So I THINK I've decided on RNY...

[losing_the_band 133]

I was originally set on revising to the VSG, but I'm fairly certain that I'm going to do the RNY instead. The VSG just has so many "what-ifs." I've already had the lap-band twice (first one had to be replaced due to complications, and now I'm having issues with the second one), so this will be WLS surgery #3 for me. I don't want to possibly need to go for #4 if the VSG doesn't work as well for me. The RNY has long-term result statistics available, whereas the VSG only has truly long-term stats when it was used in conjunction with the DS. My metabolism is horrible for several reasons, so I'm worried that a solely restrictive procedure just won't be enough. It probably would have been if it were my first procedure (I did very well with my first band, until I started having issues), but my metabolism is so much lower now. I'm just so tired of struggling with my weight, and now that my back is going bad (degenerative disk disease with a herniated, extruding disk), I just don't have the energy to fight both.

It's like a never-ending cycle. My back won't get better unless I lose weight, but I can't lose weight because my metabolism is so low, and I can't increase my metabolism by exercising the way I need to because my back is bad. I feel like the malabsorbtion from the RNY (even though it is temporary) will help me lose enough weight initially that I'll be able to get back in the gym without killing my back.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,280]

@@losing_the_band Hi there. I am a 3rd timer also. I had the Lapband in 2008, then revised to VSG in 2010 and revised again to the Bypass in July of last year. No regrets at all. You're making a good choice. I have not had any problems at all, which for the first time ever is a nice thing to say. Any idea on when you will be revised?

Best to you.

[Lebim 381]

Honestly I don't think I would have been successful with any surgery other than the gastric bypass. Dumping syndrome is a necessity for my success otherwise I'd eat half a carton of ice cream. I have a horrible relationship with food and if the food that made me obese in the first place didn't make me sick after surgery I would have never stopped. I personally find the band to be a complete waste of time because almost every story I've heard about it includes complications and very little weight loss and everyone in my office who had the band and came to the monthly support group meetings were still pretty much obese, maybe 50lbs down but they needed to lose 100lbs+. I think you're making the right decision, the bypass has the highest success rate of all the surgeries. Good luck :]

Edited January 28, 2015 by Lebim

[Mrs. Reid 392]

I was originally going for the sleeve, but have changed to the bypass. I need to fear dumping syndrome to keep myself off sugar. I am such a sugar addict that. I need food that I shouldn't eat to make me sick. I need to be forced to slow down and follow the rules. I consider it tough love for myself.

[losing_the_band 133]

@@losing_the_band Hi there. I am a 3rd timer also. I had the Lapband in 2008, then revised to VSG in 2010 and revised again to the Bypass in July of last year. No regrets at all. You're making a good choice. I have not had any problems at all, which for the first time ever is a nice thing to say. Any idea on when you will be revised?

Best to you.

I'm aiming for no later than June, since I already have some time off scheduled then, but I'm hoping for sooner. I met with a surgeon a couple of weeks ago, but didn't really like his practice. I've got a consultation with another surgeon on Wednesday, so hopefully I will know more after that.

[losing_the_band 133]

Honestly I don't think I would have been successful with any surgery other than the gastric bypass. Dumping syndrome is a necessity for my success otherwise I'd eat half a carton of ice cream. I have a horrible relationship with food and if the food that made me obese in the first place didn't make me sick after surgery I would have never stopped. I personally find the band to be a complete waste of time because almost every story I've heard about it includes complications and very little weight loss and everyone in my office who had the band and came to the monthly support group meetings were still pretty much obese, maybe 50lbs down but they needed to lose 100lbs+. I think you're making the right decision, the bypass has the highest success rate of all the surgeries. Good luck :]

I actually had really good success with my first band, and was able to lose all of my excess weight (90 pounds). I would have been fine if I hadn't had a massive slip. I haven't been able to get to a good restriction with my second one, so I've gained almost everything back.

[MisforMimi 760]

Well welcome. I have to say your tenacity is impressive. I originally thought the sleeve would be my procedure but my surgeon gave me pretty convincing reasons to choose the bypass. Glad I did never looked back...