Lapband to Gastric Bypass

I am scheduled to have a revision from the lapband to the gastric bypass in Dec. and I would very very much like to hear from someone who has had this procedure.  Why did you have the revision?  What has your experience been?  Who was your surgeon?  I am in St. Louis, MO and have Dr. Eagon.  HELP!

Sam

Hi Sam,
I had band to RNY on Aug. 5th and am doing well.  I had the lapband placed in Dec, 2006 and only lost 33 lbs with only 2.5 cc in my 44cc band. Every time I tried to get more of a fill to increase restriction, I developed BAD reflux/vomiting and foof sticking issues.  I finally developed esophagitis and had to get unfilled twice. When I tried to progress again with fills the problems started again and I didn't want to go through it again. Finally my band slipped and had to come out.  Meanwhile I gained the 33lbs back. So I figured since it had to come out I might as well revise to bypass.  It was the best decision I made, (along with a new Dr. who does more than just the lapband). I have lost 45 lbs in just over 2 1/2 months and am losing well. So any other questions you have , ask away!
Myrna

Oh Myrna, thank you so much for your response.  I had the band put in 12/07 and since then it actually worked for about 6 weeks.  During that time I lost about 17 lbs and for the rest of the time I've lost and gained the same 35 lbs.  My Dr. and I are just tired of the thing not working.  I'm wondering if there is something wrong  as I'm actually having some pain in the band area.  In any case, I'm nervous about the revision because my surgeon has never done a revision, he was very upfront about this and stated that he felt confident in doing it.   I'm starting to feel a little more confident about this but I'm still concerned.  I am afraid of lossing my hair (my hair is thin on top anyway due to genetics), I'm worried about a possible leak, I guess I'm just nervous in general.  That being said, I"m really starting to feel the effects of my weight and I'm starting to feel as if I don't have a choice.  Since you had the band also, can you tell me about how the month after the bypass differed from the month after the band?  I'm very thankful for your willingness to share your experience!

Sam 

Thank you very much for your post. I too am doing a revision fron the band to Gastric. How did you feel after surgery? Was it much different than the band? Do you work? How soon do you think it is possible to return to work? Are you having any trouble with vitamins etc?
I will take any information you are willing to give. None is too simple or silly....you can be the bucket pouring out the water and we will be the spounges.

Thank you again,

Sam and Scared Silly,
Like I said before, It was the best decision I could have ever made. I just wish I had made it sooner!!!!  As far as the month after the bypass, except for when I was just waking from the anesthesia immediately after surgery, there was actually very little pain. It was more soreness than real pain. Of course everyone is different but I was mostly just tired for the first couple  of weeks. There was no hunger at all and I just concentrated on trying to get in enough fluids and protein, and walking as much as I could. (Which for me wasn't much). And yes the vitamins and other supplements are still a challenge for me to do consistently. I'm still working on doing better in that area. I work as a nurse in a juvenile detention facility, and actually felt like I could go back in 2 weeks but my Dr. wasn't having it, so I went back after 4 weeks and without any restrictions.  Time off from work will of course depend on the individual and the type of work they do, as well as if the procedure is done open or laparoscopically. (mine was lap.) I'm still not feeling any real hunger yet, just eating because I know I must. (I never thought I'd say that!!!!) Oh yeah Sam, I'm sure you want to be loyal to your Dr. but This is your LIFE you're talking about.  So it's important to have a Dr. with experience in doing revisions. so PLEASE, do some researching on Dr's experienced in them before going forward. I live in Texas so I can't give you any names but maybe some of the EXPERTS here on the forums can help you there. Also-there's a link at the top of the message board for Bariatric Surgeons. You might start there. Hope this inf. helps!
Myrna

Thank you Myrna!  That information is very helpful.  I did actually look on here and have read nothing but good things about my surgeon.  I am glad to see that.  Thank you for your support!

Thank you so much.

HI all,

Like Myrna, I also had a revision from a band to bypass and am I equally as happy as Myrna in.  I had my revision done 2 months ago (this monday) and have lost 37 lbs. (From my top weight with the band I have lost 119 lbs)  I am never hungry nor do i crave anything.  I eat because I have to get in 60-80 grams of protein a day so i divide it amongst my meals.

 I had 2 lapbands over 9 years.  Pretty much lost some weight initially then bounced up and down and had esophagus problems.... severe acid reflux, dilating of esophagus and eventually a slip. 

 

I am sorry that I did not have an RNY 9 years ago and be done with this but I am happy for this opportunity. You will be fine.

Feel fee to ask any questions you may have and all the very best of luck to you.

maryjo

Thank you for your respose Maryjo!  The band is so frustrating.  I'm starting to feel like I'll never be any different and nothing can help me.  Its a very discouraging feeling so to hear that you both had the revision and are doing well and feel good about your decision to do so makes me feel hopeful.  Thank you again!

Yes Myrna and I had our revisions about 2 weeks apart.  I am very happy with this procedure and have not felt this good in years.  I am also at my lowest weight since grammer school lol.  I'm here and willing to answer any questions you have... keep in touch

maryjo