[jerrym]

I had a band put on about three years ago. I lost about 150 lbs, from 450 to 300. Then the band slipped and it is for all practical purposes doing nothing (Dr. Has deflated). Dr says I should go to Gastric Bypass. I was wondering about any experienses others of you may have had in this area. I have regained about 60lbs. Thanks in advance

[kitty56]

I had gastric bypass almost a year and a half ago and I would do it over again in a heart beat. I did not have any complications whatsoever and I feel wonderful. I still get that full feeling that I wanted out of the surgery. Sometimes I feel like I eat to much but when it comes down to it, I am eating the amount what I am suppose eat. It varies from time to time how much I can eat. What really made up my mind is when my daughter had her surgery about a year sooner than I did and I saw how wonderful she did and that is why I went with gastric bypass. And another reason why I went with gastric bypass was when it was all over with and with my checkups that I do not have to go back to the doctor anymore and just have to see my doctor once a year for blood tests now. I was worried about going back for refills with the band. I hate needles. And with the gastric bypass, it keeps me in line with my eating. I cannot eat to much fats or sugars. That keeps me on the right track. But there are some foods that I just have to say no too and that is a little chalenging.

[Christy0283]

I haven't had any experiences with the band, but I will say that gastric bypass has been a life saver for me. Good luck on your decision and keep us posted.

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
((((((HUGS)))))) May your journey go well.

There are a few people here who switched from band to bypass due to band failure of one sort or another. I'm sorry their names slip my mind, but I know they are satisfied and doing well.

[Perfesser]

You have confirmed one of my reasons for going RNY instead of the band. Once it's done, RNY's done and requires no maintenance in the way the band does. No adjustments, nothing to move around, just a good usable tool that will help take care of excess weight as long as we follow the rules.

My surgeon showed me the stats on both before I committed. Several years out, no real difference in loss, but RNY has a better track record of maintaining the loss. There is a lot more data on the long-term effects of RNY. In the first year to year and a half post-op, RNY is better at shedding large amounts of weight.

I wanted the limitations that the tool gives me. With the band, the stomach is basically intact and can process everything that gets through the opening. With the pouch, what fits is all you can eat, and it will enforce compliance!! I value that, as it supplements my will power and motivation.

RNY has worked well for me in the weight loss period and also in the maintenance phase. It has been everything I was looking for when I started investigating this whole WLS thing. It could quite possibly work that well for you. It's not too late to do it, and it does appear that the band failed to meet your requirements and expectations.

Good luck making your choice. We're here to help any way we can.

CT

[PamM]

Hi,
I had the lap band done in May 2007...I vomited many times a day for a year and a half...gained weight because I couldn't swallow anything but malt o meal. So I changed suregeons...just had the RNY done 2-3-09 and am so glad I did. My second surgeon found that the lap band was not put in correctly from the beginning thus causing my foods to choke back out at me.

Being just a month out from the RNY proceedure I am still tired...but have already lost more weight than I did with the lap band in almost 2 years.

I know many people with the band and I have not seen many real success stories. Hope this answered some of your questions.

PamM.

[DeMarie]

I don't know anyone with the band myself -

Just wanted to say hello and welcome. I bet the surgery will be the way to go and you will get out of it what you wanted long term. Most all of us here always say we would do it again - Good luck!!

[Janice Carol]

Hello and welcome to the board. I had the GBS in Nov. and would not change a thing. I had heard of other people who had the band and had alot of complications due to blockage and slippage. That is one of the reasons I choose GB. I think you should go for it. But that is just my opinion.

[clancythecamper]

Just wanted to welcome you, I have been very happy with my RNY.

[MsVickie]

Im sorry to hear that the band didnt work like it was supposed to. We do have posters here that have had both done and most of them will say it was because of it slipping or even grown into the stomach.

I think we all thought really about having the band done because it wasnt as invasive as the GBS. Or so we thought. When the first surgeon showed me it and let me hold it I was immedialty turned off with it. Because of it being a foreign body inside me and the complications with it.

I would say go for the Gastric surgery and reseach it really well. It has been truly a life saver. Now let me step back a moment. If this was for a friend of mine with less than 100 lbs to lose i would probally tell them to find out more about the band. If anyone to me has more to lose than 100 lbs I would strongly suggest the Gastric Bypass. This surgery is dangerous but they have come a long way with it. The proff is right here on this board. Good luck with the process of this decison and if you really want to have it done reseach it good. I think well all did. I know I did. It only took me 5 years to commit to it. LOL.

Anyways stay around keep us posted about your path. We are here to support you and help you along if you need it. I know Chuppy Girl had the band and then had the Gastric done. Perhaps she can tell you more about her experince with it.