BOB - Band over Bypass - Looking for BOBs
On May 8, 2011 at 8:54 AM Pacific Time, heathercross wrote:
Hi. I'll be 9 yrs post-op from Open RNY in August, I'm getting banded on June 23rd. I was 305 pre-RNY, got down to 173 and am now at 246. I considered a full revision but decided against it as it is MAJOR surgery and I am not willing to take those risks. My ct scan and endoscopy show a HUGE pouch and a fully intact stoma. I am using Dr. Marina Kurian in NYC for the Band. I'd love to hear from anyone who has been banded after bypass.
NOTE: First let me start by saying that if you have not had a BOB, I'm not really interested in hearing why I should not have a band. You are not in my shoes, don't know my condition and don't know me.
I too stretched out my pouch and required a revision surgery. After much research and consideration, I was BOB'ed on 5/28/09 (can't believe it's been 2 years already!). BEST thing I ever did and it gave me that second, well third actually, chance that I needed to get back my healthy life.
I surpassed my goal weight of 150 lbs rather quickly thereafter...losing down to 121 lbs. I have maintained that loss with ease for over 15 months now. I have had ZERO complications to date and I definitely consider myself a success story with my BOB. :)
Any other questions, please let me know!
=Lisa=
Hi Lisa:
I have heard so much about you. I read your whole profile last night on Amtrak coming back to NYC from Philly. Im scared. Im worried about the complication rate, Im worried about having her open me up and go open, Im just worried. I know I will probably eat differently after the Band then the Bypass and I also have to be honest and say I've never heard so many compliants about the band.
What do you wish you knew?
What do you wish you havd done pre-band to better prepare?
What do you wish was different?
What did you not expect?
Heather
I have heard so much about you. I read your whole profile last night on Amtrak coming back to NYC from Philly. Im scared. Im worried about the complication rate, Im worried about having her open me up and go open, Im just worried. I know I will probably eat differently after the Band then the Bypass and I also have to be honest and say I've never heard so many compliants about the band.
What do you wish you knew?
What do you wish you havd done pre-band to better prepare?
What do you wish was different?
What did you not expect?
Heather
Hi Heather!
Your fears and concerns are totally normal as this new surgery is definitely a life-changing event. Thankfully (for me, personally), those changes have ALL been positive. I too heard so many complaints about the band, but I also heard so many success stories here on the board and from previous BOB patients of my surgeon's office. I took it all in with a grain of salt, did my own sufficient research and compared surgery choices, and decided this was the absolute best option for me. To answer your other questions:
What do you wish you knew? I wish I knew that WLS in general does not warrant long-term success without first seeking therapy to resolve the "real" issues I was avoiding by eating...and eating REALLY badly. This time around, I had my mind right through therapy and was able to resolve these addiction issues, thus helping me to understand my food addiction and handle it accordingly. I still see my therapist but it is down to 1x per month now. I started out at 2x per week.
What do you wish you havd done pre-band to better prepare? Well, not much. I did all of my research, purchased all of the required protein shakes and vitamin supplements, and sought therapy for my food addiction. I was quite prepared, actually...and felt really good about everything going in. I knew failure was NOT an option and created a plan to make sure this didn't happen. Remember, "A goal without a plan is just a wish!" :)
What do you wish was different? I wish that I would have started my exercise routine earlier on in my BOB journey. I used to walk and such, but didn't go hard until I was a couple of months out. It really helps in weight loss while retaining muscle tone. It has worked wonders in my dream of becoming "long and lean." I pretty much NEVER exercised after my original RNY so I didn't have the amazing results I have this time around. I can't tell you how much it helps to alleviate stress too (my career is a very stressful one!). Other than that, nothing. I LOVE love love my band.
What did you not expect? Well, no matter how much people try to explain what "proper restriction" is with the band, you will never understand until you are going through it and trying to get there. I was able to figure this out early on post-op, but the weight REALLY started flying off once I reached my "sweet spot" with the band and has been this way ever since. Also, I did not expect things like my band being tighter in the mornings and during my time of month, so I was not fully prepared on how to handle it. Of course now, I have this thing down pat so its no big deal. I expect it and know exactly how to handle it when it happens. Oh yeah, also, I did not expect to be hated on so much by naysayers for my surgery choice. It's so immature and quite frankly ridonkulous...but most of the people that do it have never reached goal, or have reached goal and subequently regained...so I pay them NO mind and now laugh all the way to the scale! LOL
Anything else, let me know Heather! I'm here for ya'!
Your fears and concerns are totally normal as this new surgery is definitely a life-changing event. Thankfully (for me, personally), those changes have ALL been positive. I too heard so many complaints about the band, but I also heard so many success stories here on the board and from previous BOB patients of my surgeon's office. I took it all in with a grain of salt, did my own sufficient research and compared surgery choices, and decided this was the absolute best option for me. To answer your other questions:
What do you wish you knew? I wish I knew that WLS in general does not warrant long-term success without first seeking therapy to resolve the "real" issues I was avoiding by eating...and eating REALLY badly. This time around, I had my mind right through therapy and was able to resolve these addiction issues, thus helping me to understand my food addiction and handle it accordingly. I still see my therapist but it is down to 1x per month now. I started out at 2x per week.
What do you wish you havd done pre-band to better prepare? Well, not much. I did all of my research, purchased all of the required protein shakes and vitamin supplements, and sought therapy for my food addiction. I was quite prepared, actually...and felt really good about everything going in. I knew failure was NOT an option and created a plan to make sure this didn't happen. Remember, "A goal without a plan is just a wish!" :)
What do you wish was different? I wish that I would have started my exercise routine earlier on in my BOB journey. I used to walk and such, but didn't go hard until I was a couple of months out. It really helps in weight loss while retaining muscle tone. It has worked wonders in my dream of becoming "long and lean." I pretty much NEVER exercised after my original RNY so I didn't have the amazing results I have this time around. I can't tell you how much it helps to alleviate stress too (my career is a very stressful one!). Other than that, nothing. I LOVE love love my band.
What did you not expect? Well, no matter how much people try to explain what "proper restriction" is with the band, you will never understand until you are going through it and trying to get there. I was able to figure this out early on post-op, but the weight REALLY started flying off once I reached my "sweet spot" with the band and has been this way ever since. Also, I did not expect things like my band being tighter in the mornings and during my time of month, so I was not fully prepared on how to handle it. Of course now, I have this thing down pat so its no big deal. I expect it and know exactly how to handle it when it happens. Oh yeah, also, I did not expect to be hated on so much by naysayers for my surgery choice. It's so immature and quite frankly ridonkulous...but most of the people that do it have never reached goal, or have reached goal and subequently regained...so I pay them NO mind and now laugh all the way to the scale! LOL
Anything else, let me know Heather! I'm here for ya'!
Lisa.
Thanks so much for all the valuable info.
I so agree with you. Everyone is like the BAND doesnt work, its bad, its whatever, Im going to convert to a RNY. Well, you know what kiddos, the RNY doesnt always work either, HELLO?????
Hearing about the band's "moodiness" was a first, that it might be thighter in the am and also around your monthly. I wonder if men experience anything similiar? I actually was purchasing advertiusing the other day (i work in marketing) and found out the lady recently had a band herself. She too, commented to me that the difference between the am vs. pm is night and day and she loses all her weight at her monthly bc she cannot eat anything. Im glad I now know that to prepare myself.
As for what to and not to expect, most of what you brought up is par for the course. Im hesitant to buy a lot of stuff prior to the surgery bc I did that pre-RNY and my taste buds changed, etc. Im also worried about how soon I can exercise. I hurt my back 2 summers ago and that has a lot to do with the wieght comming back on as I have a bulging slipped disk and running is painful. I also wonder/worry about the incisions from Lap band as I've already had a tummy tuck and its faired well even in the weight gain.
Thanks again...please check in on me. I've updated my profile. I was very diligent when i did this 9 yrs ago and think i will need to lean on others again this time around.
Heather
Thanks so much for all the valuable info.
I so agree with you. Everyone is like the BAND doesnt work, its bad, its whatever, Im going to convert to a RNY. Well, you know what kiddos, the RNY doesnt always work either, HELLO?????
Hearing about the band's "moodiness" was a first, that it might be thighter in the am and also around your monthly. I wonder if men experience anything similiar? I actually was purchasing advertiusing the other day (i work in marketing) and found out the lady recently had a band herself. She too, commented to me that the difference between the am vs. pm is night and day and she loses all her weight at her monthly bc she cannot eat anything. Im glad I now know that to prepare myself.
As for what to and not to expect, most of what you brought up is par for the course. Im hesitant to buy a lot of stuff prior to the surgery bc I did that pre-RNY and my taste buds changed, etc. Im also worried about how soon I can exercise. I hurt my back 2 summers ago and that has a lot to do with the wieght comming back on as I have a bulging slipped disk and running is painful. I also wonder/worry about the incisions from Lap band as I've already had a tummy tuck and its faired well even in the weight gain.
Thanks again...please check in on me. I've updated my profile. I was very diligent when i did this 9 yrs ago and think i will need to lean on others again this time around.
Heather
I too am looking at BOB just started the process. Original surgeon did not give the option as a revision wanted to shorten the "commom channel" but being on more vitamins and multiple protien suppliments daily was not looking to be a "quality lifestyle" for me.
I underwent the EDG which revealed a small pouch but the stoma has stretched. Hopefully the band can address this. I underwent an Upper GI and a lower abdominal cat scan which were normal.
I have gained and lost and gained again how can I not feel like a faliure!!LOL!! But trying to stay positive!!
I underwent the EDG which revealed a small pouch but the stoma has stretched. Hopefully the band can address this. I underwent an Upper GI and a lower abdominal cat scan which were normal.
I have gained and lost and gained again how can I not feel like a faliure!!LOL!! But trying to stay positive!!
I wholeheartedly understand your feelings. BUT, you are NOT a failure and it is completely reasonable to seek a revision to help you get back on track. It changed my life!
As far as vitamins, I take 5 per day total (multi-vitamin, B-1 Thiamin, D-3, Carotenoid Complex, Calcium Citrate) and one B-12 shot every 2 weeks (it's easier that way for me). I am used to taking them. It has become no big deal and my labs are excellent. Yay!
As far as vitamins, I take 5 per day total (multi-vitamin, B-1 Thiamin, D-3, Carotenoid Complex, Calcium Citrate) and one B-12 shot every 2 weeks (it's easier that way for me). I am used to taking them. It has become no big deal and my labs are excellent. Yay!
Hi kids! I'm new to the site and scheduled for my BOB on Monday (7/16). I'm a Type A planner and have been researching this procedure for almost a year and feeling uber-prepared having ordered all my vitamins, protein powder, etc. However, this week my emotions have totally shocked me! I am suddenly extremely anxious about becoming a BOBster - can I really do it? My pre-op clear liquid diet starts Friday and I'm even nervous about not being able to eat for 3 days!!! I'm also scheduled for a business trip to Belgium 3 weeks after surgery, which should be quite a challenge.
The good news is that going through all of your posts today has been a great relief and inspiration!
I had RNY in 2003 and lost 150 pounds then started to yo-yo back up slowly until 2007 when I got back down to my lowest. That's when I met my husband and got pregnant and am now 100 lbs back up.
My life has totally changed since I had the RNY - I'm no longer a party girl looking for the love of her life. I found him and now have an awesome 2 1/2 year old son - mission accomplished! I want to be healthy and active again so I can enjoy my life as a mom and wife. I'm ready for the committment and want my little boy to be able to wrap his arms around my waist instead of slapping my belly because he thinks its funny when it jiggles. I don't want him to be "that kid" in school with the mom on the scooter who's too big and unhealthy to walk.
One of things I'm trying to get my head around is how I'm going to handle making meals for myself and my family, I already hate cooking for the most part, so I'm not really looking forward to having to spend additional time making something for the kid/hubby and then myself. Any thoughts/suggestions?
The good news is that going through all of your posts today has been a great relief and inspiration!
I had RNY in 2003 and lost 150 pounds then started to yo-yo back up slowly until 2007 when I got back down to my lowest. That's when I met my husband and got pregnant and am now 100 lbs back up.
My life has totally changed since I had the RNY - I'm no longer a party girl looking for the love of her life. I found him and now have an awesome 2 1/2 year old son - mission accomplished! I want to be healthy and active again so I can enjoy my life as a mom and wife. I'm ready for the committment and want my little boy to be able to wrap his arms around my waist instead of slapping my belly because he thinks its funny when it jiggles. I don't want him to be "that kid" in school with the mom on the scooter who's too big and unhealthy to walk.
One of things I'm trying to get my head around is how I'm going to handle making meals for myself and my family, I already hate cooking for the most part, so I'm not really looking forward to having to spend additional time making something for the kid/hubby and then myself. Any thoughts/suggestions?
I agree with Lisa, we arent failures but we do need to take some accountability for what got us here. I think that was the hardest part for me. Realizing that yes, i did fall into bad habits but the surgery failed me too. Please stay in touch, i've decided to update my profile and keep others updated as well. This worked well for me years ago and I hope it will do the same this time around. Let me know what you decide to do.
Hey all I just met with a second surgeon and I think things look a lot more promising, the only draw back is my pouch has not stretched and is only abour 3 cm so the surgeon fears the pouch may be too small to band. But he felt confidant if it is not then we can do the band!! How about this being the only time I would have rather had my pouch stretched!!!LOL!! They also ran the insurance and I am already approved except for some additional cost that insurance wont cover anyways. He also wants his partner do the surgery with him so there is the additional cost of the second surgeon. If nothing else I have walked away with some hope which is more than the last surgeon gave me!! Think happy thougts for me!!!
Heather,
Reading your history and wl journey is like reading my own, almost word for word right down to the numbers. I had my RNY 8/29/02 and now have a consultation scheduled for this coming Friday (2/17/12) for a possible BOB. My journey has not been an easy one, I have had some serious complications in general since my RNY. The weight did come off easy post surgery, (was too happy to for the first time ever fit into a size 8) but regaining the weight was unfortunately just as easy over the years. I am not expecting the super fast weight loss from the BOB as with the RNY, I am older, wiser and better prepared to take it slow and steady. For me, it is not so much about looks, size, or trendy fashions ie. skinny jeans, instead, it is all about my health.
BTW, I was very hesitant about posting on this site. Other than my wonderfully supportive husband, I have not had much support since deciding to have the RNY almost 10 years ago. There are a lot of family members that were cruel and harsh in judgement over my decision back then-so I am pretty used to going it alone; so much so that I am sure I will not be revealing my decision to have yet another surgery to anyone in my family anytime soon.
Thanks for posting your story.
Reading your history and wl journey is like reading my own, almost word for word right down to the numbers. I had my RNY 8/29/02 and now have a consultation scheduled for this coming Friday (2/17/12) for a possible BOB. My journey has not been an easy one, I have had some serious complications in general since my RNY. The weight did come off easy post surgery, (was too happy to for the first time ever fit into a size 8) but regaining the weight was unfortunately just as easy over the years. I am not expecting the super fast weight loss from the BOB as with the RNY, I am older, wiser and better prepared to take it slow and steady. For me, it is not so much about looks, size, or trendy fashions ie. skinny jeans, instead, it is all about my health.
BTW, I was very hesitant about posting on this site. Other than my wonderfully supportive husband, I have not had much support since deciding to have the RNY almost 10 years ago. There are a lot of family members that were cruel and harsh in judgement over my decision back then-so I am pretty used to going it alone; so much so that I am sure I will not be revealing my decision to have yet another surgery to anyone in my family anytime soon.
Thanks for posting your story.
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