skhopp

Thanks for your concerns -- there is a good possibility that counseling may help me. I do take Paxil for depression, and feel like it does a good job; however, I don't know why I "lose control" sometimes, in the food aspect of life. My portions are very well controlled, but I make bad choices. I am trying really hard to eat Protein first just because I know that's the hardest for me to get in and I am exercising for 1 hour 2 days a week. I need to drink more Water. Basically, I know what I need to do, I just don't do it, and the frustrating thing is I don't know WHY I don't do the right things. BTW, my surgeon called and said he would do a revision from the band to the bypass on me. He wants me to start with the psych eval again, and I think that's a great idea. I go to see the psychologist next week. Keep me in your thoughts - I appreciate the concern. Stephanie

Hi Mechille. Your post caught my eye because I was banded at Hurley in Flint, MI. My surgeon was Dr. Wagner. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try to help. Good luck. Stephanie

roxie - I've had 7 or 8 fills. I'm at 3.0 cc's in my band, which is a 4.0 cc band. Thank you for your time. Stephanie

I don't mean to "beat a dead horse", BUT... I cannot get the idea of revising to a bypass out of my head. I think about it all day, I go to sleep thinking about it, and I wake up thinking about it. I've called my insurance, and it looks like they will cover the surgery. I called a surgeon (different one than did my band-due to travel distance) and found out what they need from me. They need a referral - so I have an appointment with my PCP next Monday. I wish I knew if I was doing the right thing, or if I am making a big mistake. I know the decision of WLS is a very personal one, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly - but I really do value all opinions. Please let me know what you think?

I'm going to be the devil's advocate on this one! The question you asked is a very good one - one that I wish I would've looked into a little more before having the surgery. I was told from the very beginning that the band is ONLY a tool - is does not work alone. It will restrict your portion sizes, providing you keep up with your fills. However, it is EXTREMELY easy to eat "junk food", "slider" foods, whether you're just right or too tight. I love, love, love sugar and salt, and everything that contains them. I have found that if you aren't willing/ready to make the changes in your head first - the band will not make a difference. I have been banded for 19 months and haven't lost nor gained a single pound. That being said, I do contribute my success as far as not gaining to the band - because without it, I truly believe I would be even heavier. However, I am very disappointed, disgusted, and frustrated - to say the very least. And, yes, I will be the first to admit that it is my fault. I didn't truly believe what I was told "the band is only a tool", "you have to work with the band, in order to make the band work with you". These things are most definitely true. Although I went thru the psych eval like everyone else - and passed it -- I was not ready to make the changes in my head, therefore, my success is suffering. It is also true that the band requires the most effort by you of any of the weight loss surgeries. I am by no means trying to discourage you from having the band - it is a wonderful tool and many have had great successes with it; I just want to let you know that THE BAND IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. As bad as I wanted to think it was for me, I now know that it was not. I'm actually considering revising to a bypass. Please think about your inner self while you make this decision. It is a decision that no one else can make for you - only you know your personality. I wish you the very best of luck on your journey.

MacMadame-thank you for your information. I went to the site you suggested - what great information on comparisons. I printed it out so I can look it over. That really helps. Thanks again and wish me luck.

Thank you so much for your responses. I have heard of the DS, but don't know anything about it. Could you tell me more?

Brittwoman - I've asked a couple others that have revised from a band to the bypass to offer info, but no one responds. Would you tell me why you revised? I'm thinking of revising from the band to the bypass. I found out that the band isn't for everyone, and I'm one of the statistics. I've had my band since May of 2007, and hadn't lost any weight until this past WEEK, and that's because I have been working out. I wasn't as committed as I thought when I started this whole process. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions - from depressed to frustrated to disgusted. I still don't know what to do. Some have asked me if I can't follow the band rules, what makes me think I can follow the bypass rules? I mentioned that to my PA last week and she said that the bypass MAKES you follow the rules. Do you find this to me true? I know the bypass is riskier; however, so were the 3 back surgeries I've went through - and I need to take off some weight before I'm there again, too. Please offer me some insight. I don't have any complications from the band - reflux, slipped band, flipped port, leak, etc. - I just don't think it was for me.

I don't know if I can offer much help. However, I have been banded since May of 2007, and hadn't lost any weight until THIS WEEK (because I decided to get off my lazy a** and exercise) - now I'm down 2 pounds in 5 days - which may sound minimal, but it excites me! I spoke with the PA at my surgeon's office last week about revising my band to a bypass - because I've had VERY MINIMAL success (not gaining weight in almost 2 years can be viewed as a success; however I was hoping to lose, not maintain). She was going to talk to my surgeon over the weekend and call me today with his suggestion. I mentioned to her that fact that if I can't follow the band rules, what makes me think I can follow the bypass rules. She said that the bypass MAKES you follow the rules. I'm assuming she means because eating sugars can have terrible physical side effects (dumping syndrome) and because the bypass causes a decrease in absorption of what you eat (which is why malabsorption is a concern). That being said, the bypass may be more risky; however, the band IS NOT for everyone. I'm finding that it takes a lot more committment than I ever imagined. And, yes, I did think the band was a miracle cure (a misconception I had), as they do tell you ahead of time that the band is only a tool, and you do have to put forth a lot of effort to make it work to its full potential. If you're not absolutely committed to making it work - it'll be a rough road. I was half-assed committed, and that doesn't get you anywhere. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. It's a hard decision, and you are the ONLY one that can make it. You know your personality, your weaknesses, and strengths. Hope I helped a little.

Wow, alot of "views, but no "posts". Well, thanks for looking - and feel free to offer advice at any time.

When talking with the PA at my surgeon's office last week, I brought up the theory that if I am having trouble following the band rules, what makes me think I will be able to follow the bypass rules. Her comment to me was "the bypass MAKES you follow the rules", as if there isn't much chance to "cheat". This is the exact though that I had, though I didn't know if it was true. If I am given an inch, I'll take a mile; however, if I'm not given an inch, I won't try anything. Make sense, or not? She made it sound like the bypass may be what I need, because of the trouble I'm having making the band work. I don't know - I'm still confused. But, she was gonna talk to my surgeon about me this past weekend, and she's supposed to call me today to let me know his suggestion. I'll keep you posted, if anyone's interested. Thanks to those of you that responded to my post.

I agree that you very well may be too tight. That being said, my story is A LOT like yours. I had my surgery in May 2007 and had not lost a dang pound, until this week when I started exercising. Now I'm down 2 pounds in 19 months - there's a sad statistic. However, I find that although I can keep "good" food down, it takes more effort on my part, meaning I have to be EXTREMELY careful when I eat meat (teeny, tiny bites, and chew until my jaw wants to give up). So, in my case, I don't believe that I'm too tight - I believe that it's easier for me to eat the wrong things, and they taste better, so I do it. Like I said, you may be too tight - or you may prefer to take the easiest route, like me, and just eat what's quick. Just a thought. good luck

I'm watching it - if it were a fashion show, she absolutely deserved to go, but seen as how it's a singing contest - I don't think she has, nor had, what it takes. Things like this really piss me off because if I had sung exactly like her and wore a bikini - you can bet ur ass I wouldn't have been voted thru! Goes to show that looks ARE everything in this society. *barf, gag*