dreaminofthin

Hello everyone! I just found this website today - so I'm a newbie here and looking for any and all advice. Here's my story in a nut shell, *CAUTION*-this may be lengthy...

I have been banded since May 21, 2007. I lost 10 or 12 pounds during the 2 week pre op diet, and NOT A SINGLE POUND SINCE. Yep, that's right - same weight as the day I left the hospital.

Now, let me tell you, I have not followed the band rules. The band works - IF you work with it. I've not made good food or drink choices, and I don't exercise regularly. So, I am the first to admit that I've not done my part; however, my portions are much less than pre-band - but that doesn't stand on its own.

Needless to say I am very depressed, disgusted, and frustrated. I have very little will power when it comes to "junk food". This is a problem, I realize. My thinking on this was, if I am handed the option of eating something sugary, and getting the dumping syndrome because of it - how many times would I have to do that to myself before I'd not do it again? From what I hear about the dumping syndrome - I don't expect I'd do it more than once or twice...okay MAYBE, just maybe three times, but no more. However, with the band, there are no unpleasant side effects from eating sugary things - other than it hinders weight loss.

BTW, I did join a small group of women who work out 3 days a week - I did work out twice last week, and once so far this week. Minimal I know, but it's more than I did before!

I've mentioned to my PA recently that I'm having a hard time sticking to the band rules and find myself cheating. I asked her if she thought I would be a candidate for a revision to a RNY. I told her that I have mentioned this to others, and I usually get "if you can't follow the rules of the band, what makes you think you'll follow the rules of the bypass?" Her response to me was "the bypass MAKES you follow the rules". OK, now we're talking. If I am forced to do something, I will do it; however, if you give me an inch, I'll take a mile. This made it sound really easy - though I know it's not like that.

Today, a couple of people on a LBT (Lap Band Talk) forum suggested the DS might be the better answer for me. So, after figuring out what DS stood for (that's how much I know about the surgery), I thought I'd try to find someone who knows a little about it.

I'd love any and all advice - I'm really seriously thinking I need a revision WLS, but I don't know what the best route to take is. I would like to know if anyone out there can relate?

thanking you all in advance.

sassy37

Hi and welcome to TT ..
I carnt advise you ! Im just sorry the band and u didnt make it !
The band can be your best friend , but u have to respect it .
But credit to u ! You admitted you didnt work with it !
I hope what ever u decide works for u !
U do have to be disiplined with the band , Im no angel and over xmas had a hard time .
But Im back on track ... going for gold ...

Best wishes From England x

__________________
Surgery date :Friday 26th Sept 2008

first fill 24.11.08 =6.5cc

Second fill 29.01.09=1 ml

10ml band filled to 7.5 ml ....

I love my band ! 5 stone gone thats 70 pounds

Awaiting third much needed fill ......

fatsomuch

Hi, I too am a newbie here, but have been on the lap band forum for quite awhile. I also was banded back in 2002. Initially I lost over 100 lbs, but then had some emotional issues, had the band emptied so there was no restriction and off I went. I don't need to tell you I put back 90% of the weight right away. Since then I have made half-hearted attempts to lose, only to gain it all back. I know that my discipline isn't what it should be, but I can loose the weight, it's keeping it off that's a problem for me. I am one of those people that either my fill is so tight that I have trouble with water or so deflated that I don't have any real restriction. Also, my insurance that I have now will not cover anything related to the band, including fills. That makes it a very serious financial hardship to say the least.

I am now in the process of trying to get approval for a switch from the band to RNY. My surgeon would prefer to do the gastric sleeve, which is simply a stomach reduction, no bypass involved, but insurance will not cover it. So RNY is my only other option. I spoke to him about the DS and he says I do not need that one, I am not really sure what the difference is myself, so I can't help you there.

As far as learning not to eat sweets, the dumping problem is really, really nasty from what a few people I know personally have told me. They tried in the beginning to eat just a small amount of something sweet and they thought they were going to die. They say it was horrible. Once I hear something like that, I pretty much will avoid that kind of pain and discomfort as life has enough of that already.

Good luck in your pursuit. Also, if you have emotional issues, which most if not all of us do, that causes you to overeat, then I would seriously think about getting help. I know I did and it has made a world of difference for me in how I approach food now. It really is amazing.

Cindy

Phoenixfire

Hello, it's very good that you've found this forum and welcome to the TT family!

You've asked some questions that are near and dear to me personally, and helping to answer these questions is the second most important reason I participate here on TT. A little warning though, I'm a very direct person and I'm passionate about the subject of weight loss surgery and succeeding after surgery. So hopefully this will read as me being honest and not mean or attacking. Hopefully I can share with you some thoughts, based on personal experience and observation of other people, that will help answer some of your questions. Understand that my directness is not at all meant to be hurtful or harsh, but is just direct and no B.S. (which is hopefully what you're seeking here).

I'm guessing that you've pursued more band fills in order to give you the right restriction on the amount of food you consume right? If you haven't diligently done your fills, then you must do that based on what I know of the band. I had RNY so I don't know as much as others do about the band.

You have to know that if you have not followed the band rules then you stand a very strong chance of not following the rules after bypass. Because there are obviously reasons that have caused you to not follow the band rules, right? So digging deep inside yourself and then being very honest with yourself about WHY you haven't followed the rules is very critical when having bypass surgery. Because once you have a tiny stomach, there are so MANY emotions/issues you will have to face and deal with or you will fail to lose all that weight OR to keep it off. It's called the "brain surgery" we must do after the surgeon does his part. If you don't do it, then you're seriously handicapped in the work that must be done after surgery.

Do you think you've addressed the WHY question for your obesity and the lack of success with the band? It is THE most important part of choosing any sort of weight loss surgery. As said in the post above, getting therapy to help you identify and work hard on your issues with food and eating can help tremendously. For some of us it is essential to get therapy to work on our issues. I know I sure needed it post-op and it's one of the keys to my success. Personally it's my opinion that EVERYONE who has surgery has to work on the issues that cause us to choose overeating and eating the wrong foods.

Do you know that many of us post-op people don't ever dump? You cannot expect to have dumping. There are many people here who don't dump but wish they did because it would help in the way you are saying. So it is not a safe bet to count on dumping to be the way you succeed postop.

I'm sorry to say that it is possible to cheat after this surgery too. Again, if you find the reasons you haven't stuck with the rules, and you decide to face them and change them, then you won't fall into the pattern of the cheaters who sabotage themselves post-op. It's not simple for some of us, but it CAN be done. I had to learn self-control just like everyone else has to do, and as you know from being obese it is not an easy task. The surgery HELPS you to have discipline, but it is NOT a cure for a lack of self-discipline. It is just an aid.

You're right, it isn't that easy unfortunately. It takes A LOT of work, over a long period of time, and surgery (as you've discovered) is just a part of the job. When I read your post I had the same thought as other people who have said the above words to you. It's a big red flag to see that and it immediately causes concern about whether or not you are prepared for how hard it is postop. Only you can answer that of course, but reading others' experiences here can really help you see how hard it is. Sometimes it SUCKS to have a tiny tummy! And the rules must be followed if you want to succeed. I wish the pouch alone was all it takes to lose the weight (many of us here wish that too) but the pouch alone is not enough. Your doctor said "the bypass MAKES you follow the rules" but I think she is wrong. There are PLENTY of people who have managed ways to work around the rules and they have not had success stories. It is a struggle, and you have to MAKE yourself follow the rules. It's a HUGE challenge sometimes!

I hope that I've given you some advice that helps you see inside the way things are from the "other side" of surgery. It's been six plus years since I had surgery and since my surgery I have learned A LOT on my own and now quite a bit here. I really do wish I'd had this forum when I had surgery because it would have helped a lot. So you take a look around on the past threads and do all kinds of searches so you can get as much information as possible. You'll be more prepared and confident that you know all that the decision to have surgery entails. And I hope you have the best success in conquering the challenge of beating obesity! It IS possible!

__________________


Open Roux-en-Y on October, 2002 - 7 year anniversary is right around the corner
Height: 5'8"
Highest weight: 300 lbs. with a BMI of 45.6
Current weight: 140-145 lbs. and a size 6/8 with a BMI of 21.7
Total weight lost after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 160 lbs. POUNDS!

dreaminofthin

Thank you for your advice. And, Phoenixfire, thank you for taking the time to address my thread like you did. I appreciate the time you put in to helping me understand. Yes, I have kept up with my fills - I've had 7 or 8 fills, and am at 3.0 cc in a 4.0 cc band. This is the best restriction I have ever had - since my last fill last week. I am not sure about this so-called "sweet spot" - I'm pretty sure I've never been there, and I don't know if I will know it when I do get there. I have heard that not everyone experiences the dumping syndrome - and you're exactly right, I shouldn't count on that to be my saving grace, because as my luck would have it, I probably wouldn't get it. I have not went to a therapist for my eating habits before; however several people on lap band talk have mentioned that to me as well. I started working out with a small group of ladies last week (a good friend of mine at work invited me) and I actually went twice last week and tonight will be my second time this week. Surprisingly, I like it - it makes me feel better physically and emotionally! I lost my first pound-actually two-from last week to this week (first weight loss since surgery). So, I am making a little progress - slowly but surely. I know exactly what I should and shouldn't do - I just don't apply it. Well, thanks again - and you may hear from me again.

Phoenixfire

You're very welcome, I'm glad to help

You summed it up perfectly when you said "I know exactly what I should and shouldn't do" because I think THAT is the key phrase you should take in to a therapist. There is a lot of digging to do inside yourself, and I think if you do that you will find your success. I sincerely hope that you do.

And remember that you're not alone...this whole community is full of people who have been where you are!

__________________


Open Roux-en-Y on October, 2002 - 7 year anniversary is right around the corner
Height: 5'8"
Highest weight: 300 lbs. with a BMI of 45.6
Current weight: 140-145 lbs. and a size 6/8 with a BMI of 21.7
Total weight lost after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 160 lbs. POUNDS!

pricklypear

if i understand correctly - if you have this surgery you could have like a million loose stools a day.
its very very malabsorptive. are you ready to deal with those issues that will come along with it? its much worse than the RNy in that respect - thats my understanding.
just look into it - you will have to have LIFETIME follow up and LIFETIME compliance to stay healthy after this surgery. same thing after an RNY, but it is a scary surgery to me.

Ettie B

I'm a DSer, 16 months out pretty much. The chronic diarrhea is a myth - not sure where it came from but it's definitely not true and I know a LOT of DSers. Even with the DS you have to work with it, keep your carbs low both for reasons of weight loss and because carbs can cause gas issues in some people. I take vitamins daily and have blood tests and bone scan annually. I am fit and healthy and have lost 140lbs to date.

Best advice I can give is that you find a surgeon who does ALL the procedures, discuss your eating habits and lifestyle with him honestly and see what he suggests.

also take a look at

Duodenal Switch
Duodenal Switch Information Zone
Duodenal Switch Forum (DS)

ask questions there, the people are all VERY knowledgeable and will give you as much information as they can.

Regards

Rose

__________________
The reason we fail so often is because we trade what we want most for what we want at that moment.

Yesterday is dead, Tomorrow never comes, Do it today!

aka CurlyBear