Question:
Is there anyone else who has converted from a lap band to a RNY?

I had tons of complications with the band, plus I never lost a whole lot of weight. My surgeon thinks I should convert. Has anyone been through that?    — rsw (posted on October 24, 2009)

October 24, 2009
I did not have a lap band but I had a vertical permanent band 10 years ago VRG Surgery that constrains the stomach just like lapband. This was a bad choice for me. I initially lost 100lbs then gained all back and more. I thought I was lost. Then went to new surgeon who recommended RNY. He was encouraging about the better restrictions RNY would provide like avoiding sweets due to dumping syndrone an effect you get after RNY if you eat many sweets or fats. I had the surgery revision 4 weeks and have lost 45 lbs already. Not only do I have hope now, this was the right thing to do. However, you want to consider also a dueodenal switch. This is another by-pass surgery that leaves the normal stomach in tact but bypasses more of the intestine. Some real advantages of this surgery but not everyone does it. I could not do this with my revision anyway. The lapband to me for morbid obese should not be an option unless the other bypasses just cannot be done for some reason. Long term success is just too low compared to RNY or DS surgeries. Hope that helps you.
   — ecpioneer

October 27, 2009
Hi, This is my story of having the Lap Band and then the RNY. I am 5 weeks post op (RNY) and would do it again if I had to. I am down about 23 lbs. I really did not lose the weight that I should have with the Lap Band. Read on and if I can be of any help just yell. I am new to OH and am still learning to navigate the site. I am 5 weeks post-op/RNY, (Sept 21, 09). Prior to my RNY I had a Lap-Band put in 2007. I was 70lbs down when I went to the hospital for a upper GI. I was having very bad stomach pain which prompted the doctor's request for a upper GI. After the test I was told that I could not leave and to take a seat in the waiting room. Five minutes later they called me back and told me that per the doctor's orders I needed to be admitted, my band was twisted around my stomach. Several things ran through my mind, but fear was number one. Two hours later they had me in emergency surgery to remove the band. The whole day seeded so surreal. They removed the band and much scar tissue. Again, several thoughts were running through my head. Again, fear but this time it was the fear of gaining the weight back now the band had been removed. Should I do it, should I go for the RNY, I still have 60 pounds to my goal weight? Two weeks later I was having pain in my stomach again. After seeing the doctor again they send my for a ultrasound and they found gall stones. After seeing the doctor a third time we discussed the option of doing the RNY at the same time the gall bladder would be removed. After much consideration and research I did it. The first two weeks I had a hard time getting in both protein and water. Week three was a little better and this week is even better but I am still not able to get in all of my water if I get 60gms of protein. I am down a little over 23lbs but feel like I should have lost more by now. The doctor says that this is average for someone my age, weight and what I am able to eat. I don't feel comfortable going to live meeting so I thought this would be a great tool to learn and make friends.
   — Chunk-e-Monkey 1.