Question:
Has anyone had 2 weight loss surgeries?

I had the lap band 2 years ago and have not lost weight. I am considering having the band removed, and having rny. has anyone ever done this? I'd like to hear about your journey.    — melissa L. (posted on April 26, 2004)

April 26, 2004
I had the RNY, but I have heard that alot of people have bypass surgery after failing with the band. Good luck!! Melinda
   — melindainfla

April 26, 2004
I actually had 'two' surgies.. but the other way around. I had the RNY 11/2000 and the lap band put on to fix my RNY stoma malfunction 10/03. Can you have two? Yes. More than likely the doctor that put on your lap band can take it off and do a lap RNY. But remember, ALL surgies have their pros/cons... even RNY. Research research research before deciding which one you need. Also; dont 'assume' you will dump if you get an RNY.
   — star .

April 26, 2004
I had to have a revision to my distal RNY. It was one without transection and so I had a staple line disruption. Bands are mechanical, so just like mine, they can have a mechanical failure. Since we've had bands here since 1991 (early trials), I've seen many, many convert to RNY, lose all their wt and live happily ever after.
   — vitalady

April 26, 2004
I had a revision from VBG to RNY in 2002. I'm from the Houston area and there are several good docs here that can do revisions.
   — Ali M

April 27, 2004
In 1986, I had stomach stapling or gastroplasy. On 3/3/03, I had a revision done to gastric bypass. The bypass has worked far better than the gastroplasy.
   — Sue F.

April 27, 2004

   — Dina McBride

April 27, 2004
Actually I have had 3 WLS. A failed VBG(Which was the successful one and the RNY where I lost only 40 lbs. I had stoma issues Which is plaguing many RNYs. There is a new study coming out soon by a very prominent doc telling that the RNYs that he has seen have been for the most part right, But failed for one reason or another. 3 Bariatric surgeons in 3 states have told me that a second surgery is 50% higher chance of failure, and if the amount of weight to lose is significant, the revision should include Malabsorption....To Me the Ds was the best choice as it doesn't remove the function of an entire organ(the stomach) and leaves the stomach with a beginning, middle and end. It doesn't involve a Pouch creation, But only reduces the stomach leaving the basic stomach function anatomy and structure.i It also doesn't depend on the success of the stoma for the surgery to work. I eat meat...I love meat. To not eat steak would be a big problem for me. It is why My VBG eventually failed, I resorted to eating high carb high fat foods and Gained. The RNY gave me horrible LIFE ALTERING Dumping and reactive hypoglycemia. I also ended up with a precancerous condition from the unused portion of the RNY Stomach(I was transected). Be aware that if you have problems in this portion of the stomach post op, it is NOT accessible except through surgery(in other words you can't have and endoscopy to look at the problem). If I hadn't had a Revision, I would have ended up with cancer eventually from atrophy and chronic inflammataion. Feel free to e-mail me....I can tell the whole story better, and would be willing to talk on the phone. Think twice before you decide RNY. and please talk to a surgeon who does both. One who does only one has a one sided perspective and do you expect him to advise for a surgery that he doesn't do? I am [email protected]. My Name is Melanie, I have a Profile on here.
   — Melanie L.