5+ years post... revision?????

Hello all... it's been ages since I've been on this board.  I'm now 5 years and a month post op, and over the past year have gained 30 pounds... I don't know what to do.  I am not really eating that much more than when I lost all my weight, but seem to steadily be going up.  I am considering looking into a revision, but don't know where to start.  Do I see a surgeon and have an upper gi or endoscopy?  I had laparoscopic roux-en-y the first time out.  I don't know if 30 pounds warrants having another surgery, or if "willpower" is the answer.  I really only want to lose 20 pounds to be at my most comfortable weight... not to big... not to little.  I'm just terrified of weighing 320 again.  Anyone out there have any experiences you could share with me???  I'm at my wits end.  Thanks bunches!!!   Chelle

Hi Chelle,

I too am struggling with an almost 40 lb weight gain from my lowest, and I had RNY lap done on 12/1/03.  You will see where I posted a little lower on the message board.  I too am looking into a revision, but undecided as to which would be best, IF it would be covered by insurance, etc...  So I will be watching any answers to your post too.  Just wanted to tell you that you are not alone!  It's a struggle.  I did hear of a procedure called Sclerotherapy where if you have an enlarged stoma, they go down your throat with a scope and inject an irritant into your stoma, making it shrink back to the normal size, therefore you stay full longer, as you did when you were first done.  I am going to a surgeon to talk about this on April 6th.  If indeed that is what my problem is, maybe this would be the simplest answer for me.  If not, I very well may be looking into some type of revision.  I hear the DS is a great choice for a revision from the RNY...We'll see.... Anyway, best of luck to you!!! Theresa

Hi Theresa,  will you let me know how your Doc visit goes  Im interested in Sclerotherapy  and who your Doctor is thanks.....

Hi Caroline, I had my initial appt. with the surgeon and am now scheduled for the sclerotherapy procedure on May 11th.  I am using Dr. Randal Baker from MMPC in Grand Rapids.  The procedure is covered by my insurance but he does require an appointment with their behaviorist, their nutritionist and their exercise specialist as well, prior to the sclerotherapy, which costs out-of-pocket $60 each.  I'm sure these appts. are to refresh us and give us a good chance of being more successful this time around.  Makes sense.   These are not covered by my insurance... these appts. have to be paid the day you see them.  Hope this helps! Theresa :-)   

Theresa... Thanks for the post.  Let me know how your appointment goes in April.  That'd be worth looking into, and seems less "invasive" than going back in again for the whole ordeal.  Best of luck to you!!!!!!!  It's tough seeing the scale go up *sigh*.

Hello, I had an open RNY in November 2000, went from 400 to 260.  Gained 20 lbs after 9 months.  Did fine until the last 18 months when I gained another 70 lbs.  I think I just got comfortable eating small amounts of the wrong food all day.  I would think a 20 or 30 lb gain is expected but keep a lid on it instead of doing like me and letting the scale run away.  Easy advice to give I know, but exercise and focus is all you might need.  It is taking me 18 months to get the focus back, but I don't know when I will get the exercise going again.  Smith Comma John

Statistically, with the RNY you have a 50 to 65% chance of regaining more than 50% of your excess body weight.  With a 30 lbs weight gain you probably aren't eligible for a revision...YET. The statistics would indicate that you have a pretty good chance that you will eventually qualify.  When that happens and you are ready for a revision... the DS has an 85 tp 95% success rate.  Not as many surgeons are able to perform the DS... and fewer can do the revsion from a RNY to a DS... but if you just want ONE surgery that will work long term, it might be worth it to you to go for the best available.  You could also ask any questions on the DS Board: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/a,messageboard/board_id ,5357/ Lots of folks over there have revised from the band and RNY to the DS and could answer your specific questions.