Have had RouxNY, Can I have Lap Band too?

AngelD1964 · June 25, 2008

I had the Roux N Y gastric bypass 2/15/05. I lost from 279.5 to 152.3. However, in the past year, I have gained back perhaps 55 pounds. Can I get the lap band after having the previous surgery?

Please help!

Daisalana · June 25, 2008

It's possible, depends on your situation, you should ask your doctor

HappyCamper · June 25, 2008

There is a lady in the support group that I go to that had RNY surgery, then gained some of her weight back. She then had revision surgery and got the lap band and is back on the road to losing again. Good luck to you.

FighterGirl · June 25, 2008

Wow, you learn something new everyday. Good luck!

cori in wa · June 25, 2008

I just spoke with my surgeon about this (not for me, just discussing it as I saw him at work) just a few days ago.

He said approximately 6 of 10 people who've had the RNY do NOT gain a significant amount of weight back after 2 to 5 years. That means that about 4 of 10 DO. He said there are essentially two ways to counter that. The first is to go in and "take another stitch", in other words, tighten up the pouch. A very simple (well, relatively anyway) procedure that has recently been done with success orally. The other "common" method is to band a bypass. And yes, that can be and has been done.

Certainly speak with your surgeon and see what (s)he recommends. If it's not something that person or group will do then there are many, many other bariatic surgeons who would most likely be more than willing to work with you.

In fact, my surgeon said that generally the insurance companies cover the second procedure.

Best of luck!!!

AngelD1964 · June 25, 2008

I am originally from Knoxville, TN. I had the surgery done there. Now I live in Johnson City, TN, about 100 miles away. I have gotten a referral and appt.(in August) for the doc. in this town that does the surgery, but my reg MD says "you've just stretched your pouch out. there is nothing you can do but change your eating habits. You cant get the Lap Band after youve had the RouxNY."

Does anyone else get this type of poo-poo from doctors (and or friends)? Why do people think that I WANT to eat, to gain weight, to be depressed? Bulemia, Anorexia and the like are considered "legitimate" eating disorders. But if you're overweight you're "pig" and just need to change your eating habits. If it were that easy I wouldnt have needed the surgery in the 1st place. People dont realize that you dont have to have 3 cigs. a day the rest of your life to survive, but you do have to have food. I feel it is something I have no control over. Phen-Fen helped, but of course, is no longer availabe.

When I was down to a size 10-12 I was the happiest I have been in just about forever...so why would anyone think I would WANT to start eating again to gain back what I lost? Sorry about the rant...I just want to hear from others who are going through what I am.