Revision over 50
Hi all! I am new to this site, after MANY years of viewing - I had the lap band surgery in 2003; however without long-term success. I am considering revision to gastric bypass (Rou-n-Y) - I am currently within 10 pounds of where I started in 2003, with my body weight now in excess of 350 pounds. Obviously, I am extremely discouraged, and would greatly appreciate any feedback from those over 50 who have undergone gastric weight loss surgery. I was 45 years old at the time of the lap band procedure, and am now 54. My internist is strongly suggesting a gastric malabsorptive procedure, as she is concerned for my overall health at this point. My insurance provider is BXBS Federal, and I am currently involved in pre-procedure requirements, i.e., dietary and psychological counseling. I am wondering if I should now consider the gastric sleeve/ duodenal switch for optimum weight loss. Thanks in advance for your responses -
Hi Melaniercs1! I had the lap band surgery in 2009. I didn't have very good success with it either and had many medical issues with it. I do consider it a success in that my weight was rapidly raising even higher as I went thru menopause. So, even though I gained back to pre surgery weight with it. I was still down the 20 pre-op pounds loss and less than what I would have gained if I had done nothing. My guess is I would have hit 350 by now base on rate of gain and mother/sisters.
I will be getting the sleeve next month. Everybody needs to choose the surgery that is best for them. I would recommend all BUT the band to people. I would take this time to post this on the RNY,VGS and DS boards. Also check out the Revision boards. If you want to feel better about yourself join the Failed band group. There are now almost as many members in that group as there are grads in the band grad group-what does that tell you?
Good luck and pm me if you would like to talk more.
Hello and CONGRATS on getting to your new life!!! I had RNY 5 years ago. My only regret is I didn't have it SOONER!!!!!!!!! Not sure which is the best for you to have but in my book the RNY is the best!!! I was almost 55 when I had mine done and knock on wood....no problems except for the times I ate more that I should or the food got "stuck" because I didn't chew it good enough. One thing I wish I never did...keep trying sugar foods and snack foods again!!! BAD!!!!!!!!!!! Now I can eat anything I want except Chinese food...makes me SICK and I throw up big time!!! Not sure why but I will never eat it again!!!!!!
Good Luck on getting to your DATE and hope you keep coming back for ANY questions that you may have!!!
Hang on its a Wild Ride!!!!!!!!!
HUGS
Hi Melanie and welcome to OFF!
I had revision surgery almost 2 years ago. I had a Molina band in 1993, which initially worked great (I lost 140 lbs), but eventually it failed, as did 95% of all Molina bands. In my case, the band had migrated from the outside of my stomach wall entirely to the inside of my stomach and was just hanging in there. I was miserable and threw up for years and still kept gaining weight, even though I couldn't eat mu*****uantity.
Long story short, I had to find a surgeon who would even try to do the revision surgery because of all the scar tissue in my stomach, but I finally did. Dr. Garth told me my only choice was an RNY, so that's what I had. I was 53 at the time. I didn't lose weight as quickly as I wanted and I haven't lost as much as I wanted, but I AM VERY HAPPY THAT I HAD THE SURGERY! I am a "normal" size again and have regained my lost mobility and health. I, too, had BCBS and had to jump through some hoops, but it was worth it.
I don't know a lot about the other surgeries, so I would also advise that you investigate some other boards and find out as much as you can about both the good and the bad before you make your decision. Best of luck to you and please keep posting with us. We will help you in any way we can.
Welcome Melanie,
I had the RNY when I was 59 years old and weighed 320 lbs. That was over 6 years ago. My weight stays around 120 lbs and I am thoroughly pleased.
I am also the support group leader for our bariatric group. At least 7 people have had a revision from the band to RNY in the past couple of months because of regain or other problems. They are all loving the results.
Our surgeons have only been doing the Sleeve for a a little over a year. Several people have had the sleeve and are also happy.
Do your homework, ask tons of questions about your options, then YOU decide which will be best for you.
Good luck
Annette