Band removal - converting to RnY

Hi there! I would like to correspond with anyone that had or will be having their band removed and converting to RnY.  My surgery is next week with Dr. Valencia in Ensenada.  Please respond here or pm me. Sandy Johnston Patient Care Coordinator aLighterMe 877-765-8446

may i ask why you are having the band out and having RNY?

Hi!  Yes, you're welcome to ask! I have had very severe reflux.  The doctors have prescribed meds, fill in...fill out, etc, etc.  Nothing is resolving this reflux.  Right now I can't get any solid food down and have to sleep sitting up.  Needless to say, I'm miserable!  I did fine the first few years and lost 111 lbs.  Then I stopped losing weight, gained 30 lbs and have been up and down the same 10 lbs.  The last 2 years have been hell fighting this reflux and esophageal spasms.  Unfortunately, the band isn't for me anymore...And with my history of reflux, I probably shouldn't have been banded in the first place.  However, I do NOT want to go back to my high weight, so I'm moving on the "next stage" so to speak.  Sandy Johnston Patient Care Coordinator aLighterMe 877-765-8446

 

Did you also look into the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy? The nature of that surgery leaves the pyloric valve intact (thus a fully functional, just much smaller stomach) and no risks associated with malabsorption as it's another restrictive-only procedure. The nature of the RNY pouch is also potentially problematic for reflux sufferers. The VSG doesn't seem to have that potential problem. The RNY is very likely overkill since you don't have much to lose but instead need/want to lose a smaller amount and are of course most concerned about maintenance. Nancy

 So good to see you! Cassandra

Sandy, I really wish you well with RNY!!! I hope all goes well and that you are healthy for years to come!!! Hope we see each other again sometime.

Sandy, I'm sorry you had trouble with the band. I read your story in Dr. Ahroni's book and found it inspiring. Best of luck with your surgery!

I do not have any experience there, but I do wish you the best !!!!

Good luck on your upcoming surgery. Have you checked out the Revision and RNY boards? Most folks that undergo a new procedure normally communicate on those boards. Sharee 

It seems you've done incredibly well with a strictly restrictive weight loss procedure.  Have you considered the Vertical  Sleeve Gastrectomy?  Why go for a procedure with malabsorbtion if you can meet your goals without being that extreme? It seems that you have firmly decided on RNY as you have a date next week.  You will do well.  Many people before you have!  And there are lots of Lap Band to RNY's and Lap Band to DS (a lot of DSers I can name).  If you look at my profile at my friends, a woman name crystal was having the same difficulties as you and she converted to the RNY and could not be happier.  She has finally lost all of her excess weight. Much Love, Peace, & Harmony, Leila