22 years since I "reversed" my WLS.

So, I know you are out there somewhere.

All of you who have had WLS "reversals and or takedowns"...

I'm still hoping to hear how you are doing. I can't be the only one experiencing all these late complications after attempting to undo this mess.
 
I'm still glad I had the "takedown". It probably saved my life even though I'm now in more trouble (physically). Too bad some WLS ops can't be totally reversed.

No, I did not re-gain all of the weight.

I appeared on national TV a few yrs ago in an attempt to get the word out about lack of informed consent and complications re these procedures. The letters I received from other ill WLS pts were both astounding
and heartbreaking.

I also conducted an extensive research study on these procedures in 94' at U.S.C. Most bariatric surgeons I approached with it ran like hell (with the exception of some academics). They knew if they implemented suggestions I made re support systems, informed consent, and screening, less pts would have surgery.

If I can muster the energy to mount another media blitz, I will do so.

However, I still think WLS is appropriate in some cases (i.e., if someone is in danger of dying from obesity related conditions within 1-2 yrs and then it only should be performed/monitored by a comprehensive team for the lifetime of the pt).

Okay, guys... please respond to my posts.

Best,

Docj

I'm so sorry you never came to the West Coast. My doc started in 1963, so by the 90's, he was revising early JIB's and the Scopinaro version of BPD to more modern procedures.

But there are many of us short common channel ppl who are doing well. However, you being 10 yrs ahead of me, well, the info wasn't out there. Heck, it's barely out there TODAY!

Actually, I moved to CA in 79'.

A UCLA surgeon, J. Roslyn (deceased) did my "take-down" in 89'.

ok im new havent had surgery yet... I was gun ho for the band but now thinking of doing the sleeve! What type of surgery did you do and how did they undo it??

Jennifer

I had a BPD, very drastic. They couldn't totally reverse it. I lost most of my stomach and 2ft of small bowel. They dismantled as much as they could so I absorbed more nutrients. This was performed after I almost died.

Despite all of the above, I do believe in WLS, but only after a very strict protocol is followed. It should be used only in cases when people are in danger of dying from their morbid obesity and only when people have exhausted other weight loss modalities inc. Overeaters Anonymous (if they are true overeaters) psychotherapy, nutritional coaching, etc. 

 When I had my surgery in 2006 many of those modalities were required in order to have the surgery you had to have at least 4 or more methods of weight loss that you tried and you had to see a psychiatrist.

its been 7 years since my reversal and i KNOW i wouldnt be here to type this had I NOT gotten a reversal. 

Grace