Looking for some advice. Lapbanded thinking about RNY

Hi to you all. I was banded in 2005. Band slipped caused major damage. Rebounded in 2007. Having lost of issues to find sweet spot. Heartburn GERD and very slow wt loss. I have been researching about having a RNY to replace my band. What is the most frustrating part exercising eating well and little to no progress. If any of you out there has gone through or going through the same issues I would love to hear your opinions THx in advance Laurie

I haven't had a revision, but wanted to Welcome you to the board.  There are a few on here that have gone from Lap Band to RNY.  Whether you are going for a revision or not, it won't be a very fast process.  Some centres are quicker than others, and your journey length also depends on your medical history.

I have seen that some surgeons will remove the band and do the RNY in the same procedure, others prefer separate procedures.

I wish you luck on your journey, I'm sure others that were in your position will comment.

Cathy

Hi Laurie,

I completely feel your pain.  I was originally banded in 2006, lost 100+ but it came at a severe price.  I was forever in pain, heartburn, choking, being "stuck", etc.  The band then slipped and I had it replaced in 2013.  I should have just had it removed, however, I thought that it was my only option.

I have since been through the Bariatric Registry and was approved for RNY.  I ended up with the vertical sleeve surgery (which I LOVE), as the damage to my stomach from the band was too much to do the RNY.  According to my surgeon, my stomach was "ratty" and the pouch would have been too large to be effective with RNY, they opted to do the sleeve, and I'm eternally grateful!!

If you have more specific questions, please feel free to send me a message :)

Tracy :)

Hi Tracy 

Thank you for your story. The more I read from others the more I feel so much regret  for spending the money for the band. I researched for 2 years before I made up my mind. The passage of time has told a whole different story for sure. Again thank you  for your advice.

Laurie

Hi Laurie, 

I had my band put in in 2002 and put up with slips, vomiting ( you name it****il 2011 when I had it removed. I had RNY in January and so far it's WAY better than the band. I wish I had never had a band sometimes but hey, we did what we thought was best given the info we had at the time, right?

One good thing about having had a band though is that the lifestyle adjustments for RNY are familiar for us - we're already used to eating little and often, not drinking with meals, etc.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision! 

Hi

Thank you. The more I look into this the more I am leaning towards having it removed. I am disappointed in investing all this money into the band and now have it removed. As they say proof is in the pudding. May I ask how much wt did you loose. I have a around 50 but overtime I try to fill my band then starts the reflux and coughing and gagging all night. Again thank you

Laurie

Hi again,

I lost 100 pounds, but gained almost all of it back after the band was removed :( Oddly, enough my reflux was WORSE after the band was removed - I think because of the damage done to my stomach over 9 years. Just my opinion, but I think you would be wise to have your band removed, since we know that prolonged reflux can lead to esophageal cancer.

Take care and let me know how you're doing...

Beth