has anyone had a vbg revision

I had a vbg 20 years ago and have gained lots of weight back.  I need a revision and  am looking for a Dr in Arkansas that does  revisions and I would like some input on anyone having a revision.  I don't really want a bypass.  I worked for an oncologist  in San Antonio  and I saw so many pt's coming in to get iron or blood transfusions because they were unable to absorb enough nutrients from food or supplements. I would appreciate any advice.

 

thanks

cindy

In response to your question, no. I haven't had a revision of any kind. I do have a few questions though. If you don't want a bypass, what surgery type are you considering? I'm not being a smarty pants, I'm serious =) Are you considering DS? I am not aware of any doctor's in the state of Arkansas that do the DS, but I could be wrong. Your revision is a very personal decision and what you choose is going to depend on what you expect out of your weight loss surgery.

Also, why were patients going to an oncologist for iron infusions or blood transfusions? Is there a correlation between low iron levels and cancer/tumors? I've never visited, much less worked in a oncologist's office so I am curious to learn something new today!

If I were you, I would schedule a consultation with at least one weight loss surgeon that does revisions and speak to them. They will shoot straight with you and if they don't, hit the door. I'm not sure how long ago you worked in the doctor's office, but I don't think it's as big of a problem as it may seem. First, you only saw the bad because the people who were doing perfectly fine didn't drop by to say, "Hey, I'm doing perfectly fine and don't need your services, just thought I'd let you know." Second, the procedure may have changed since you were in the medical field. Third, I'm not sure of your age, but if you worked in a doctor's office 20 years ago, you would be in your 40s at least. Iron is going to become less of an issue after menopause.

I hope I have not offended you, as that is not my intentions, and I am very interested in your response. I meant everything I said sincerely not sarcastically as I sometimes am on here =) Hope you have a great day!

Shawna

Many people who have chronic iron/b12/blood issues see Hem/Onc for this, I worked Hem/Onc myself and know that there are some people who produce too much blood and have too high a level of these and have to have blood drawn to manage their issues and then there are those who don't have enough and have to get transfusions/  Hematologist/Oncologist treat more than just cancer and tumors. they treat blood disorders.

As for the revision my answer would be Dr. Schlesinger and he post reguarly on the Revision board.  If you cant find his profile, he is in Arizona and is known for Revision surgery.

AB

Glad I asked! I didn't know hematology and oncology went hand in hand. Interesting! Ya know I'm all about the medical stuff and for some reason went into business. I missed my calling. Actually I knew what my calling was and ignored it. My entire family is medical...except me. Now I have to suffer through the office day after day.

thanks for your response, everything Amy said about oncology and hematology going hand in hand is correct.

I have issues with being anemic (not due to past surg.) and that's one of the reasons I'm concerned about the bypass. 

Yes I am considering the DS I think that might be an option for me.
I'm just starting to investigate this process. I was 19 when I had the first surg VBG. I made the mistake of not doing any follow up or joining any support groups but I was young and didn't always think about the future.  I really didn't even think a second surg. was an option until I started checking around on line.  I have gone to seminars but they don't give much info for revisions and I do want  to consult with a Dr but I don't have insurance so I'm trying to find someone who has been through a similar situation and can recommend a Dr here in Arkansas.
 

 thanks
cindy

It looks like you are doing the right thing. I don't think there are any doc's in Arkansas that do the DS. If I were you, I would go over to the DS board and you will find people that are revisions and they can tell you where the doc's are that do them. Most DSers know their stuff well and they are usually eager to help others since it's not as common as some of the other surgeries and the information out there can be somewhat skewed and misleading. Good luck in your journey!!!! 

HI CINDY,

YES.  I HAD A VBG 25 YEARS AGO AND KNOW OF ANOTHER LADY LOCALLY WHO IS ALSO CONSIDERING.  I AM NOT A GREAT EMAIL PERSON, BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME AND DISCUSS THE PROCEDURE AND DOC, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE.

GOOD LUCK KAREN