Re-doing Surgery

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to know if I got the lap band done over a year ago, can I go back and have the RNY or sleeve done?

Probably ---- unless your band has caused major damage to your stomach.

If that has not happened, you should be able to have the band removed, and revise to another surgery (at the same time, or scheduled as 2 different procedures).

You may have trouble getting insurance to pay for a revision surgery (some insurance plans only cover 1 WLS per lifetime) ----- but physically, you should be able to have something else done.

Hey Kath:  Haven't seen you for awhile--I've been busy and not on the Board.  When I posted awhile ago you responded and we had a similar starting weight etc.  I started at 265 and am now at 193---have hit a plateau---mostly in my head and motivation.  Did this ever happen to you?  I feel and look so much better that I wanted to "rest"---which meant putting things back into my food plan that weren't there before.  I have just felt tired of all the effort it took.  I am still exercising 5-6 days a week and am now wearing size 14-16 clothes down from 22-24.  I just wondered if you ever took a break or lost motivation for awhile?
Thanks ---
Harmony

Hi Harmony --

To be honest, I did not plateau and I did not'take a break' on my weight loss.

In the past, I lost close to 100 pounds twice in my life -- and I quit/went back to my old ways with my goal in sight.

So, when I decided to get my band, I made some really firm comittments to myself about following through -- and making it to 'the end' ---
I used OA to help me identify my 'trigger foods' and I began to abstain from them about 10 weeks pre-op (and thankfully I have remained abstinent since 4/1/2009).

I went back to Weigh****chers about 6 weeks post op to have scale accountability and to learn what normal, reasonable portions look like.

I had some amount of weight loss -- or a 'maintain' every single week -- except 1-- for 18 months straight.  

I was 51 years old, peri-menopausal when I started -- and have since become fully menopausal --- so, exercise and focus were both instrumental in keeping my metabolism up.

Now -- I still weigh daily when I am home -- and if the scale goes up to 157, I go into 'weight loss' mode -- I cut out all liquid calories and scale bac****il I am back at 152 - 155.

I travel alot for business -- so I eat out alot and have to remain really vigilant to not slip backwards.

Good luck as you work to get back on track.

Thanks for the reply.  I am long term OA person and know my trigger foods.  I was starting to waiver in my commitment after so many months of steady loss.  I am back to weighing and measuring.  I am about 30# from goal.  I am a gym rat so the exercise is on track and staying that way.
  
Twice before I had lost 85 to 100 as well.  That is why I needed to hear from you----someone else who is walking the walk. 

Thanks so much for your response and support--I really appreciate it.  One day at a time I will continue my commitment and investment in a healthly life for myself---I deserve it!!!
Harmony

Yes you can but you may have to wait six months between surgeries if your band has caused severe damage to your stomach.

hey im new i just wanted to know why after a year you would want to do another one?? HAve you had any problems with the band?

Jennifer

Jennifer I don't know her cir****tances, but there are tons of bandsters that have not had any luck with the band at a year out.

Yes, it can be done. The type of surgery you can have might depend on whether or not you have developed a lot of scar tissue or have damage from your band. Some people have their bands removed and their revision surgery at the same time. Some have to wait awhile to allow for healing.

Check your insurance to make sure there's not a "one WLS per lifetime" clause.

Good luck!

I am curious about a revision too. I have only lost 20 lbs and I dont feel any different with my bad. What issues are you having?