Why is a Sleeve to DS revision considered complicated?

I have been doing more reading as the date of my insurance activation gets closer. One of the things that I don't quite understand is why the DS is considered a complicated revision when its done after VSG.

I am not trying to be a smart-ass or anything, I seriously want to know why I need one of the doctors listed as a revision specialist. I am looking into Dr. Greenbaum in New Jersey currently and waiting for information from his office.

Because I have a sleeve already, isn't it just a matter of "switching" me the rest of the way? That is one area that I am kinda clueless about-why it would take a specialist of sorts to be able to complete the procedure. I have been wondering about Dr. Brian Lane at Advanced Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Associates here in Ohio as well as a few others listed on duodenalswitch.com

I just want to make clear that I would definitely go to a doctor with experience if it was at all possible and/or necessary, but I want to know the reasoning behind it. I do understand that revisions can be complicated in general, but not sure why the VSG to DS is.

I hope I am explaining it correctly...I am so freaking tired right now! :) (And its only the second week of the semester!)

Thanks for the input.

ETA: I can't spell so I had to go back and fix it :)

I wouldn't think it would be more complicated than a DS but you definitely want a DS surgeon that's vetted. You're looking at the list on www.dsfacts.com, right?

--gina

 A VSG to DS revision should not be any more complicated than a DS, unless you are also having your sleeve revised.      What I'm wondering that you might be misinterpreting is the difference in technical difficulty between a VSG and a full DS.    Tightening up a sleeve is a procedure that I would only leave to an experienced revisionist, but a VSG to DS should be able to be performed by any vetted DS surgeon.

That may be what I am confusing. Since I think I need to be re-sleeved, that makes sense then. Like I have said before, I have never had any follow up to my sleeve in regards to its size, shape or capacity.

I hate this not knowing feeling. I have no idea what is going on inside of me or what is truly best for me. I want to stay close to home, but the more I look into this, I think I am going to end up far, far away. I guess I just need to be patient and let it play out. :)

Thanks again for the reply.

stormechaser,  thanks for asking this question.  It raises the interesting point of how does one proceed.  In your case, you don't know if you need to be re-sleeved, so should you start out by having a consultation with your close-to-home surgeon and ask him that question.  Or would you still feel like you needed an opinion from a revision expert????

I'll be interested in hearing you thoughts
.
Wishing you all the best, Jenny

Hi Jenny :)

I will definitely start off by having an evaluation done locally. I had a surgeon in mind for everything and was set on a revision to RNY, but doubts have crept in. I have decided to wait until I have an initial consult with the bariatrics department and get that data into the mix. I would also like to see a doctor who has done revisions, but I think starting with the local surgeon is beneficial.

I can't be completely set on something if I don't have all the facts. I was looking at the RNY mainly b/c of the restrictive component plus the bypass. I thought my sleeve couldn't be downsized, however I am reading that is not necessarlly the case.

So, here I am at hurry up and wait for my insurance to begin. I thought it was starting on 2/1, but nope...not unil 3/1. What's another 29 days? LOL

Thanks again for the input.

Thanks!

Yes, I am looking at dsfacts and duodenalswitch.com and then going to the sites they list for the doctors.

And thanks EN for the pm. I will stay away from Dr. Wood. Word of mouth means a lot to me. When I chose Dr. Alvarez I based part of my decision on Dr. Schaur at the Cleveland Clinic and his thoughts. I was pleased to find that they thought highly of each other.

I found out a little bit ago that my insurance date will actually be March 1st, not Feb. 1st.  

Ah, well....nothing I can do except keep on keeping on.

Thanks again

A DS from VSG is not considered complicated, what I think is missing is if you will have to have your VSG adjusted.  Resleeving is a different story, if that is the case then yes it is considered a "higher risk" not the VSG to DS.  good luck with your search...

nevermind

I revised from an RNY, but in your position, I would want a vetted DS surgeon in revisions, based on the exact questions you are asking.  I want to also encourage you to also post on the new board, http://weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/, there are veterans there who can offer really great, savvy information and guidance.