New to OH-failed RNY

 I have gained almost 100 lbs over the last 2 years but do not know if there is a surgery (one that works) to revise the RNY. I have spoken to physicians and they do not have a solution. Is there something being researched or new surgery in the works? I have contacted MDs all over the world and everyone agrees that revision is not a possibility for the RNY patient - yet- many RNYs have gained considerable weight back. Feeling desperate-- Thank you Janette

You're not alone. I'm in the same boat with you. I had gastric bypass in 2003 and have gained all the weight back plus more. There are surgeons out there who do revisions. I have a consultation with a surgeon next month about a revision. Go to the revision board. You'll find a lot of people are in the same situation as us. Don't feel alone; you're not by yourself.

Hi,

Ok, you asked about a surgery that works.  I don't normally do this because this is a personal choice.  No flames please.  The MGB is one that is almost guaranteed to work.  Unfortunately, it is a self pay surgery, http://clos.net.  The reason this is so successful is because up to 7 feet of the small intestines is bypassed.  This decreases the amount of calories you absorb drastically. The Vagas nerve is cut which helps with the hunger issue and unless you love to dump, you cannot over eat. 

Some folks have found surgeons who will put a band over the RNY pouch.  Others have gone to try something else.

However, I do know that "getting off track" is one huge issue with many wls patients.  Somehow, somewhere, the concentration on healthy eating and exercise just drop off.   There is a great forum called Back On Track Together.  Just type it in the search window under forums.  Visit and see if this is a good place to start.

I have heard about the MGB and have even seen a surgeon perform it in the OR- but upon questioning him he refuses to do it on a past RNY patient. SO I assumed no MD would do it. I will check the web site you have included as soon as I have a moment to myself.

I am grateful that folks have responded -- this helps the emotional side of me. I am always actively seeking out and involved with weight control as I am a diabetic as well.

Thank you so very much for the information and assistance

Janette

It is best to educate yourself on the alternatives, and then select a surgeon that performs that surgery. There are several options for revising a RNY to another type of RNY with varying success as far as weight loss and complications.

Some surgeons are now putting bands over the RNY stomach, again, with varying success.

There are several procedure like stomafyx, and rose, that do not have very good results so far.

You can have it revised to a DS, but revisions are more risky than a virgin surgery, so it is wise to go with one of the top DS revision surgeons of which there are only a handful (you can probably throw a stone and hit a surgeon that will do the RNY). The DS has the best statistics for weight loss, and maintenance of the loss, and resolution of several co-morbidity's like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and enables you to take NSAIDS. It has lots of pluses I'd be happy to share, and there are MANY on the DS board who were revised from RNY and bands, so if you think the DS sounds like something you'd like to know more about or you have specific questions, please ask.

I have to review what a DS is...I am really ignorant to some of the newer procedures. I do know that rose and stomafyx are not worthwhile. I do know that the MGB is a great procedure but do not know of an MD who does it on RNY patients.

I thank you for your assistance and offer of help. It is nice to know that I am not alone-- I have been depressed over this for awhile now but the light is seeping back in and I am grateful

Thank you

Janette

Bearmom is right. Check out the DS. I just had a revision to the DS from RNY5 weeks ago and couldn't be happier. It is easy to work with and no stressing or chewing food to mush. Check out www.dsfacts.com and www.duodenalswitch.com. On either of those two sites, you can find a list of real DS surgeons who do the DS. Do NOT believe a doc who does only the RnY to tell you the truth about the DS. They all bad mouth it because they think it is an older version of the DS that did have problems. This newer version has been around for 20+ years; it works so, so much better. Check out the DS forum here on OH. You owe it to yourself to find out all  you can about the DS.

 Thank you so much for this information. How much have you lost? Was the cost of the surgery doable? Sorry for the questions but you are the first person I know that has done this surgery. 

I am by far not the only one to have this surgery, revision to DS from RnY. You must come to the DS board and you will meet many, many others who have been revised to the DS. Stay awhile and ask question there and you will learn why so many like their DS the best.

Since I am a revision, and revisions do lose slower, I have lost 23 pounds, but at least the scale pointer is goind down, and that is what is important.

Okay, since I'm new hear I've got some questions.  Is the RNY not performed anymore?  I have a full stomach again and not sure what to do.  Now after reading this thread I'm extremely scared.  Is there any danger involved in having a full sized stomach, but the bypass still attached?