Band removed and bypass on dec12th wondering if i should go through with RNY

Well I have had my band removed for about 2 weeks now. My RNY is scheduled for December 12th and I'm getting very nervous. I am just so nervous that I am not going to lose with the RNY. I just don't think I could mentally handle that kind of failure again. Not losing with the band was so hard for me. I go to school full time and was working at Kroger as a cashier and eventually had to quit because people were continuously asking me about my weight loss and even got to be so bold to say it didn't seem like I was losing much. I stopped hanging out with friends because I was so embarrassed. I didnt have a great surgeon. He really left me hanging, I  left the hospital not even knowing what I could and couldn't eat. His after care was awful as well anytime I wanted to see him for a fill I would have to wait like 3 months for an appointment. Then get there wait 3 hours only to be told he wouldnt be coming in. When I did see him and express my concern about not feeling restriction he wouldn't really listen would give me another fill and I would be on my way. Well I have a new surgeon now who just took out my band. I think I have seen him more in 3 months than I did in 3 years with my band surgeon. I am hoping that having a good surgeon will help me out alot this time. However every time I think about getting the RNY and not losing it makes me sick to my stomach. I am 360 pounds and 24 years old. I know if I dont get it my weight will continue to climb and my health will continue to get worse. But I just am terrified to not lose and feel that shame and embarrassment again, and sometimes the thought of getting and not losing makes me not want to get it at all. Not to mention now that my band is off I feel like I am starving! (which my surgeon did say would happen) With my band I never felt full and everytime I ate was a very uncomfortable painful experiance.Now its like I want to eat everything I see. My surgeon prescribed me and appetite suppresant that I am going to start taking tomorrow because he doesnt want me to gain before my RNY. I guess Im just looking for some encouragement. Also im just so nervous that Im not going to be prepared and I was not prepared at all last time. Any books or websites would be helpful. Thanks

Do the surgery. Just becuase you had poor results from a previous unhelpful surgeon--it doesn't mean you won't do well with RNY. I'd highly recommend you attend as many support groups as you can prior to your surgery date. Its at these meetings where you can actually speak to recent RNY post ops and discuss their progress, challenges, etc.  Try to eat smaller portions, say 4 oz of primarily proteins, 5-6 times a day. Give up sodas. Avoid high carb foods with refined flour.  Avoid sugary desserts. Avoid breads.  Do baby steps. Give up one item every few days--don't go "cold turkey" and stop everything at once.  Drink plenty of water.  If you feel hungry before you're next small meal, drink some water.  You'll likely find lots of encouragement at support groups--real people, not photos or words on web sites. DAVE

I agree with Dave!  

I am a Band revision to RNY about 5 months out.  On my profile I have a blog that outlines my experience to date.  I also have pictures that you are welcome to look at.  I think a support group where you can talk face-to-face would help you the most right now, though I definitely think you should stick around on here as well and get additional support and information!

I am thinner now than I ever was with the Band; I don't regret my RNY for a minute, my only regret is not getting RNY in the first place and ever getting the Band.  I had a lot of the same fears that you did, that I wouldn't lose with this second surgery, that "I" was the failure, not the Band.  I was wrong, and I see that now.  Actually, it didn't take me long to figure it out after having my revision.

Best of luck to you, and I hope you decide to go forward with your RNY!!!!!

Hun, there are lots and lots of us that went through that with the band- we either lost some and regained it or barley lost at all, in my opinion the band is a mess, it certainly left my insides a mess. I don't understand how they can still be spruiking it. Do you see a councelor or a psych? I've been seeing one since I had my band removed to deal with my issues from the band, feelings of failure, food phobias, and my fear that this wouldn't work for me either- it's taken me awhile but I'm getting there,it's normal to be nervous but if you prepare yourself by taking in all the information you can that'll defiantly help.

You will lose about 100 pounds during the year after the RNY.  By next Christmas, plan on being 100 pounds smaller.  The surgery takes the pounds off by making your body not absorb what you put in.  You also will lose most of your appetite and they tiny amounts you do eat will fill you up.  With the band, everything depended on following a diet.  With RNY the surgery does the work for you.  Don't even consider not going through with it.  You are a gorgeous young lady.  The band is just a bad surgery.  The RNY will do what you want and need.  You will not be sorry.

You do have to work with RNY if you expect it to be easy you would be setting yourself up for failure.  Having said that, you will feel full and you do have malabsorption so by putting in some effort to develop new habits while these two factors are strong you have the best chance of being a success.  There are MANY people on this forum who have had lap band to RNY revisions and have gone on to be a success.  The important thing is to LEARN from what didn't work with the lap band. You have already found a better surgeon.  You are working on educating and preparing yourself. Try working on preparing both mentally and physically, not just for the surgery itself but alsomformthe changes that lie ahead. A support group is DEFINITELY a good idea.  If you can access a counselor/therapist of some sort, now is the time.  Begin working with a nutritionist if that is an option for you.  Read read read and read.  Think ahead to how you will plan, make and eat your meals.  Think about (and maybe start a little) how you will incorporate some exercise into your life. 

 

..sorry...my post was cut off...also wanted to say that there is a forum on this site for people who have had a revision.  I wanted to post the link but my iPad won't do it..grrr.  If you click the "forum" tab above in the pale blue line you will see a drop down menu. One of the options is revision.  If you click on this and then on the "message board" tab on that page you will get there.

remember, all of us have "failed" at weight loss or we wouldn't be here.  RNY is an excellent option if you are motivated to learn and work your tool.

Good luck!

Andrea

 

You should go through with it.

I understand the fear that you won't lose weight, but it's pretty much impossible not to lose weight with RNY.  It's actually common for people with the band not to lose much, that's one reason so many people end up revising to RNY.  But RNY is a totally different surgery.  It works differently.  You'll lose weight.  I promise.

When you say you're worried you're not going to be prepared, what things specifically are you worried about being prepared for?  You've got about six weeks to get prepared.  that's enough time.  Let's work on that.

I only know a handful of people who had the Band surgery and it hasn't worked for any of them. I have been around on this board for more than 4 years and come across MANY folks who have had the band removed and had RNY. 

Do you have a nutritionist yet? It would be a great time to meet with one now (if you haven't already) to start talking seriously about post op eating. It is going to sound pretty frightful, it did to me anyway, but it will be easier than you think after your surgery!

Personally, I don't think you are a failure. I think that the band surgery shouldn't even be done, except in rare cir****tances. 

Martha

Amber,

My hubby and I are in the same boat as you. We both have a band and are getting them taken out and having RNY. My hubby is scheduled to have his band taken out next Monday and have RNY surgery on Dec. 3rd. I have been approved for the band to be taken out but had to be resubmitted to see if I can be approved for the RNY.

We were actually talking last night about what you posted about, it is so overwhelming to have failed with one weight loss tool and then take that leap of faith that the next will work. As we talked we realized that any weight loss would be better than where we are now...and that with the right plan and realistic expectations everything will be fine.

It sounds like you have a good surgeon now...I would definitely have a good plan in place for your eating and exercise plan after surgery and go for it!! :)

Feel free to send me a message through the board if you want to chat...you can do this and it is going to be a great thing for you!!