stomach stapling to VSG

I had a stomach stapling done years ago and my staples finally gave way, last year, and I have piled the weight on.  Does anyone know of any Dr. that will do a VSG on a person that had a previous "open" stomach stapling?  

Hi

Just a suggestion - has your specialist or family dr contacted the halifax clinic to refer you to see whether or not they will do the revision ?

Also I know that Dr Christou in Montreal does a lot of revisions not sure about your type of scenario but you could email them with questions - Dr Christou was my dr for my RNY in June 08 - it was self pay but I am not sure what your options are so I will give you his website just in case.

www.weightlosssurgery.ca

Good luck

deb

I did speak to someone in the Halifax office and was told that they would not do my revision because I "already had a chance at a weight loss surgey". That surgery being the "stomach stapleing," of course..this is the same surgery that they refer to on their own web page, as being an out dated surgery that has a huge rate of failure. That is not an exact quote, but something like that, I wish I could have had a chance to speak to a Doctor in Halifax.
My staples lasted 6 years I did not think that was so bad..I was told from the start that they could break down over time and I would need a revision.
I can go back to the Doctor that did my surgery, he only does revisions now, but my Doctor would prefer I get one of the new surgery's because they have a higher success rate.  I feel the same way.
I looked at the web page you suggested but the cost is high $22000.00 that is more than I can afford. I have looked at going out of country, Mexico or India it is a lot cheaper around $10,000.00 but I am not sure about that route.  What happens if I get in trouble back home who do I see??
I am between  "rock and a hard place " right now and open to any ideas any one has to offer!
Thanks,

I heard Dr AS Macdonald is practicing in Amerst now...you should try and contact him since he did the surg. Maybe he could help.

Cheers,

 

I am actually waiting to see him now, but he has been on vacation for the last two months, he is suppose to be back sometime in August. I am just waiting for my appointment.  The problem is he is now only doing revisions for the stapleing. I will go that route if I have to but I would really like is a more up to date operation.  One with a higher success rate.
Thanks

Wow that is too bizare - or I am not understanding -they acknowledge that it is an outdated surgery but they are supporting him too continue to do more stomach stapling surgery ??????? Are his services covered by MSI?

Just my two cents but I would continue with your appt to see him if for no other reason but to say I need you to work with me and help me get another surgeon that can help with a revision to a surgery that is up to todays standards and does not expire!

Wow nsgirl that must be so damn frustrating- its not your fault the staples gave away- how can they leave you stranded and refuse to see you at the Halifax clinic- sorry it really blows my mind- you are still a ns taxpaying citizen- if this was a pacemaker that went wrong they wouldnt leave you high and dry!

Sorry my rant is because I was selfpay and now cant get into the Halifax clinic to be monitored or have any follow up appts ! Even the fact my surgery was done in Canada by a recognized well noted surgeon means squat! Now hearing your plight and knowing your WLS was done here in NS - and you still cant get follow up well that is absurd!

Have you been able to find out if any other patients from that time are experiencing the same issues and what they are doing ?

I wish you all the best - hopefully some more information will be sent your way .

There is a lady on here that did go to Mexico for her VSG. Her name is Jane - I think there are some recent posts below on the NS site.

take care,
deb

Hold on, I do need to clear something up!! The Doctor that did my surgery is not doing the stomach stapling any more, he is semi retired and only does revisions now (Amherst). 
My family Doctor made a referal to Halifax, to the Doctor's that are now doing the VGS. Their office staff, are the one's that told me they would not do the new surgery on me because I had a stomach stapling done and she so beautifuly put it, "I had my chance at Surgery",she more or less said I blew it! I could not even speak to the Doctor's.
My point was that they say on their own web page that the stomach stapling is an out dated surgery. So if they feel it is out dated and not a successful surgery, why hold it against me because I took the only thing that was available to me at the time? It did last 6 years you would think that would count for something...
and Yes, the stapling was covered by MSI and the revision will be to. I just don't want to get the stapling done again if their is a new surgery. Also the stapling is an "open surgery and the new one's are done  laporscopically.  The scar I have must be 10' long!  I would rather not be cut open like that again if I don't have to be, and there is a lot less pain and healing time laporscopically. I am going to keep fighting with them but at the same time I am looking into Mexico just in case.
Thank you for your comments and I will try to find Jane.

Hi,

Just reading about your story.  Jane's posts, by the way, are under Hassett.  I'm sure she'll be glad to offer any help she can.