DS to DS revision

I wonder if anyone on this group has had this surgery, what were the results and who was your surgeon.  My surgery was in OH by a Dr. who is retired.  I'm in IL and had the BPD/DS in 2001 and lost a significant amount of weight.  However I started at 450 and did not lose all of what I wanted.  I would like to lose at least 100 lbs. more.  I know that might be unrealistic.  My surgery probably won't cover it, since I had to pay for my original surgery out of pocket to the tune of $25,000.

I know this has been done before.  But there aren't many of them so be patient waiting for someone to come along!

Hi Helen here:

In 2003 I had a RNY surgery and have since gained 50 lbs back. At this time I have an upcoming appointment with a surgeon to have the DS performed. My BMI is high and I also have many health issues which I believe will enable me to have my insurance pay for the surgery. I am at my wits end with this weight and feel lost. Something has to be done and I have reached the point where I will do anything necessary to to get the weight OFF. I will try to keep you posted on my progress.

Doing as much research as possible and seeing any surgeons you can at your disposal until you get all the answers you want that will help you make up your mind what to do for yourself. 

I wish you GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks Helen!  Good luck to you and keep us informed.

Yes, it's been done - though exactly what might help you depends on your current anatomy. You would need an assessment to determine the present size of your sleeve to see if a re-sleeve would help, and also need to determine the length of your common channel. You also need an experienced DS surgeon because a re-sleeve is tougher than making the original sleeve and requires great care to avoid crossing staple lines, which can lead to a  leak.

You can find a list of ds surgeons at dsfacts.

Larra

Hi Larra,  Thanks for your input.  I don't have staples...I don't think.  Your information gives me great ideas.  I am going to consult with several surgeons first.  Nancy in IL

Nancy, you have the right idea. Consult with several surgeons, esp surgeons with DS revision experience. And you probably do have staple lines, as staples are the most common method of creating the sleeve and the other anastamoses (connections) involved in the DS. Your operative report would say for sure, and you should get this regardless because any potential revision surgeon will want to see it. If your former surgeon is no longer available, the hospital where the surgery was done should still have it.

Larra

Yes, you have staples. That's how they seew up your stomach during surgery.

I had my DS done almost 6 weeks ago and I know they filled me with staples!!

Potentially a crazy question -- what if the common channel length is not in the operative report?  I requested my records from the hospital and it is not included in the documentation (so far as I can tell).  I got the records as soon as I had surgery.  If that information is not there, where else does one go to get it? 

Further, when I had my surgery, I was told that there was an individual (not the surgeon) who "created" the sleeve in the OR.  I only learned this because I had to give permission for this person to be there.  So if you have staples, is there a diagram of how this works?  (how it is created, not how the anatomy is ultimately modified).  

Thanks, 

blondegal