Lap band to bypass... I need assurance this won’t be another failure

[swimmer0302 1]

Hi,

So I had my lapband put in around 2007 lost about 60lbs. 230 to 170 but it started giving me problems about a year in and had all Fluid drained recently because I couldn’t take it anymore so gained all of it back currently at 225. Going for gastric bypass with insurance this time I’m on month 5 of a 6 month diet I have BCBS anyone get denied with them after requirements met? I’m freaking out a bit because I can’t let this fail me too, I just can’t go through feeling like a failure again the way my family looked at me when the lapband failed and I was fat again ugh it’s the worst. I also have 2 weddings I’m in in September that I have to order dresses for this month, if all goes well with insurance I will have surgery in July, I don’t know what sizes to order because I’m not sure if this surgery will fail me too 😩 btw Im 5’3.

Edited May 2, 2018 by swimmer0302

[GrantLR 1]

If you have GBP you will have to make it a way of life. It is only a tool to help you achieve your goal. Make sure you get into a program that will teach you how to eat post surgery. Get on the bariatric Vitamins and stay with them, the cost is worth it! You will not maintain your weight unless you exercise. I have found that out, I injured a knee and had to stop running and have picked up about 4lbs while it's rehabbing. Hope this helps, good luck and prayers.

[swimmer0302 1]

Thanks for the reply! My band actually made eating healthy impossible I couldn’t eat meat, veggies, or any of the things recommended because I would throw it all up immediately which left me starving. The junk had no problem going down. I know it’s a tool but the last “tool” I got created more bad habits for me than good, at least up until it almost killled me. I just hope this one is different. Thanks for the exercise tip too!!

[Kimcicle 2]

I have the exact same problem. I had the band in 2009. I lost more weight prior to surgery than after surgery. After surgery all the foods I should have been eating kept coming back up and were so uncomfortable to eat. I lost a total of 110 lbs but only 30 was after surgery. In 2011 I was so miserable with the band I had all the fill removed and of course gained weight. I did not gain all my weight back but enough to be very discouraged and feel like a total failure. I have started the process of getting approved to have my band removed and change to a sleeve or bypass. My dr encourages bypass but I’ve heard so many horror stories about bypass that I’m terrified. I don’t really have any advice for you but wanted you to know you aren’t alone. I would also love to hear stories from people who have changed from the band to a sleeve or bypass and their outcome.

[Frustr8 7,886]

Kimcicle and Swimmer I'm sure somebody will weigh(Pun/Non-Pun?) with an answer. I will be your bypass sister but I am coming straight there, no band side trail, but we can be kangaroos together- because we will all have pouches.👍😝🌈

[psychnurse1 30]

I can tell you that even just a week out of surgery I feel better than I did with lap band. In a month with pre op diet and 9 days pre op I have lost 26lbs. I lost 50lb with the band back in 2006. I suffered the feelings of failure... I told everyone about the band...so when I didn’t loose more weight I was embarrassed... I dieted but the healthy food would not stay down. I got to the point I avoided social gatherings because of fear of eating something that got stuck. I even had trouble with all the Fluid out of band. I went to two different Lapband drs who said my band was fine....it was not. I self paid for th sleeve because my insurance won’t cover a second weight loss surgery.

[Kimcicle 2]

We are still trying to determine if mine will cover a new surgery so I may be out of pocket too. I’m so glad you are feeling better. I went to two doctors about my band too and they said there was no slip or erosion so my insurance won’t cover the removal. My doctor now is trying to work with me on getting my insurance to approve the removal as a medical necessity so I’m hoping it all works out bc the band is miserable.

[Road Runner 66]

I had a revision in 12/17 and the weight loss after bypass has been great! My band was put in 2007 and I never lost significant weight with it.

The risk of complications is higher with a revision so make sure you take really good care of yourself afterwards and listen to your body!

Wishing you the best!

[No Need 4]

I had a lap band place in 2009 and only losted 50 pounds. The long of the short they hit the band during surgery which cause it to slip in 2014 it was removed. In May 2017 I had RNY. I have lost around 91 pounds. Please don’t worry you have plenty of support on this forum. 😊

[AzzyandNatesmom 1]

I am 2 weeks post op and i feel great. I had the lap band placed in 2011. Biggest mistake of my life. It eroded into my stomach which then my liver attached to my stomach. Had the band removed and didnt want anymore surgeries. Well I had a damaged nerve that caused me pain and nausea. The only out was the gastric bypass after other attempts of other sources before this surgery. Well here i am 2 weeks out and I think this is the winner.

[swimmer0302 1]

Thanks for the responses guys I really needed this. I went yesterday to try on bridesmaid dresses and well that sucked so I was in the dumps a bit. I had such high hopes when I got the band and I don’t want to be let down again I’m working really hard to follow everything the doctor asks of me. I go tomorrow for my 2nd to last appointment before they send everything over for insurance approval I’m nervous and excited. Thanks again the support helps more than you know!! Any tips are very helpful I got one about using Premier Protein shake in my coffee instead of Creamer and that was genius lol 😆