After having Lap Band surgery in March 2010, I lost 75 pounds, but started to get horrible acid reflex as the band was tightened. I still need to lose at least 50 pounds so I made the decision, along with my surgeon to revise to a bypass.

Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday November 11, and I must admit I am nervous. I had no issues after the lap band surgery other than extreme nausea from the anesthesia. I have never used a PCA and hope that it will control pain, since I am a major baby when it comes to being in pain!

Any suggestions or advise is welcome!

Thanks,

Diane

Hi I had my band removed in October due to severe GERD, just had the bypass on 11-10-14....they waited 6 weeks before doing my bypass for my stomach to heal. When they 1st took the band out, it felt great to eat whatever I wanted, at least temporarily, until bypass. No vomiting or reflux, now that I'm about 10 day after, it's definitely takes me back to 2011 when I 1st got my band and the stages. But I'm 15 lbs down so far and I think patients like you & I have the benefit of hindsight. We have been through the journey already so I don't think we will make the same mistakes twice! So good luck with everything !!

I had mine removed because of Gerd as well. I had mine removed and revised to bypass at one time. Ten days out, and i feel great. The recovery has been 100% easier than with the band. Just power through the nerves and do it! Oh, and hop off the hospital bed and start moving immediately. I walked the floor about 8 times a day for 5 rounds. I thoroughly belive that walking is the reason it's been so easy for me. You can do it!

I had my band removed and revised to bypass at the same time. Honestly it was the easiest surgery I ever had! I got up and walked and walked right after surgery. I went home the next morning and was off of pain meds night of surgery. Everyone is different but I am a baby when it comes to pain and this was a breeze! Doc said most pain is from the gas build up. So walking asap and keep walking helps to move that gas out.

I am sorry to throw my own drama in this, but I have had severe issues with my lap band (banded 2009) from GERD, vomiting, stomach pain, distended esophagus. I have tried everything with my doctor to try to make the lap band work for me (as I have lost over 100 lbs). I saw my doctor today and he said I have three options.

1. remove the band and have no other surgery

2. remove the band, and have a bypass

3. remove the band, and have a sleeve

My surgeon said he is leaning towards the bypass since I have really bad heartburn already, but he said with a revision there is a 20% chance of leaks. This freaks me out since I have two little kids.

It seems like everyone posting in here has had a positive outcome. Do you have any suggestions or other pages I might visit to become a little more educated in this matter prior to going under the knife?

Most surgeons really advise not to do the sleeve for those of us who suffered from acid reflex with our lap bands.

I am one month post-op from band to RNY revision and feeling great. I don't know of any websites that educate, perhaps your surgeon can recommend some.

Thanks. I think I've decided to go with the RNY.

Do any of you live in Canada? I am already paying out of pocket $16000 to have lap band surgery. I am concerned that if there is any revisions needed I will have to pay more. Well I know bypass is covered by OHIO. I was just wondering about the process. Well I guess I have to have my surgery first (Jan 8th) and see how it goes. Best of luck to everyone on their journey.

Do any of you live in Canada? I am already paying out of pocket $16000 to have lap band surgery. I am concerned that if there is any revisions needed I will have to pay more. Well I know bypass is covered by OHIO. I was just wondering about the process. Well I guess I have to have my surgery first (Jan 8th) and see how it goes. Best of luck to everyone on their journey.

I am from Canada. I paid out of pocket for my Lapband. I was banded Aug and I am down 40 lbs. I am going to use this tool and work hard to be a success.

MarieMarie where in Canada did you get your surgery done? I am getting mine done in Mississauga with Dr Coburn.

Slimband

MarieMarie. The band can really work well for some. I absolutely loved it and swore by it for the first four years. Then I started to get horrible side effects, even though I was still "working" the program. I have friends who have had minimal complications. Good luck to you all. I pray it works out.