Introduction-Lap Band to Gastric By-Pass Conversion

[Jeneen B 3]

In 2010 I had the lap band placed which resulted in a 29 pound weight loss over the course of the first year. I maintained this weight loss for two years despite being unable to eat more than a soft diet. My band was emptied and refilled multiple times. After multiple discussions with my surgeon we decided the best option was to convert to gastric bypass. On November 10, 2014, the surgery was completed and I learned that in addition to the slip of the band there were multiple adhesions causing all of the issues I had over the past two years. I am wondering if there are other members who have recently converted their bands and have you had any issues? Have you found living with the bypass easier than the band?

[jodie1961 77]

Yes I think it has been a much more positive and successful surgery. I had the band surgery in November 2007 and repositioned in October 2008. It never worked again after the 2008 surgery, I guess it slipped, I would get food stuck on top of the band every time I ate real food, so I ate a lot of sliders to get something down. I got tired of having to go to the bathroom and PB every time I ate. Wish I had revised to the bypass sooner. I am 6 months out and doing great. Good luck on your journey.

[Trayjay33 138]

In 2010 I had the lap band placed which resulted in a 29 pound weight loss over the course of the first year. I maintained this weight loss for two years despite being unable to eat more than a soft diet. My band was emptied and refilled multiple times. After multiple discussions with my surgeon we decided the best option was to convert to gastric bypass. On November 10, 2014, the surgery was completed and I learned that in addition to the slip of the band there were multiple adhesions causing all of the issues I had over the past two years. I am wondering if there are other members who have recently converted their bands and have you had any issues? Have you found living with the bypass easier than the band?

Hi, I had my conversion from Band to Bypass on 10/21/14 and I definitely can relate to your experience. I lost 30 pounds with the band including the pre-op diet but gained that and more back. My first Surgeon was not attentive to my vomiting every day and referred me for a second opinion and ended up not seeing me again. Both the GI MD and Surgeon said the band needed removal. I felt a weight off my abdomen as soon as I came out of surgery. I too had multiple adhesions. I have a ulcer right now post bypass but I am glad the band is out. The surgery lasted longer than they anticipated for the revision. I would never recommend anyone go to my original Surgeon. Hopefully this revision works out. So far 30 pounds lost. I think revision they say lose slower. It's trial and error especially with the ulcer figuring out what to eat. But it's coming along. Good luck to you.