Surgery Date

After three years of trying to figure out what revision surgery  is best for my enlarged stoma. I have decided on the Lapband. I am  scared because unlike the Gastric Bypass I will have to work really hard there is no Mal absorption bypass failed because I went back to old habits but started eating and drinking everything and I stretched my own stoma. My original bypass was perfect no complications lost 100lbs  gain them all back except 30lbs. I am 6"2 and currently I weigh 320lbs My surgery date is 06/07/11 with Dr Mehta in New Brunswick NJ

You surely will have to work hard, but in some ways that is a good thing. You have to remember that obesity is a chronic disease and will never be cured, just put in remission. It can come out of remission, too, as you have experienced.

In order to be a success with the band there is a lot you will need to know before you get one placed. You can lose all your weight, some don't. You don't get any help whatsoever from the band until after enough fills to give you the needed restriction. Then, it will be you doing 80% of the work while the band will do about 20%. It will not stop you from eating. It will not make you feel really full with smaller servings. If you get careless you will experience the dreaded stuck episode that is truly painful, along with sliming and possible productive burping. There is no dumping so sugary, or fatty types of food will go down just fine. You are responsible for what you eat and every calorie you take in will stick. If all this isn't enough to discourage you then know also, that with the band there is risk of slips and erosion. It is fussy and expensive to maintain with fills. You can also dilate your esophagus.

All that being said, if you educate yourself very thoroughly, commit to doing what ever it takes, follow the rules, and get counseling for any eating issues not resolved you can love that band like crazy. You can eat around it and gain weight so you had better be ready for a major lifestyle change. The most important thing I can say is learn all you can about living with the band and if you cannot live with these things then don't get one. The VSG is also a restrictive surgery but you don't have the fussiness of the band. However, be aware; no weight loss surgery can correct white carbs, and dedicated over eating. None. 

If this is your final choice I wish you the best. If you go another direction, I wish you the best. Stay on OH very frequently for the support and education.