weight gain....

i had roux n y  surgery 6 years ago....lost 133 pounds and gain half back since then.....not happy....does not matter what i do....im gaining and gaining....i would like to do the surgery again, but my husbund says im [email protected]

Hi Denise...not to scare you...but, I had a friend who had an RNY about 20 years ago and after about 10 years started to experience regain.  She was bound and determined to have her surgery done again and finally found a Dr. who was willing to do it despite recommending AGAINST it.  Unfortunately, she suffered a severe leak and never regained consciousness after surgery and passed away within 2 days.  Please just be sure that you've done everything that you can on your own before taking this risk.  This poor woman's family was devistated and she left behind 3 children.  Good luck to you.

Laura

Go to the revisions board for support: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/revision/

It's so scary to think of weight gain after all we have been through losing the weight!  It really is a wake up call to ensure we are making the life style changes necessary to maintain what we have lost and to be conscience of even small regains.  Have you considered the VSG?  Maybe that would be less dangerous than an RNY revision?  I have no idea, just thinking out loud...  Robin

I know, I know....i was so happy....I lost 133 pounds....but you are absolutely right....its making the life style changes to maintain it... what's the VSG? is that the same as the lap band? Or is it something different?

A VSG is a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy where 85% of your stomach is removed instead of rerouting the bowel.  Normal absorption.  Restrictive without malabsorptive.  I don't know if one is better than the other.  I know weight regain can happen to anyone.  I can eat around my VSG and do at times.  I know processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle are my enemy and I fight with that every day.  Eating healthy, natural foods and getting my butt off the couch takes miracles every day.  Does your surgeon suggest anything for losing and maintaining if he doesn't want to do a revision?  Is the RNY still working and is it restrictive enough?  I know there is no magic bullet :(

I was told prior to wls surgery, that I will regain a tiny percentage of weight as my body settles into a comfortable place after I've lost the bulk of my excess weight.  I "expected" to regain a few pounds.  That being said, I had to guard against feeling "comfortable" gaining 20 + pounds.  When I started to gained back an extra 15 pounds, I realized that more than my body "settling", it was me getting comfortable and going back to "old habits". 

I'm 5 1/2 years post-op, and I know that for me to maintain success, I must not go back to old habits.  I still love the things that I loved prior to wls.  While I can't eat too much sugar at a sitting, it is so easy to "go around" those grams where I will start to "dump", and sneak in through the back door.  I could easily go right back to where I was if I don't "take control" over my eating demons. 

I MUST watch what I eat!  I MUST watch how often I eat (no grazing)!  I MUST exercise!  I MUST eat healthy meals!  I MUST take my vitamins (I fall down from time to time with this one).  I MUST get in my protein (I made a new year's resolution to do better at this one)!  I MUST take it "one day at a time", and realize that if I fall down today, it is not the end of the world,  and that I MUST get back on track and continue to do the right things!

I pray that this email served as encouragement to you, and not as one pointing any fingers.  Trust me - as I wrote these words down right here, I was encouraging myself as much as I hope I encouraged you.  This is a "life-long" process, and I realized years ago that it wasn't a "quick fix".  I thank God for the opportunity at a second chance at good health, and I'm not taking it lightly or for granted!  I'm very elated to have gone from a 32/34 to a comfortable 12/14.  My goal was for a 8/10, but good health became more important than size, and I'm truly happy at my present stats!  :)

Many blessings and much success to you as you continue on your journey!

Always,
Rose

Well said, Rose.

I'm 2 1/2 years out and having my first round of plastics, next week. I see it as re-committment to my lifestyle, that this is a no-going-back. I keep myself motivated by taking on at least one physical challenge each year. In '08, I did a triathlon. In '09, I walked 60 miles over 3 days for Breast Cancer. You have to live a healthy lifestyle, not just expect a surgery to be the fix-it. It's a tool, not THE answer.

That's awesome Maida!  I've got to get myself some annual challenges - besides the "not gaining any weight" goal.  :)  I would love to do a charity walk.  I'll have to look for some local ones in my area this year!  I think nothing feels better than, being in good health, feeling healthy, and doing something for the good of someone or something else!!!  Now that's a wonderful life.

I'm so happy for you and your first round of plastics.  I've had a panniculectomy (insurance wouldn't pay for full tt - but I'm happy with what I had), a brachioplasty (upper arms), and a revision to the original brachioplasty.  I had the last one only 6 weeks ago, so the jury is still out on the final results.  I still have some swelling.  I've beeing wearing my compressions mostly at night, but some during the day also.  I love my new surgeon, and he assures me that my arms are going to look awesome when it's all said and done - AND I BELIEVE HIM!!!

My prayers for your contiued successes!

Always,
Rose