Lap Band Replaced with Bypass

I have had a lap band for about 15 months and I really haven't lost that much weight. Dr said we would talk about a gastric bypass. Any comments would help on this.

I am in the same boat you are. I have had the band since Jan. of '09 and I have only lost 18 pounds. I went through 6 months of medical weight loss (again) to see if I would be approved for the bypass. The Dr. submitted my paperwork and I got denied. My insurance didn't want to deal with a "Complication" from the band. So then we applied the denial and I just got approved about 3 weeks ago and my surgery is on Aug. 8th. I'm super excited and just so you know there is hope. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!!

Thank you so much for answering. I dont have to worry about insurance as it will be done by the military which is great. I did have to attend classses and get health checkups. I go next week to see the Dr and anxious to talk with him. Good luck and keep me posted.

I started out about 135 and cannot seem to get any lower. I will definitely go for bypass I think. Needed to get this weight under control as I have many health issues. Thanks

135  pounds is not "under control"?!? Seriously?!?

Lora

I have attended a lot of support meetings over the past 5 years. My surgeon did the RNY and Realize band, and began sleeve surgeries last year.  His surgical nurse goes to at least 2 of the monthly support meetings. The question has come up about which surgery has more issues.  His nurse always replies, the band.  It's far more difficult to lose wt, and the national average is only 70 pounds taking over a year to accomplish. This is NOT the picture you get when you see these billboard signs or tv ads on band surgery, where patients have claimed well over 100 lb wt loss. This is not the normal result.  Slow wt loss, trouble getting fills correctly to restrict food while allowing you to eating, some band breakage or slippage, scar tissue around band, etc.  I you have significant wt loss you need for improved health, I'd definitely speak to the doc about a revision. DAVE

I got the band in 2008 and just converted to RNY on July 5th. I'm happy with my decision since the band and I never got along. I've had an easy time with my RNY and having been losing weight a lot easier.

My surgeons tries to talk people out of the band. He told me that he has done so many revision from the band to RNY. I was first looking at the lapband, they talked me out of it. I am very happy I got the RNY.

 I too have the band since Oct 09 and have lost only 20lbs. I have a revison date to RNY Aug 29th.
I am really tired of fighting the band. Just tried to eat some chicken last night and ended up throwing all of that up. I am worried about the surgery but I will be glad to get this thing out of my body. Keep in touche and let us know how you are doing. And good luck

BTDT.  Had the crap band for 8 months, lost about 15 - 20 pounds, and that was mostly on the liquids phase of the post op diet plan.

My band caused me so much pain, vomiting and reflux that the only cure was to get rid of it.  Got rid of it in March 09, had RNY in April 09 (to let the swelling from the band subside, and my surgeon said that he noticed better results from two surgeries rather than the revision and removal at the same time).

Since then, I feel great - lost all the weight I wanted and then some.  I no longer get "stuck" or have to feel that creepy port under my skin.

Ask anything you want - I am glad to share what I have been through :)