gebbiabn

I am 8 mos out and I eat everything. popcorn and nuts. I eat Beans, Pasta and bread sparingly. It fills me up too quickly. I've posted before and I've received negative comments about my eating habits. But it works for me. I started at 200 and I now weigh 133...and I don't fluctuate much. I eat many times a day, but 4 or 5 bites. I don't log my food or count anything. Maybe I'm being naive or getting cocky...but I've done that my whole life and I feel free now. I can definitely eat more now. I don't think I've stretched out my stomach. I can eat very little in the morning, but as the day goes on I can eat more. I never drink alcohol, carbonated drinks, or juice. I eat chips, tacos, English muffins and Peanut Butter. Turkey Jerky, nuts, cheese, pizza, Sweets aren't my thing, and if I do eat them, it's a few bites. Don't eat ice cream. I love cheeseburgers (half with one bun). A taquito. Half a piece of chicken and four bites of salad with ranch. A few fries. Sweet potato. No fruit really. I eat what I want when I want...just four or five bites. I would really have to work at it all day and make myself uncomfortable to gain weight. I don't know if this is bad advice, but it works for me. Good luck.

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OMG.I am so sorry to hear this.There should be a class action lawsuit and a ban on the lap band procedure.I have so much damage and I am awaiting approval from the insurance company..In pain and I feel bilious because my port has flipped...I had a doctor that I saw in the same practice that was known as the "lapband Doctor ".No personality and a bad attitude when someone came in complaining and seeking a revision.He performed some sleeve procedures but was adamant that he performs the procedure 6 months apart.First removal then revision.I have had a DVT...not looking to have to separate procedures.I was originally going for a revision to a sleeve but my acid reflux is off the charts.This band has caused damage to my insides.Plus I developed breast cancer...hmmm....silicone in body...erosion...
I changed to another doctor in the same practice....you could tell they know the band is faulty....you could see it when you discuss all your problems...they have heard it all many times before.If I don't get it out soon...I am in trouble
I think you should seek a lawsuit!!!

New research is showing the while the ghrelin hormone is supressed initially with amputative surgeries such as the sleeve, the hormone actually seeks another pathway and will re-develop in the remaining bit of the stomach. This explains why some sleevers' hunger returns. The hormone's production is only temporarily supressed but it will seek a new way to express itself eventually. Hopefully, however, the patient will have developed good habits by that time (because really, that's the goal of all WLS, right?) and when the hunger hormone returns, he/she will manage just fine with exercise/reduced portions/happy healthy lifestyle.

@@gebbiabn you're so right. That's the long and short of it and how it was explained to me by my surgeon. Which is why i revised from band to bypass.

Had my Surgery 6-4-15, best decision ever, don't regret it at all. I had the lapband in 2010 and revised to RNY in 2015.
I only lost 30lbs with Lapband and over the years had issues with the band, I'm so glad I revised to RNY I've lost 58lbs so far and still slowly dropping
SW 230
CW 172
GW 150 or whatever looks good to me

I wanted to respond to a couple of your questions about living after RNY since so many of the others have been answered. I am 5 months post op from RNY and doing fantastic. Best decision I ever made!
I can pretty much eat anything just in much smaller amounts. I happen to be one of the lucky folks who does not get bouts of dumping syndrome. I have tried sweets (just a taste) but have found I no longer care about that stuff. They say, you crave what you eat. I have worked hard to focus on eating primarily Protein and vegetables. My pouch loves those foods!
Occasionally I will have a bite of potatoes or rice just to get a taste. I do not worry too much about fat, i eat cheese, Jerky, nuts, real butter, olive oil. The thing is, if you stick to your measurements it all works out. It truly is about eating the right things. I DO NOT eat junk food of any kind.
As far as supplements go, I thought they would be a pain as I hated taking Vitamins pre surgery. Having this surgery has allowed me to get off all other meds with the exception of thyroid replacement. Trust me, I was on a lot of meds! Taking Vitamins daily for me is no big deal and less costly than my prescriptions. I purchase in bulk from costco.
I wish you the absolute best with your upcoming decisions. Don't be afraid of taking the steps to RNY, it works! You still have to do your part but there is a reason it is the gold standard.
I only wish I would have done it sooner. For the first time since I was in my teens, I feel fantastic. I have more energy and stamina!
I have been given a whole new life!

I haven't had the bypass revision but I am waiting for my insurance approval for it. So I'll give you all the info I have from all my pre-ops and such. I also wanted to mention I had decided on a band to sleeve revision since beginning of last December but after my esophageal manomtry test came back, my surgeon recommends the bypass.
A. Do I have to jump through all the hoops again with the psychologist, nutritionist etc. if I do this? I want to move quickly if I do this.
I switched surgeons from the one who did my lap band in 2010 because he doesn't do revisions and I did have to see the nutritionist and psychologist again. I knocked out both appointments in about an hour in the same building so it was no big deal. I had to go through a ton of pre-op tests I didn't have to do for the lap band but it could be surgeon specific.
B. Having just had 2 surgeries in October do I have to get all new blood work etc?
From what I understand and have been told, bloodwork lasts 30 days... So I would say yes to more bloodwork.
C. Do most bypass patients spend 2 night in the hospital
My husband spent 1 night total and my surgeon told me to expect 2-3 nights total because I'm a revision and recovery can be harder.
D. In revision, how long did you have to do all liquids?
My surgeon requires a 3 day pre-op liquid diet and 1 week clear liquids, 1 week full liquids, 2 weeks pureed. He said by 5 weeks out, I should be on solids no problem.
E. Post-op....how long liquids until puree's then finally solids?
See above.
That's all I can really answer. Hope it helps some!

Band to sleevers have higher complication rates. You're more likely to have a leak which is serious. Also, I saw the forum band to sleeve to bypass on here and that was enough for me to rule out the sleeve. I had one surgeon that was going to sleeve me. I switched surgeons after detailed research and reading various medical studies. Nobody wants bypass but it is the gold standard. Band didn't have long term data a lot like the sleeve now. At least with bypass, I know what I'm getting into.

Answering to the best if my ability. I was banded in 2006. Always had GERD issues or unsuccessful long term weightloss. I went straight band removal to bypass in one surgery. I did not want multiple procedures though some surgeons insist on letting your stomach heal first. Mine is fantastic and I trusted his skill. I had gallstones and amd gallbladder removal at 14 and it never made me throw up in the night! That's classic band issues to me and you're right very dangerous.
A. Do I have to jump through all the hoops again with the psychologist, nutritionist etc. if I do this? I did not have to jump through too many hoops bc my surgeon deemed removal of band medically necessary and suggested rny. He was also a "center of excellence" meaning they hold a high standard along insurance companies and are more trusted. I had to have an endoscopy, 2 nutritionist visits (mine actually did I two in one for me bc I begged) and psych eval but that was it.
B. Having just had 2 surgeries in October do I have to get all new blood work etc? Yes and you need it to determine Vitamin levels etc before a surgery like this. You don't want to be deficient going in.
C. Do most bypass patients spend 2 night in the hospital. Many spend 1-3. I spent two but that was bc band removal was very painful for me.
D. In revision, how long did you have to do all liquids? 3 weeks post op.
E. Post-op....how long liquids until puree's then finally solids? 3 weeks liquids, 9 weeks soft foods (only pureed at first then soft meats etc).
F. Do you find it daunting Vitamins for the rest of your life? Are they expensive? Yes but not outrageous. My health is most important. They are expensive if you get fancy ones from your surgeon which I will take for a year bc they are the most trusted and I'm not messing with my health.
G. If you need 60-80 grams of Protein per day yet can only intake 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food, how am I reading that people eat apples etc. doesn't almost all food need to be Protein? Any way around drinking the shakes? shakes are great bc you can get 30 g of protein in a shake. First 4 weeks I had two a day. That was all my protein. I'm six weeks out of surgery and know I have one shake and eat protein first at meals. Sometime protein is all I have other times I add veggies. Fruits should be last. (There is fruit in my yogurt double win).
H. How do fats work? I try to eat a low carb diet yet I do enjoy my salad dressings, butter and olive oil? I am doing low fat when possible (except some cheese that's my weakness). Olive oil is a good fat. I am not over thinking the fats. Some fat is good. No ribs, ribeyes etc.
I. It freaks me out that one can gain weight and stretch out their pouch....hence landing up where they started. This surgery is so final but it would be worth it if I keep my weight off. My main problem is my appetite! So far best thing about this surgery is having less appetite. I never really had that with band. Good would her stuck and painful but I didn't exactly feel full or satisfied. Now I feel satisfied. I will do my best to not stretch out my band but at least we have malabsorption to help us out. They did not take out as much Intestine on me bc my bmi wasn't over 50. There is a food routine you can do if you stretch out your pouch to help it shrink. But don't go there.
J. Is it like the band in that you can really eat pretty much anything but just smaller portions...like really small? My band was very inconsistent. It was super tight in the morning and lose at night (sometimes). Mornings I couldn't eat eggs and night I could eat pizza. The restriction is different. I don't throw up now or make myself. I don't get stuck. I just feel full. All my avid reflux is gone. It's a wonderful feeling. I wish I had this to begin with. The band is a horrible procedure for many. Half of them inserted have already been removed. Many respected surgeons have quit doing them entirely. The pharma company that makes the band has been trying to sell it. Many banded patients do not do quite as well when switching to rny as first time surgery folks. We know the tricks of the trade, how to cheat, and are used to severe restriction. Just be aware of this and work the program. Many have great success too. You will experience stalls. Keep pushing through.
HW 296 (in 2006) SW 237 CW 212.
6 weeks out. Goal weight 160. I am 5'5".

I've been exactly where you are. I had my band done in March 2011 and lost about 50 pounds but had a terrible time with reflux slimming and poor eating habits because that was easy. Several of my friends started getting the sleeve so I went to my surgeon to ask about getting the sleeve. He did not recommend the sleeve for me because of the reflux and suggested RNY. That was in October. I told him I wasn't sure about bypass but we went ahead and started pre op things such as a sleep study and an EGD. My band was in pretty good position but due to the reflex I had all the Fluid taken out and had gained back 40 of my 50 pounds that I had lost previously. So we decided to go ahead with the RNY. I was very nervous but the more research I did the more I decided this was my best option. I needed accountability with sugar. Also the sleeve is more restrictive only which I had already failed with the band so I was also looking for the malabsorption. My insurance approved the revision and I had an out of pocket expense max of 2500 dollars for the year. Went on two weeks of liquid I lost 8 pounds had my surgery on February 13th. I plan on staying on Clear Liquids for one week not even doing shakes only watery Proteins like Isopure and nectar which aren't half bad. The pain is pretty moderate. I think the site of my port removal is the worst. I only stayed one night in the hospital and went home late the next afternoon. So far so good if I can keep moving and keep the pain under control. I will not fail at this like I did the band I'm bound and determined. I do not regret going ahead with the RNY instead of the sleeve.

Doing well. On full liquid diet for two weeks then onto pureed. For some reason much less pain than after I had lapband in. Can get around pretty well and no pain meds since Thursday night.

I have been using Unjury Protein Powder. chocolate is good. After surgery the unflavored is a must to add to your Soups and puddings. No port pain at all. The only thing I have is like it feels like a golf ball in my stomach when I drink Water but assume that's normal. I have heard that elsewhere. I took 2 weeks off but I get paid leave so blessed there. You need at least a week but 2 is better.

Good luck with your conversion.
I had my band removed and the gastric bypass surgery on 10/19/15 (32 days ago?) I am down at least 20 pounds I have not weighed myself this week.
So far so good ...
My surgery was laparoscopic.
I had 2 band surgeries prior.
So I have 7 sort of stab wounds.
I had zero pain except for a little gas in my jaw. I was up and walking immediately after surgery and only needed one night in the hospital.
They gave me a scrip for Oxy but I only needed one Tylenol for the 90 minute car ride home.
The incisions were a 1 on the pain scale. Lower belly ache about a 2.5.
Best of all I can swallow pills with Water and have no blockage!
No burping or spitting no heartburn or reflux.
I am never hungry and prefer svelte chocolate shakes.< /p>
I am now eating fruits and cooked veggies which the band did not allow.
Best wishes,
Terry

My NUT and I recently had this talk, because I was concerned I wasn't losing fast enough to "get anywhere".(I just had surgery on 11/9/15). She said that the higher BMI's tend to lose slower BUT that they tend to lose longer. So it may take me 2yrs to reach my ideal weight with strict diet and exercise but it can be done. It bummed me out a bit, but it's nice to know there is no strict "ok you've got 6 months and then everything left is stuck forever".

I was not a revision but had a BMI at 45 and am currently at 25.3. I have lost 133lbs so far and have 11 to go.
I am very very strict about getting my Protein, Water and Vitamins in every day. I have been restricted from exercise since June due to 2 spine surgeries and that is not going to end anytime soon.
My weight loss slowed way down but I am still losing around 8lbs per month. I track every single thing I put in my mouth and have had many many stalls the longest lasting 28 days.
I have had several people tell me I was likely done losing and I tell them they are full of crap. I may lose more slowly but it is up to me to follow the plan, if I do I will continue to lose. I get between 900 and 1200 calories a day with 70 grams of Protein. I try to keep my carb intake under 90grams and I get a minimum of 48 oz, of straight Water and usually more like 60oz.
It can be done but you must push yourself hard and really look at your activity. Even though I cannot exercise in a gym, I keep my arms moving even when I am sitting and I try to walk as much as I can.

@@mbrown but like any WLS, it's a tool. So if people gain their weight back with bypass, wouldn't you say that they may have resorted back to bad eating habits? You can have regain because of that with any WLS. But for someone that the Band did not work for, Sleeve most likely will not work either. They're both restrictive. Bypass is restrictive and malabsorption both. So it changes everything. I wouldn't want to revise from pretty much the same surgery I had to another one (I.E. Band to Sleeve).
I have a friend that's 5 years out with Bypass and is doing wonderful. She of course takes all of her Vitamins daily and follows the plan. She continues to keep all of her weight off, and that's throwing a pregnancy in there too.

@@bandedat19
I'm OK. I had a rough cpl days in the hospital because i had had a small cold before surgery. So i had a bit of phlegm. After surgery i had bad retching and nausea. Lasted about 3 days but eventually went home. Pain was never really bad just sore, felt like i was punched and kicked in the stomach. But all good. My weight loss has been better now than when i had the band. Day of surgery on Nov 16th i Was 332lbs as of today I'm 303. I'm proud of it.

I'm not revising to anything (I have to get my band removed, but won't be moving forward with another WLS) but I will share with you what an expert bariatric surgeon told me about the bypass after band.
The bypass is the ONLY revision surgery that should be done after a [failed] lapband, and the reason for this is that it is the only WLS that not only offers restriction, but also works on the feedback loop from stomach to brain. Your appetite and food choices will be completely different after the bypass.
This is not true with the sleeve, which is merely restrictive, much like the band. (Band to sleevers, please don't jump on me for this statement. I know there are many of you out there that have had tremendous success with your revision surgery. ) This surgeon explained that if someone did not have success with a band, that same person would not have success with a sleeve.
She stated is was not ethical for a surgeon to revise a bandster to a sleeve, knowing that that same patient would eventually be back for a bypass.
FWIW, your decision to revise to a bypass is, according to this surgeon, the best way to move forward, as you will be altering not only how much you can eat, but what and why you eat. The bypass will effectively turn you into eating like a naturally-thin person, and for life. (Not just the "one sweet year" other WLS give you.)

That is amazing!!! Yaaaay!

After years of battling with the Lapband, and after months and months of battling with doctors and the insurance company, I am excited to announce that I have finally been APPROVED for my revision from Lapband to Gastric Bypass! My pre-op appointment is December 3rd, and my surgery date is December 7th!! I am thoroughly ecstatic and so nervous!!!

Congrats!!!

I started at 272 and was down exactly 100 lbs the day of my one year anniversary! I am 14 lbs below my lowest after the lap band.

That was probably my goal when I had the Lapband. I'm at 270 right now, and my surgeon said I should lose 100lbs in the first year and another 20-30 during the second year?!? I can't even imagine myself down to around 140-150. ????????

You look simply amazing and radiant!!
I can’t wait to let time pass and put in my hard work. I’m only post-op 12 days and down 17lbs.