Band removed and bypass on dec12th wondering if i should go through with RNY
I had my band placed in Jan of 2008. Did great for the first 8 months.. lost about 60lbs. Then the reflux started. We eventually found out even though I was the perfect band patient that it slipped out of position. So in May of 2011 I had my band removed and converted to the RnY. Best decision I ever made!! No more GERD, no more reflux. Plus I finally feel like my digestive system is working the way it should. In 17 months I've lost 140lbs and as of today I weigh 158 (at 5'5). I lost the majority of the weight in the first 12 months (Roughly 110lbs) and for the past five months I've lost the last 30 without even really working at it. Just following my plan, eating the way I should and getting exercise when I can. (I have a 6yr old and a 2 yr old, plus do musical theatre.. So I naturally get a workout without going to the gym).
I can't say that you'll have the same experience, but I know for me it was the best. Also as the day of band removal/RNY I was 298.
***edited to add the following***
I will note.. the only reason I had my band removed was because the band failed due to slippage and causing the horrific reflux. If you are removing the band simply because of failure to lose weight without a defect in the band itself.... I strongly recommend seeing both a NUT and a pyschologist to help deal with the reason why the band didn't work for you.
It may have simply not been the right tool, but I've seen too many people not be honest with themselves and don't address the reasons why they got big in the first place.
Between 2007 (pre-band pre-op****il 2011 when I had my RNY conversion I did some major overhaul of how I deal with stress. Dealt with my triggers, dealt with my addiction to food. So go into it primed for success!
I have been there too. My surgeon recommended RNY, but I didn't want it because of the permanent aspect of it, and my concerns about managing my type 1 diabetes. I had the band instead and lost about 50 pounds. However, I had problems with swelling of my stomach and went through 3 years of band adjustments tighter and looser to deal with it. I gained back all of my weight.
I felt like such a failure too. I was very depressed, saw a counselor, etc. Finally I went back to the surgeon. He told me "you will lose weight with RNY whether you want to or not. I know you don't want to do this You will feel bad for about 8 weeks afer surgery and then it will be the best decision you've ever made." So far, he is right. I'm 7 weeks out from surgery and have lost 30 pounds. No, it's not always easy and there are ways to be healthy and lose the weight or not. It's important to follow the post op plan and get in water, vitamins, protein etc.
Talk to your surgeon, a counselor, support group, etc so you feel comfortable with your decision. Know that you are NOT a failure and there is a way you can lose weight....
