10 months without the band

Just thought I'd pop into the revision board to give a success story for anyone worried about revision from the band. 

I had my band placed almost 7 years ago. It was great at first, but then all the usual problems popped up. Inability to swallow, hernia, severe acid, and pain in my chest and shoulder that wouldn't subside. I often vomited up to 6 times a day. My main food source was popcorn because I rarely threw it up. But sometimes even that didn't go down. The day I vomited water was my last straw.

So, I revised to the RNY. It's 10 months later and here are my highlights: I've lost all my weight (I'm a pound from goal), I have ZERO food intolerances. Nothing makes me sick! I am able to be active again, because I have enough nutrition to actually keep me going! 

If you are scared to revise, I get it...but I can only tell you that I wish I had the nerve to do it sooner.

My life is 100% better without the band and I wish that for everyone struggling!

There's a ripple effect. My life is 100% better since you revised to RNY as well.

Get a room you two! lol 

ha!

Hi Juniper Berry 

I just read your post and wanted to say thanks for sharing your positive outcome and results yahoooo! Congrats on getting to goal!

I have ad my band since Mar 2007 - initially had some success but have regained all + some since then with complications, playing the fill unfill game again trying to get the band working again, with minimal success.

My fill nurse suggested revision to Bypass now, and I am seriously considering it.  I suppose I have apprehension about will it work for me - if lapband didn't, and the cost as selfpay is a huge impact to our family... Time to get serious as have been considering since November.

Would love to hear more about the changes you have noticed compared to band life.  I am about ready to go for another small fill .1c

I have recently put in .2 taking out .1 putting in .1 taking out .2 etc etc very over the monthly up down and cannot find green zone!

Look forward to hearing from you or anyone else band to Bypass revision!

Kazzy2

Hi Kazzy, I totally get the apprehension--especially since you are self pay! But life without the band has had literally no bad side effects for me, which is why I wanted to post. I can only barely remember the pain and aggravation anymore. And it's pretty great to weigh 115lbs and wear a 0-2!

There are no guarantees in major surgery but I have no regrets :)

Thanks for your reply!  I saw my lapband nurse today and she has started the ball rolling and we have set up my 5 pre-op consultations - mega excited, nervous, and all of that!

I just re-read through my lapband blog and see I only got 16kg off - maybe 18 at most... so was no where near goal with the band before it all went pear shaped!  

Your story was very inspiring thanks for posting!

Karen  

That is so great to hear.   I had my band out two weeks ago.  I also had it a little over 7 years and had the same issues :(

I'm debating between sleeve and RNY, but after reading your post, feel much better about going with RNY. 

Glad all is going well for you!

Hello. I just got my band removed Thursday due to slippage. I have had problems with it for couple years now but didn't want to face the fact until I was doubled up in pain for three days. I feel my stomach will never go back to normal. How long did it take for you to feel safe to eat normal? My stomach still feels like it wants to reject everything. Like  I am afraid so it automatically tightens up. Im am just extremely weak tired, thirsty and frustrated.

Thanks for any help.

I didn't have a straight removal, I had a revision, so I don't actually know how the stomach recovers when it is just removed.

But you just had major surgery, so it doesn't sound surprising that you are in a lot of pain right now. I hope you are feeling much better soon!