Question:
has anyone had banding after bypass?

2 1/2 years post op down 125 lbs, food issues still exist and need help making the right choices and portion controll. Does any one know if this is a possibility.    — llscott163 (posted on November 9, 2008)

November 9, 2008
I hope this doesn't sound rude, but having another WLS surgery will not help you make better choices. GB does restrict your food,(even that only lasts so long before you can eat more than enough calories) even with restriction, there are ways around it and people find those ways and do gain some weight back. WLS does not work on your brain and is NOT a cure for MO. We still have to make better choices BY CHOICE. Some people do have double surgeries...so the answer is yes, if you can find a suergeon who will do it...but the best way to approach your eating disorder is with some therapy and not another WLS...I say this with much love...because I want to see you succeed...I know what it is like to be MO...and I failed miserably at diets pre-op by gaining my weight back everyt single time...but my success with WLS was because I attacked my eating disorders with therapy first...and then I had GB surgery. 5 years later...it's soooo not the easy way out...It's easier, yes! But everyday I have to decide what I eat and how much I eat...I can eat a lot of food and SUGAR daily! ...I choose not to...This is the hardest time of the year for me because I get less active and am soooo tempted by baked and sugary things...I have to really watch myself and it's quite a struggle...so please don't think that you can have another surgery and not have to deal with your head...Just think about it. Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

November 9, 2008
I sense there may be two helpful avenues for you: seeing a psychiatrist to delve into your mind and resolve the "why am I feeling so ____" issues, or hiring a Life Coach ("what I plan to do about ____ ," and "what steps am I taking to ____," with my coach helping me get from point "A" to point "B" with me in control at all times," truly learning how not to be a victim, and how not to be a survivor, but always to be a survivor! I'm sure your medical coverage allows for a certain number of psych visits annually. I'm not sure about medical coverage for hiring a Life Coach. Having major surgery yet again with another surgery is not an answer. Yes, it can be done; but, is it wise to do? The question you need to ask yourself is, "Am I victim? Am I a survivor? Can I truly become a thriver?" Like Anita, I do not wish to be rude; but, it may all be in your thinking, and it may be your thinking which needs adjustment. Lynn Meinke, a Professional Certified Coach recently authored an incredibly good teaching model on being a victim, survivor, or thriver which she presented to OH Support Group Leaders. Yes, I am an OH Coach and Support Group Leader. I am also studying at Bariatric University on my way to becoming a Certified Life Coach (and I'm 71 1/2!). I was electrified with what she had to say and plan to use what she says in my own support group meetings. If you participate in an OH support group, you can find out if your leader has received coach training like I have. Any of us who have received this training through OH can assist you over the telephone with no charge for our help. My prayers are with you in your journey. Christine Gibson, MS, MA, OH Coach and Support Group Leader
   — Christine Gibson

November 9, 2008
I'm sorry, I meant to say, "how not to be a victim, how not to be a striver, but to always be a thriver!"
   — Christine Gibson

November 9, 2008
I realized within a few weeks of my WLS that I had better do something about my head (the stomach, seemingly has been "taken care of" already) which is why I have been going to OA which I find helps. I am looking forward to getting rid of many compulsive food related habbits. I have heard WLS patients say that the surgery will only work long term if you see a psychiatrist that specializes in eating disorders. Let's face it - eating disorders got us all this way to begin with - it doesn't really make sense to think that endless stomach procedures can cure the problem.
   — zimra

November 9, 2008
I agree with all that was said. Surgery does indeed work on your stomach....not your head. Therapy and life coaching and personal training are definitely wonderful tools to add to your toolbox as you go on this journey. I am 4 1/2 years out and I have to make distinct and clear choices each and every day as to how I am going to eat. The surgery is NOT a magic pill or a magic bullet. You still have to work it. Best of luck, Zola
   — ZLander

November 15, 2008
No matter how far out we are after WLS, we will most likely always have "food issues", it is just how we deal with them and the choices we make forever that will determine our long term success. Having said that, yes, you can get a band over bypass... I believe that my surgeon is doing several per month but I do think that these people are many years out and their pouches have stretched. I guess you'd have to check into it further to be sure. I read an entry by Dr. Curry on the OH site where he said the less you rely on your "tool", the more successful you'll be in the long run. We have to learn to work through our stressors and triggers in a healthy way instead of avoiding them and medicating them with food as we always used to. Best of luck, Dawn Vickers
   — DawnVic