I have decided not to have GBS done twice.... thanks everyone

After looking into getting gastric bypass surgery or a revision done I have decided not to.

First of all, I read about it and it is dangerous. 

Second of all, I have to get back on track myself and start eating properly.

I just have one question I cannot find the answer.  I am getting mixed answers.  Does your stomach really stretch after so many years and can you get it back.

I just want to know if my tool to lose weight is still here or is this going to be very difficult on my own.

Thanks everyone, I love this site, too bad I didn't have a computer sooner.

I'm glad to see that you've been reading and doing research on revisions. Revisions can be tricky and the stats on revising an RNY to another RNY aren't great. There is the option, in some cases, to revise to a different weight loss surgery (such as the DS - duodenal switch) due to mechanical failure of the RNY but at this point I think you are wise to investigate getting back on track and using the tool that you already have before considering a revision.

Your tool to lose weight is still there. The gastric bypass you have created a pouch and a stoma (opening to let food through to the intestine) and bypasses your large remnant stomach. The pouch does stretch over time as you get further out of surgery, but certainly not to the size of your original stomach. The most important part of the anatomy of the RNY is the stoma and occasionally it does become stretched causing food to be consumed in greater quantities and pass into the intestines quickly, leaving you able to eat more. Sometimes this is mechanical failure, but most often it is from consistent and repeated overeating. You would only know if your stoma has stretched through an endoscopy to see what's going on in your gut.

Can you get your stomach back? I'm assuming you mean, "Can my pouch shrink back to the way it was when I had surgery 4 years ago?" and the answer to that is no. Consistent overfeeding can and will stretch the pouch and stoma.

Having said that, this doesn't mean that your tool isn't still there and working - it is. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said, "I have to get back on track myself and start eating properly". That's exactly what you have to do, no two ways about it. Is it going to be difficult? Not gonna lie, yes it very likely is. Extended periods of time eating off-plan has likely led to resuming old bad eating habits (which has led to a substantial weight regain) and all of us here know how difficult it is to break those habits and get back on track. But it CAN be done!

Many of us here would be extremely happy to help you with your eating, menu planning, setting routines, etc. Any one of us is at risk of falling back into old habits and ending up with a regain.

A few questions for you - which centre did you have surgery at 4 years ago? Have you been in contact with them for assistance? I can only assume you haven't been following through with the 5 year follow up that all centres offer - it's time to get back in touch with them.

Let us know what you need help with and I'm sure a whole bunch of folks here may have some suggestions for you.

Karen

Hi Margrny,

Just wanted to be sure that you knew that there are a bunch of us out here that are there for you.  The only reason we haven't responded, is that Karen said it all.

If you look back on your first post, I had suggested some tips, like setting small goals, and the first small goal is to start journaling (everything, food, activity, emotions etc).  Best thing to get on track, is to do a baseline of where you currently are, and then you can decide what goals to make.

As Karen said, if you need anything, give us a shout!

Cathy

Yep, what both Karen and Cat said. I am glad you decided against it. You are right, there are too many risks!! You can work on this! Maybe start with daily posts in the WAYDE thread (What are you Doing/Eating today? thread. It's there daily.)