Just read the revision board.......really scared now.......

I just read the revision board and I am totally freaked out now. You loose weight slower the second time around. People are talking about really serious heath issues that they are having, insurance problems and vomiting. Some people are on second and third revisions. I still don't know what a stoma is and weather or not I should worry about mine. I am trying to read up and make an informed decisions about my health. I see surgery numbers here and there about success rates and mortality rates and on and on. This doctor says this and that one says that. Numbers can be ambiguous really and can be debated since there are so many factors that may affect the results of a surgery. You can't however debate with someone who is in physical and emotional pain and still obese. You can't debate with hopes that are still unfulfilled. You know that voice that talks to you in the wee small hours that won't let you sleep? Well she opened her big mouth tonight and I started thinking; maybe I have not really done my research. Maybe I don't have all the facts. Maybe I want this weight back off again at any coast. I know I could go on and on with the "maybes and what ifs". I will have to resolve this within myself. This is "my" decision; I know. I just feel a little off track for the moment. Don't get me wrong I welcome the stories that reflect the other side of WLS. The courage it takes to share a not so happy story is incredible. Those life stories help me keep a realistic perspective. I realize that just because something happens to someone does not mean it will happen to me. I also know that it is a good way for people who may not have another person around them *****ally understands to compare notes, but I gotta say that I could really use some positive revision stories right about now. I just need to know that there is a point to a revision. Now I am afraid that I blew my only chance at beating obesity with my first surgery. I started reading those stories and I saw my new hopes gliding by the Tidy Bowl Man. Did I blow it? If revisions don't work, what am I doing? Is there anyone who had a revision that was a success? I am going from a band to RNY. I don't want to live in this body anymore, but I will if it means not having a surgery that has more of a chance of NOT working. I am still hoping I can have a revision, and that it will be a success for me. I know people are different, but flat out from the (please excuse this) horses mouth.......Are revisions working for people? What can I expect? I will ask my doctor, but I want to ask you guys first. You live this with me.... I really don't mean to sound like a drama queen. I'm just really scared now.

Hello Maun: I am a little puzzled. I had my surgery on 3/7/05 and now I hear about revisions. Why is it necessary to have a revision? When did you have your surgery? What has changed since then to have a revision? Will this revision be necessary for me later in life? Thanks and good luck with your decision. Mary

I am sure you are just fine. I had a gastric banding in 1993 and have gained my weight back. The type of banding I had isn't even done anymore because it does not work well. It was replaced by the banding that is done today. I am trying to have an RNY now to loose the weight I have gained.

Mary I hope I didn't worry you. Please let me know you are ok now.

Hi! Maun, Hey, seems to me that worrying about the ifs, buts, maybes, could haves, would haves can keep you from having your life. Why not cross those bridge if you have to! You have 2 choices, (1) Take the chance & the surgery or (2) don't have the surgery & still fight being over weight. I have been overweight for 20 years until now at 51 years old. This journey is a hard one, its not an easy way out like most people think. You have to supplement vitamins, protein, calcium every day, you have to watch what you eat, how much you can eat and drink. No more carbonated drinks (they can stretch the pouch). You have to exercise as much as you physically can. Here's my information: Surgery 14 Oct 04 Wt before surgery 310 - Clothes size 26-28 Wt day of surgery 276 8 mts out & wt as of today 174 - Clothes size 16/14. I do have problems every now and then, one is if I eat too fast or too much I have to throw up & its called (dumping). Its not pleasant to go through; but you want die from it. Usually when I experience the dumping is my own fault for not chewing my food up or eating too fast or to much and not paying attention to my body when it states don't take that last bite. But for the most part I can eat most foods. Before I had this surgery I thought I was going to have to medically retirement. So here's my opinion and hopefully helpful advise: Don't worry about tomorrow for it is yet to be, don't worry about the past it has ended and for today is for the living. I realized that worrying about ifs, buts, could haves, would haves, etc only give you headaches. I've learned that we get through everything life throws at us one way or another so why worry! Try thinking in a positive way! Since I have had the surgery I can walk, my feet don't swell up anymore; I can cut my grass; work in the yard; & play with my grandson. And boy is it fun buying new clothes that actually fit. I have not been a size 16/14 for over 30 years or more. I am now 8 months out & doing fine. Read my profile hopefully it'll help. Life is worth taking chances! If you don't try, you'll never know and for the most part you are letting fear take over your life. Everyone is different and you may experience some issues but if you do I know that you are strong enough to get through them and its worth those issues to get your life back. The only thing you have to loose is weight. In my thoughts and prayers for you to make the right decision for you. I do believe this surgery is not for everyone, you do have to change your life style, you have to exercise, eat right and take better care of yourself but you can. I have faith in you. If you wish email me at [email protected]. I would be happy to stay in touch to see how you're doing.

Karen Thanks so much. I wanted to hear from people who had revisions, but I am glad you took time to write me too. That was support I didn't even know I wanted or needed. I would love to stay in touch too. And you are right.

Muan, Have you had your surgery yet? Let me try to help ease your mind, one step and day at a time. Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Crece

I have 2 friends that had revisions both from failed vbgs. One was revised to the ds and the other was revised to an rny. Both are doing well and able to eat solid foods again and still lose weight. Marie

Hi! I am a revision patient....having had one of the pioneer versions of WLS back in 1976. That one near killed me....10.5 months later I had to be "reconnected". Of course, then, it was nothing like today's surgery. They've learned how to keep most of us alive! Haha! Actually, Dr. Celio Burrowes did my open RNY. He found no scar tissue or other "issues" inside when he took a look around at surgery. I've been very successful, having lost 119 lbs. in almost 11 months. I have slowed way down in the past two months and that's distressing but....over all, surgery wise I've done great. I still have 70 lbs to lose but I truy don't see that happening over the next 6 months. I wish but I'm just trying to be realistic. I feel really good....well, wait! in the last month...really tired but found my B12 was low and started my injections a couple of weeks ago....1 a month for a year. Other than that, no more problems that the typical patient. Good luck. Hope this helps!

have you tried failed wks snd time around forum, or revisions forum.i know this comes a little late. hope it helps!