I need to hear from Band to DS vets

I know I have posted a few weeks ago but I think I need a recap,lol. I just got done with my pre-op testing, and my revision from band to DS is on 1/24/13. When I met with the surgeon yesterday I told him my only concern is getting another WLS and losing another 20 lbs. My band and I had a horrible 6 year relationship even though I tried my best to work with it.....I could never get the good things down either. Please, for all you revision from band to DS'ers.....can you give me your start weight with the DS and your progress? I just need some positive vibes I guess. Thanks;) 

I had my lap-band for three years and could never tolerate any tightening of it.  I had horrible, horrible nearly life wrecking reflux with the band.  I was miserable, but desperate to lose the weight, so I lived that way for three years.  After I had the band removed, I was still too chicken to consider a more intrusive bariatric surgery until I became an insulin dependent diabetic.  I also had sleep apnea, borderline hypertension, and PCOS.  So I decided I had to do something and thank goodness I found this forum!!  The DS was exactly what I needed!

Highest before lap-band 296

Before lap-band 240

After lap-band 209 (since I couldn't tolerate band restriction, I hired a personal trainer who is actually responsible for most of my post band weight loss.

Highest after Lap-band out 320

Weight day of DS surgery 302

Current weight 22 months after DS surgery 159.

Sleep Apnea, Diabetes, Hypertension, PCOS all resolved!!!!  The trade offs - I am gassier and have smellier poop, I have to take a ton of vitamins, my hair is still thin 22 months after surgery.  Totally worth it to me!! 

Sending good vibes your way!!! 

Lori

I was a band to DS revision. I did much much better with the DS then i ever thought of doing with the band.

I enjoy my food which I never really could with the band.

I was a light weight when I was revised at 210 lb, I lost down to 117 in about a year. I've done great ever since then. Early last year I had about a 4 pound rebound weight but have been stable and fluxuate between 121-124.

Best thing I ever did when I had the band out.

I am not a vet but I have to say congrats on your surgery date. We have mu*****ommon. I also am a Bad-band 6 year veteran. I hate this thing in me. HATE IT! The GERD has been horrible. My weight loss sucked and I have not been able to use my band due to the GERD (reflux) for the last 2.5 years. The GERD ruined all my back molars due to erosion from throwing up. I am in the process of insurance approval for revision to DS. I am going to friend you here. I would love to keep up with your progress. I wish you all the luck in the world. DS has the best weight loss success of any WLS. I know you will be a success. A TOTAL LOSER!

Thanks guys....put a smile on my face reading your posts here at work. I have that butterfly in my belly right now.....i am excited

This says you are in Kansas do you have a DS doctor in mind?

My doctor is in Topeka. There are only two that do it here.....Dunshee and Bernsten..... They work side by side

I am a band to ds revision, I had the band for 8 years, I am not typical, I lost >200lbs with the band down to about 128lbs...but those last 2 years with the band were horrendous, eventually causing me permanent damage, subsequent explant.  while the DS wasn't for weight loss, but maintenance I am about 125 now, I know others who actually have had the DS to gain weight form a distal RNY,  the qualify of life is completely different, the ds i can eat like a normal person, the band was awful...oh my gosh..... you will love the DS, take you supplements and you will do great.....you can't compare the DS to the gastric band....gee no way are they the same