rusaner

I originally had a gastric lap band put in 7 years ago and unfortunately didn't have much luck with this. I had it removed January 2013 by Dr. Sohi and then finally had my gastric bypass May 31, 2014.

They do not tell you that the lapband can slowly wear away your stomach lining under the stomach skin channel that they place to hold the band in place. It can erode the lining of your stomach away from where it rubs against the stomach and cause ulcers. When Dr. Sohi planned my surgery, I had to have a gastroscopy first to ensure the stomach was intact internally (i.e. the band hadn't worn through) and then it was touch and go for my bipass in January due to having to remove the band. The skin around the band was described to me as like tissue paper thus causing me to wait almost 4 mos for my rny bipass. That meant 2 episodes with the optifast (blach).

Also, when you have your band removed, you are double the risks for the bipass operation (I was lucky, no issues) and the surgery for the RNY is like a redo as the pouch needs to have a change in locatio due to the lapband scar tissue remnants. My 2nd option was almost a band removal, gastric sleeve for a year and then a RNY. Luckily, I only had to have the 2nd surgery for the RNY.

Research before making your decision. i have had issues with low iron but otherwise no real issues except for the occassional dumping syndrome. I have been slowly losing weight but that could be because I haven't been good at exercising because I am always so tired (plan to rectify that soon). Also, I am trying to live a normal life and work shifts so it is hard to manage portable food that is not processed. and finally, I am also going through menopause with frequent periods, losing weight is not fun!

I am going to keep on plugging away though, no regrets - best thing I did. At the time, I don't think i had any choice.

Deb