I Was Too Afraid...

[ebonymc 52]

Hello All, I opted to have the lap band 6 years ago b/c I was too afraid to have the RNY surgery. At that time I weighed 250 lbs. I was also afraid of becoming too thin if I had that surgery. I had the failed band removed 1 year ago. Now I weigh 218 and still need help with my weight as well as diabetes and HBP. My insurance is NOW approving the sleeve, but One of the reasons for having the band removed is due to severe acid reflux (HORRIBLE). I know hind sight is 20/20, and my new surgeon believe that I will not become too thin even now. I know that It's my health that I need to focus on and I do. I know that RNY is the right surgery for me and that I can't rid my diabetes alone. I'm afraid of it's complications too, I've seen it too many times in my family. Your thoughts PLEASE!

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

I had the sleeve in 2012. I was perfect sleeve candidate. I did not have GERD and no comorbities. I got pregnant post sleeve and I regained all my weight back. I have developed GERD and my sleeve is twisted. I also developed a hiatal hernia which I do not attribute to my sleeve. I am having revision surgery to RNY in October 3 years almost to the date of my sleeve surgery. Should have, would have, could have RNY to begin with. I never wanted to have a 2nd surgery. I do believe drs often times do not like performing sleeve on those with bad GERD to begin with. There are many successful sleevers and lapband to sleevers. Good luck in your decision.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I ended up having RNY once it was determined that it was the best surgery for me given my severe Gerd. I wanted to have this surgery one time.

It has been. One of the best decisions of my life. I no longer get any type of reflux, heartburn and no longer take medications for it.

I would give serious thought before proceeding with the sleeve given your history. You may just end up with yet another revision.

I have seen many people on this site have to revise twice before they finally get what they need, several have complications due to all the previous damage from the band, sleeve and reflux made worse.

I would suggest talking to your surgeon and doing some research before deciding for sure.

Good luck to you!

[ebonymc 52]

I had the sleeve in 2012. I was perfect sleeve candidate. I did not have GERD and no comorbities. I got pregnant post sleeve and I regained all my weight back. I have developed GERD and my sleeve is twisted. I also developed a hiatal hernia which I do not attribute to my sleeve. I am having revision surgery to RNY in October 3 years almost to the date of my sleeve surgery. Should have, would have, could have RNY to begin with. I never wanted to have a 2nd surgery. I do believe drs often times do not like performing sleeve on those with bad GERD to begin with. There are many successful sleevers and lapband to sleevers. Good luck in your decision.

Yes, I've heard some good and some not so good remarks concerning the sleeve. I suppose it depends on the person. My surgeon did say that if I had GERD, it may get worse. I go back to see my Dr. 10-20. I've also heard of the sleeve getting twisted...UGH

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

There are concerns with each surgery and complications. I just was more prepared going into my sleeve. I am now concerned about other things having RNY which would not be the case if this was my first surgery.

[ebonymc 52]

you're right about all surgeries and complications. I was told that we wouldn't be human if we didn't think about these things. one year ago I was told by the nurse that I was going to be very skinny. She said why not do the sleeve? I replied "Because my insurance won't pay for it". They will pay now, and I've been carrying around her words in my head for a year now.

There are concerns with each surgery and complications. I just was more prepared going into my sleeve. I am now concerned about other things having RNY which would not be the case if this was my first surgery.

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

I am honestly not worried about being too skinny. Losing weight with the sleeve was very difficult. I lost about 53lbs 10 of those were pre op from my surgery 10/1 to August. It was excruciating. I saw it in the photos but the scale was defiant. I was working out a lot and developed plantar fasciitis. I am pear shaped and from what I read the fat is a bit harder to lose. Whatever you decide it takes hard work and dedication. After all the work with my sleeve I don't expect it to be an easier journey just different.

[ebonymc 52]

I am honestly not worried about being too skinny. Losing weight with the sleeve was very difficult. I lost about 53lbs 10 of those were pre op from my surgery 10/1 to August. It was excruciating. I saw it in the photos but the scale was defiant. I was working out a lot and developed plantar fasciitis. I am pear shaped and from what I read the fat is a bit harder to lose. Whatever you decide it takes hard work and dedication. After all the work with my sleeve I don't expect it to be an easier journey just different.

Not losing enough weight to help rid my diabetes is reason why I sort of prefer RNY. But I have heard many say that their diabetes was put into remission with the sleeve..hmmm. I have plantar fasciitis now. I have stubborn stomach fat which is the worst to have. RNY is sounding better to me, I don't want to think about the possibility of having acid reflux again.