Band to Bypass Revision Next Week and Very Nervous!

[DMoon 2]

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

[dawnybaby 0]

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 !!

[ready to get this show on 7]

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!

[allielee 263]

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.

[hunkin702 10]

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?

[DMoon 2]

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.

[hunkin702 10]

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

[samcat681 38]

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.

[MarieMarie 346]

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.

[samcat681 38]

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

[MarieMarie 346]

Slimband

[hunkin702 10]

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.