplements are still a challenge for me to do consistently. I'm still working on doing better in that area. I work as a nurse in a juvenile detention facility, and actually felt like I could go back in 2 weeks but my Dr. wasn't having it, so I went back after 4 weeks and without any restrictions. Time off from work will of course depend on the individual and the type of work they do, as well as if the procedure is done open or laparoscopically. (mine was lap.) I'm still not feeling any real hunger yet, just eating because I know I must. (I never thought I'd say that!!!!) Oh yeah Sam, I'm sure you want to be loyal to your Dr. but This is your LIFE you're talking about. So it's important to have a Dr. with experience in doing revisions. so PLEASE, do some researching on Dr's experienced in them before going forward. I live in Texas so I can't give you any names but maybe some of the EXPERTS here on the forums can help you there. Also-there's a link at the top of the message board for Bariatric Surgeons. You might start there. Hope this inf. helps!
Myrna
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I had band to RNY on Aug. 5th and am doing well. I had the lapband placed in Dec, 2006 and only lost 33 lbs with only 2.5 cc in my 44cc band. Every time I tried to get more of a fill to increase restriction, I developed BAD reflux/vomiting and foof sticking issues. I finally developed esophagitis and had to get unfilled twice. When I tried to progress again with fills the problems started again and I didn't want to go through it again. Finally my band slipped and had to come out. Meanwhile I gained the 33lbs back. So I figured since it had to come out I might as well revise to bypass. It was the best decision I made, (along with a new Dr. who does more than just the lapband). I have lost 45 lbs in just over 2 1/2 months and am losing well. So any other questions you have , ask away!
Myrna
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I had a lap band in2006 which caused many problems and just didn't work for me either, so on August 5th I had my band removed and revision to RNY. i am exactly 3 wks post-op today and am recovering well. Everything was done at the same time, as well as a hernia repair and adhesion removal. I was in the hospital only overnight, and my insurance covered the revision. Let me know if I can be of any further help.
Myrna
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I had band to RNY revision on Aug 5th, and they did the band removal and revision all in one surgery. Don't worry!
Myrna
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Myrna
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I had a lapband to RNY revision on August 5th, and I got out the next day. The pain was about 7/10 the first day but then about 3-4/10 the next 2 days. I have no pain now unless I overdo or lift something too heavy. I'm mainly just sore right now-got my staples out today.
Myrna
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Myrna
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I gained back all but 2 of the 33lbs I lost with the band because as soon as I would get to 2.5cc's in my 4cc band, the problems would begin with everything getting stuck, vomiting, etc.
Myrna
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Myrna
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Angie,
No, I didn't have to do a seminar, altho I did just to get info. on a particular Dr. which didn't work out. But that might depend on the surgeon who does your revision. And no psych eval. I have BCBS-UT SELECT (TX) and as long as I met the criteria for the original surgery, they didn't require me to meet it again for the revision. Call your ins. co. and ask them directly 'cause each one is different.. I'll let you know when my date is.
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I am currently banded (almost 3yrs and had the same problem ()30lbs lost. I also developed GERD and other problems. I have just been approved by BCBS for revision to RNY and will get my surgery date today. I didn't have to jump through hoops-just had to submit documentation from the Dr. proving medical necessity.
MYRNA
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Your story is very similar to mine, only I've had the band since Dec. 2006. (Idon't know how to change the date in my profile, so it's misleading). I DID lose a whopping 33 lbs in the first 3 months with the band, but nothing since. Then started to develop GERD and couldn't tolerate a fill more than 2.5cc in my 4cc band without EVERYTHING getting stuck and making me vomit, etc.. (I;m sure you know what I mean). After 1 1/2 yrs of fills, unfills, fills, I was referred for an EGD which showed esophagitis and a dilated pouch so I was unfilled totally and put on meds until it healed. Then I began small fills again, and still had no restriction, and when I got to 2.5cc again I felt the same problems happening, this time I began having chest pains radiating to my jaw and arm, but I was afraid to go to Emergency and it finally passed. I didn't really relate the pains to the band until later). I've had the pains since then also, but I'm still not sure. I finally decided to investigate having the band removed and revised to RNY. So I began with one DR. in April 2009 (didn't work out-long story) then 2nd DR who never scheduled a consultation, Now with this amazing Dr. Barker who picked up the ball and ran with it, bringing me to where I am now. During all this I gained all of the 33lbs back and never lost another ounce. I had the band totally unfilled since April 2009. Anyway, I will find out my surgery date TOMORROW!!! YAAAAY!!!
I hope that I can finally start to lose all the weight I need to lose. I feel like such a failure!!! And I'm tired of being tired!!
Can you describe the chest pains you were having? I just want to see if they were similar to mine. Also-HOW MUCH have you lost since your revision? I just need some hope that this will really work for me.
TTYL,
Myrna
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Nancy- Why was yours removed, and why the wait for your revision? I'm getting it all done at the same time. I sure hope I do as well as you with the weight loss, you're doing great.. I've read here it's slower after revision. Have you found that to be true? I will ask my surgeon on Tuesday when I go for consultation and surgery scheduling. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
Myrna
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Hi All
I just found out I was approved today and I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'm so relieved to be getting the band out and the bypass done.It's been almost 3 yrs of problems with the band and I'm really ready to begin my new life. I will find out Tuesday when my surgery date will be. I just wanted y'all to know.I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!
Myrna
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Are you out there? How did it go?
Myrna
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Myrna
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Good Luck!!!!
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