Be Careful Deciding Type Of Revision

For all of you deciding on a revision please take the time to research well and be aware that as revisions we are more likely to have complications. (Doesn't mean we will but we can hope for the best and plan for the worse!)  Only let a very experienced surgeon perform your surgery and I suggest asking them if any other revision patients of theirs would be willing to talk with you about their experience.

Donna, Congratulations on your success! You are a role model and inspiration to all who are contemplating a revision. I totally agree with your advise. If you are thinking about a revision, here are some recommendations that I believe will serve you well. First, find a surgeon with a lot of experience performing revisions. Your bariatric revision surgeon should be passionate about not only doing your revision, but also about caring for you afterward. Make sure that you and your surgeon discuss your options. Choose a bariatric surgeon who has done different types of revisions. Don't choose a "one note Johnny". Some surgeons perform only one type of revision. Everyone is an individual. You and your surgeon need to analyze your case. Together, you should be able to identify what YOU need to claim the success you deserve. Remember, if your only tool is a hammer; the whole world looks like a nail. When you choose your surgeon, make sure that everything is explained to you in a way that you understand. It's always fun to talk about the benefits and results, but don't forget about the risks. These should include the risks associated with re-operative surgery and the long term risks/consequences of your revision. If long term (life time) follow up is important to first time WLS patients (IT IS!), it is MORE important to revision patients. Your life time follow up should be with a bariatric surgeon. You deserve the BEST! Make it a priorty to go to all of your follow up appointments. Never neglect your lab work. Do NOT ignore head hunger. Work with your surgeon's team and other specialists (if necessary) to address this issue. Life is stress. Learn better, more productive coping mechanisms. Support is vital. In addition to OH, actively participate in a local Support Group. NEVER GIVE UP! There are NO failures, only those who have yet to succeed! Best wishes for continued success, Eric Schlesinger, MD, FACS

You two are correct. Revision surgery is VERY different from a first bariatric surgery. Only a surgeon who has done many of these will be prepared for the possible complications. I know Dr. Husted is now in Northern California and he does many revisions from all of the bariatric surgeries to VG's (VSG), and to D/S's or to whatever will be best for the patient. He is also always available to his patients. I wish all of my doctors were like him.

Dr. Schlesinger, I am always impressed with your responses.  I hope to be able to see you soon.  It's good to let us know the things that we need to consider before having revision surgery.  I really respect your openness and your ability to show the best to your patients.  My PCP wants me to have tests here in Tucson before I consider coming up to see you.  He believes that you will want to have these results before anyway.  I told him that I had to have his support before coming to see you. Hoping to work with you soon.  Thanks again. Deanne

I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH YOU DR. SCHLESSINGER, THE FACT THAT YOU MONITOR THIS BOARD AND RESPOND IS A VERY REFRESHING THING FOR ME TO SEE. THIS TELLS ME THAT YOU CARE ABOUT NOT ONLY YOUR PATIENTS BUT ALL OF THOSE INTERESTED IN THEIR OPTIONS, RATHER IT'S FOR FIRST TIMERS OR THOSE SEEKING REVISIONS. I INTEND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO COME SEE YOU, I HAVE NEVER SEEN A NEGATIVE RESPONSE REGARDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ON THIS FORUM, THAT TOO SAYS A LOT TO ME. I APPLAUD YOU AND YOUR TEAM I'M ONLY LOOKING FOR A MEANS TO PAY BECAUSE MY INSURANCE WON'T, ONCE I DO, I WILL RUN, NOT WALK TO ARIZONA TO MEET YOU!!!!!!!! JANIE ROLFSON