I have a few questions..

[bacon 514]

I just met with my surgeon after a few years and gaining most of my weight back. I had a major over fill in 2011 and the ER took Fluid out, I never went back until today. He put .5 cc in today and talked about a revision. Just have a few questions for those who have been through a band to GBP revision.

1. How long were you in the hospital?

2. How long were you off work?

3. Do you feel the GBP is working better for you?

4. Any regrets?

Thanks in advance for any advise and input!

[tnkrbell1984 0]

I just had my band to bypass surgery 2 wks ago today. 1st off I wish I did this the first go around back in 2011. I was in the hospital 2 days. My surgery was 3/19 and I was released in the morning on 3/21. If you don't have a physical job probably a week off. The only pain I feel is from where my port was removed wish from reading on here and talking to my surgeon today is very common. But for the last week I have been walking 2-3 miles and/or bicycling 2 miles everyday. So, my only regret is not doing this to begin with. I am already down from 257 to 231 which is 4lbs less than the lowest I ever got with the band. Granted I started out at 279 when I got the band. My insurance made me go back through the 6 month dr supervised diet again and had to do another psychological evaluation but was worth it. Hopes this helps. Good luck with whatever you decide is best for you.

[BeautyLocs40 16]

Hi, bacon--

My revision was February 17, and I spent three days in the hospital. Challenges getting in fluids and extreme grogginess extended my hospital stay by one day. Throughout my recovery, I've had, and continue to have, difficulty getting in fluids and foods. Two weeks ago, I had a scope that revealed a stricture, which was inhibiting my ability to keep down Protein shakes and Water let alone anything pureed. It was cleared, but I continue to throw up and experience inconsistencies with even the softest of foods. My recovery is harrowing from my perspective, but I was able to return to work after three weeks, one week sooner than I'd planned.

I was banded in 2009 and lost 40 pounds. Since the revision in February, I've lost 30. I'm also off of two of my blood pressure medications and taking half of the antidepressants I used to, results I never achieved with the band. In spite of this, however, I have regrets. The constant vomiting and feeling of fullness in my esophagus is like still having a band. I have a lot of anxiety around eating and have all but stopped doing it. I also have unpredictable stomach pains and explosive bowel movements.

In summary, if I had the revision to do over again, I don't know that I would.

Good luck with your decision!

[angb1982 29]

I was banded in 2008 and by 2011 my body pretty much said "screw you I hate this thing" and I had to be completely u filled. I gained back all the weight I lost (about 80lbs over 2 years).

I decided to go to gastric bypass and because I wanted it done right away I went to Mexico and paid for it. I was in the hospital for 3 days came home a couple days later and was back to work (desk job) feeling pretty good.

I did have some complications from my surgery that was related to the long long travel home and being in birth control which put me at higher risk for a clot and I ended up with a pulmonary embolism. So that wasn't much fun but it was a trifecta of things that ended with me having one.

I had my bypass Oct 3, 2014 and now just over 7 months later I have lost 100lbs and I feel fantastic. Despite my complications from it my only regret - not doing it sooner.

All the best in your decision. I do not miss that band one bit. Bypass life is much better.

[Lauren23 35]

BeautyLocs40, really sounds like you need another dilation to fix your stricture. It usually takes at least 2 to fix and your symptoms are not normal or okay. I was banded in 2006 weighing 296 and lost 60 lbs.bdole of which came back. Band was not for me as it was either too loose or too tight. Eating was miserable (very tight in mornings and looser at night.) I was a forced bulimic. Had revision jan 3 of 2015 weighing 243. Today, I am 191 and still losing. I was in hospital for two nights. Recovery for me was quite painful at port site which others state. I have seen some in my clinic go back to work in just a couple days. I needed at minimum 2 weeks but really more. I did have a complication a stricture which is common for revisions due to excessive scar tissue. Have had two endoscopes to fix it though it felt fixed the first time my gastoi specialist insisted on doing two I be sure. Since having it fixed, life has been amazing!!! The weight is falling off and I'm not working out much though I should and can. Recovery was tough but totally worth it. Wish I had done this originally. I can eat almost anything now but I try to stay away from sugar and excessive carbs.

[BeautyLocs40 16]

Hi, Lauren--

Thanks so much for your comment. When I had the scope, the doctor said it wasn't uncommon for a stricture to recur, but he didn't say it might take more than one procedure to clear it. I'm still experiencing fullness in my esophagus and often have to fight the urge to vomit. This may sound strange, but I find it comforting to know my symptoms aren't normal! I'll contact the dietician on Monday and tell her I'm still having problems.

Thanks, again!