considering bypass after failed lap band - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

trialsnurse · 11-01-2009, 10:19 PM

Hello. I am new on here and was looking for information. I had lap band surgery in July 2008. I have not gotten the results I was hoping for with the band. Recently I have had to switch doctors due to insurance issues. The new surgeon wanted to do an endoscopy on me before he did anything with the band. After the endoscopy, the surgeon told me that it appears that the band is not snapped shut. Don't know how long it has been that way. The orginial doctor never xrayed me. My new doctor is talking to me about my options and says he can convert me over to gastric bypass. Has anyone on here had the lap band initially and then convert over to the bypass? Any comments? Thanks!!

Sherry_Lynn · 11-02-2009, 02:52 AM

Welcome to Thinner Times! Use the search feature, and type in revisions..............quite a few people on here have done exactly what you're considering. Good luck with your journey! Come here often so we can get to know you and support you!

poet_kelly · 11-02-2009, 08:09 AM

There are a couple people on here who had bands and had to have it revised to something else. Lana had hers revised to RNY and Josephine had hers revised to the sleeve. It actually seems pretty common that people have problems with the band or don't lose weight with it and end up getting it removed and getting a different surgery instead.

Kelly

mistymee · 11-02-2009, 08:28 AM

In the Post op section of the forum, there is one dedicated to revisions, and also hopefully those that have undergone a revision.

The two people that spring to mind right off, as they're fairly recent are Lana, as Poet Kelly mentioned and Josephine. There are quite a few others though and hopefully they'll be popping in once they spy the subject header.

Good luck, I can't imagine how frustrating this must be for you!

Hychap2009 · 11-02-2009, 08:37 AM

Hi and welcome to TT. You should find lots of support and information on this site. Take this opporutnity to meet nice and supportive people. Good luck on your journey.

Hyacinth

Lana · 11-02-2009, 04:40 PM

Hi, I'm Lana and yes I did have a revision from the Band to RNY. It's pretty scary that you've been walking around with the band just hanging out in there, not being snapped shut. You're very lucky to not have had any problems because of it. Thank God. Who knows how long it's been that way. Maybe that's why you haven't had the results you were looking for. Have you spoken to the doctor about that?

If you are considering a revision in any case, please make sure you do your homework and then make your decision. I'm sure your new doctor wants to do something right away to take care of your situation, so maybe you could have the band removed and wait for your body to heal and then have the revision. Personally for me that wasn't an option but it's something you can consider.

I didn't have any complications with the band I just had it removed because it wasn't right for me. It was way too easy to cheat. I lost weight but gained it right back.

I am very happy I had the revision. I'm 2 months out now, down 47 lbs and I feel great. Aside from a few minor complications everything is great. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions. You can PM if you like. It must be difficult because you have to make a decision pretty quickly. I hope to hear from you.