Revision From VBG To Lap-Band Almost Three Years Ago Now

Just thought I'd do an overdue update on me.    I first had a VBG (stomach stapling) back in /87 in Toronto, Canada.   The first two years were great and I went from 260 lbs. down to 113 lbs.    Of course back then we were basically given no aftercare support, told take a daily kid's Flintstone vitamin and don't overeat or it will cause pain.  (Plus my then surgeon later lost his license for several years due to abuse (but that's another story)   so no follow up when I started having trouble.

Well I still managed to keep my weight down but only by dieting after the first three years or so.  Like most other wls patients back then I didn't deal with the emotional reasons I had turned to self medicating with food.    Back then the way the staples were done almost always led to them separating thus causing me to want to overeat again.  I'd start stuffing myself and get the heart attack like pain and have to throw up.  My weight slowly crept up to 160 lbs. and I dieted back down to 113 lbs.

Finally by /96, I had remarried and during 6 mths. of bedrest with the "pregnancy from hell"  I started to pig out from stress and delivered my baby weighing 207 lbs.  By the time /06 came around I felt like a total failure and weighed 251 lbs.    Then I heard from my family doctor about a surgeon who was doing lap-band surgery but in Ontario where I live the only wls covered by our provincial government was RNY & DS.   A few weeks later I decided what the heck I would go see this surgeon and see if he could help me.    I was prepared for him to tell me I was beyond saving and just a loser (not the kind I wanted to be though .)

Instead he said after looking at my past surgery papers I had brought that he would need to run tests but that I was a good candidate for a revision to the band.   The surgery would cost $16,000 but included lifetime fills for no additional charge and if ever I had complications or needed a new band there would be absolutely no additional cost to me as it was all under warranty for life.   It was a lot of money but I decided to go for it with my husband's support and I am so glad I did.     I was banded on April 18th,/06, and weighed 251 lbs. day of surgery and was able to reach my goal weight of 124 lbs. at twenty months out.    Since then I have stayed at or below goal fluctuating between 117.6 lbs. to 124 lbs.

In almost three years I have had no problems, can eat most everything except what I had trouble eating from the VBG (some staples were still intact) such as more than a small bit of rice, dense meat, etc.   Also I've only thrown up a total of 3 times and being diligent with fills when I've needed them has kept me satisfied with eating a small portion of foods like dessert, etc. that I previously would of binged on.

My advice to others considering a revision is to research all your options, and go for consults with surgeons that are experts at doing revisions and have wonderful aftercare support.  I myself didn't need the extra of malabsorption that the DS or RNY offered but certainly I have met at support groups others who did just as well as myself with these surgeries.   Everyone is different and I strongly believe that there is no one perfect surgery but research the type that fits you best that will offer you maximum results.   Also be realistic and educate yourself on possible complications that can occur with all of the surgeries be they be lap-band, vsg, rny or ds.

Wishing every one success, if I could do it anyone can.  Believe me by the time I had my revision I was like a train wreck waiting to happen and not able to diet more than half a day before derailing.  Now I've gone from a BMI of about 47 to 22 roughly and feel great.  Also I can't emphasize enough the benefit of joining support groups.   I belong to several for people who have had any type of wls and I also started up a support group for bandsters that I facilitate, it really makes a difference!

Hi I went through the same procedure in 2001.Like you there was no follow up, no dietary consult and yes the flintstone vitamins. I started out at 260 and lost 80 pounds. Felt like crap lost my hair and the emotional stuff was horrible. I have now put back on so much weight I can't stand it, and have a BMI of 35. So I'm getting back up there and decided to consult with a new Bariatric Dr. He suggested the Stomaphx but  my insurance say's no.

Anyway let me tell you some things I have been going through. Since the very beginning I'v had intestine problems such as bouts of dihareia and gas. I now have a hernia due to the throwing up episodes. I have a thick file from my gastro dr for all the scopings I've had and I was recently treated for one of the worse H-pyhlori infections she has ever seen. So 3000 mg of antibiotics a day for 2 weeks it has cleared up.Oh and not to mention the upper GI series I have had to deal with. And now after all that I'm gainning weight.Bummer!!!

I was in this site and saw your post and I would like some more info on the lap band on top of your VGB. I guess i don't understand how they can do it. I did ask my Dr about it and he said he wouldn't recommend it. I was hoping you could explain how it is done. The VGB I have has a band aroud the top of the pouch. Testa have shown that there is a lot of scar tissue around the band. So where do they put the lap band. I know my pouch is really stretched. I would love some feed back . I would really appreciate hearing from you. rusty

Hi Rustyred,

I'm not sure technically how the revision is done but my surgeon had no trouble and I have the old band still too.    The important thing is to find a surgeon who is experienced in doing revisions to review your case to see if it is possible for you.   Every revision case is different and if I were you I would go for a couple of consults with different surgeons to get their feedback.   My doctor was able to do my revision and place the band where it would normally go.   You mention that you have a hernia also, do you mean a hiatus hernia?   Not sure how that would impact your case.   Also a band may not be the best revision for you so really do your research well.

Sorry you've had so many issues, fortunately the only thing I experienced was weight regain a few years out from my VBG.   If you ever want to chat feel free to pm me your phone number and I would be happy to phone you (I have a long distance plan for Canada & U.S.) to share my band journey.

I too had my stomach stapled by Dr. Dietel.  I was good up until 4 years ago.  I have gained over 40 pounds and I just cannot see how this is happening.  I would like some advice on next steps.  I would have contacted Dr. Dietel as I really respected him but cannot any longer. 

Momforever like we say make sure you look for a good surgeon. Hope you haven't had as much trouble as I have. And you know, when I went through all this I never expected to gain weight  like I did. My dr says the pouch is stretched and larger than it should be.  Rustyred

Momforever, whan did Dr. Deitel do your stapling?   He did mine back in /87, and then had his license suspended for five years a couple of years later by the Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons for sexual issues.   I actually got a hold of him a year ago on his cell phone and was surprised I got him live. lol

The majority of people experienced regain due to staple line disruption when the staples separated, usually 2 years out plus.  If you ever desire a copy of your medical file on your VBG (great for a new surgeon for revision to review) contact St. Joseph's hospital in Toronto.   Ask for the records dept. and they will tell you to send a written request along with a cheque and they will send a copy of the file to your family doctor.

I had the surgery in 1992.  I just started looking at options on how to stop gaining and get healthier.  I think this is a great post as there was no after care for stomach stapling patients.  I really like Dr. Deitel.  He was like a rock to me when I had the surgery.  I was notified about his issue. 

I am just thinking that eating healthier may be the trick to keeping a healthy body weight.  I also think that forums like this really help.  This is true life and not just an advertisement to get you to join. 

Thank you for taking the time to write me back.

luvmyband

Hi I have done a lot of research on this and the doctor i'm going to is very experienced in revision. As of today surgery has been scheduled for april 17. Like I said I have a hiatial hernia from all the wrenching. He is going to have to fix that.My question to you is do you find you need frequent fills . I would think you wouldn't need a lot of fills.I would like to keep intouch with you through this for support if possible. Here's my e-mail you can contact me via mail and we can go from there.  Rustyred

Rusty, I will pm you my email address if I haven't already.  Regarding fills, everyone is different but over the last three years I have had about 13 fills.  Think of the "sweet spot" as a slow moving target, we all need varying amounts but my last fill was July/08.   Once you are at goal fills are rarely needed but we do need the odd tweak here and there of fills or defills.

Congrats on your April 17th surgery date.

Hi Itried to e-mail you and I don't know if it got to you. I did see a phone# from Ontario on my caller ID. Was that you? I didn't know if I should call it back or not. You have no idea how many people Have had that VGB like us and are going through hell. Seems like 8 out of the 10 people I know here who have had it are not doing well and has gained back most of the weight. I am resending my e-mail just in case you missed it [email protected]. Please give my phone another try. I don't think our time sones are different but it might be. I work during the day but home in the evening. try me then. My real name is Cheryl.