BOB- Band Over Bypass 12/30/13

Hi All-

I had the RNY 6/14/2005 and lost 160 lbs, I started to regain around 2/2008 and it has been steadily climbing. I had an endoscopy and they fond that the astomosis is as wide as the stomach so I'm never feeling full, but the good news is that my pouch is still pretty small.

My insurance will cover nothing, so the most cost effective approach is band over bypass.

I had some complications with the RNY (2 diaphragmatic hernias- one which meant a 9 hour surgery to put in a gortex patch) so the worst part is I won't know until I wake up in recovery if they were able to get the band on.

I'm having Dr. Bessler at Columbia in NYC do the surgery...

I'm not looking to hear horror stories please...I know the band can slip and corrode...but at this point it is my only option since I don't have 50K for a DS.

I'm starting to get nervous and scared...hoping there are some positive stories out there

Amanda

Amanda

I wish you the best of luck.  I had my original RNY in May of 2004.  My weight held steady until last year.  When I turned 50 I started to really put on weight really fast.  I thought it was just menopause but now I found

out that I have an underactive Thyroid which could be part of my weight gain.  I wrote a note yesterday about getting approved for the BOB and that I have two different surgeons that feel like this is the best option.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.

Good Luck

Valerie

Thank you Valerie! 

I don't think a BOB will work for you.  Unless you tighten your stoma, a Band is a waste of time and money. Your pouch is still small.  I am also a New Yorker and I've NEVER heard of Dr Bressler - who is he or she?  I'd suggest getting a 2nd opinion from someone at NYU or Dr Roslin at Lenox Hill and then consider an RNY revision or a DS.  

I've had a BOB for 2.5 yrs now and they only reason its worked for me is bc I've had a stretched pouch not stoma.  

Do the research now before you need a 3rd surgery.

Thanks for the input, but I've had 4 opinions and all agree this is the best option for me given my lack of insurance and money

Oh, I missed that - if you have NO INSURANCE then I think you are making a HUGE mistake.  A best option bc you lack insurance is not always the best option for your health and well being.  Good Luck - but I doubt you will lose any weight.  A band around an already small pouch is still going to empty at the same rate its doing now.

As long as you go into this knowing full well this is not a permanent solution but quite temporary instead, go for it.

A better option would be to revise from bypass to DS in Mexico.  Most self pays go to Mexico.  THAT would be a permanent fix and probably for the same money you'll be spending on a temporary fix in the US.  50% of bands HAVE to be removed between 2-6 years post op.  There is a reason *most* self pays go to Mexico for bariatrics.

You will not find a surgeon in Mexico who will convert your bypass to a DS. I tried. and there are only a few her in the states that will do it and it is pricey pricey pricey for a self pay

yeah you will, there is only one.  There are two who can do it safely but one doesn't want to do it anymore.  That leaves one surgeon in MX.

I had researched having my bypass converted to a DS a few years ago and found out my previous surgeon didn't offer it...I didn't even ask why...do you think its because it is dangerous, or because of insurance issues or what is the reason there are so few that offer it?