Lost and alone

[Jillbeme65 1]

I'm unsure where to begin. I had the Lapband back in 2008 and had nothing but health issues from day one. I had 2 surgeries then the third was the removal. I initially lost around 40 lbs but once it was gone the weight came back. The next step was the sleeve 3/2012. I lost 10lbs before the surgery and 25lbs after. I worked so hard ate right but had no restriction, hired a personal trainer, walked, did it all. 25lbs is all I lost. I gave up and have now gained it all back plus a few (5lbs). After long consideration I am considering a revision. I spoke to my surgeon (who all along wanted me to do the bypass) he said he put in the largest bougie and maybe it was to large for my stomach. He is no longer in my state so I will be meeting with a new surgeon in the next week. I'm so afraid of being a 3 time non loser. I have seen a shrink, considered hypnosis, Ate less in the process of going gluten free. I can't fail again. Please no negative posts. I am doing my best.

[finallyfree101 39]

If you feel this is a better option for you, then tell your Dr. your concerns and believe me pray, if you believe the answer will come to you!

[Ladybandito 516]

Hi Jill. I have a band that I have been very happy with, so I don't share your particular frustration, but I do understand your concern. Since neither the band nor the sleeve have any malabsorption elements to them, maybe the bypass (which does have that feature) may be the xtra weapon you need in this battle?

[Travelmego 235]

Aww Jill, it's all going to be ok. We are right here with you and supporting you in whatever you decide. You are not alone.

[StayingStrong 78]

Jill that sounds so so frustrating. I am so sorry you've gone through all that and not gotten the results. Can the doctor explain to you why? Seems like a new surgeon and a new surgery will make 3 times a charm come true for you! Wishing you all the best!

[parisshel 1,892]

You are obviously dedicated, determined and disciplined. I'm so sorry you've had issues with the choices so far. But I'm rooting for your success!

[Chelly 364]

You have the will and the drive that you will succeed in your endeavors.

I believe in you and you will find a lot of support here.

Three is your lucky number.

The best to you and good luck with your meeting with the new surgeon.

Take care.

[latido 178]

Third time's the charm. I'm rooting for you! Never ever give up. We all arrive to our goal by stepping through giant mud puddles. Just find some cute new galoshes and stomp away!

[Sparklingbeauty53 202]

We all fight the battle and we have for years. You are not alone! Perhaps this will be your time. Determination is the key! You seem to have that so go you!

[Jersrose43 837]

I hope the best for you and perhaps this new surgeon will help immensely as well

Make sure he runs blood test and perhaps check the thyroid ?

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I am so sorry you are going through this - but I really admire your "don't give up" attitude! I was absolutely devasted, embarrassed and had a certain disbelief about my own failure with the lapband, I was so sure I could make it work and be successful, but after 10 years I weighed significantly more than I did when banded.

If it were me, I would want to better understand the "whys". It is true that the RNY has the malabsorptive element, but studies show very little difference in percent of excess weight loss compared to the sleeve. i failed miserably with the band, and I spent a fair amount of time "pondering" the why question. I asked the surgeon and my NUT - why do revisions not do as well? Why do so many not do well on the lapband longer term? What can I do to influence my outcomes? What I learned from that did help me overcome some of the pitfalls that some revisionistas run into. I of course have NO IDEA how come different people have different outcomes and I in no way "blame the patient". I am just sharing how I would consider looking at it.

There were several shifts in mindset that I personally had to make - the number one being accepting just how little a woman my age, my genetics (apparently my anscestors survived famines very well) needs to eat. I think when I was banded, I never really "got" it. I thought I was "eating small" but I really wasn't. Also, I had to learn to forget about feeling "full" but rather trained myself to strive for "absence of hunger". Wow. That meant alot in terms of portion size, but also how often I really needed to eat. the final thing I had to adjust to was really understanding the role of sliders and carbs in my previous "failures". Turns out I am pretty carb sensitive and so I don't lose weight (after a certain point) unless I restrict them which isn't particularly fun as carbs are my favorite foods.

I am not saying those are your lessons - but they were some of mine.

I have to be honest, if I needed to revise due to poor weight loss, I would be considering the DS. It is the highest risk WLS (get a GREAT surgeon) but also statistically the most successful due to significant malabsorption. However, DSers do have a much bigger issue with nutritional defeincies.

Ask alot of questions, choose a great surgeon, keep up your great attitude and I know you can make this a success!

[lisacaron 5,075]

@ I want to say first that I agree with everyone here! I wish you the very best and much success. I appreciate your perseverance to get healthy.

As CowgirlJane said in her post, I would want to get to the root of "why". All WLS no matter the modality requires a major change in life. As well as a change in your lifestyle or the way you live your life.

Our choices even the ones we make only in our mind and may or may not act upon play a big role in our success and/or lack of success. Now don't get me wrong I am not trying to say that "you" are the failure here. If I were you though I would want to understand for myself why and what failed with the other modalities of surgery.

I think a behavioral therapist and psychologist might be a few good places to start. It helps to sound off to someone outside the scope of our lives to see what they see. We can be too close to have a good perspective, and there is something liberating about opening up the closets and letting someone peek inside and see that hey maybe that wasn't so scary at all and all I need to do is move that childhood item to the top shelf and solve a million and one other issues.

Think about it friend, and keep on researching so you know all there is to know about this new surgery and the life style that goes along with it and how you can make it part of your life to have that success and make it all yours!

You are so determined I have no doubt that you will be successful this time!

[tracy6914 13]

Keep fighting ! Don't give up !