RNY REGRETS

For the most part I am ok with my decision BUT....I have had chronic constipation since I left the hospital.  That was 9 1/2 months ago.  I have been unable to "go" on my own and I dependant on laxatives.  On top of all of that, my surgeon made my pouch too big for me to benefit me beyond what it already has.  So if I were you, I would look into all versions of the surgery and ask too many questions....I did not get enough information.  I would still do it again because I can be fixed and I can now walk without a limp.

Hi -Shade' = I am 27 months out and while I am looking into a revision - do not regret getting RNY - I am having B12, constipation issues and iron issues but I had those prior to surgery -Jo

You said your looking into a revision....can you explain?

Hi Shade, I have had RNY Bypass in May of 2001. I have initially lost 135 pounds and was extremely happy with the results. I will not kid you...it was extremely difficult at first getting use to a different way of handling food intake and the "emotional" side of the life style change. More often then not I would find myself in the bathroom vomiting simply because I ate to much, did not chew enough, drank liquids with meals etc. I have learned since then. Over the last 7 years I have suffered low iron, low B12, low vit D & I have become anemic and I am tired more often then I am not. I am continually on the low side or under a vitamin level at all times. Some times it is a struggle to keep on top of it. I still have occasional bouts of vomiting. And to make things worse, I have gained back 65 pounds. I am actually considered in the "obese" range again. With any of these surgeries you have to remember this is a "tool" not a cure all. Like others on this posting, I have suffered chronic constipation since the day I was released from the hospital. I am concerned with what I can expect as I age. But with all that said...I would probably go through with it again. The only thing I am regretting right now is that I did not get a handle on the weight regain sooner and still have not as of yet. I don't blame the doctors or the surgery as it is my own actions that are putting me back where I started. My problem is I can not tolerate any kind of meats very easy so I tend to eat carbs because they are easier for me to digest. My recommendation is to throughly research and be very sure you can make the commitment to make "all" lifestyle changes that will be necessary for keeping off the weight. I wish you good luck.

There are some very good DS docs in Michigan and if I were you, I know I am not, but I would check out those docs and see if they can help you. I am going for a revision to a DS from RnY and I am excited to finally get this weight under control. You have to do it for yourself. There are some positive options out there. Good luck. and also come to the DS forum here on OH and read duodenalswitch.com. There is hope.

Hi KRWaters,

Thank you for your reply.   I have researched the DS as well.  I am just not sure I want to go through that much risk with the take down of the pouch and the reconstruct.  Especially if it is the shorter common channel that will aid in the long term success.  I have researched the Dr.s here in MI.  There are some who do perform the DS.  The only concern I have is that there are not many who have a lot of experience in revisions.  Some only as many as 20 or less procedures done, I believe the highest number I was able to find was one Dr who performed about 41.  And these were lap bands and VSG.  With the revision being risker I would be more comfortable with a Dr. who has performed many. 

Hi Shade, I am 59 yr old.  I didn't have insurance so I had to pay for my surgery which was a huge decision in itself.  I had RNY on April 4, 2007 and my liver reacted badly which I am still battling.  I went from wearing 16-18 to 2-4 and I love shopping.  I don't have energy like others have said that they have.  I feel tired all of the time.  I weighed 205 when I started and I am 5'3" but I have to honestly say that I was happier when I was fat then I am now.  Maybe when they get my liver straightened out I will feel better, I don't know.  Maybe my liver would have reacted to any surgery that I may have had done, I just don't know.  Do I regret having it done?  What I regret is feeling so bad off and on for the last year.  I do love my new body. Its a big decision.  Please make sure that you are really sure that you want this for yourself and not for someone else or you might regret it. Good luck.

Thank you so much, I really appreciated your response. I’m sorry you are having such a hard time and I hope you get well soon, very soon! Thanks again.

what excatly is up with your liver? if you don't mind my asking.

I had a liver biopsy and they have decided that I have had a reaction to either the anesthesia or antibiotics that was given to me after surgery.  I have to have blood tests done once a month to make sure that my liver enzymes are coming down.  (They have been 856 at the highest and normal is 130)  I know that I am tired of feeling tired and nausous.  My liver specialist said that he will take to about the end of December to get it all out of my system. (I had plastic surgery in March)  The same thing happened after my RNY in April 07. The good news is that the biopsy showed minimal damage to my liver.  I may have to take steroids for a short time but it should start getting better before long. Are you having liver problems?