Tell me your experience with revision surgery

   Tell me your story of your gastric bypas revision.  Have you had any complications you didn't have the first time.  I lost 140 lbs the first time 5 years ago but I have gained a little in the last year or so.  My doctor says a lot of people gain about 20%.  However, I am still over 300 lbs and have a high BMI.  The first time I did great but just stuck at
300 lbs.  I have maintained fairly well when I exercise.  I am hoping to have a revision because I am worried about getting my diabetes back.  My father had such a bad time the last 5 years of his life with diabetes.  It scares me.  My father lived until he was 82 but had very bad health his last years.  I am now 58 and probably have lower metabollism
than 5 years ago.  I want to know other people's experience with their revision.
Laurie

Hi Laurie. There are many people on the DS board that have revised from RNY and bands to the DS, so that might be a good place to ask, as they are always quite helpful. The latest data shows the DS as having as high as a 98% cure rate for diabetes (the other surgeries can only put it in remission, meaning if you regain, the diabetes comes back). You might consider the DS just so you can get rid of the diabetes for good, but it also has better statistics regarding excess initial weight lost, as well as keeping the weight off long term. My own DS journey has been amazing, but if you read from others who are now free of diabetes and metabolics disorders (like me!) it is inspiring. I hope you visit us on the DS board soon!

Hi my name is Kim and this is the first time that I have ever posted on this board... I had GBS 4/2004 and lost 130lbs at this point I have gained back all but 30lbs I am so depressed that I do nothing I s there anything that I could do to get back on track slowly because the family will just put me down for  it ... please some one tell me how to start all over

Hi Kim, I understand that you feel depressed. I did too when I did not lose the weight I thought I would after the RNY back in 2003. I lost 100lb never got lower than 320lbs then gained a good portion of it back. I am now swinging between 350 and 375. I refuse to give up though.  I tried the five day pouch test at www.livingafterwls.com a great site too and realized my pouch still works fine.  I admitted to my therapist my feelings of shame and failure and with her and my doctor's help we have reduced my depression to the point that I am once again exercising and getting my meal plan back to healthy choices.  I am feeling that I can and will lose the unhealthy weight.  At 52 years (40 spent morbidly obese) I know that I must make my weight loss a top priority, which for me means no excuses.  I think you are on the right track though in admitting you need help. Check out the living after weight loss site, I believe you will find help there too.

Laurie,
I was 317 then went down to 165 after a RNY with malabsorbsion, then I went back up to 230lbs after about three years. I went back to my surgeon and asked for a revision but he told me that most people only lose about 25-30 lbs on the revision and sugessted he take out more intestines, but I would have to live with cronic diahreah.(sp)
So I went to another surgeon and he said he had sucsess with revisions.I flew to San Diego and had it done. I lost about 60lbs. I have gained back 30lbs. Its been 2 years. I also have a vitamin D deficiancy and calcium deficincy. I take 1200mg of calcium and 2000iu of D a day for the past year and still have a deficiency. I tired and my bones and joints hurt. I have hair loss. I do eat protien and do everything right. I think there is little help for me, but I plan on going to the mayo clinic this summer to resolve these unresolved issues. I crave sweets alot but avoid if I can and eat fruit instead. I wish I would have got the band the second time around. I dont think anyone really understands how to treat obesity. I also feel I eat to feel good because my body is lacking something.  I have tried but failed.