Revision from Lapband to RnY?

Hi, I am pre-op and need to make a decision, so I have question for you long timers   How many have you have had a revision from lapband to rny?  Thanks for any info you can give me.

Band installed 2/2004
Revised to RNY 9/2008

Happier happier happier. 
Results are better.
Problems are gone.
Check my profile or PM for more info.

Wow you have been through some journey! 

I had a LapBand placed in Jan 06.  When I got the band, I was completely sold on the band because of not having to deal with malabsorption.  I did loose about 70 pounds with the band in 10 months, but had problems with the band randomly tightening up on me.  Initially it didn't seem like a big problem to me, more of an inconvienence.  It was painful and I couldn't eat or drin****il I was able to see my doc to get unfilled.  This happened several times until November 06 when the unfill didn't fix the problem and I ended up in the hospital a few times until the band finally prolapsed causing a complete gastric outlet obstruction - meaning my stomach was completely blocked off.  At that point I was revised to the RNY. 

Due to all of my problems, I had a longer than normal recovery and a few complications.  I do now have malabsorption to contend with, but I am vigilant about my vitamins and supplements and watch my labs.  I also supplement with a good whey protein supplement daily and intend to for life.  It was an adjustment for me to get used to the idea of the malabsorption aspect, but in the end it has been a worthwhile trade off for living my life as I do now versus 125 lbs ago.

I will say that I know personally (from real life, not the 'net or from WLS groups) 4 people who have had the Lapband.  Of those 4, 2 of them have had the band removed and have been revised.  The other 2 who still have the bands are over 2 years out and while they have lost weight, are not yet near their goal weight.

For me, with the band, I had to be very careful and chew my food just so to avoid getting "stuck".  I would worry at times if I was going to tolerate a type of food or not.  With the RNY, I feel like I have a "normal stomach" and don't have a problem tolerating anything.  With the band, I could feel that there was something there.  The RNY feels more natural to me.   I really think that the band is good in theory, and obviously there are some who it works for, but there are some problems with it too.

Anyhow, that was my experience with the band.  Good luck to you with whatever you choose.

Jennifer
(And I have been at my goal weight for almost 2 years now!)

Thank you for sharing your story.  I had been leaning toward RNY and these just solidify my choice.

I had that horrible lapband and was revised to a RNY on 8/23/07. I have lost all my weight now and am 106 pounds as of this morning. It was the best thing I ever did having the revision. It is night and day better surgery than lapband!!!