Lap Band to A Bypass - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Malieka · 02-21-2008, 10:55 AM

Has anyone in this forum had their lap band removed and chosen the Bypass instead??

Corrine · 02-21-2008, 11:42 AM

Malieka - welcome to TT.

Glad to see you found Casinocat's thread.

Malieka · 02-21-2008, 12:00 PM

Thanks so much Corrine!!

Virginiann · 03-04-2008, 10:06 AM

Hello, I'm new here and I just had a lapband removed and reversion to Roux-en-Y last Monday 02/25. I am 50 years old and this surgery has kicked my butt. I was in the hospital 5 days and not one of those days did I think "I should be at home recovering." The surgery took 4 hours due to removing the band and working though a lot of scar tissue. I don't know anyone who has had this revision and I am really happy that I found this board.

Nana~ · 04-21-2008, 06:58 PM

Heya!
I'm having the band removed and doing the By pass on May 5th.
Nana~

Ann Bird · 05-16-2008, 10:11 AM

Dear Virginiann - I have had the lap band for over a year and have had several problems (infection, slipping, etc) resulting in my doctor wanting to remove the band and do a gastric by-pass. I am very nervous. I am 50, am diabetic. I am concerned that if all the problems happened to me with the lap band....will I get all the problems with the gastric bypass. On one hand I am excited to make the change and then on the other hand I am afraid.

BabyNicole · 05-16-2008, 11:53 AM

Welcome to you all! When I first thought about surgery I thought I was doing the band. But, have changed my mind to the RNY!

I'm sorry the band didn't work for you in the first place.

Marella · 05-22-2008, 01:48 AM

I had the lapband done in October 2007. It was removed 2 weeks later during emergency surgery because the lapband had done damage to my esophagus.... bummer!

Because of sepsis I had to have an open removal. I spend a month in the hospital and everyone was happy I lived (50/50 they gave me).

My doctor could not perform an RNY at that time because it would have been too dangerous.

Meanwhile, I decided to go ahead with the RNY in January. Doc wanted to wait at least 4 months after my last surgery. It took 6 because I waited two months to decide.

I had to have my RNY open because of scar tissue my previous open... BUT I truly wish I had the RNY to begin with. It was MY choice, but I chose the Lapband because my husband talked me into it, thinking it was safer.

I truly think that the RNY is the safer way to go. I'm 22 days post-op RNY and lasting longer than the 14 days with the Lapband was in me... gee and I never got a fill, either!

Good Luck!

Ann Bird · 05-22-2008, 01:35 PM

Dear Marella - it looks like you are doing well with the bypass. Thanks for writing me back. I wish you success!

I know getting the change to the bypass is right for me but I am scared too. I really don't want another surgery. I had originally had the lap band put in in Feb 2007, got an infection in the port, had to have the port removed, couldn't have a fill for months, then had the port re-inserted. I had fills but they never really worked. I did lose 38 lbs but I never got good restriction. My current doctor thinks the band is in the wrong place. He said since he has to remove it he thinks it would be better to do the bypass. So here I am.

Can you tell me about your pre-surgery diet and what you are eating now? How do you feel. Anyone else with info on this would be welcomed to respond. Thanks - Ann

Marella · 05-23-2008, 09:48 PM

My pre-surgery diet lasted 8 days and consisted of Carnation Instant Breakfast and Skim Milk (I chose chocolate), and a certain amount each day for protein, plus a multi-vitamin.

Day 1-3 post-op: clear liquids

Day 4 -14 post-op: liquids (which included all "sugar free" pudding, yogurt, popsicles, cream of soups, protein drinks, etc.)

Day 15 through where I am now which is supposed to last 4 weeks: everything in the liquid phase, plus added pureed foods... like carrots but minced like baby food. Mashed potatoes are OK. Chunkier soups (fat free or low fat) that I use a stick blender to mince. Tuna Fish and Ranch Dressing (instead of mayo)... canned chicken & Ranch minced. (I have yet to try low-fat mayo). Thicker protein shakes with bananas, and strawberries. And whatever else I can think of that maybe good to use a stick blender on.

Because RNY'ers have to watch their sugar and fat intake, I've found the variety to puree' limited... but I really haven't had much time to experiment or look for recipes.

Except for feeling tired every now and again, I feel pretty good.

Good luck Ann. Having a surgery that never worked is very hard to take, as with your port problems. If you had your Lapband inserted laproscopically, can they remove it the same way, and then do the RNY Laproscopically as well?

Answers to this I don't know.

BUT: when you had your port re-inserted, was it in a operating room? I can't imagine it being done any other way.