It's been a very very long time since I have been around here. Quick background on me. I had RNY October 2004. I developed a severe lung infection and a massive bleed around my spleen from surgery. Recovery was horrible. I spent the better part of 2 months in and out of the hospital. Start weight was 279, goal was 150. I lost 95, gained back 30(according to my primary care dr, although I think his numbers are off). Anyway, I am scared to go under the knife again because of what happened to me before. Not only that, my boyfriend would kill me if I went under the knife and I would probably lose all support from my family. So, my question is, how do you kick start the process again? I can eat much more than before, I can eat almost anything (although I do try not to) and I really have got to get 50 pounds off of me. Someone once told me that there is a shot you can get in your pouch to help tighten it up. I don't know if that is a myth. I have no plans to go back to my previous surgeon. I don't feel comfortable, but I do know of another one I am going to consult with. (please note, I am not knocking my original surgeon nor am I saying he is not a good Dr, I just have some personal issues with the entire ordeal). I just want a fresh prospective from another surgeon. So, any thoughts?  Any advice would be great. I just want to get back in the weight loss groove before I lose everything I fought my life for.

Hi Marcie, I too had RNY, but mine was in 2001. I never lost all of my weight, and always felt I could eat more than I should have been able to. Now Iike you I too can eat anything and a descent amount at that. Over the past couple of years I began gaining what weight I did lose back. Since I have gained 40lbs. I need to lose about 80lbs to be where they think I should. So, I again like you did not want to go to my original doctor-that's another story. I checked out some doctors, had to go through a long year of tests and submitting everything to the insurance and now I am approved to have a revision on April 26th. I am so excited!!! The first thing I did when I decided I was really serious about checking into it again, was pick a doctor and go for the initial visit and tell him everything. Need to make sure he does revisions though, or it will be a wasted appointment. Hope this helps you some. If you want more information from others, go to the revision forum on this page. Let me know how things go.  Tracie:-)

Hi Marcie, I too am struggling and have had a regain of 40 lbs.  I am going to an appt. on April 6th to see about a procedure called "Sclerotherapy" which is what I'm thinking you may be talking about.  I'm not sure if this is the way I'm going to go, but I'm considering it.  It's the least invasive, done with a scope down the throat.  This surgeon also does revisions, so I'm going to talk to him about what my best option would be.  Here is the info I have on this procedure.  Hope it helps:

Sclerotherapy

The gastric bypass pouch works optimally when a small opening keeps food in the pouch for a longer period of time. However, in some patients, with the passage of time, the opening can enlarge slightly. Until recently, there was no procedure available to address this situation. However, a study published in the Obesity Surgery Journal demonstrated that when a procedure known as sclerotherapy (pronounced: sklare-o-therapy) is performed in conjunction with a consultation with a registered dietitian, the best weight loss results are obtained. How Sclerotherapy Works Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure available for gastric bypass patients who have a dilated (enlarged) opening in their pouch. The procedure may be helpful in preventing additional surgery and may assist the patient with continued weight loss. It involves injecting an irritant around the opening from the pouch to the intestines. The body then reacts to the irritant by constricting (decreasing) the opening. Who is Helped by Sclerotherapy? This procedure can be very helpful for patients who are 2 – 5 years post surgery and have lost a fair amount of weight, but continue to struggle with the sensation that they can eat more than they could immediately following surgery. The procedure involves having an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to evaluate the size of the pouch opening. If the opening is deemed large, then the irritant can be applied to decrease its size. In some cases, it may take more than one application to get the opening to constrict to the desired size. If you have questions please call mmpc Michigan Weight Loss Specialists at 877-877-6672.       

Theresa, THANK YOU!  This is exactly what I was looking for. I could hug you right now!!! I made an appt with my surgeon for the 26th, so hopefully he would be on board with this. THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES!

You are so VERY MUCH WELCOME!!!  I'm glad I could help!  I am really hoping this helps me!   Hugs, Theresa P.S.  Let me know how it goes!