Question:
I am felling really upset because I think I had the wrong surgery!
I am wondering what all of my AMOS friends think? I felt like maybe I had the wrong procedure done and I am thinking of asking my dr. to remove the band that I have had for 3 months and to perform the rny. I have only lost 25lbs and I can't control what i eat, the amount is smaller but I make wrong choices and that really upsets me... He will probably say I didn't give it a chance but I guess I am really unsure of what the right choice is and I was not 100% about my choice. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank YOu All! — kumuat (posted on October 20, 2003)
October 20, 2003
Starr, I haven't had the lapband, but I can appreciate the difficulty of
controlling what you eat, and I had the RNY. But I don't dump (never have,
and I'm almost 17 months post-op), so while the restrictive part of the
surgery works great for me, I do find I can eat really crummy food anytime
I want, and sometimes, I do. You should know that 25-30 percent of people
who have the RNY simply do not "dump" when eating the
"wrong" foods, so if that is one of your expectations if you
switch to the RNY, there's no guarantee that the dumping mechanism will
work for you (or that it will work past the first few months). Obviously,
somebody who had the lapband and then had a revision can answer your
question best, but before you make a decision, you should know that
controlling what you eat is also an issue for many RNYers once they are no
longer fresh post-ops and have their appetites back. Congrats on the 25
pounds lost so far, and good luck in figuring out where to go from here.
— Suzy C.
October 20, 2003
I do think it is too early to consider revision. I would certainly suggest
consultation with a nutritionist and/or dietician. And regular support
group meetings. I see that you have 4 children so you have very limited
(non-existent) free time but it's just too soon. IMHO
Are you doing the 1,2,3's = #1 64 oz water a day, #2 60-80g proteins a day
and #3 vitamins and minerals?
And you haven't mentioned exercise? Are you exercising 3 times a week (and
running around after the kids is only partially counts)?
I don't think a Dr. will reconsider a revision until 1 yr post-op AND you
have been following the 1,2,3's.
Best Wishes!!!!
— Marrilee M.
October 20, 2003
You didnt say if you were self pay or if insurance paid for the band. IF
insurance paid for the band THEY may require you to wait. I know my
insurance does. I think 25 pounds is GREAT! That is almost a 10 pound
loss per month. Are you at your 'maximum' fill level? You stated you were
eating less... maybe your fill level needs to be increased. With the
maximum 'fill' your eating level wouldnt be ANY different than if you had
the RNY. Yes, you might have dumping with the RNY - but thats NOT
guaranteed nor is it necessary 'permanent' it doesnt de-crease in some over
time. Good luck
— star .
October 20, 2003
I wouldn't make any changes just yet. It sounds like the real problem is
with your food choices, not necessarily the procedure. Try eating what you
should eat if you had RNY and see how your loss goes. Eat high protein
foods - lean meat, poultry, low fat cheeses, cottage cheese, etc. Having
RNY will not help you control what you put in your mouth, only you can do
that. I can still eat pizza, pasta, breads, etc. but, I have to choose to
not eat those foods since I know that my body needs protein first and
foremost.
— Carolyn M.
October 20, 2003
Starr, I had the RNY and I stopped losing at 8 months post op. Lost a
total of 120 lbs and have gained back now about 12 lbs from my lowest. I
go up and down about a 10 lb range. Guess what, I do not dump and I can
eat virtually anything. My only salvation is that I can not eat 3
platefuls at meals or buffets. I can snack constantly and have a terrible
carb addiction. I find that each day is just as much of a struggle now as
it was with any other diet I have ever tried. I am about 60-70 lbs higher
than the goal I would have liked to reach, I weigh more than some folks do
when they begin this journey. Yet I did manage to reverse some health
problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, bad knees, incontinence. However
I am so afraid that all of this will eventually come back. I've come to
believe it is the luck of the draw. I do not know why some folks make it
to goal, never seem to battle a carb addiction ever again and others
struggle. There is no gaurantee that the RNY would work better for you.
If I had the answer on how to make those right choices I'd give it to you.
All I can tell you is to try very hard each and every day because even one
right choice is a great success.
— SARose61
October 20, 2003
For the lapband, the first 4-6 weeks are for healing and many people don't
lose weight until they had a fill. For some people (many lightweights) it
may take 2-3 fills to get the restriction that you need to have the band
working for you properly. The post below are correct, that no surgery is
going to choose what food goes in your mouth.<p>3 months is too short
of time to say that the band is failing you. 25 pounds is great! If you
continue with that weight loss, at 6 months will be 50 pounds, at 1 year =
100 pounds. That is the norm for people! I keep telling myself that I
didn't gain this weight overnight, why do I think that I am going to lose
it overnight!<p>
Whatever surgery you decide upon, you have to remember that it is only a
tool. You have to totally change your habits to be successful. I know
several people who regained their entire weight back, plus more after
having the bypass. They didn't change their habits! Having the bypass
does not mean that you are cured from obesity. You have to make the right
decisions!! Give the band a chance. Good luck!
— Sheryl W.
October 21, 2003
Starr, I got my Band right at 3 months ago and I have lost 23 lb. I am
very pleased with that .. the average is 8 lb/mo and we are both right at
that average. Sure, I'd love to be at goal already, but part of why I
chose the Band was that the weight loss is slower and more gentle. It
takes time and patience, and yes, it DOES take self-control over what you
eat. I've been eating choc. chip cookies this last week, and I know I have
to stop that because it's stalling my loss. It's about YOUR choices, as
the other posters have said. The good news is, each day is a new start and
a new chance to make the right choices and start over. I haven't read your
profile .. maybe it's time for a fill. Definitely talk to your dietician
and maybe he/she can help you .. mine sure did help me. Good luck dear ..
:)
— Jeanie
October 21, 2003
I had RNY and I still make the wrong food choices sometimes. Also, I know
I can eat more than most people, and that worries me too. There is no
magic pill. You gotta work it. Exercise, exercise, exercise!
— mrsmyranow
October 21, 2003
You can make "wrong choices" no matter which procedure you've
had. Have you considered speaking to someone about the emotional aspects
of your food choices? Don't give up!
— TMF
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