Got a question...

I am still working on the 6-month supervised weight loss before I can be approved for WLS and am looking to get RNY Gastric Bypass.

I have seen several posts about revisions and changes in the surgery people choose...I am concerned and am womdering why a revision would be needed, how often they are needed, and why a change in the surgery? I am wondering if it is a case of not being able to adhere to the behaviors the surgeon prescribes after surgery or is it something else? I am not trying to offend anyone here who has had a revision, really just trying to understand so I can avoid another surgery...please help.

Thanks, Lisa

Lisa

 I can only speak for myself here.  I had a revision  due to lack of weightloss, 1yr out from a RNY ( done Lap)  I had lost 125lbs and started to  gain - Did I push the envelope some - sure I take responseability for that, Should I have had more  mental health counseling - YES!!  surgery is a tool - learn how to use it .  it might limit the amount of food you put in your stomach  - but it does nothing for your head and issue's within.

. Seeing that I still had over another 150 to loose - I chose to be revised. My original surgeon  would not consider it. I went with another Dr who  did an Open procedure bypassed more intestine & created more malabsorption. I wished my Original Dr did this the first time, but that is hindsight . 

 I was given a second chance  to loose more of the weight.  I am to this day still loosing slowly. but going down !  I am healthier & happier  for the most part. I get labs checked religiously. 

the best advise I can give .. Is to talk to your surgeon sincerly about your concerns.  
 

working from crappy puter so pardon oopsies....

Great question Lisa and kudos to you for being pro-active and doing your research ahead of the game!

2 main reasons that insurances will cover a revision to an original WLS:

1.  Mechanical failure or medical necessity (bland erosion, band slippage, stricture, blockage, staple line disruption, etc)

2.  Patient did not reach their desired goal weight or because of metabollic or non compliancy or health or ........has had significant regain and co-morbidities have returned or their BMI is 35 or over.

That's not cut and dried and there are other things to factor in....  (individual cases....one size does not fit all kind of philosophy)


There are definitely procedure types that have proven to have better long term success stats than others.  People with the total info pkg make a choice based on their own situations.  so, if someone has selected a band because they're young and still want children or have medical reasons that they need certain meds that are not recommended for other surgery types then....they may find later that they really need a malabsorptive componant added to really make a difference.

There are really very few revisions.  But....because we are in neeed of support and help and are realize just how valuale compliancy really is......you see a bunch of us gather on these great chat sites.

"Revision" is such a generic term.  It doesn't need to mean a person has undergone a total body overhaul.  It can mean that they simply needed some scar tissue cleaned up or a hernia repaired or their pouch banded or their common channel shortened a  bit.

It shouldn't be something that freaks anyone out but rather a comfort to know that if for some reason a surgery doesn't perform the miracle hoped for that there are options for a 2nd chance!  Of course none of us want to sign up for something with a part 2 clause!  Of course compliancy is important!  But, lets be honest with ourselves and with our demographic!  If we could have all been perfect eaters and exercisers before then we wouldn't havve needed a tool in the 1 st place!

Revisions are blessings to those of us who need our tools repaired, sharpened or traded in!  LOL!

I'm thrilled I've had one!

Good luck with your journey!  Choose well!  Follow your program!  ....and find comfort knowing thatt if things fail (small percentage) then there are potential fixes:)

Huggggzzzz,