revision in denver

Has anyone in Denver considered having a revision to their gastric bypass and with what doctor?

I had my surgery in March 07 (and I am in Colorado Springs) so no need of revision (yet). But I just want to wish you luck in finding a doctor and having a sucessful procedure. If I can be personal enough to ask why are you seeking a revision? Is it a lack of weight loss from the inital procedure or of weight gain after the weight loss? If you'd rather not answer...that's fine. Your question has nothing really to do with what I am posting about here. But revisions are a topic that interest me. I have found that most people do not like talking about weight gain after weight loss and possible revisions. Its a fact that weight gain happens to quite a number of us after surgery and it would be great to have the information of surgical options and an open discussion about it. Just to get the facts right: A revision is often sought after someone has weight loss surgery that does not lose the total weight they desired or gains back more weight than desired after having lost weight from the surgery. (I hope that makes sense!) I have also heard of people revising a lap band surgery into gastric bypass and gastric bypass into a duodenal switch. I belive there are also revisions to gastric bypasses when something doesn't go right with the original operation and that have to repair something...but I don't know why that would be referred to as a revision as it's more of a surgery to fix a particular problem and not doing something totally different. If I am not right on this please let me know. I know that the army post I am on (Fort Carson - Colorado) they do not preform any revisions because of a lack of results or of poor results. It's a one stop shop. They will fix any problems that arise from complications. It would be interesting to know how most insurance companies deal with revisions. Good luck with everything.

Hello and thanks for your reply.  In all honesty I had Dr. Tillquist perform my gastric bypass in March of 2003.  The couple of years that followed were incredible for me and I never felt better even though I was still 30 lbs away from goal.  I was in the process of interviewing plastic surgeons for breast lift/reduction and tummy tuck when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  My world kind of came crashing down and the next year and a 1/2 I dedicated to surgeries and self pity.  I wasn't feeling that well and unfortunately sat home and felt sorry for myself and did nothing but eat.  The other frustration I have is that the medication I'm on for the next several years has a side effect of weight gain.  I was down about 120 lbs at the time of diagnosis and have since gained 50 lbs and find myself out of control.  I just can't move like I would like to and my back is shot.  Kind of a catch 22 where I need to work out, but my back prevents me and only gets worse the more I gain.  I've hopefully leveled off here but have tried diets under doctors supervision and exercise with no success.  Anyway, I want my life back and want to reach my original goal of 140, which puts me at about  80 lbs away.  I'm still researching my options.  I too have heard about the same things you have and I guess before any decisions can be made I have to see the surgeon and have some tests run to see what exactly went wrong.  The other factor is my insurance company.  I have Aetna and hear that I may have problems with them apporving anything but will just have to see what happens.  And as for your question as far as a revision goes, I was told by the doctor that the insurance companies don't usually cover a revision because they feel it's just a repeat of the complete operation.  Instead of just shrinking the pouch or fixing the stoma, the also remove more of the small intestine.  But so far, it's all hear say.  I plan on talking with the insurance company this week and will let you know what they say.  I just know that I'll be devistated if I can't get the help I need.  I'm 49 and want to turn 50 feeling great and healthy.  Best of luck to you and thanks for you interest.            Wendy

I am so sorry to hear about your battle with breast cancer. Dealing with that after gastric bypass definetly is not in any pamphlet! I think it's easy for alot of us to let our stresses in our lives effect how we take care of ourselves...especially in the eating arena. A stress like a life threatening illness must be on top of the list of over eating triggers. I don't think anyone could blame you for that...and I hope you don't either.  From those I have heard talking about gaining weight after the inital weight loss...it seems to be very easy to put weight back on and not really realise it. It goes on much quicker than it comes off. I hope your insurance company will be able to look at your individual cir****tances and you are approved for a revision or some other medical help to lose the extra weight you have.  As far as your back issues. Trust me I completely understand. I have degenerative disk and joint disease in my back (and I am only 24!..it runs in my family). Getting this weight off of my back has really helped me be able to function normally. I was taking 3 different types of medicine several times a day to control the pain. My docs urged me to dope up just so I could move around and dope up more so I could exercise to try and get the weight off...which didn't. Taking pain medication also makes you quite tired and generally lazy so that's no great thing either. It didn't take too much weight to come off and I feel alot better...still have to be careful...but no medications since surgery. Maybe you can ask your doctor if there is a different medication you could take that would not have a side effect of weight gain...doesn't hurt to ask. I've also found that most of us post-ops don't really get that much exercise. You can still lose weight if you don't exercise...but you have to watch everything that you eat. Count those calories (fitday.com) and measure everything. It is of course much healtheir to get exercise and diet...but the diet is really the key. Early on the surgery really carries us and prevents us from eating too much or the wrong things. I am really trying to learn how to eat better not just because I have to but because I want to...so when I am a few years out I can maintain the same eating habits. Very hard to do though I am sure. Thank you for sharing your experience. It will be great to hear how you are able to lose your last bit of weight. Congrats on the weight you have lost and maintained.

Wendy, I haven't been on this board for a while, so I just saw your post. I don't know if anyone in CO is doing this yet, but do a search on "StomaphyX"; it's a new, non-surgical prodecure to make the stomach and stoma smaller using endoscopy. It may help you ~ but you might have to travel to find it! Good Luck! Yours, Namcy

Nancy,  Thanks for the information.  I have heard quite a bit about the procedure but like you said, it's probably not in colorado yet cause I've not been successful in talking to a doctor that has even heard of it.  It''s so unfortunate because even the doctors themselves said they are getting dozens of calls weekly of people with the same complaint as mine.  I'll keep up the search.  Thanks again. Wendy

Wendy, Have you gone to see Dr Tillquist to see if you are have physical problems with your pouch or Stoma. I would start there. I was one of his revision patients in February of 02. I went from a VBG Vertical Banded GAstroplasty that was done thru Kaiser in 85. It failed withs staple line disruption. FAilure rate very high with VBG. I have lost 156 pounds and kept it off. No rebound weight gain. I am so glad you are a cancer survivor. That is awesome. I know that insurance is paying for Stomaphyx and the only Dr that is doing in the Us That I know of is Dr Overcash in Ocala Florida. I would call his office and feel them out if your mechanics arent working. Have Dr Tillquist order an endoscopy to look and see what the stomach is doing. Just my thought. Carla Klein

Dear Carla,    Thanks for your response to my questions regarding revision.  First I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your success.  That kind of weight loss is stellar and I applaud you.  Secondly, I have been in contact with Dr. Tillquists office and I was told that they didn't really do that many revisions and that if insurance didn't cover the cost that it would be around $26,000 for the procedure.  I know that at this point, I need a doctor who is completely into helping me with my insurance and able to be on top on the paperwork required.  I found a Dr. Chae at skyridge who does alot of gastric bypass surgeries and have an appt. with him Oct. 5th.  For anyone out there who has worked with Dr. Chae, your feedback would be deeply appreciated.  His office assured me that he has performed several revisions and he seems to get good reviews from alot of the staff at Skyridge.  I honestly haven't made a decision on the doctor yet so encourage any opinion.  As far as the stoma surgery goes I know they have a volunteer program here thru University Hospital.  It's a year long program and you have to qualify, which I did not.  I  need help now and can't wait the year to be a possible candidate.  It's a lottery type thing.  You don't know that you've been picked for the actual surgery for over a year and I'm not getting any younger.  I have read the articles though and think that it would be a brilliant option if they find it successful and it could be performed locally.  Just think of what the future holds for people like me who can benefit from this type of procedure, the numbers are mind boggling.  Anway, thanks again for writing back to me.  It's people like you and the few others that has responded that give me a renewed strength and conviction to get my life back on track again.  Take care and thanks again. Wendy

Wendy - Dr. Chae did my revision on Monday, the 5th.  I am already home and feeling really well.  He was able to do it lap and taylored it to my needs.  Dr. Tillquist also did my first surgery, and there is no way I would EVER let him touch me again.  Dr. Chae and Sky Ridge are awesome!!  good luck and keep us posted. 

Dear tpiland, I can't thank you enough for your response.  My surgery is set for Monday, November 12th.  I have so many questions.  I wish we could talk  before then.  I guess I'm fairly worried about  the pain as it was almost unbearable last time.  I also have a million other things I want to discuss.  My pre-op appt. is tomarrow, Friday, and I'm just so excited and nervous at the same time.  I'm very glad to hear that Dr. Chae did so well by you.  Congrats to you and best of luck.  If you get this in time and think we could talk on the phone, just let me know.  It would really help me to hear a voice and be able to take some notes.  Take care and thanks again. Wendy