Considering Revision

I am 12 years out of surgery, almost 52 years old, and have gained 30+ pounds back. I am very frustrated with myself. I care very much about how I look and feel. I have a very stressful teaching job (that I love) a wonderful, loving, supportive, thin husband, a beautiful daughter who is recovering from cancer, and a teenage son who has psychological issues and is difficult. I stress-eat. I feel like my eating is triggered at work by the environment. I have a problem with sweets. I don't really "dump" anymore, but I do occasionally have low blood sugar if I eat the wrong combination of carbs. I originally lost 100 lb. I am 5'6" and weigh about 200. I feel like I recently just cannot lose weight. 

I would like to have a revision. Is there a Tucson surgeon who would talk to me? Are there seminars in Tucson? I don't know if I'll need a duodenal switch, or if I even qualify for WLS again. I'm not even sure if my insurance company would pay for it. I have United Health Care PPO. 

Anyone who wants to "chat" or has any local advice to offer would be most helpful. I had surgery in June of 2012 with the wonderful Robin Blackstone.

Thank you, Anyone who is willing to give me some advice, encouragement, or steer me in the right direction.

No one in Tucson does the DS.

Dr. Monash (my surgeon) and his partner, Dr. Welle work out of TMC and perform RNY, VSG and Bands.

Dr. Chaisson and Burpee are in Northwest and perform VSG and Bands, not sure if they do RNY.

I think there is another surgeon or 2 who do Bariatrics in Tucson these days, but I am pretty sure that Monash/Welle will at least consult with you about a revision.

Kath,

Thank you so much for the information. 12 years is a long time, and I feel like I've been so out of the "loop" of WLS speak. I will have to look into this further. How do you like Dr. Monash?

Have a great week!

Liz

Liz,

I am Dr Monash's number one fan!!  He is a wonderful surgeon and a very caring, gentle man.

He takes his time with each patient ...he does my fills, is the only person who has touched my band in 5 1/2 years ...... Other people see his NP or partner, but he sees me every time ......even has seen me after hours for an emergency on a holiday ......great guy!!!

call his office and get in for a consult and see what he has to say.

Most insurance companies will not pay for a second WLS unless there is a mechanical failure of the first surgery or severe medical issues that can only be fixed with a new surgery.  I don't think you will find a surgeon to do the revision with a 30 pound weight gain.  

You could get a scope to see if your original surgery is still working properly.  If there is a problem you might be able to get a revision.  If there is nothing wrong with the original pouch then you will have to go back to basics and work your pouch like you did right after surgery.  Eat high protein, low carb, no drinking with your meals and measure out your portion sizes.  It's easy to let portions creep up on you causing weight gain.  losing 30 pounds will be hard work, but it can be done.

Hi Rocky,

Thank you so much for your candid and helpful response. You confirmed something I was thinking--going back to the post-op diet and being more careful and purposeful with my eating. It's amazing how lax I've become about diet. I like your numbers. Your highest weight is close to mine, and your current weight is wonderful! Good for you surpassing your goal. I have to quit procrastinating, and get on with a healthier lifestyle.  

Have a wonderful week.

I am having my revision this Wednesday.  It is very hard to find a good surgeon who does revisions and it does have to be a mechanical failure for insurance to cover it. I had my gastric bypass 10 years ago and gained 80 pounds back.  I am very lucky that I happen to be in Orlando, FL where Dr. Jawad practices.  He has done more revisions than most surgeons.  My surgery was a mechanical failure so my insurance Aetna PPO approved it immediately.  Good luck in your search! :)

Hi Tink,

Wow! What a fascinating story you have. Can you tell me more about what the "mechanical failure" is? I will definitely have to look into whether I have one or not. Right now, I think my biggest problem is stress-eating. I am amazed at how much I can actually eat, sometimes. Was the process for discovering the mechanical failure painful at all? I am happy that you can have a revision. I wish you the best of luck and a quick recovery, followed by complete weight-loss success! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'll be thinking about you on Wednesday:)