Revising to Bypass

Hi Rachel,

I'm right there with you. I had the lap band placed in 2007 and have had no luck. Constant sticking and vomiting. Difficult to eat veggies and protein. Finally had all the fluid taken out but it still gives me problems. I'm afraid of what it is doing to my insides. My doctor is sending the insurance company (NGS coresourse) a pre-cert letter soon, So I'm crossing my fingers that they approve a conversion to RNY. I wish I had the RNY in the first place but the nurse in me was too afraid and I didn't want to risk something happening to me and leaving my kids with out a mother. Good luck to all of us. I hope you get approved. Keep us updated

Sherri

Finally, someone gets me. It's so embarrassing too. I was invited to go out to dinner with people from work tonight  and I had to decline because I was afraid my food wouldn't stay down. I have people who tell me to "just hold it down!" as if that were even an option. It's damn painful to say the least. I'll cross my fingers for you girl! But cross yours for me too lol

And if you go out, you have to scope out where the restroom is in case you have to make a quick dash to puke! The PA I saw at the Drs. office would say that I wasn't chewing enough. Grrr..They have no idea what its like unless they have experienced it first hand. I think the band just isn't a good fit for some people. Fingers crossed!

Omg yes! Then the walk of shame back to the table to tell everyone you're okay...that's the worst. 

On Feb 22, 2014 I visited my surgeon.   We talked about the failure of my realize band that was placed 5 years ago.  He really focused on the issues of the band (though I wasn't having complications). It all moved very quickly as I am sitting here 5 days post op from a band removal and rny bypass

.  I had it done on st. Pattys. day...just 5 days after approval from my insurance company!  Best of luck to you in this journey!

That is really fast! I wish you the best :)

As a general question, have any of you worried that it's not reversible? At least we can have the band removed hut I feel like with the bypass, no matter the complications, there's no turning back. What if I still can't keep food down? 

Having a lapband removed is not always easy and I know of at least one person on here who's band scarred her stomach so badly she can't have any other WLS!  Technically an RNY can be taken down, although it is only done in pretty much a life or death situation.   The remnant stomach remains (unlike the VSG or DS where the remnant stomach is removed) and *may* note I didn't say *can* be reused!

No one should enter into a WLS with the thought that it can be reversed in the future - the decision is a life long one!!!

Going in, I didn't think I would ever have to remove my band. But i don't think I could live with it in me and vomiting every day. so now in the back of mind I always wonder what complications could arise and what I may be stuck with. 

I am a revision patient.  I had the Lap band placed in 2007, and HATED that sucker.    I did loose 100 lbs with it but after getting pregnant I put most it back on.  Also had horrible trouble with acid reflux and by the time my revision came I was throwing up between 4-5 times a day.  Nothing would stay down.  I got my insurance of June of last year by September I was in surgery.  I had Aetna.  I met my surgeoun July and went through all the steps and had surgery by 9/9 I didn't have to loose any more weight, do a psych or any of that.  I did have to meet with a nutritionist, and have an ekg. 

Surgery day I was 222.. I am now 168-173 depending on the day.  I would like to get down to 150.  I eat very little now, and since having the revision I have had to have a couple procedures where they go in and stretch out a stricture that developed from scar tissue.  Other then that I LOVE RNY.  I do not take my vitamins religiously, but my blood is all good.  I do cross fit and jog. 

I would recommend doing exactly what your surgeon wants and get er done:) 

I took 4 weeks off of work literally to the day and unfortunately wish I had taken 5.  Because when I went back is when my stricture acted up (stress)... Then there was more drama of me needing a day off for a procedure then if I would have just stayed out my whole time.