Have any of you had revision surgery?

Hey everyone. I currently have the lapband. While I know I should be grateful that I was given an oppertunity to have wls, I am miserable with the band. I don't think it's the band's fault. I'm pretty sure it's me. I want DS so bad it's becoming an obsession. I almost feel depressed over it. I don't know how to stop feeling ungrateful for the blessing of having the band. I keep telling myself that so many who need wls are unable for various reasons to have surgery that I need to count my blessings and move forward. But it's not working. I can't talk myself into being happy. I am so tired of throwing up every other day...not knowing what I can eat day to day is a major pain. Just because I can eat something one day doesn't mean I can eat it the next. If I have some fill removed then I gain weight. If I get more fill, I'm really sick. This is tearing me apart and I don't know where to go with this. How far can I go without it turning into something I need to repent of? I'm angry and hostile and emotional. My Zoloft is keeping me from going off the deep end, but it doesn't make the band easier to live with. Any ideas? Tammy

Tammy Dear Girl, I hear your pleadings for help. I'm 61 years old, never had the opportunity or knowledge that is available now when I was young and having babies. I suspect I was the absolute queen of GUILT and know for a fact that I spent several years with post partum depression, as a result of having started marriage, family and children rather late in the game. Married at 28, had three children in three years, lived in different states as well for the birth of each of them. Plus from the first day of marriage I was responsible for two step-children. It was a decision made by my dear husband without even consulting me to have a Vasectomy, because he thought I was unable to cope with more children which in the long run was truly a blessing. I married a man who was a convert to the LDS Church, a three time Vet of Viet Nam, had spent at that point about six years total in the Far East. He was able to take me to the Temple to be married, but (I know now of course) that he suffered crippling depression in bouts, and the first thing he would always do is become totally inactive in the Church at the onset of one of his episodes. The most consistent thing in my early marriage was that he worked, provided for and cared for me in such a manner that we always had basic security. Purchased homes, etc. always paid the bills entirely, I never wanted for Food or Shelter. He also was totally devoted to me, even if at times rather annoyingly so. I say all this because when we are young we have so much going on emotionally, and physically that we have trouble seeing the whole long range picture. For example, I would always feel guilty because I felt trapped at home with children so much of the time. That I couldn't have new clothes, that my dear husband wasn't a more social person, and most of all that he couldn't seem to remain active in the Church. If I could feel guilty for it I DID! Looking back on it, it was one of the most crippling things for me the GUILT, I learned to avoid Army Dr.s because they would say I needed to loose weight. I avoided close relationships with other LDS Sisters because they seemed to me to handle things better than I. Of course in retrospect I realize just how much I did have as a young mother and wife that the *SO CALLED PARAGONS OF VIRTUE, with active husband's did not have. Forgive my musings here, but what I'm really trying to get at is that you and only you have a decision to make, about what is the best course for you. You are correct in seeking all the information you can about these types of revisions, I noticed also that you posted on the revision board. I participate very actively in the Over Fifties Forum, and do know women there that women that have had revisions of types of surgery that were done many years ago and are not even performed anymore. I have read that the DS is one where you can loose the best with, but many surgeons don't even do them anymore because of the danger factor. I was fortunate after my children were born to kind of stabilize my weight, so at 61 I went into RNY with a weight that is actually considered to be light-weight. My surgeon encouraged me to wait till Lap-Band would be paid for by my insurance. I said no, if I didn't do it now, I wouldn't do it. When I was doing research in the beginning, I for sure thought that young women like you we're better off to have the lap-band. Now I'm not so sure about what I see and read. For my personality, the conflicts you mention would be a bit much for me. For me it would be wrong to go into a new surgery while my mind was in so much turmoil. A dear friend used to say "God is not the author of Confusion". What ever decision you make, please make it with peace of mind and seek Heavenly Fathers help in making that decision. IT IS FOR YOU AND ONLY YOU, it will in the long run be something you must do because you know what is right for you, and not what will make husband, parents, friends feel good. And only you know your personality and what you can or cannot do. With the other types of surgery, you have just as many decisions to make about food and such, perhaps even more. I currently can eat no more than 4 or 5 oz. of food, before it starts coming back up. And most days only consume 600-800 cals. We often throw up at first with these types, in fact we have to watch even closer what we do eat than Lap-band patients. Also, remember these other more invasive surgeries are very much more restrictive. Of course, all this is just the ramblings of a 61 year old woman's journey to finding something that is providing her the tool for a much healthier life style. Since RNY I have gotten rid of many of my medications, can do things I hadn't done in years. I Feel 100% better physically and psychologically, of course being menopausal for me has been a big plus and something you have far in the future. Not all women feel that way, but life became so much easier for me without all the PMS issues. The bottom line of this email, is that I encourage you to think long and hard about this and do it without guilt, even if you have to have therapy to make the decision. Linda Woods *I tend to think these so called paragons are busy promoting their own publicity. They want us to see them as paragons so do all they can to promote the image. Whether it's true or not.

Tammy, from your post, it sounds like you are going through a depression. I know the Zoloft is keeping you from going off the deep end but maybe it's time to talk to your doctor about changing medications. Maybe zoloft isn't the right one for you right now. Are you in a WLS support group? If not, find one and become active in it. There might be others who are going through the same trials you are and you can give each other the support you need. As always, turn to your Heavenly Father in prayer to help you cope better. You can always get a priesthood blessing for this too. If you want to keep things private with your priesthood brethren, you can always ask for a blessing to help you cope with issues in your life. Good luck Tammy. Remember, this forum may not always have the answers, but we are here to let you vent. Melody

Hey Tammy, For some people the band just didn't work. No wonder you are depressed, you are sick all the time. Have you talked to your surgeon about a possible revision? That is where I would start if I were you. Personally, if I were going to have a revision it would be the DS, but I am doing well with my sleeve. Good luck, just keep putting one foot in front of the other!

Tammy, I just wanted to say "Hi" since I see you over at the DS board. Sorry I'm so late replying ... I don't get online too often anymore ... I'm 2 years out from my DS and busy living life, and well, my new calling as Stake Primary Sec'y on top of being ward librarian and working a full time job, whew! At times like this we can turn to our Father in Heaven ... this may bring you the peace you need. I hope that all goes smoothly in your quest for a revision. Is there a DS surgeon in Utah now? Laurie