Question:
Lapband to RNY?

I have failed losing much weight with the Lap Band that I had inserted three years ago. The fault was all mine but the side effects of the band did not help me either. I could barely get any proteins down but was easily able to get high fat, "slippery" foods down the band. I also washed everything through with liquids which are a big no-no but was the only way I could get any food to pass through the band. I also NEVER felt full as the bottom portion of my stomach was always "hungry" with hunger pangs. It is clear that the band was too restrictive for me and I was vomiting(sliming) constantly. After my recent GI at the Cleveland Clinic, I have also learned that I have "motility" issues which exacerbated the issue of not getting "drier" foods to pass. Anyway, I am now a candidate for RNY and know that this is my last chance at losing weight and getting healthy. I am 224#, which I am told is pretty light for this surgery but I am in a catch22 situation with the gastric band and previous weight loss. I am contemplating removal of the lapband and RNY. I am looking for any advice/experiences from any others who might have had the same situation. Also, anyone who started at this weight and what was your progress? Thanks!    — L C. (posted on October 15, 2007)

October 15, 2007
This is not my story, but I've been involved with "us" for 13 yrs. We've worked with the trial bands done in 1991 here and out of country bands since the late 90's. Your story is, sadly, very common, but usually has a happy ending. Of the many bands I've known who revised to RNY, most of the ones who are outa few years are at or near goal wt, not vomiting, able to eat a fairly normal diet. I can't stress enough that your experience is not unusual. As with the now-defunct VBG, the constant vomiting induces eating slider foods as a means to survival. ANYONE will eat whatever it takes to stop vomiting. It's not a character flaw, so I don't think it's an issue as to whether or not you're a successful candidate for RNY.
   — vitalady

October 15, 2007
I was 223 a week before my surgery and never considered lapband, I had lap rny on Nov. 9 of 2006 and it took approx. 9 months to get to my goal weight and normal bmi. I have been maintaining now for approx. 2 months, keeping my weight about 131-132. I wear a size 6. I have type 2 diabetes and wanted to get off meds but unfortunately that didn't happen. I still take meds for that and lipitor. I had an ulcer caused by low dose aspirin and now I take nexium and high does of iron. I feel great, exercise regularly and have oodles of energy! RNY gives you more restriction as far as sugars are concerned. I still love and crave carbs but need to eat them very sparingly and when I do I count them or weigh them. Good luck with your RNY, you will be happy you did it.
   — Sheri A.

October 15, 2007
I agree w/ Michelle. This is sadly way too common and why I never considered the band. I had RNY and knew it was a life-long surgery but figured if I'm gonna do it, I'm going to do it right. I weighed 281lbs day of surgery, am now 130lbs 18 mos. post-op. I feel incredible; like a second chance at life. My mom had RNY in 1992 and was also extremely successful. A friend I met through OH had tons of probs w/ her band and converted to RNY last year after struggling. She's losing slowly but is much happier. She had motility issues like you. My poor aunt and uncle both currently have the band and they eat around it and can't see why they're unsuccessful at losing. You can't reverse RNY so be sure if that's what you decide. There are ups and downs to all the surgeries and the band - just decide what is right for you. Best wishes to you!!! ~Sarah in VA
   — platypus

October 15, 2007
I have no experience with the lap band but I did have RNY on September 6, 2007. I started out at 223 and have lost 36 pounds. I have no problem with foods but have to be careful to chew chew chew. Maybe you weren't chewing your food well enough before swallowing??? I was told to chew until it was like a paste. Good luck on whatever you decide to do!
   — muffin1837

October 15, 2007
I weighed 222 when I went for my first consultation. My BMI was 39. I had to GAIN weight to have the RNY. I gained 13 lbs and had the surgery in May. Since then I have lost 89 lbs and went from a size 24 to a 6/8 and I am not done yet. I think you will be happy with the RNY.
   — AllieT

October 16, 2007
I had the exact situation I was banded in 11/04 lost about 50 lbs in 6 months gained back 60 in a year and on 5/07 got the RNY because my band failed me I had all the sysmptoms you had plus more i was fat and miserable at least before I got the band I was fat and happy. I could never get help from the Dr that put the band in his name is Dr Powell in Dallas and he is horrible no follow up care not even one phone to make sure I was still alive. I wasnt sure if we are able to name names but just want to protect others from what I have been thru. I would tell him time and time again I thought I had a slippage he never cared. So finally I self referred myself to another Dr in the area he found that I had a slippage and he referred me to a Dr that could fix it and he is the greatest Dr in the world to me Dr Barker in Dallas he is very caring has a great staff and offers great follow up care. He told me we had 3 choices we could take the band out and do nothing, put another one in, or do the gastric. He said he doesnt sell patients on what to do but the longevity of the band is not long as I can see so of course I choose the RNY I was at 228 on 5/2/07 when it was done as of 10/16/07 I am 188 I have lost 40 lbs. he said my weight loss wouldnt be as quick as others because even thou it seems strange to say i wasnt that big to start out with compared to others who get the surgery. I hope this helps you some plese feel free to ask more questions if ou have them.....GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS
   — crlindfw

October 16, 2007
I was in exactly the same situation! I had a Lap Band in 12/01 but managed to lose less than 50 lb total (started at 333) and gained it all back. I also had "slippery food" issues and could still indulge in high-fat, high-sugar foods. With the Band, I couldn't eat without drinking at the same time and had frequent vomiting during or shortly after meals. Dr Schauer at Cleveland Clinic did my revision RNY on 4/18/2007. He's a super surgeon and the entire bariatric staff is wonderful! My surgery was complicated by the fact that my liver had grown around the Band and I had a bunch of adhesions to deal with. I also developed a marginal ulcer where the new pouch meets the small intestine and a leak where the bypass hooks back into the small intestine down the line. These rare complications slowed my recovery--I didn't start to feel really human until mid-August--but neither was related to the band removal. All is well now and I've lost just over 100 lb in 6 mo. I actually find it a lot easier to eat a wider variety of things with the RNY than with the band and have no trouble getting in my required 60 g of protein daily. I avoid sugar and watch my carb intake for fear of dumping (don't even want to risk it, plus my Type 2 diabetes is now "cured") but I've found I can eat small amounts of pasta and rice (as in a Lean Cuisine meal) and bread with no problem. I couldn't handle these at all with the Band! I eat protein first (of course), veggies second, and a smidge of complex carbs if I have any room left. I was never much of a fruit eater plus I need to avoid sugars anyway. I find no need or desire to drink while I eat--stuff goes down and stays down. I'm SOOO much happier with the RNY than I was with the Band and I'm confident I'll drop the remaining 60 lb or so to reach my personal goal. I wish I had gone with the RNY back in 01 instead of the Band. I have Federal Govt BCBS and they covered the Band when I had it done, but I understand they don't anymore--maybe this reflects the lack of success many have experienced. Luckily, they also covered the RNY. Good luck! Nancy
   — Meezer Mom

October 16, 2007
No one has yet mentioned the duodenal switch procedure. Just one more weight loss surgery to consider. It works better than the RnY. The pyloric valve stays in intact so no dumping. No vomiting. You get to eat more normally. Your weight loss will be sustained a lot better. You will reach your goal weight and maintaiin a lot better than with the gastric bypass. Come to the DS forum here on OH or go to duodenalswitch.com for a more comprehensive overview of the DS. I am seeking revision from the RnY to a DS. I have gained back half of the weight I lost and having trouble eating as I should. Wish I had known about the DS back in '04 when I was considering weight loss surgery. 98% cure rate for diabetes. Please check the DS out before you make your final decision.
   — KRWaters

October 16, 2007
Hi I was 223 with a BMI 39 preop. I had Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. Have not taken anything for diabetes since discharge from the hospital and got off BP meds within 6 wks post op. Now 10 mos out and at 140 wearing size 8. Feel great! Go for it.
   — debramc

Click Here to Return