I had bypass in 83 need lap band now. Not sure what to do.

I posted once before and then can't find it now. I will write more when I think maybe I have figured this out and I know that my messages are getting through. Barbara

Read my profile for the story of my revision. I had a JIB in 1986 that caused many complications over time resulting in a medical crisis. I did not have the time to make decisions about whether to have a revision, just what type of revision and I left the decision to the doctor. Here's why: My surgeon is/was a liver transplant surgeon and I sought him out for this skill set. The part of my intestine that had been "removed" was still attached for a blood supply yet it was quite atrophed. There was concern about whether it would come back to function properly at all. In effect, I was having a transplant of intestine, then converted to RNY to avoid the malabsorption issues I had previously suffered. Lap was not considered or offered in my case. Turns out that I had adhesions galore and the surgery took a lot longer than expected. I also had a panniculectomy at the same time, adding to the stresses on my body. I did pay a price for all this being done at once and recovery was very difficult, to say the least. In the end, worth it. I am not sure what you are asking. Are you asking whther you should do it or not? If so, I would give you an unqualified YES. The old JIB's (assuming that is what you had) have caused many to suffer greatly and some to die. Most have had revisions by now. I hope this helps you some. tee

Hi Tee. In your usual succinct way, you have said it all. Very good advice. I just reread your profile, and I must say that I think it should be "must reading" for everyone who is contemplating having WLS. Sure hope to meet up with you one of these days! Peg

Thanks, Peg. I miss your questions of the day.......... We will meet, I promise. tee

Hi Barbara, Over on the lap band board there have been several people who have posted about having their bypass banded. They have had good success with it. I love my band and I love the idea that 10,15 20 years from now I can still have it adjusted. I would be happy to answer any of your questions. Gail

I am so excited. I think for the first time in a long time I feel like there is hope. Barbara

This is Barbara again. I am so excited. I still have not been able to get T. Tee's story yet I will keep trying.I was so excited last night I could hardly sleep. I had know idea that people with the old bypass procedure had trouble, I guess I am lucky. However I do find it embarrasing that I have put weight back on. I hope I am a lot older and wiser this time and know that this is not magic and the weight will just stay off. It does take some self control. I am not sure which Dr. to call to get the procedure started. I do work for a tax accountant so I am looking at a very busy time for a while, but in reading how long it has taken for some approvals I feel like I need to get the procedure started. I don't think I am going to get the go a head from my regular Dr. (he is very old fashioned) you know, don't eat and exercise and the weight will just come off. Oh, if that were true in every case!!!! I need a Dr. who works well with the programs in the Portland Vancouver area. I have lots of questons as to what is the best kind of lap surgery for a bypass done in 83. I have stayed pretty isulated, staying at home in old shirts and sweat pants (trying to hide) I am excdited about new friends. Have a great day, looking forward to hear from all of you.

To get to anyone's profile, just click on the "profile" button below their post. Well, here's the deal on the revision and lap band. If you had the old JIB, you are likely going to have a more complicated procedure than a person who has never had WLS before. The chances are high that there is scar tissue to contend with and possibly a take down and then the lap band. To get around the objections of your PCP ask for a referral (if you need one, I did not) to have your old surgery re-assessed. Problems you have not associated with that surgery may very well be causing you problems now. And the medical literature is filled with good reasons for that procedure to be reassessed. You likely will not need the whole approval go round IF you present your problems as stemming from the original procedure. In my case, it was SOOOOO obvious. And the good docs at OHSU have much experience with this and with working with insurance companies. Honestly, a University Hospital for this particular situation is highly recommended. I tell you this as someone who has been there. Regaining weight is common. Nothing to be ashamed of. You need to get healthy and the sooner the better. I don't think my case was unusual for a previous JIB patient. Dr. Deveney takes us very seriously. tee