Revisions from the Band . . .what did you chose???

Hi and welcome to the happy group of revisioners!

I had the band for a few years then revised to the DS. Have to say that the first thing I liked (after the initial 'oh god what I have done' phase) is how nice the act of eating actually is. I can eat cold food first thing in the morning, don't have to chew and chew. I only get reflux now if I'm stupid (like eating a bag of peanut M&Ms right before bed).

Sleeve on its own wouldnt have been enough for me - I find it quite hard to lose weight (diabetic and PCOS). So it was a choice between RNY and DS. I did some research, and DSers keep more weight off after 3 years than RNYers, and are more likely to have their diabetes cured. I didnt fancy the risk of dumping - I've had blood sugar issues in the past and didn't want to risk making them worse. So DS it was.

I'm not at goal yet, but life is extremely good. We only have to watch the carbs through the loss phase - you have to eat lots of protein, and don't absorb much fat so it makes meal planning much easier. Taking vitamins is a bit boring, but this is the most weight I've ever kept off for longer than a minute, and I'm fitter now than in my teens.

You have to look at yourself though, work out what you can live with, what you might have the best chance of success with. Listen to more than one surgeon, talk to the oldtimers who've seen the good and bad of each surgery - you can't have much of a view unless you've lived with the surgery for at least a year. Most people can stay in love with their surgery for a year.
 
Sal

The long term stats for DS doo look appealing, but I have already made the lifestyle chages that I think would serve me well even if I got RNY.  I just had to fight for every pound with the band and well the HELLA reflux just makes it not worth it.  I'm just not sure on the cost of DS seeing that I will be paying for this myself.

Have you considered going outside the US for your revision? I know that 'virgin' DSs are much cheaper in Mexico and Brazil than they are here. You might also want to check with Dr. Baltazar in Spain, too---I'm pretty certain he's a revision surgeon.

I'll also add that I've had ZERO reflux since my DS six years ago. I can totally relate to the "dying in my sleep" feeling---and fear!---reflux can cause.

Middle way might be having the sleeve now which leaves the option of having the intestinal part of the DS done later if you need it. Sleeve like the poster below says is totally different world compared to the band, and might be enough.

Shame we can't road test any of these and get our money back if we don't pick the right one! My DH will have the same dilemma if he revises - he doesnt need the DS for diabetes but cant be sure sleeve will be enough.

Issue I'd have with RNY though is the number of people on this board who arent happy with their RNY five years down the line. Wouldnt want to have three surgeries if you could help it.

Sal

I was banded in November 2007, and like you my symptoms (reflux mainly) started right around the 10 month mark also. My band has always been very sensitive to any kind of restriction....I think the most fluid that I have had in my 10cc band was 6 cc?  and then that was too tight and I had that removed within a few days.  I have done pretty well with my weight loss, I have lost close to 80 lbs and have managed to gain 25 of that back.  Because of the constant battle of the band and the horrid reflux I too am planning on having a revision, and I am leaning towards the sleeve. I see a nurse clinician at the clinic that I use and I have been talking to her via email , I am supposed to drop her an email today and she is going to get me into to see the Dr asap....she doesnt think that there will be any insurance issues due to my history of problems with the band.  Good luck with  your journey!  I hope we all come out as big losers!  LOL

Your story mirrors mine.  Some nights I am scared to go to sleep because I wake up with acid in my throat and gasping for air.  For a women that lives alone thoughts of dying in my sleep really scare me.  I know for sure that I will be revised it's just a question of what procedure.  I'll keep you posted and let you know what I've decided.  Thanks for telling your story!

Band to Sleeve 12/28 and I already feel better than I have with my band in years (had it almost 6).  Ultimately I believe it was the right choice for me, but you need to do the research on both and go with what you believe is best for you and your doctor believes in.  Mine felt that sleeve was the best option and I abo****ely agreed.  Low complication rate (although when you read about it, it sounds so drastic).  At 8 days out, I feel better than I did with my band at this point and instead of laying in my bed crying while my family ate food that I wanted and that my tummy would hold (no restriction), I have been cooking up a storm for my family the last couple of days and haven't even been tempted!

Good luck on your decision.

I revised from the band to gastric bypass on 11/30/09 and couldn't be happier! I was banded 5/07 and after about 6 months, my weight loss stopped and the reflux began. I could keep no fluid in my band due to the reflux.

Revising to RNY was the best decision for me!

I'm so glad you made this post!!  I am in the middle of having to make the decision of either just have the band removed and/or having another procedure.  I have a big slip but don't have any problems.  I'm maintaining my 86 pound weightloss and I wish I could just leave everything the way it is.  My surgeon said it is very dangerous to leave it the way it is.  My stomach could twist and the blood supply could be cut off and my stomack would die.  That would be a CRITICAL situation.  Best wishes with your decision!  Thanks again for your post.  Make sure you call your insurance co and see what they say about paying to a revision!!!
Andrea