Need Some Ideas On What To Do

moosemama · December 24, 2009

I was banded in 2006 removed in 2008 due to erosion and converted to gastric bypass but gained all 120 pounds I lost with LAP-BAND® back. I miss my band like crazy - I had restriction so I knew when to stop eating when I got the bypass I assumed I would have the same and maintain my weight loss but I never had any restriction like with the band. In fact I could eat anything and everything - I still can and do. I am desperate. I don't want to die due to my weight and the problems carry an extra 120 pounds, I have 5 kids to live for. I like to exercise and walk a mile or more a day I just can't stop eating - I never feel full. I don't know if it is possible to get the band again I have heard the fail rate after having one eroded is very high. I don't know what my options are and was wondering if there was anyone out there who could help me.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

mrlddst · January 4, 2010

I was banded in 2006 removed in 2008 due to erosion and converted to gastric bypass but gained all 120 pounds I lost with LAP-BAND®® back. I miss my band like crazy - I had restriction so I knew when to stop eating when I got the bypass I assumed I would have the same and maintain my weight loss but I never had any restriction like with the band. In fact I could eat anything and everything - I still can and do. I am desperate. I don't want to die due to my weight and the problems carry an extra 120 pounds, I have 5 kids to live for. I like to exercise and walk a mile or more a day I just can't stop eating - I never feel full. I don't know if it is possible to get the band again I have heard the fail rate after having one eroded is very high. I don't know what my options are and was wondering if there was anyone out there who could help me.
Thanks in advance for your advice.

Can you get a lap-band placed with the bypass? I'm sure its possible, my friend who had the GB was looking into getting it placed on her stomach as she is gaining weight from a GB she had back in 2001.

Spartan · January 7, 2010

There is a process called "BOB" (Band over Bypass) that was devised for people in your situation, HOWEVER, your experience with erosion may preclude your use of that procedure.

I would check with your surgeon....there are other options, and some new procedures that might assist you.

Don't give up hope.....there are some new and exciting technologies that may be just what you need, including some revisions to the bypass that can correct what you are experiencing.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Spartan

moosemama · January 8, 2010

Thank you for all your ideas. I really feel like a failure and hate that I gained all the weight back. It totally sucks and I really need to lose the weight again as I already have problems with gaining the weight.

Spartan · January 8, 2010

Don't feel like a failure.

You really shouldn't. You need to look forward at your options, and then act on your decision.

Also, I would suggest that you seek out a Surgeon that SPECIALIZES in these types of WLS problems....don't go back to your old surgeon. I have a funny feeling that he might not have done a very good job to begin with. You need a fresh perspective. And again, someone that does these types of revisions as a SPECIALTY, and not somone who simply does first-time WL Surgeries.

And MAKE SURE that they are a specialist in this arena, not that they simply claim to be. The WLS business is full of crooks and charlatans who want to make a buck off of your suffering.

Again....DON'T feel like failure. You have had some bad luck, but there are methods and procedures that can help you correct this.

Please keep us posted on what you end up doing.....a lot of people are in your shoes! :thumbup: