4 years and gaing weight back want revision

I had my RNY on Feb. 19-2004. I lost  from 326 to 211 and now i am back up to 248. I have been the same since last July 2007. I had an UGI and it showed everything to be okay. My surgeon feels it is my fault that i need to stop eating. I was very lucky and have had only dumping a few times but never sick. I have critical low Vit. D and my blood sugar bottoms out and i suffer from lots of dizziness. I have no regrets just frustrated that i can't seem to loose anymore no matter what I do and I am looking into revision but do not know anyone who will do it and my surgeon says I should go back to basics but I stay hungry.  I would very much appreciate any ideas, suggestions, comments. I am feeling pretty down with the whole thing and have not went back to MD. Thanks so much

Wow, sounds like you're in a very low spot right now, kiddo.  IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT.  THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU.   Are you seeing the right doctor?  Sometimes surgeons see only the surgical side of things.  Perhaps working closely with another doctor would help you figure out a solution.  Do you have a good primary-cary physician you feel comfortable talking this out with?  Or perhaps the counselor/therapist who did your initial psychological evaluation?  And your nutritionist to help out with the Vitamin D and blood-sugar issues? I know that feeling of not wanting to go back to a doctor who's pointing fingers at you!  I certainly wouldn't want to go back either.  But I really do appreciate my primary-care physician (who's cranky but thorough) and my therapist (who's wise in helping me identify problems and find solutions).   You need a medical partner.  Someone who'll be a true teammate with you.  If you had your druthers, who would you like that to be?

I trust my surgeon so much and it was a surprise when he did that I felt comfortable with him until then. My other issues are being handled with my PCP but i really want to discuss revision and he (surgeon) does not, he feels it is more of my issue then the surgery. I still feel I am a success but I am struggling now. How are you? How many years are you out?

I'm brand, brand, brand, brand, brand new --- my Lap Band is so new that it still has that new-car smell sometimes.  So I don't have the wisdom of experience others here have.   Barb's tip below about checking with Barix Clinics (www.barixclinics.com) to see if they have helpful resources that speak to your needs is a good one.   I'm sorry your own surgeon isn't pointing you toward resources beyond just pointing his finger at you.  That sounds so frustrating!  Gah!!

What kinds of things are you eating? Is it dietary? Just curious. In addition to us supporting you, you can help all of us :)

On the main board I hear them talking about a pouch test and things to get you back on line. You may want to post there also. I am sorry I can't help you any more than that but I believe you can get on track again. Good Luck Myrtis

Robin -

I'm still fairly new ... only 8 months post op, so I may not be of much help, but I did find a resource that might be helpful.

Barixclinics.com has a program called 'OnTrack' that is meant to help those who have hit a wall or gained. They will have an RD work with you and go through a series in a program to help get you 'back on track.' I was wondering if trying something like that which is supervised might either kickstart things if your surgeon is right or show your surgeon that even with significant supervision, you are having issues that need to be addressed. It seems like it could be a win-win situation. It doesn't matter so much who is right as long as you get things on track ... If he's right and the program works great ... If he's not right and the program doesn't work, then you have some 'evidence' of that and he might be more willing to work with you re: a revision ... That is, if you'd like to keep working with this surgeon ... It sounded like you had a pretty good relationship with him until lately, so I didn't know if you might want to pursue it or not.

Wishing you every success in your journey.

Barb

Barb gave you some great advice here, I also support working with a nutrionist that specializes in post WLS. I know there is one in Greenville NC, her name is Katrinia Seagraves and she has a book out which she co-wrote with a WLS patient called "Life After Gastric Bypass". Working with someone may help identify some issues that you're not aware of just yet. Wouldn't it be great if you could get back on the weight loss path without having another surgery?

Sending you lots of good vibes and thoughts sweetie. I hope your Dr. is much more sympathetic in the future.

{{hugs}}

I've got to get back on track.. I gained weight with both of my kiddos and I really need to get back to my pre-pregnancy #1 weight. I'm going to do the 5day pouch test.  You can get the info about it at http://5daypouchtest.com.  In fact, I'm trying to get a group together to do it over at the Post-Op Preggie board.. you'd be welcome to join in as well if you want.  I plan on starting it on Monday.. Let me know if you need a partner.  I'm always looking for help.

My suggestion to you would be to get a metabolism test and get with a NUT to help customize an eating plan to you. You can get the testing done here in Charlotte at the YMCA - there is also a program called motivatedresults.com that is ran by a NUT (highly recommended by my nut, she has experience with WLS patients) it combines the metabolism testing, nutritional counceling and personal training - depends on what you want to pay what you get - you can get just a little help or a lot - worth looking into.  I think that would be a great place to start before getting a revision - take a look at the nutrition and exercise and see what can be done there. If that doesnt work then it would be time for another surgical intervention.