Not not be downer but....Need Revision, RNY failed

Had surg. 5 yrs. ago by a Very new surgeon here in Texas (less than 100 done at that time), not to place All the blame on him, yet he could have done something wrong, perhaps left the pouch too large or something. I was at 398 , lost 126 or so the first nine months. It was H A R D work , since I never lost my appertite, never dumped from sweets, lucky to never experience most neg. symptoms of the operation. Leading to reverting to eating anything I desired, as time went on.... Now I have gained back to 330, and want a revision due to all the presenting health , and now others, due to this extream weight...Let's not even mention the depression, now I've developed COPD. I cant understand how to know if I have "co-morbid resolutions or Medibolic Failure, or staple malfunction? Can anybody explain this to me in Simple English. My Original Surg. refused to look inside my pouch, just told me I failed ....

Sounds like you need to find a nutritionist and a new surgeon to consult with.  You can't assume it failed until you have it truly checked out. 

If you're truly interested in a revision - don't just look at RNY - check out all your options and find a very experienced revision surgeon.

Good luck to you! 

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions... As you can tell my mind is all over the place, and in a real Panic. You are correct, having an Upper GI or something will allow me and the Insurance co. to know what we are dealing with. Also your suggestion of a Nutritionist is a wise thought;keeping me focused on my goal perhaps without binging under this stressful endeavor .... Your picture surely is one of a for real #1Mack Mama, really working that pretty hair...Thanks again!

No problem!  Working the eating part will do the first step ahead of time - reshaping your habits.  You said that you slipped back into your previous habits and that's one thing that surgery can HELP but not CURE - we all get back in to our old ways, but it's a daily fight for all of us to 'hold it in the middle of the road'. 

And - if you lurk around here at ALL - you should know what I am going to ask next.......

ARE YOU EXERCISING REGULARLY???????

Even with a sucessful surgery, after the first 2 years, your body adapts and you have to do more than just eat 'right' to keep things in line - I would strongly suggest working on the things YOU control right now (eating, exercise, vitamin and water intake) while you walk through this revision process - put those two toegether and you have a real shot at the success you were looking for in the beginning.

Don't be a stranger - keep us updated on how you are coming along!!

There are lots of people who never dump and one thing that you said that makes me think that you just didn't get it is..." that you reverted to eating anything that you desired"  WLS is a temporary tool to help you lose weight.  It is NOT a permanent fix.  During your honeymoon period while your pouch is at it's smallest you were to make a lifestyle change meaning that you started to eat healthy and exercise.  By not doing this, no matter who does your surgery you will FAIL and regain.

I know quite a few people who've had revisions, and you do have options.  The pouch may have been too large, or you might have stretched it over time.  Without testing you can't know about staple problems.  Some of your options would be (and you can go to the specific forums to ask for more information):

RNY revision (another RNY - tightening the pouch)
Lapband over RNY

Both of those require major changes of eating habits - as someone else said, this is such a tool.

For those who just really like to eat, and don't want to diet, check out the DS forum.  The duendal switch surgery requires a much higher intake of calories due to the malabsorption.  I have friends with all types of the surgeries, and the DS people really enjoy eating those high fat foods and a lot of it.  They have the least amount of change in eating habits to lose weight.

Also check out the Revisions forum - you will get lots of help there too.  It is good to talk to people who have been through the same story.

Your original surgeon sucks, and doesn't want to take responsibility.  He should be advising you on your options.  Good luck.

Hi there,
make sure that you check out the revisions board and read the literature provided on their home page that gives a detailed explaination as to WHY revisions are often needed. There are a variety of reasons and non-compliance makes up only a very small percentage.

It would be the new surgeon who will do the necessary testing to determine if your surgery failed. You cannot depend on your first surgeon to do that...its a waste of time at this point.

I just had a revision from Lapband to VSG 2 weeks ago and am so glad that I did. Enough information was gathered to determine that my surgery had failed, but it wasn't until my new surgeon got in there that the true reasons were revealed.

In regards to eating habits, yes a change must be made but the tool must also do its part in helping you to make the change, otherwise you would not have needed the surgery. I see that you as well as myself did very well with the lifestyle change needed to lose the initial weight when you first had your surgery. Once things went awry, we converted back to the old way of life. Take the tool away and the work is very hard to do. 

Keep researching and speaking to those who are either seeking or have gotten a revision, you will hear your story over and over again and that will be your confirmation.

As one who  followed through with the revision,  I can honestly say that I am SO glad that I did because I almost allowed self doubt and the fear of a second failed surgery to change my mind. With the way that this new tool is working, I am SURE that I made the right decision.

God bless,
Que

I was ashamed to post my story , yet realize I need help.... thank you for responding to my post. Your kindness and understanding is soooo welcomed!! Again , I will not place All of the blame on my Surgeon...Yet because of him and his Partner in his office, I couldn't get the support I needed. The Awful truth is His Partner(the other Doc in his office) killed my Sis the same week I had my Surg.. she went in for Hernia repair, we nicked her Bowel, she got Septic and died in four days...I think the weight I lost was due mostly from Broken hearted suffering, living in a daze of Grief and pain... Yes I did follow the rules of the Pouch, since I never made myself sick by overeating, or eating the wrong stuff. I am blessed to come out of that operating room alive!!!! I will Slow down, research, read the Boards here since there is so much knowledge and information, support too. Will continue to post, Thank You again

Nah Nah I am so sorry to read about your sister. Yes you definately need the opinion of another surgeon. Make sure that you go with an experienced surgeon. Ask other OH members who share your surgeon about he or she, read his or her reviews etc. Most importantly pray and ask God for guidance and pay attention to how he lead you.

Now that revisions are becoming more popular, there is this attitude that needing one is something to be ashamed of. I have been shocked at some of the stuff I have read from those getting a revision. I am not ashamed of my revision, I thank God for giving another opportunity. I was never ashamed from the start, I am glad that I was wise enough to get the message that dieting doesn't work. Some never come to that realization, so don't be ashamed, do what you have to do. Keep in touch.

Que