Question for RNY folks that have gained back their weight

I had VBG about 15 years ago, and like many others I've read about, I'm sitting back above my pre-surgery weight.  With VBG it didn't take much effort to 'cheat', as the calorie dense foods ****cream, processed fast foods, etc) were much easier to consume then more healthy foods (lean chicken, raw veggies, etc.) I'm looking into a revision surgery (RNY) and would like to hear from folks who've had RNY done, but failed to maintain their post-op weight loss. One of the big differences I thought would be very helpful with RNY or DS was the bypass part of the operation where some percentage of calories would not be absorbed as they passed through the lower intestines. From what I've read it takes about 4000 calories per day to maintain a 300lb weight for a sedentary person (13.5 cals x 300lbs = ~4000 cals/day).  If a portion of the food that is eaten is not absorbed, does this mean folks are managing to squeeze in >4000 cals per day? As you've put back on your weight, how many calories do you think you're taking in? Thanks in advance

I am sorry, I can't answer your question. I do have a uqestion for you. When you say VBG, exactly what surgery are you referring to, vertical gastric banding? It is not the same as the vertical gastric sleeve, right? I am asking b/c I am per-op for the vertical gastrectomy. What is the difference? Thank you.

I'm unfamiliar with the gastric sleeve.  My operation was Vertically Banded Gastroplasty. 

Sleeve is not the same as the VBG, not even similar.  Outeating the sleeve would take MUCH MUCH more consideration than outeating the VBG (being a VBG looking for a revision, I've been researching, too!)

hi, I came to this forum for the first time out of curiousity. My Mom had RNY in 1998. She lost 200 pounds and was a skinny thing! But......it's now 2007 and she's gained more than 100 pounds back. Most people don't get dumping syndrome, sadly (yes, sadly). My Mom got mild dumping but she learned tricks to avoid it, so she ate lots of sweets. She also ate way too much and stretched her pouch and stoma. Over time, it added up. She's now looking to have a revision to her RNY, which is done endoscopically!!! (down your mouth...no cutting). But, I hate to say this....it won't help unless she changes her ways. WLS doesn't operate on our brains....we need to do that and it's HARD! Very hard. I worry for my Mom. Personally....if I were her I'd get a DS. In fact, had I learned about DS sooner, I might have gone for that too. It seems to be easier to live with foodwise but harder vitaminwise. Best of luck to you. Please feel free to email me directly. Hugs, Karen

Thanks Karen for the reply. I'm sorry to hear your Mom was not as succesful with RNY. You've definately given me some things to think about (like considering DS) A quick follow-up question, do you know if your Mom's RNY was distal (agressive small intestine by pass) or proximal (moderate small intestine by pass)?

Her's was Distal; we just found that out when we got the surgery report which was needed by the surgeon doing the revision. It seems that many of the RNYs done in the late 90's were Distal...whereas now most are Proximal.

You might want to read my profile if you're interested in learning why I chose the DS from my failed RNY.

Hi and you don't know how nice it is to hear someone who has the RNY say that they would get the DS if they had it to do over again. ****rtainly hope you don't) and I'm so sorry about your Mom's regain.  If you've seen any of the RNY VS DS threads lately, you know what I'm talking about. 

The reason I'm chiming in here is because you're in NY if your Mom is in NY, you have some of the most experienced RNY to DS surgeons in NYC.  Dr. Gagner, Dr. Roslin come to mind immediately.

Go to www.duodenalswitch.com 

 

To find surgeons in your area who do the DS. There aren't many (unlike the RNY) but those who do the DS are completely dedicated to it and duodenalswitch has throughly checked these surgeons out and while there are other surgeons listed here who do the DS (just getting started, have less than 100 under their belt) or say they do the DS, then pull the "bait and don't switch", there are even fewer who are willing to do revision from RNY to DS.  It's the most complex WLS there is.

Good luck to you both!!!!!!!!   

I'd like to respond, though I have not yet had surgery (looking at VSG), but as a 314lb woman.  Your math above is incorrect.  I maintain 300lbs plus on 2100 calories and am active.  It doesn't take that many calories to be this overweight.