Considering Revision from Lap Band to Bypass. Need Advice

I'm a band to rny revision. Had all the symptoms of a slip, then finally it was caught on a scan. My Dr thought he could do it in one surgery, but when he saw my insides it was not safe. Just keep that in mind. I didn't and was very depressed afterward. I'm now 20 months post bypass, down 80 ish lbs. So far, so good on lab work. I am dedicated to my vitamins, supplements, water and protein!

Good Luck on your journey!

I am a revision from lap and to bypass. I had the band in 2006 and my situation is very much like yours. I didnt lose much and gains some back. I have bad reflux and I wanted the band out but was worried I gain even more weight back so I did the revision to bypass all in one surgery in September of 2016. I did very well and am down 125 lbs to my goal weight. Now I'm dealing with the hard part and that's the maintenance portion. I've not had any complications and vitamin issues but I'm a rule follower. I am very happy I choose to do this and wish I'd done it sooner.

Fantastic! Congratulations on your success. I intend to follow what they say exactly!

I followed the advice of all the successful vets here. I didn't follow what my nutritionist at the Dr office said. I thought it was a better idea to follow the advice of those that had already done it and were successful. My local nutritionist had never been overweight and had no clue. Just follow what you read here from those that have done it and been successful and are several years out.

Linda,

I have read all the prior responses and you have recieved some very good advise. The thing I want to respond to...is the long term complications.

I had surgery 23 years ago, basically an RNY, PLUS...bandingx2 and intestinal resections and removal of large section of large intestine. It worked. I lost a total of 145 ish pounds initially,(292.5 to 149- to goal) regained about 45 during a period of intense stress many years later. I have had 2 intestinal twists both from gastritis w/ severe lactose intolerance. Now am working on boosting my protein , keeping carbs low,and getting back to my initial goal.

Like some of the others I also had underlaying hormonal and adrenal issues to deal with. My major ones were Polycystic Ovarian Disease, low thyroid, and symptoms of adrenal fatigue. None of these things are addressed in a day and medications will need to be adjusted ( usually down) as you have weight loss.

I have had massive calcium losses to bones and teeth being the first to go, was supposed to have been prevented with calcium replacement. ( This under scores the importance of staying informed on new research.) This was before the current info on bioavailability of calcium citrate being superior to all other forms.. and also before the current info on Vitamin K2 exsting and being a key factor in utilization of all minerals in the body- moving magnesium and calcium from the arteries into the bones and teeth. I also had a severe anemia develop several years post op...anemia was so severe would not tell me what my numbers were until I had recieved 2 units of PRBC's..then my Hgb was high 8 range...

The internist/surgon who found this,in 2000, when I developed a twisted intestine... ( surgon had retired /health issue) told me I "lack the intrinsic factor, which allows uptake of iron from food"- it is only available in one food...liver. His exact statement was " Liver is the perfect food." .I ate 2 ounces of liver daily for 2 months and brought my Hgb. up to 9.5...I can only eat liver for so long without becoming tired of it.

There are prescriptions that have intrinsic factors i am aware of... one is called foltrin and now has generic.

MVI prenatals w/Iron usually have intrinsic factor, and walgreens makes one- it is huge.so if you have problems swallowing large pills don't get it or prenatal..

.... I found a natural dessicated(organic, grassfedbeef or buffalo calf) liver and take a couple of those daily.(label says 3-6 is adequate-all I toelrate). .and eat my high iron foods that I do tolerate in limitation.. an ounce of raisins, prunes, a 2 oz serving of spinach, or another green. .. and this has enabled me to maintain my iron. I don't have access to labs at the present, but am beginning to get color returning and strength returning.

The question I get asked often, because i have had some complications, some serious, some just have to be constantly addressed., a surgery no longer done,but effective for me..- is "would I do it again"... a resoundig yes ! I have been able to do physically challenging things i was unable to do before... including playing outside with my daughter and going on long walks, I can tie my own shoes , shop at any store for clothing. I managed and gave care to my elderly relatives until they passed.

Yes , we are changed by the surgery, most is positive.. there may be some negative. In time we learn to roll with the bad, and are encouraged by the positive.

It gave me contol over hunger. Yes, I do get hungry, and yes, i get cravings, but now have the tool that helps me to control weight issues - a plague my whole life. I eat very close to my orig prescribed diet and take mostly the supplements my orig Dr prescribed for me. I have added Mag citrate several years ago and also recently added K2,. I still take mvi, zinc, D3, dessicated liver, and several gastric enzymes...for a lack there of. I dropped everything with diet int he name, all have added arttifical sweetners, or added sugars to replace fat. I have dropped MSG in all forms. I am getting as many organic vegetables as I tolerate - carbs close to 50...and maintaining a minimum of 90 grams protein a day. I drink mostly ice water , still drink coffee, herbal teas.

Your challenge Now should be to find a reward... that can be used to reward milestones that you set. so when the time comes and you reach them you have something that is not food related.

Thank you sweet potato! What a journey you've been on. I appreciate all your advice on the nutrition. Im going to follow your advice.