Now what?

I went from a bypass to a band...I had gained all my weight back and in December I had a band put over old bypass.  My weight loss is slow, but that's ok.  Why do you say that the band wasn't the tool for you?  What went wrong with it?

I could never get the "sweet spot" - I would constantly get food stuck and slime - one day I could eat something - the next time the same thing would cause problems - I would get a fill that would feel right and 2 weeks later all of the sudden it was so tight I couldn't drink water. When I got pregnant I had all of the fill taken out and for some reason the band worked perfect - I finally had the sweet spot! I would eat like a 1/2 wrap sandwich and feel completely content - nothing got stuck (hardly ever- like maybe twice in the 9 months) - I only gained 20 pounds in my pregnancy - I am thankful for the band during my pregnancy - I also believe it helped me not get gestational diabetes like I had in my first pregnancy.

I know there are a lot of successful people that have had the band - and I am jealous of them. I truly wanted it to work - but after experiencing the band during pregnancy and what a great tool it was - I know it never worked the way it was supposed to work for me. The thing about the band is that it is a very individual tool and as far as I'm concerned one size does not fit all and I don't think there is any way for them to tell before hand. Perhaps, in the future they'll get better at identifying successful band candidates.

I wish you all the luck in using the tool and hope that it works out for you!!

 I always feel bad when someone isn't suited for the band.  They are so invested in it and want so badly for it to work, and sometimes it just doesn't.

Hope you find the right option for you and I also wish you the best!!

My computer is down and I haven't been on here in a week, that's why I am just now responding. I don't regret my bypass at all. I have had a rough road with being sick for almost the entire time since surgery (blockages, gall bladder, blood pressure issues) but I would do it over again in a heart beat. As sick as I have been I am still healthier than I was pre-op.

I do know this is a personal decision that only you can make. Good luck in what ever you decide.

Wow Kathy - that is a huge testament for this surgery because you certainly have had your share of misery - it's good to know that through it all you not only don't have regrets - that you actually still have gratitude - thank you - I value your opinion!

Anytime hun!

Hi Tammy!  Thought I'd throw in my .02

I had RNY about ...geez I've lost track of time... 7 years ago.  I've never once regretted having the surgery though it was a big scary decision. 

I think it's important that you trust and have faith in your surgeon's program and ability.  I also think it's very important for you to seek out therapy and support .  I'm sure that going for a revision will bring up issues I've never had to deal with before and have no inclination of.

Having said that- I can tell you that I am 100% healthier than I was the day I had surgery.  It's been an amazing blessing and gift in my life.  I don't really know where I would be today if I didn't have the courage to have surgery.  Sick- for sure...goodness knows what else.

I lost 170 lbs initally, and have maintained a loss of 150 over the years, through support and exercise.  I have no more significant health issues, just some iron deficiencies that are easily managed. 

If you have an opportunity, and you're emotionally prepared- GO FOR IT.  It could make all the difference in your life.

BTW- I was out of work for 2 weeks with an OPEN incision- back to work week 3 part time.  it was hard- but I had to do it, and I believe it helped in my recovery overall to get back to work quickly. 

Best wishes for your success-

Thank you Lisa! I have an 11 month old baby and a 6.5 year old son - I am 44 years old and know that if I continue to keep this weight on me that they will not have me there for a big part of their lives - I had hoped this band would have worked for me - but I'm glad I gave it a chance - I was just one of the unfortunate ones.... I am scared, but I've decided to go for it..... it's good to know that you were only out 2 weeks with an open surgery - that's amazing because I always thought it was a lot longer - after having 2 c-sections I guess this won't be so bad.....

Thanks for taking the time to let me know you have no regrets - it helps to hear!

Well Tammy I am 3 years and 3 months out- and maintaining my 150 pound loss easily.
I have come across many people who had gastric bypass or a lap band and my experience is those of us who went with bypass have an easier time eating overall. You banders and food getting stuck- yeesh, I'll pass on feeling like a piece of chicken is stuck in my esophogus. No- i can't eat a huge bowl of ice cream- but that's what keeps me from weighing 300 pounds. I can eat a few bites, I can eat a handful of m and m's.I am happy. I can drink a venti sugar free latte from starbucks- and do so on a nearly daily basis. Life is awesome. I wear a size 12. I had a tummy tuck and I feel great. Tammy- you gave the band 3 years- granted you had a pregnancy in there.... time to try something new!!!! Go for it!!!!!

Momo is that you?