Lap to RNY Revision Scheduled, Full of Nervous Excitement

Hi everyone, I'm Rick from WV. I had the Lap Band in 2009 (at 550lbs) I lost 185 lbs. I'm currently at 365 and was finding it harder and harder to lose with the band. I talked to my surgeon about revising to RNY and he thought that would be the best option. I am very nervous but excited.

Are their any other bandsters who had the revision? if so, I'd love to hear how the transition went. Would also like to hear the good and the bad from RYN/VSG folks who's had the surgery.

Good luck to you!!  Try the revision board for some answers to your questions!!

Hi Rick,

I had the lap band about four years ago and in October I had the revision to RNY. I had a very hard time of it. At first after the revision I had terrible diarrhea which made me dehydrated despite drinking tons of water. I had to go back in the hospital to be stabilized because I couldn't walk or get out of a chair on my own. Then I had a perforated bowel. Another surgery, 12 days in intensive care, which ended up as 8 weeks in the hospital. Because of the rehydration they couldn't close the incision and it had to heal from the inside out and is still not completely closed.I developed two fistulas in the incision which leak stool and I still have the bandages changed three times a day. Thank goodness I have a partner who was willing to learn to do this! After the hospital I had to go to a nursing home to learn to sit, stand and walk again because I lost so much muscle strength being in bed so long. I was there 99 days! Now I've been home for 2 months and life is pretty much back to normal except for the fistulas. I can drive and do things alone. Steps are still hard, but I can do them if I take enough time.

Would I do it again? Probably not. I gave up 8 months of my life. I almost died (and certainly wanted to at certain times). I would have tried to increase exercise and make better food choices, but that is all in hindsight. I did lose 90 pounds so far so my health is better, less blood pressure meds, etc. but at a huge cost. Fortunately I am old enough to be on Medicare so I didn't have much financial burden.

Good luck to you. Send me a message if you want more info.

Connie

Connie,
Oh wow! I am so sorry to hear this but am glad you are back on track. I recall we had surgery about the same time 4 years ago. Best of luck!
Tom

Hi Rick,
I have not had revision surgery. I know a few that have with no issues. The revisions I have heard of are Lapband to sleeve. I know many people with RNY with no complications. I agree on checking the revision board. My caution is that it has a lot of disgruntled people with strong opinions. Take each post for what it is and the source. It is more important to have conversation with  your surgeon.
Best of Luck,
Tom