I had my VBG revised to RNY all in one procedure. It was a LONG surgery to repair the damage from VBG. With the VBG they actually punch a large hole through the top of the stomach and place a band in. It causes severe damage and scarring. The band almost always implants itself in the stomach and adheres to the liver and is very difficult to remove.

Did you have GERD from your VBG? If so I would not recommend getting the sleeve surgery. GERD symptoms can get much worse with the sleeve.

Knowing the anatomy of the VBG I'm having trouble understanding how it can even be revised to a sleeve. It makes more sense to have an RNY revision (based on the anatomy of a VBG). RNY creates a pouch at the top of the stomach right above where the VBG band was placed and reroutes a section of intestines. There is a much smaller staple line that has a better chance to heal with the excess scar tissue from the VBG. The remnant stomach (with the bulk of scarring from the band) is separated from the pouch, but left in place. It's still attached to the intestines below the new roux limb so it still functions to produce digestive juices to aid in the digestion of food in the intestines. I'm unsure how the large hole and band damage from VBG can be repaired enough to create a sleeve.

Hi everyone!

I am looking to have a possible revision on my VSG. I was sleeved in August 2011 and lost 85 lbs. i never got to my goal weight, and slowly started gaining back after. I had a baby in 2016 and gained 60 lbs. I am only 15 lbs from my highest weight. I have been trying to lose weight for the last year and a half. I've done weigh****chers, low carb/Keto, counting calories, etc. I try to use my pouch as a tool, but I have no restriction anymore. I just keep losing and gaining the same 15 lbs. I'm so frustrated and disappointed in myself. I didn't realize revisions were a thing until I just started doing some research and cake across this forum.

What is the best way to get the process started? I loved my surgeon and am scheduled to see him next week, but I'm worried about what he's going to say. How should I approach the topic with him..I don't want to just go in and say I want a different procedure. I am interested in either a GB or DS (i already had my gallbladder out 2 years ago). Do I have to go through all of the pre-op stuff again?? Did your surgeons make you try XYZ before they would agree to do another procedure? I'm in the Philadelphia area and would love some surgeon recommendations as a back up in case my Dr doesn't want to help me.

Thanks in in advance for any advice you can offer!!

this will be a general response, best to ask your surgeon.

Essentially VBG cause a host of complications-even if the patient is unaware of them till surgeon finds them on OR day. VBG is removed and the tissue is allowed to heal before a VSG can be performed as leaks across the staple line in VSG are very difficult to treat and can be fatal.

So in the meantime give your body the best it can get, by eating right, exercising, and resting. Your body will thank you.

good luck in your journey

I just had surgery 3.13.18..4 days out and i have been to target and Ross and cleaning and feeling pretty good. Only bad thing is the gas pains.i walk and tried gas x and pray it works.i feel pretty good. A little sore but nothing I cant tolerate.i had revision due to gerd. I had my sleeve 2012 with my hw 310 got to 218 and gain 39 lb before the surgery trying to eat food that would help with the gerd or I just would eat.i haven't been on the scale seen home from the hospital due to the liquids they pump in you..i try to sip and walk as much as i can and when i get tired I do sit down.i have to get use to this new restriction but i know it will be a journey.im excited because i am gerd free.i hear the weight lost isnt as high but it's ok if i can go on with life without my chest busting into flames everytime i eat something. Good luck

I had a drain in for 3 days and it was very painless coming out. I took one deep breath and it was out.