Revision Surgery

Is there anyone out there who had a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) and has had to have a RNY later on?

I had VBG back in 1997 and was revised to the DS in 2007 and it was the best decision ever even tho I had complications and was in the hospital for almost 8 weeks and went home with a PICC line and TPN for three months. The problem was my stomach was a mess from scar tissue and an eroded ring. It had deteriorated into about 30 pieces that had to be picked out. I ended up with a leak and an abscess. Revsions are not easy and I hope you seek out an a surgeon who is very experienced in revisions. Have you researched all your surgery options including the DS? From one ex-VBGer to another, please check out the DS. If you have an eroded band and a lot of scar tissue then either the DS or the VSG will be your best bet since a pouch may not be a good option. Plus keeping your pyloric valve is a good thing! Best wishes in uou revision research.

I had VBG in 1986.  I had nothing but problems from the day I got out of the hospital.  My surgeon skipped town without leaving a forwarding address and I had a hard time finding a doctor who believed me when I discribed my problems.  I was told that my afflictions were my own fault...I wasn't eating right...eating too fast...etc. 

Last year in November, after 24 years of hell and severe GERD,  I found a doctor that listened to me.  I had a revision to RNY.  It has been a lifesaver for me.  My GERD is resolved.  I'm off all medications.  I am 14 pounds below goal.  I have had no problems at all.  I can eat almost anything.  I do dump on sugar...so I simply avoid it.  I use to vomit everyday with my VBG...I have not vomited once since my RNY.  Life is good!  I had lots of scar tissue in my stomach and the band was imbedded in my stomach and part of my liver.  The opening into my stomach was about the diameter of a pencil making it almost impossible to eat solid foods.  My new pouch is a little smaller than most because of the scarring.  The recovery was more difficult with the RNY than the VBG was... but it is worth it to be pain free and healthy.  Good luck to you.  I hope you have as much success as I have had!

There's a Revision forum here.

Wow!  Thanks Ladies for your replies.  You've both been through quite a lot!  I've been told that Dr. Allen is the only one in my area that will even attempt a revision and that he's done several quite successfully.  I'm hoping he'll be able to do it laparoscopically, but I have a feeling that I have a lot of scar tissue as well.  I won't be surprised if he has to make a large incision.  I haven't had a lot of issues with the VBG as far as eating and I'm wondering if I will be able to eat some things that I can't now, and vice versa.  For instance, since my VBG, my stomach will absolutely NOT tolerate eggs unless they are an ingredient in something else.  If salads have large bits of boiled egg, they make me violently ill and will not stay down for even a few minutes.  I haven't gotten my insurance approval yet, but I'm hoping it won't take long and I'll know what I'm facing soon. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!