Question:
Anyone have a Lapband revision?

I got the lapband about three years ago. It's not working for me. Milkshakes and candy go down way too easily. So, I'm thinking about having a RNY. I'm curious to know if the band has to be out for awhile for healing before a RNY?    — TckldPiink (posted on January 29, 2007)

January 29, 2007
The people I've worked with in our support groups who were converted from LapBand to RNY had the band removed at the time of the procedure. Although many people successfully lose with an RNY after having difficulties with the Band, you might also want to consider the DS given the even greater weight loss that is sustained from that procedure.
   — SteveColarossi

January 29, 2007
Hi Steve, I had my lapband placed in october 05, no luck with weight loss just alot of vomiting and the only thing that would go down and stay down was pasta, so no surprize I did not loss much. I decided to change to the RNY and had it performed in December 06, 13 months after my lapband. No problems so far and am lossing weight! No it is not too early, I did not even have to go through most of the tests I did for the lapband since I had them already. Best of luck to you, please email me with any questions Diane P.
   — noboat4u

January 29, 2007
Sorry donna, was emaling someone else at the same time, sorry about the name. As far as chocolate and shakes, I do not think you have to worry, even sugar free chocolate makes me feel yucky, so I stay away. Alot of people also become lactose intolerent after RNY so the milkshakes may not stay either, I can tolerate a little milk products but not much, they do have pills however. I have read alot of people who said that if the lapband did not work the RNY will not either, I am glad I did not listen to them, talk to your doctor.
   — noboat4u

January 29, 2007
Donna, I lead a local support group for my surgeon and we have a number of patients who attend who had their Lap-Band surgery fail them, who then later chose to pursue a conversion to DS with our surgeon. Several of them went from one procedure to the other. Another couple of them had to have the band removed first (which was done emergently in both cases by the surgeon who placed them) and then healed up before going on to a conversion to another form of WLS. In nearly every instance our surgeon found that there was significant scar tissue build up where the band and port had been. On a positive note - every single one has been THRILLED with their results with their new form of WLS. All have lost beautifully and maintained their weight loss. More thrilling for them, however, has been the incredible quality of life they enjoy now. Hope this helps some! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

January 29, 2007
I have had 2 very good friends go through exactly the same problem as you. They were both having major difficulties with the LapBand - with being able to have high-calorie shakes and such - and a lot of vomiting when trying to eat. They have both since had the LapBand taken out and had laproscopic RNY and are extremely healthy and happy. Both their surgeons did both procedures during the same surgery without any problems or side affects...... I am thankful they both went through the problems with the LapBand when they did. I was considering the LapBand - but after seeing everything they went through, I decided to go for the RNY. I had my surgery on 8/7/06 and am down 92 lbs!!! I hope this info helps - good luck to you!
   — kathlene

January 30, 2007
I HAD BANDING AND THE REST OF MY FRIENDS HAD RNY AND MILKSHAKES AND CANDY GOES DOWN JUST AS EASY FOR THEM AS IT DOES ME. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT IN THE BEGINNING THEY GOT THE "DUMPING' EFFECT AFTER EATING SUGAR BUT AFTER A TIME OF EATING SUGAR OVER AND OVER AGAIN THEY HAVE ALL I'D GUESS CONDITIONED THEIR BODIES TO GET USED TO THE SUGAR AGAIN AND THEY'VE GAINED THEIR WEIGHT BACK. SO BASICALLY i'D SAY THAT WHATEVER WLS YOU HAVE YOU WILL CHEAT ON YOUR DIET BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO DECIDE TO DO IT RIGHT OR FAIL. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
   — leekenny

January 30, 2007
Donna, I am pre-op. My surgery date is 2/15 - scheduled as of today. Having RNY. I have several friends (6 to be exact) who have had RNY - it does't matter - lapband or RNY. Everyone is different. 3 of the 6 can eat foods high in sugar (candy/milkshakes) the others cannot. One won't even try....they say what is the point? They've made a lifestyle change and just stay away from the high sugar foods they once devoured. Some had dumping - some still do. Everyone is different. I would suggest a lifestyle change. Since a week before Thanksgiving this year - I have lost 22 lbs. cutting out soda and foods high in sugar. You'd be surprised how easy it is once you a.) make the decision to do so and b.) after a month of two - you don't miss it and if you "think" you would like to try something and you do...it doesn't taste good. I lost the taste for high sugar foods now. Which will be helpful after surgery (even more so) than it has been before surgery. Good Luck! Jammie
   — jammerz