DS to RNY revision?

Hello all-

I have a recurring esophageal hernia and my doctor is recommending a revision from DS which I had 15 years ago to an RNY. He thinks this will reduce the chances of the hernia returning. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Also, I've regained most of my post DS weight and am hoping that this revision will help me lose some weight as well, but since the DS is a stronger surgery, my nutritionist says I may not lose any weight with the RNY.

I've never heard of a DS to RNY revision. Any advice is appreciated.

I have seen it done on rare occasions where the DS misbehaves or was not done correctly in the first place. I can't comment on whether the RNY is any more resistant to a hiatal hernia recurrence - they both have a small stomach that seems to be prone to being dragged up out of the abdominal cavity. I would certainly get a second (and possibly third) opinion on it. Is the doctor whom you're consulting your original DS surgeon, or someone else - those that don't do the DS can often be quick to ditch it as they aren't that familiar with it (or often, the sleeve itself.)

I understand the concern about minimal weight loss with the change, as the RNY is a metabolically weaker procedure than you DS. Something that might be considered is the uncommon distal (or long limb) RNY which has a weight loss and nutrition/supplement character similar to the DS. It isn't usually covered by insurance as a primary WLS but is when appropriate as a revision. It doesn't have a great reputation as it tends to be troublesome, but I suspect that much of that is because most treat it the same as the standard proximal RNY rather than a DS, and that leads to long term nutrition problems.

My ex- husband had a distal RNY surgery probably twenty or so years ago

. He too came from big numbers and lost and kept off most of his weight despite snacking , diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle.

The last time I saw him he seemed pretty happy and functional though his weight had crept up a bit.

He says his surgery is still functioning such as malabsorbing large amounts of fat ( yellow stools )

. He does eat a high quality ( if largely restaurant) diet though.

I've noticed it's common for people to go to mediocre doctors nearby and then be willing to travel the world to fix problems later. Your doctors recommendation seems dubious. I would get another opinion and seek out an expert, even if you have to travel to find one.

Best of luck!

I don't have personal experience with the DS to RNY revision, but I've read about others who've gone through it. It sounds like it can really help with hernia issues, and some people have managed to lose weight post-revision, even if it's not as much as with the DS. It might take a bit of time to adjust, though, so definitely keep an open line with your doc and nutritionist about what to expect.