Revising from Realize Band to RNY...Anyone else do this?

So I feel like I didn't fail but my surgery did. I am back in the program to revise from Realize Band to RNY. Had a lot of complications with my band. Haven't been able to use my tool. Has anyone else out there been through this? What has your outcome been? Successes? Obstacles?

Hey Gidget,

Sorry to hear about your complications.  There's got to be some revisioners out here in cyberland???  I was dead set on getting the realize band when I went to my first appointment at Duke WLS.... However I have since changed my mind and made the decision to go for the RNY.  It will be a more effective tool for me, since I am a binge eater and I love sweets.  I think you are doing the right thing by having the revision.  I am sorry that you had to go through one surgery, and experience complications only to have a second surgery that I am sure will be your tool for success:-(  Hang in there girl!!!
---Stacy

Thanks Stacy. It's been a long road but I'm really excited about getting back in the program. I'm actually at the hospital now waiting for the patient education class. Have to go through it again since it's been over 2 years since my last one. I wish that I hadn't been so stubborn before my last surgery. My surgeon and PA really pushed for me to think about getting RNY but I just didn't think that I needed that "drastic" of a surgery. I told the PA today that I wish they had both slapped me upside the head and said what was I thinking. lol But you know they say hindsight is 20/20.

I guess looking back maybe it's good that I had the band first. I did lose almost 80 pounds but having all the complications and not being able to use that tool made me "realize" that I can do a lot on my own, but having the RNY is just going to help me do it faster. Unfortunately, I had to gain 40 pounds back to realize that I can't do it ALL on my own.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm going to need all the help I can get to make it through this process again without breaking down. 

I thought about the band at first but then I didn't like hearing that the "port" can flip or turn and then additional surgery is needed and I really didn't like the thought of having to go to the doctor all the time for "fills".  No doubt they charge a co-pay for every visit and I just thought about how many visits it might take for them to get that band adjusted correctly.  I wasn't going to go as drastic as RNY either but then again I have several co-workers who had it done and they seem to be doing fine so that's why I ended up opting for RNY myself.  My surgery date is next Wednesday.  I am hoping that I don't end up regreting it...I don't think I will but you always have those thoughts in your mind like, "Am I really doing the right thing here?"  Oh well, my answer to that little voice in my head is YES!!!  I am doing the right thing here.

My health right now isn't so great, the weight makes me miserable,  Losing the excess will make me feel like a brand new person.  I'm looking forward to feeling good, being more active, walking around for enjoyment, living life.  I'm sorry you did the band & had complications.  But you lost 80 lbs--that was great.  You don't have a whole lot of weight left to lose do you?  And I only ask that based on seeing your "Ticker" at the bottom on your message page.  Hopefully RNY will help you over that hump and get your weight off for good. 

Hang in there and keep pressing on with the program.  It will be worth it in the end.

-D

Hi Gidget,

I know of several that have revised from a band to an RNY. Charleston-Mom is one and used to come to our meetings. She has been very, very successful with her RNY. If you haven't done so already, you may want to wander over to the 'Revision' forum and maybe even the RNY forum to see what kind of responses you will find there as well. 

I really do believe that you will do very, very well with the RNY.  Just look at how well you did with a band that was never really effective for you? Imagine how well you will do when you truly have restriction and then the forward push of the malabsorption?! You'll do very well, I'm sure of it! 

No advice, but I wanted to jump in and say 'hey'!

Great to hear from you! I have been lurking here for a while and have not been to the monthly support group meetings in a while. You were looking great the last time I saw you, and it was then that you were sharing your complications with the band. I am glad you have found a  new direction and do I hope it works for you.

I am hoping life is finally going to settle down this month and I can get back to the meetings, so I hope to see you soon!

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

Hey there! You're less than 10 miles or so from me, I bet. :D

Who will you go to for revision? I really liked Dr Sudan at Duke WLS - he did my Duodenal Switch for me. (Which I have LOVED, haven't weighed myself in over a month, but by 5 months out I'd lost over 100lbs.)

ETA: I am in Spring Hope.

Gidgett,

I had my realize band in Jan 2009 and revised to RNY on October 8, 2010.  I have been very happy with the surgery for the most part.  I have IBS and the iron has made me constipated but other than that everything has been great.  Have a hard time digesting red meat.
I would be either too loose or too tight with the band.  I started having pain with the band and threatened to remove it myself.  Needless to say a revision was scheduled soon after that threat.

Good luck!!!


Tamara