Switch from Lapband to Gastric?? - ThinnerTimes

Berry · 06-09-2008, 09:37 AM

I had lapband surgery in 2007 but I haven't had much success. Has anyone else had this problem? Also, has anyone here switched from the Lapband to having the Gastric bypass?

Thanks

kai's_mom · 06-09-2008, 10:15 AM

I had decided to get the Lapband, but after speaking to my surgeon, I've changed my mind and decided to have RNY, I have my surgery on June 26th! My dr. feels that it is the best option for me.

Patsy · 06-09-2008, 11:27 AM

Berry how many fills have you had, and what is your restriction?

I ask because I was quite ignorant about the 'sweet spot' you need to get to with your fills.

My actual band has a leak, but I only lost about 1.5 stones before I had no restriction at all, which I have now gained.

I am waiting for news from my surgeon what the next step will be.

What can you eat atm hun?

Josephine · 06-09-2008, 11:47 AM

I have the same questions as Patsy...
which band do you have and how much has been filled?
how much of a pizza can you eat?

Marella · 06-10-2008, 12:39 AM

I had the Lapband, (Oct 2007) never had a fill though. Had it removed two-weeks after insertion. I had RNY 6 months later.

Me personally, I would have never had the Lapband. Not because I had it removed, but because I didn't do research on a forum, any forum, to learn about the high disappointment rate with banding. That would have definitely made me thing twice... because I want short-term SUCCESS.

My doctor's advice was RNY, but I went against his advice. I really paid for it too.

(once the short-term success is achieved, I'll worry about the long-term success... it's just that NOW I know that I need the support of like people, whether in person or online, that support to long-term success, I believe, is crucial... this is the opinion of someone who is a loner, and isn't used to support... maybe that's one of the reasons why I got into weight trouble: LIFE CHANGE, LIFE CHANGE, LIFE CHANGE)

All the best to you!

Josephine · 06-10-2008, 01:56 AM

The fills for lap banding are crucial. That's why I never lost any weight. I never got proper aftercare. Being able to adjust your band is one of the perks of the band, but it's also it's downfall. Obese people are tired and depressed sometimes, especially after a huge surgery. If you have to travel or it's left to you to make the appointments, it's hard to get the aftercare you need. In my case, the aftercare was refused until payment in full was made, but for some people, they just need someone to kick them and have them make an appointment for another fill.

Berry · 06-10-2008, 03:45 AM

Thank you everyone for your replies and support.
As far as what I can eat, almost anything. When we order pizza, I can eat about 3 small pieces. When I get up in the morning, I'm starving...is everyone else like that? I'm gaining weight instead of losing and it's so frustrating. I'm wondering if I should have gone with the gastric bypass and maybe I wouldn't be having these problems.
I have the 10cc band and I think I have about 2cc filled.

Patsy · 06-10-2008, 04:08 AM

Berry you shouldnt even be able to eat pizza!!!

I have read on another forum, people who have acheived great weight loss from having the band.. that when they wake in the morning they can only manage a few sips of tea/coffee, and couldnt possibly eat anything until after lunch time.

Then they can eat/drink a half cup of soup maybe, on the odd occasion they can nibble a few crackers.

This information for me was a real eye-opener because I have never been like that, hence my poor weight-loss.

So really we, havent had sufficient amounts of saline put into our bands.

My band is a 5, and the most I have ever been filled to is 3.5

Dont give up on your band, please, please give it another chance, I'm sure it will work if you are filled correctly.

Personally i really want mine repaired, and cant wait for this to happen.

Berry · 06-10-2008, 04:28 AM

Patsy - I know you are right, I shouldn't be able to eat pizza. Even if I could eat a little, I shouldn't be able to eat 3 pieces! When I got my 2nd fill, last July it was filled to 2.5cc and at that point I had a hard time eating anything, everything would get stuck. I had to go back and get 1/2cc taken out. I'm so afraid if I go back for another fill, the same thing will happen. It's so frustrating when everything gets stuck, I hate that feeling. Then I started turning to the slider foods; potato, stuffing, ice cream and just junk food in general. I'm very confused and not sure what to do at this point. I haven't seen my doctor since last July and I'm afraid if I go back to him, he'll give me a lecture and tell me I shouldn't have waited so long to go back to him. What would you do in my situation??

jerseygrl684 · 06-10-2008, 04:33 AM

you arent gonna like this but...

stop eating pizza. jesus christ. Are you that blind that you don't see it right in front of you? I'm sorry to be nasty, but band or rny.. YOU SHOULDNT BE EATING THAT CRAP. Obviously you werent ready to make the 'lifestyle change' that comes along with the surgery and that is why you aren't succeeding in this. Be serious about it.