Considering A Revision

Hi everyone. I am a new member of OH. I am just looking to meet some people maybe that are in a similar situation as I am or could help me with the options that are available. Here's my story...


I had VBG in 2005 at the age of 19. My surgery weight was 252, I ended up getting down to 135 and maintained it for about a little more than a year. And was very proud of myself and may have gotten a little too ****y with how I looked and being young caught up in all the new social adventures I was experiencing. I had been overweight since I was 10yrs old. But in my mid teens I was diagnosed with PCOS. (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which hindered me from losing weight on my own and keeping it off. And as the PCOS progressed the weight gain was unmangable. Which is why I had WLS. After getting down to my goal weight I kept it off for awhile and then I started to regain slowly and the invisible PCOS symptoms which completely went away started to creep back up along with the weight. Needless to say I started to slip back into depression and now feel like a complete failure. I never thought this could happen. But, it did. I'm not going to say I was the most compliant with all the restrictions but I followed them to the best of my ability at that time. I don't think I was prepared for the impact and results of what happened. I truly believe that I wasn't mature enough and now feel like I should of done more to prevent this. But meeting with my PCP he said patients with PCOS who do resort to WLS sometimes it does fail and not to blame myself. Maybe something went wrong to where I am in the position I am in now. He suggested looking into a revision surgery.Now at 22 almost 23 I feel that I am more prepared to handle myself and work this tool better than before. I am determined to lose this weight and keep it off. So that's why I am here. I have been researching and talking to some people and it seems the majority are recommending DS. Especially due to the PCOS. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for listening. :)

Hi,

Sorry this is happening to you.  The choices, of course, are yours to make.  Do the research on all wls types and pick the one that you feel you could live with.  Now, I do have a question or two.  I know with alot of us, me included, we get slack and lazy and undisciplined in following our programs.  I am talking to mysel as well.  I am wondering if you found yourself falling into this group too.   If so, try going back to the eating nutritionally and exercising for awhile and see if this helps before spending alot of money on a revision.  Also, if you did get a revision, what are the chances of this happening again?  Lots to think about I know.  Just don't rush into something until you have "troubleshooted" all resources. 

I had the DS, and have had relief from my PCOS as a surprise benefit I didn't expect. While the DS has the best statistics for weight loss and maintenance, you must be committed to taking supplements (both the DS and RNY require supplementation).

Research the surgery options, but only commit to one if you know for a fact you can follow the rules for life.

I feel your pain with the PCOS. I felt so hopeless and blamed myself so much for the weight until I was diagnosed. It gave me some relief to know that I wasn't crazy.

I didn't have my period for 2 years prior to surgery. My doc said I'd do better with RNY because of my PCOS, but I insisted the band. I am very glad about my choice - I have lost 80lbs in 8 months and my periods are regular, hair on neck is decreased, etc.

But I will tell you this... I consider PCOS like a condition. It's like of like if you have Crohn's Disease... you need to commit to a strict eating lifestyle in order for the symptoms to subside. Because this is such a struggle... there are lots of support forums for PCOSers... it's a tough road. I cut out almost all carbs because they kill my energy... these are sacrifices, but I am 24 and had to kick myself in the butt and realized that I'd rather be healthy than enjoy food. It's a hard battle every frickin' day with this stupid PCOS, but I take it one day at a time.