Most Sucessful Surgery

Hi all...I'm trying to take a poll....I have a failed lap band through no fault of my own....Lost almost 100 pounds and then it slipped...have had it repositioned and it still isn't working correctly.I have gained about 40 pounds back over the past 10 months and I'm at 200..My question is...If you could get a revision which surgery would you choose? And does anyone know which surgery is the most sucessful in the long run? I'm leaning towards RNY because my insurance will cover it, but I don't want to go through this again, so I'm just really looking for the best...It seems like alot of RNY patients have regained quite a bit of their weight after a few years out. I'm in Michigan and meeting with Dr. Pleatman although no opposed to going somewhere else. My old doctor has since moved. Thanks in advance!

I hate to post negatives without offering an alternative solution.  Unfortunately, I don't have the solution, but I just want to share my experience.

I am 3 years out from RNY.  I have no restriction at all, and I gain weight just like I did before surgery.  I was compliant, followed my surgeon and NUT's advice post-op.  I work out and watch what I eat.

It's frustrating to me to back exactly where I was before surgery.  I was going along, losing and feeling great until about 18 months.  Then it's like a switch turned off....like I have not had surgery at all.

It's hard to find people on this board that post about surgery "failure".  This is kind of a place for general information and meeting people that live near you.  There are a lot of people just like me, but you have to know where to find them.

Like I said, I wish I had a good alternative to offer, but I don't.  I have looked into a few revision options, but haven't decided on any yet.

Good luck to you!!

I had RNY almost 2 years ago, and I've been fortunate with my results.  I'm still loosing, however VERY slowly now, and my biggest fear is re-gaining!!  Losing 100 lbs on lapband is impressive ... (way to go), so you know you can make this work!

I appreciate the honestly of the last poster.  Like she said - people don't want to talk about re-gaining, but it's a factor and I think you're smart to consider it. 

I'm very happy with my RNY, and I've have had minimal problems.  Sure, I miss having pizza and beer with my friends on Friday nights, but the truth is that I'm more thankful that I can't eat bread and pasta.  (I have the toppings off of one slice of pizza, and a few bites of steak or a burger, and I'm all set). 

The RNY has worked well for me.  I wish you the best of luck!

My friend also has 'sort of' failed the lap band, but her failure I believe is her own fault.  She would love to have it revised to RNY, but her insurance won't pay for any WLS.  That's why she had the lap band done, because it was the cheapest.  It's either feast of famine with her.  She can either eat everything she wants, or after a fill cant eat anything.  She's on 8 weeks now of not being to hold anything down, not even water.  Preach as I might she just doesn't want to go back in and have some of the fill removed.  She says it'll loosten up pretty soon.  I don't know how she's still functioning without nutrition.  She is still down 100 pounds, so she has been somewhat successful.  I think she was just expecting it to be a cure all, and frankly none of the surgeries will be unless you put your mind to it and use the tools given you.
Obviously, I'm not a lapbander  Because of what I saw happen with her, I chose RNY.
Jan

Before you even consider what type of surgery you are willing to spend thousands of dollars on, or your insurance company, you have to take SOME responsibility for the "failed" lap band.  You state you have gained 40 pounds through "no fault of my own".   I am sorry if I am offending you, but you gain weight when you eat too many calories, or do not burn enough calories through exercise.  There is not a surgery in the world that will keep weight off long term if you are not willing to take responsibility to eat less and exercise more.  You did not say how many calories you are eating, but if you are eating 1200 to 1500 calories a day, and still gaining weight, you should probably see your PCP for further testing.  I am more than 5 years out, and have no restriction, and when I feel like I am slipping in some old habits....I check MYSELF first.   When I go back what got me thin 5 years ago, I remain successful.     Do not give up, and I am not saying that you are completely to blame, but you do have some responsibility for the gained weight.   Sorry, this is just my opinion.    God Luck in whatever you decide.  

Actually, if you read the post I state that the band failed (as in broke) through no fault of my own. I said nothing about not claiming responsibility for gaining the weight back. I would think that's pretty much a no brainer.

Try not to take offense (although I know it's hard).
People on the boards that have not had specific problems tend to put their experience on you, and overlook what you say in your posts.

You can post a million times that the band was defective, or that you are compliant, or whatever, and they won't believe you or will be preachy.  It's hard to get support when everyone claims to know the answer to your specific problem.

I'm curious to see how this turns out for you.  I have BCBS PPO as well and I'm trying to see if they will pay for a revision.  I'll keep you posted on my progress and you keep me posted on mine!

Will do! I was on this board years ago before my lap band. It worked great for me, and I think I'm not in the majority when it comes to that. Had it not slipped all over I would still be loving it. I think right now the only thing I will have to deal with is my BMI. I'm just at 35 so hopefully, insurance will cover it...if not, I will go self pay....I know I can't go back there again. Had I known the bad was not going to work properly after my 2nd surgery, I never would have started eating!! I meet with my Dr. next Monday and will be sure to post...I think I'm going to try for RNY..And thanks for your posts!

The band gave you restriction. You lost 100 pounds with pure restriction. If it were me I'd go for the VSG which is just another restrictive WLS but without the slippage or fills the band has.
That's my 2¢

I'm only 4 1/2 weeks out from RNY surgery, so I'm nowhere near being able to advise anything.

Iwas just at at convention where I heard LuLu Roman (remember her from Hee Haw?) speak, saying she had lost over 200 lbs on the labband surgery. If you Google her, maybe there's a link where you could read more advice from her.
 
Could another competent doc re-position the band for you? Is that ever done?

You didn't say what area of MI you are in. If you are near Grand Rapids, Dr. Baker, Dr. Kemmeter, and Dr. Foote do lap-band surgeries; maybe they could consult with you.

My doc doesn't do lap-bands because of the failure rate, I think, so I had the RNY done.

BEst of luck on getting back on track.

UCanDu it.