Gastric Revision

I just learned that I had a leak from my gastric bypass.  This is the 2nd time this has happened and I'm really down. I don't blame the doctor's I blame myself -- I just can't control my eating habits.  I had my original gastric bypass in 1992 and have had two revisions the last being 2006.  I'm having nausea and dumping syndrum very bad and can constantly taste my own vomit.  Each time I was lucky enough to have my gastroenlogist detect the problem early and get me help.  I'm now scheduled to see a gastric bypass doctor June 24th, 2008.   If anyone is reading this please respond, I need some encouragement and advice. I plan on attending a Overeaters Anonamous class in my area and hope that works for me.

I'm sorry that you're having such trouble.  Are the leaks caused by eating too much?  (I have never heard of that, so I just wanted to be sure I understood.)  OA might be a good palce to start, but perhaps finding a counselor or psychologist in your area who is familiar with eating disorders and gastric bypass procedures (and who could work with you one on one to help with your specific issues) would be helpful?  The reply window doesn't show me your location, but if you are in the Dayton, Cincinnati, or Columbus area and need help finding someone, send me a private message and I'll see if I can help find someone (I'm a counselor in Dayton). In the meantime, don't be too hard on yourself.  (You probably already know that mentally beating yourself up often only makes the overeating worse.)  We all just do the best we can and (hopefully) ask for help when we need it... and you are already reaching out for help, so that's the first step to overcoming this problem. Lora

Thanks, Lora, I really appreciate your reply.  I live in Huber Heights.  I'm trying to get in Overeaters Anonymous and hope that helps.  I'm not sure, but I think the leak is caused by overeating.  A leak is caused when the area that was stapled comes a loose and whatever you eat goes into the bad part of your stomach or the part that is no longer in use.  I read this description in an article:  "An anastomotic lea****urs when there is a leakage at the staple line. This potentially fatal complication is often difficult to diagnose and requires immediate hospitalization.  A "leak" occurs when intestinal fluids leak out freely into the abdomen."  It is my understanding that it is quite serious.  I will know more when I go to the doctor on the 24th. 

Thanks for the information, Theresa R.  Yes, a revision is what my doctor is suggesting.  I will know what my doctor wants to do to correct my problem Tuesday 6/24/2008, I will post what I learn from my meeting. In the meantime, I'm planning on attending "Overeater's Anonymous". 

While I agree that any food issues you have should be addressed b4 going any farther...I just thought I would put this option out there for you...since you have had to undergo this 2 times so far, have you considered a revision?....From what I understand, the DS allows for a greater amount of food while still giving optimum weight loss....You might want to check out their message board also, as well as the revision board. Best of Luck Theresa R

Hi, look into this program at OSU: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services /press/?ID=3410&SIDS=16&o=0

Hi Charmaine, Thanks for the information.  This would be a good alternative, but I'm not sure if it would correct the problem I'm having with the leaks.  I will discuss it with my doctor next weeks.  Thanks a lot for the information it was interesting and shows just how advanced the medical field is with bariatric surgeries.  Check out this link to see the procedure for a Esophyx:  http://www.endogastricsolutions.com/index.php?src=gendocs&re f=EsophyX&category=About_EGS&submenu=Esophyx