My Revision Tale

Hello NY room!  It's been a LONG time since I posted here and Karen has encouraged me to post here again.  Well long story shortened for time I was banded on 1/9/04...lost 120lbs...had abdominalplasty 1/11/06.....and found out I had a slipped band on 6/1/07  :(  Had emergency surgery on 7/30/07 to remove band and repair some minor damage from band.  Well today I got the official approval for my revision to RNY and my date is schedualed for 8/29/07!!  I am a total mixed bag of emotions!!  I wanted to be rebanded, but it was not possible, so I decided to go for the RNY because I gained 30 lbs back since 1/07 my last offical weigh in and I don't want to gain everything I worked so hard to lose back. So I need some major encouragement.  My husband is totally against me going for this revision and we've been arguing all evening.  he thinks I can lose the weight I gained the old fashioned way..diet and exercise, not realizing that, hello...I work out with a trainer now 3 days a week and I still basically eat like I'm still banded. So am I doing the right thing?  I kind of feel comfortable with my decision, but besides my hubby alot of people are  trying to talk me out of it! Jane   aka The LI Princess

The bottom line is that you have to do what works for you.  You get to live with yourself/your body for the rest of your life.  What would please you? There was a point when my Lap Band just seemed not to be working out (I must say it is beautiful now!).  I kept trying but eventually began to consider other avenues.  I was thinking that a hybrid version of the DS would work for me.  I thought that I'd leave my band in place and  get the intestinal portion done with a longer common channel.  I did not want to go drastic.  I never wanted to do that with my body. You've done incredible with the Lap Band and that,as you know is a purely restrictive procedure.  Because you've done so well with restriction only why wouldn't you consider the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy? I hate to put the option of a 3rd surgery on the table, but if you got the VSG and it was not enough, you could later get part 2 - the malabsorbtion portion of the DS. Forget other people.  What do you think is right?  You said you feel comfortable with your decision for the RNY - I am sure you explored very, very thoroughly.  You go for it girl.  Forget what anyone has to say.  For get the "my surgery is better than yours" crap.  As long as you are completely willing to take care of yourself and do whatever it takes to be healthy with a bypass, don't let anyone and I mean anyone stop you.  Many have been successful with the RNY and I am sure that you will be too. Much Love, Peace, & Harmony, Leila

Hey sweetie!

Bottom line is, you know what you need for your body!  We can hear everyone tell us we've lost enough, we're beautiful just the way were are, BUT it doesn't mean anything if we aren't happy inside ourselves.  My thought is, if this is what you want to do for yourself, your body and your own peace of mind...JUST DO IT! 
Any idea how your band slipped?  Was it the weight loss?  One of my g/fs torqued hers, so had to be rebanded.  She had the flu really bad.  The vomiting  caused the problem. Best of luck on whatever you decide.  You know we're all here behind whatever decision you make! *~*Thanks Karen for suggesting Jane get her lil keester back to her OH famiy!

Jane, I think you should go for it.  I think you are making the right decision. Sheila

Jane, I know its tough to make this decision...but, remember..in the end...its YOUR decision.  Good Luck and welcome back.... Rosemary

Hi Jane,

Like everyone said, it's YOUR body.
You must be especially scared because you had the tummy tuck.

People just don't understand that other substances you either do or you don't; i.e, smoking, drugs, etc., but we do have to eat 3X/day!

Good luck w/your decision.

hugs,

Hi Karen!

  I took your advice and posted and thankyou! I had my post-op visit this evening with my surgeon and decided to go for it!  I want to keep my health and I have faith in my surgeon so I feel very comfortable with my decision now.

 

 

Jane

 

(((((HUGS)))) I am sorry you have had to go through so much.  Do they know why the band slipped?  As a bander I am curious to know how you knew, lol  You have to do what you have to do for you.  Your hubby might be a little nervous after what you have been through.  So give him some time to take it all in.  He will come around I am sure!

They really don't why it slipped, but I suspect it happened around the beginning of March when I PB'd on steak for over an hour.  About 2 weeks later I developed terrible reflux, but kept popping Rolaids and ignoring the problem.  Eventually it got so bad, that even drinking water was painful, so I grabbed my surgeon aside at work (I work in the PACU) and told him what was going on.  He sent for for an Upper GI Series the next day and that confirmed it.  He gave me an unfill right away, and put me on liquids. Then the following week he sent me for an endoscopy and we found the damage and that I had a severe case of esophagitis. I was put on nexium, carafate, and reglan which gave me miminal relief.  It eventually got so bad, he brought me in through the ER and did an emergency removal last week. Jane

Hi Jane, I can tell you that listening to what people think of your own life and the judgements with make of it and only have negative things to say are just leeches.  It's your life and body and health so b/wn you and your doctors are the only ones whos opinion matter sweetie.  I am looking at surgery number 8 for me and trust me I am hearing this and that since day one about having this surgery from some people.  Since surgery number one I have been thinking about my health and the happiness of my family.  Well it back fired on me so I am going to plan H to continue to fight for my health and happiness of my family.    That being said, be well and I am sure you will do what you feel is right.