Lap band revision to Gastric bypass

[band75 0]

I had LB surgery in August 2009. I had a low BMI around 36. My lowest weight with the band was 183lbs. Pre-op weight was around 217, if I remember correctly. Highest weight 237. I am currently 198 and counting. This has been an diffucult year. My relationship with food is unhealthy. I eat to compensate for emotional problems. I may be bi-polar according to my psych. I have an obsession with my appearance, depression, anxiety and compulsive issues. I had liposuction last year and plan to have it again in 2012. With all that said...I have had pain at the protruding port site, esophageal spasms, nausea and vomiting. I have no restriction because I was unfilled in the ER because of the spasm. I must be honest, I have not be a good bandster. I eat sweets and carbs way more than I should. I was approved to have the band removed and gastric bypass. I am on the fence...should I or should I not have the GB???

I have not posted in a VERY long tome, but I hope somone is listening! Thanks!

[Cindy C 150]

Honestly, I think that GB is too drastic with such a small amount of weight to lose. Your psych said you might be bi-polar. Have you been put on any meds to control it? Did they mention that you may have OCD? I really think that you need to get your mental health under control with an accurate diagnosis, therapy and the proper meds before you make such a life altering decision. Once you get that under control, maybe you can get the band to work for you.

[LapBandBobbi 8]

Every WLS has it's own set of challenges. I would worry about going to the gastric bypass and eating sweets - you could get dumping syndrome. Good luck with your decision.

[reverie 49]

Bypass, and technically any WLS is a drastic move. I think you have too many food problems that need to be dealt with before jumping into a whole new surgery type. Bypass requires you to be on Vitamins for life; I'm not sure if that's worth it, but that's just me.

Maybe see a therapist who can help you with some of the problems you mentioned. If you keep up the same way of eating with bypass, you won't lose weight then either. WLS isn't a crutch and I think you're using it that way; maybe not intentionally. I say figure out the underlying problems first then consider WLS is needed.

The sleeve may be a better/less drastic option for you.

Good luck!

[vickyd 24]

I agree with the others that you really need to get your bipolar and compulsive disorders under control before having any additional WLS. Just like you can eat around the band, you can also eat around Bypass and until you learn to deal with your emotions without turning to food I'm afraid you may be setting yourself up for a hard fall.

[mauraclegg 29]

Giving my honest opinon would mean my saying that I don't going to a gastric bypass will solve the issues you have with food. The bypass is really another tool for weight loss, and takes a toll on your body imo. Everyone's weight loss is different and maybe you haven't had success with your band because of the underlying mental health issues that you mentioned. Perhaps if you got those things under control you would find that you are more effective using your band. I just think that with the probs you mentioned and the not huge amount of weight you have to lose the bypass will not make you any happier with yourself.

[Karon 1]

I had LB surgery in August 2009. I had a low BMI around 36. My lowest weight with the band was 183lbs. Pre-op weight was around 217, if I remember correctly. Highest weight 237. I am currently 198 and counting. This has been an diffucult year. My relationship with food is unhealthy. I eat to compensate for emotional problems. I may be bi-polar according to my psych. I have an obsession with my appearance, depression, anxiety and compulsive issues. I had liposuction last year and plan to have it again in 2012. With all that said...I have had pain at the protruding port site, esophageal spasms, nausea and vomiting. I have no restriction because I was unfilled in the ER because of the spasm. I must be honest, I have not be a good bandster. I eat sweets and carbs way more than I should. I was approved to have the band removed and gastric bypass. I am on the fence...should I or should I not have the GB???

I have not posted in a VERY long tome, but I hope somone is listening! Thanks!

I appreciate your honesty, but if you were not compliant with the lapband, how do you think you will be compliant with the gastric bypass. That is a very major, major surgery and they are removing part of your intestines. It requires discipline just like the lap band. If you don't do right, you will still be able to regain a lot of your weight. There are people on this board who have gone from the bypass to the lapband because they couldn't keep their weight off. I think you need to get to the root of the psychological issues first before you embark on another surgery which may just be a waste of time and money. I speak as a clinical psychologist and as one who also has had issues with depression and food. I am going to be banded on 7/12. Best wishes to you in your decision.

K

[alicez 0]

Dumping syndrome occurs when food enters the bloodstream too quickly. It is a common effect of gastric bypass surgery because the natural stomach outlet (pyloric valve) has been removed and food enters the small intestine more quickly. Gastric bypass patients commonly experience dumping syndrome after eating sweets or high-fat foods, eating too much food, or drinking fluids with meals. Think about it. Take more suggestions from your medical practitoner. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers

[alicez 0]

Dumping syndrome occurs when food enters the bloodstream too quickly. It is a common effect of gastric bypass surgery because the natural stomach outlet (pyloric valve) has been removed and food enters the small intestine more quickly. Gastric bypass patients commonly experience dumping syndrome after eating sweets or high-fat foods, eating too much food, or drinking fluids with meals. Think about it. Take more suggestions from your medical practitoner. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers

[band75 0]

Thanks for the words of kindness. I have an appointment with my therapist today. I'll discuss the GB, but I know she'll be against it. I did fail to mention that I really did try with the band. I have been in and out of the hospital for some unrelated medical problems. The weight I have managed to keep of is totally from self control and exercise. I have no restriction! I'm not trying to sway anyone's opinion of the band nor be critical. The band can transform one's life. My first 6 months were bliss, but something changed. I was wearing a very loose 14, but breasts looked terrible and my butt dissapeared. I was in a car accident, had a miscarriage, resigned from my job of 8 yrs. I want to be healthy, thin and happy!!!!! (In no particular order)

Again, thanks!