Post op from a total reversal of my gastric bypass

Gowi, The surgeon back in 2001, bypassed 2 1/2 times what he should have.  Causing imediately the problems with malabsorption. I ate good than.  My diet now consists of maybe 10 Startburst all day, and half a can of soda or a grape Propel. Now i did manage to eat 3-4 french fries from Scott's dinner last night.  Yippee huh? I am just not well enough to do much cooking or cleaning.  My mm comes over an helps me when she can.  I have 3 brothers  One lives in Oregon though, and the two nearest to me, only maybe call me once a week.  Everyone that is sick is being told to stay away from me.  Especially because of the implanted port in my chest.  If infection gets in that tubing I am s$$$. Have a wonderful Saturday.

I am sorry to hear of the problems that you and Angela have suffered. How are things going with your weight since having a reversal?  I wish you the best.

Hi Sandy. First, let me state for the record...you've scared me!  I'm constantly saying I'm a "poster child" for WLS...I certainly don't plan on suddenly having problems at 3 years out...I guess I thank you for reminding me to be diligent about seeing my surgeon, not letting something go that feels "wrong", taking my vitamins, getting regular blood work etc. Second, I am SO sorry you've had such a battle after WLS.  I would assume you went into the surgery with high hopes and as much knowledge as you could aquire just like all of us.  (well, most of us!) It's really unfortunate that your body has rebelled the way it has. (I would like to hear more about why you believe you've had such complications) I agree with you that anyone considering this surgery should be made aware that it is not a "magic cure" and that people out here have serious complications...even years later.  Thank you for posting...even if I didn't really like knowing! You're in my thoughts and prayers, I hope the reversal will help solve some of your ongoing problems and that you can find a better level of health and well-being. Heather

Firstly, I'm sorry for all the things that have happened to you. Unfortunately  a few of us end up with problems. You are so right about researching the doctors and really knowing what you are getting into. Understanding the risks is extremely important. I think that patient education is one of the most important factors in having surgery. But mostly knowing who your doctor is and knowing his background. I've been lucky. No problems other than an ulcer that was easily cleared up. I don't blame you for being upset about how things have turned out for you. But you are the exception, not the rule. A dear friend of mine also had serious problems after surgery and sought out a second opinion before she even sought a reversal. Her original surgery was a mess. It was risky, but she went in for two surgeries to correct the first docs mistakes. She was a mess inside. She ok now, but still has residual vitamin problems that are not an easy fix. I do feel that saying that the surgery is all bad is not fair. Many of us are quite successful and have done very well. You have the right to feel as you do. Personal experiences shape our feelings either negatively or positively. This surgery is not for everyone. You should not go into with blinders on thinking it's a cure. Because it's not. I personally have a new lease on life. I'm enjoying a wonderful life. But i still have to take care of myself. Take my vits, drink my water, eat my protein and exercise. I stay on top of things when it comes to health issues. You have too. It's a lifestyle change not a quick fix. I hope that you can awaken people to the idea that it's not  a bed of roses but I also hope that you can find some kind of help for you health issues. I think blaming the surgery itself as a whole for your problems is maybe not wise. Coming on here and posting about the negatives is fine from an education stand point but saying all surgery is bad is not fair to us who have done remarkable well without complications.  It's obvious from the address you posted, you are an anti-WLS advocate. It's sounds like you had a botched surgery. It can happen. Doctors screw up everyday. there are good ones and bad ones. Don't blame the surgery, blame the crappy surgeon you had. I wish you the best

Hi Sandy. I'm really sorry you are not able to post better news :-( . I remember when you had your takedown and hoped fervently that it would result in a lot of healing for you.  It's probably human nature to want to look only at the "good" statistics, or to trust that those statistics really tell something useful about what an individual's outcome will be. That is why everyone's individual story is so important, including and perhaps especially those with results that don't get a lot of attention.  I'm a little over a year out from the DS and it has been smooth sailing SO FAR. I try to keep cognizant of the fact that it could change at any time and keep good track of doing what I need to do to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.  Here's hoping that your situation will still improve, even after all this time.

From my understanding, and I could be wrong, bowel obstructions can also be caused by ADHESIONS - which are what I call a surgeon's nightmare and there is no one to blame for them. ADHESIONS are fibrous scar tissue causing the abdominal organs to stick together. I by no means want to negatwe your asuffering and pain or misfortune, however even from an appendectomy, adhesions can occur. i know because I've had adhesions. When i had my hysterectomy in 2005, the surgeon started asd a Lap but had to back out and opem my C-scar due to majopr adhesions. Every organ was stuck together and there was the beginning of a bowel obstruction. In the end I had a complete hysterectomy. I was on another WLS forum (WLSuncensored)but disconnected as they were too much into warning of the perils of the surgeries. Each and every person owes it to themself to make sure and do their own research and not justt rely on the surgeon. The surgeon in not G-D but a Messenger of His. See a surgeon, even get a 2nd opinion. Talk to people who have done WLS. and seach the Net. I speak from the experiences of not researching when I had "complications" and had a revision in 2001.The surgeon was supposed to do me a lapband but for some reason during the op, he decided to a VBG. And now I suffer severe GERD and all of its symptoms. Be forwarned and forearmed! Health and Healing to All! Mikimi in Israel

Sandy, Bless your heart for sharing your story with us.   There are a lot of people, like me, who are searching these sites for as much insight as possible before making the decision to have the surgery. I am jumping through the hoops now on the way to surgery.  But, I keep having these nagging doubts.  I'm pretty healthy and happy and sure don't want to change one set of health problems -- potential health problems in my case because I seem to have bp, diabetes, etc. under control with meds (not insulin) -- for a whole other set of health probles.  Problems exactly like you're having are what I worry might happen. At any rate, thank you so much.  I think you're right that there is a reason you decided to post again.  Of course, we never know who among us might have complications.  But, you do help so much in making an informed decision. Kathy, MN

Sorry to hear about what happened with you i also had major complications you can see some of them on my profile but i still wouldnt change anything i have lost over 200 lbs and im finally living life again, i knew the risks but some risks are worth taking to finally live a life i always wanted to.

Sorry to hear about your health problems.  I hope and pray now that you've had a reversal that you recover and get healthy real soon. Hugs, Erika

Thank you very much Erika.  There isn't much hope for me at this point.  It will probably mean I go into the OR again soon. But, I want to help others.  If they have had the surgery, I want to teach them how to eat, and take their vitamins. For those who haven't had surgery, just listen to my story before making that final decision, and PLEASE discuss this decision with both your family, and doctor in great detail. Sandy