I feel like a failure.... my doctor won't do a revision

I am at a loss of what to do.. I will be starting counseling in a few weeks... but I can't do this without help. I started at 375 and i'm now 258. I have lost quite a bit of weight... but still need to lose another 100 pounds or at least 70.

Can anyone help me with suggestions. I had RNY.... I have been thinking about the Duodenal Switch... I don't even know where I would go. Perhaps i'm grasping at straws.

Hi
I too had a rny in 2003, I am gaining weight and looking to do a revision. I had a gastroscopy done and said my stoma is a little dialated. I am looking in doing the stomaphyx. i guess its suppose to make my pouch and stoma a bit smaller.

I would also like to consider a duodenal switch but not sure if insurance wil pay for either. My first surgery was paid in full by insurance. I am looking at a doctor in michigan. dr peatman. My own doctor won't do revisions. I also would like to check out the doc in arizona, dr. scheslinger. I guess he is suppose to be great! I'm from WI.so not sure what to do. Good Luck to you, Let me know what you decide.
Lori

I haven't heard of Peatman as a DS revision surgeon. Revisions are more complicated, so it's very important to have a skilled revision surgeon, and they could probably help with whatever you need for insurance as well. I'd ask on the DS board as to the best and closest to you.

First thing you need to do is get evaluated to determine what is going on.  Is your stoma stretched, etc.  Is the doctor you are referring to your bariatric surgeon?  If so it's time to shop for a 2nd opinion.

Ms Shell

Hi let me tell you a little about my messed up surgical history,  first in the late 1990's they were only doing vertical banded gastroplastys so thats what I had at 280 lbs.  then I had it redone about 2 years later my stapel line never sealed over.    In 2001 I had the vbg with a surgeon who is considered one of the best,   2 weeks later I had a leak and had to have emergency surgery to repair the hole in my stomache low and behold I woke with a hole in my intestine.  I could not eat drink and have 'g-tube feedings for about 2 months.    Then in Jan of last year I started developing pain in my stomache my cat scan showed a fistula that connected the two stomaches and cronic heartburn,    another surgery was recommended to make the pouch smaller so I wouldnt have so much heartburn and the firstula taken down and repaired.  well guess what I woke with a hole in my stomache that was inoperable because she would kill me. I had drains a total of 4 I think.   a GI tube, a pick line because I had to be vein fed for 2 months before it caused a blood infections.  I could chew ice but not swallow the water nothing by mouth for three months.  off work for just as long.  I was in the hosp four times for this or that mostly infections.  I weighted 225 when I started and now 170  itsbeen 6 months and I have had several scoped due to my stoma swelling closed.  If I were you I would try a more conventional method first I want to lose 25 more pounds and thats what I have to do.  as long as the tools are still in place you can make then work again. Then please be sure you have a very skilled surgeon,   dr.s dont like to do revisions they are very high risk.   also check into stomaplex they go in thru your mouth to reduce size.  just be very careful.     Kathy

You need to talk to a doctor that actually does revisions to DS, as your doctor doesn't, and probably doesn't like failed surgeries on his record. If a surgeon that actually does DS revisions takes a look, it will be much easier for him/her to give you what you need for your insurance.

If you post this on the ds board there are many revisions there and they are full on knowledge.
Shelli

I, too, had RNY (2001) and have gained almost all my weight back.  I had an endoscopy and upper GI that revealed a very large stoma and a stretched pouch (therefore very little restriction, and that combined with my bad eating habits = the weight gain.  The surgeon I saw recommended a lap band over my RNY.  I am also researching the DS.  Healthwise I just need to lose the weight.  I have gone on the DS boards as well and recommend you checking it out as well.  Whatever your path, I wish you luck...

Find another surgeon.  Get a surgeon that specializes in DS revisions.  Go to the DS board and ask a ton of questions.  Go to duodenalswitch.com and find a doctor that performs the DS near you or perhaps you can travel.  My surgeon is excellent and he's in NYC.  I had the lapband and revised to the DS almost 1 year ago.  It was the BEST decision I ever made.  As you can see on my signature I got pregnant early post op but I am still doing great and still losing weight.  Baby is growing great and my life has changed so much for the better.  Don't give up and find a surgeon that specializes on the DS.  Your original surgeon doesn't need to do your revision.  I had 2 different surgeons and I did great with my revision.  Let me know if you have questions.  GOOD LUCK!

I had RNY done 9 years ago, and I'm trying to be approved as we speak for the DS.

Please check out www.dsfacts.com there is ooooodles of info there.