Question:
Can you have RNY after having a Gastric Band

My good friend had a gastric band placed on her stomach 5 years ago. She initially lost 80 pounds. But she has gained it all back plus some. I have been telling her about my surgery and I thought I had heard about some people having 'revisions' done? Does anyone know about this? I have been encouraging her to contact my surgeon, but I think she is afraid because she has already had surgery before. However, I think she would still qualify. I would appreciate any help anyone can offer. thanks, lorettasonka    — Loretta S. (posted on September 11, 2003)

September 11, 2003
Is the Gastric Band the same as a VBG?? I had the VBG almost 3 years ago and I am in the process of getting a revision. I'm still in the beginning stages of getting it done. But I do know of many others that have had a revision done after having previous WLS. Hope this helps! Good Luck!
   — blacker24

September 11, 2003
Unless your friend had surgery in another country, she probably had Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, not the Gastric Banding. Just wanted to clarify.
   — TMF

September 11, 2003
With either surgery mentioned you can get a revision to an RNY. It is a much lengthier and more dangerous surgery as a revision. You should tell your friend to find a HIGHLY skilled surgeon who has not only done RNY but revision RNY. My surgeon has revised VBG and Lap bands (ALREADY!!!) and always says that as a surgeon it is his least favorite surgery to do because it is very difficult technically. He has had great success but his great skill is what makes that possible. Keep encouraging her and tell her to get on line and read about it. She is by no means the only person to need WLS twice. If she is still having serioud issues with food then she should also seek some counseling before doing it again.
   — Carol S.

September 11, 2003
I doubt it would be the lapband (if it were 5 years ago) and if it were, the surgeon would just have to remove it, then do the RNY. I agree that your friend should have a VERY experienced surgeon who have done these in the past (VBG to RNY). I would also like to add that I hope she understands that any surgery is just a tool. To be successful, you really have to change your eating habits. I would hate to see anyone get another surgery thinking that that surgery is a cure-all. Many WLS fail because we don't change our habits.
   — Sheryl W.

September 11, 2003
Yes. At the time of my RNY, 1994, many were replacing their silastic rings,VBG's or AGB's here experimentally earlier. Sometimes with AGB, they have to remove an eroded badn and wait a bit before doing any other procedure. But the ones I've seen revised are doing beautifully.
   — vitalady

September 11, 2003
I really hope your friend and anyone else considering a revision look into the DS at duodenalswitch.com before making a final decision. DS is the one WLS where regain is not a problem. I totally agree with Carol that using a surgeon experienced with revisions is absolutely esential, no matter what type of surgery you have.
   — Chris T.