Question:
has anyone had the band removed and had a bypass done?

i had the lap band two years ago i've lost no weight, i have health problems and need a gastric bypass instead. i am from ms and have medicare, does anyone have any advise for me? i need it.    — farmgirl38843 (posted on September 17, 2009)

September 17, 2009
I had my band removed March of this year and had RNY in June. Here is are a few line of a response I submitted a few minutes ago. "I just wanted to move on with my life and take weight loss more serious. I had great success with the band at first (130lbs) but started having problems like acid reflux and my esophagus dilated. My band never slipped or eroded into my stomach. I was always throwing up and could never enjoy meal time. Every time I experienced problems, the answer was to open up the restriction. After so many adjustments, I started to gain weight because I was able to eat more. I finally hit a plateau were I did not gain or lose weight, but was miserable because I had gained about 80lbs. At that time I realized that RNY was the only way to go. I had surgery June 9, 2009 and have already lost 64lbs. I no longer have diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Back in 2005 I was 4 days from having RNY and I chickened out and had the bypass. I now wish I should have stuck to my first plan of having the bypass surgery. I too was afraid of having it, but now I realize that I made the right choice this time." Write me if you want more information.
   — lieutenant-ed

September 18, 2009
Did you now lose any weight at all or did you lose the weight and then gain it back? What did your doctor say about the situation? Very concerned.....lap band 8/20/2009.
   — cjjrn1

September 18, 2009
I got the lapband in Aug., 2004. Had lots of trouble from the very beginning like acid reflux, throwing up, and pain trying to eat. But my main problem was night coughing, something I was never warned about. I couldn't sleep well for months because I'd cough every time I lay down and spit up during times I did sleep. Horrible side effects for two years that I tried to live with. Lost 75 lbs., but had to have emergency surgery to remove. Gained all 75 lbs. back plus more trying to get approved for gastric bypass surgery, which I desperately wish I'd had done to begin with but was afraid of. My rny was in May, 2008 and I've lost 105 lbs. with no problems, no pain. Has been sooo much easier!
   — ksp1155

September 18, 2009
Hello, I cant answer for the state your in..but I would think it is the same with Medicare all over. In the state of Florida yes it is covered with ALL the pre-reqs done and a DR that is at a Hospital of Excellants. When I wanted my surg done (have medicaid) I called and found what the pre-reqs where. Did all the was required,found DR that took my ins. and had my surg approved right away(when pre-reqs were done). For me..it has been the best thing for me. It was worth all the hoop jumping! Best of luck..
   — tootsie52