Surgery for removal scheduled

peggy1011 · August 24, 2009

I've been having trouble on/off for the past 1 1/2 years with my band. It's finally decided my band has slipped and I'm scheduled 9/8 for a removal of the band and revision to RNY.

As the days tick by, I'm getting more and more nervous about the revision. I definitely have a case of the 'should I, shouldn't I's'. Just dont know what to do. The advantages of continued weight loss are clear. But I'm scared to death of the possible complications. Any one else have these feelings, and if so, how did you come to terms with your decision? Are u happy with your decision?

I'd love to hear your story, and suggestions.

Nanook · August 26, 2009

Peggy1011,

Everyone who has revised from lap band to another surgery has a different story, we don't really know yours. I had the band for 14 months, never lost weight, developed GERD and was able to have my band removed and it was covered through my insurance. I was so disgusted with WLS at the time it was removed that I said I would not revise. Had it removed in October of 08 and during that time started putting even more weight on and got even more depressed until I decided to go ahead with revision to RNY still a bit unsure of the results even though my own daughter had it done less than a year after I was banded.

I had to go through the same hoops to get the RNY and even more since I was revising so it wasn't easy. I also joined a support group prior to my RNY and found that to be helpful to me. Having a daughter who lives at home go through RNY with ups and downs and being there to take care of her during that time helped also as I knew what to expect and sometimes to expect the unexpected!

I've actually done well with my revision and don't regret it a single bit. My daughter had what they call a minor complication with a stricture but they stretched her new stoma during two endoscopies. Removing the lap band was easy revising to RNY eight months later a bit more painful and the recovery is longer. I'm only post-op 10 weeks but have dropped over 50 lbs and I feel much better now.

So I waited to revise and so in some ways it wasn't because I was afraid of RNY but afraid of failing at yet another WLS. Now I look at it as I chose the right procedure this time. So take care and it's normal to have second thoughts, Nancy.