Mosto Common revision surgery after GBS?

Well, I decided on the band for a couple of reasons.  I am now 52, weigh 320 lbs and have a Protein S deficiency (clotting disorder) so I am on Coumadin which is a blood thinner, I have had 2 replaced knees and a pulmonary emboli (before anyone knew of the Protein S).  At this point in my life I am very afraid to have a risky surgery.  Even though I have these plus diabetes type 2, hypertension and cholesterol, I'm pretty stable medically.  I would really hate to rock the boat with a risky DS, or a full revision with the possiblity of a leak.  Also, no one really knows for sure what they will find if they open me up, because my original surgery was so long ago and I doubt if records still exist, as a matter of fact I have tried to get records from the hospital and I was told that there are no records that old.

I've read on these forums that people have had a band placed over bypass and the ones I stay in contact with through PM's etc all seem to be doing pretty well.  One guy had a band over bypass in May and has lost about 40 lbs so far.  So, I may be a chicken, but for me the band is the way to go.  I have 1 son in college (graduating in May) and I want to be around for grandchildren someday!

I wish you the best as you explore which WLS is best for you!

Make sure you learn about the DS as a revision surgery: http://www.dssurgery.com/aboutus/Research/safeoperation.pdf

Beware of getting upset if you start thinking you wished you'd had it in the first place.

I felt tha**** a long time ago!  Thanks for the info.  I am researching the DS but am so scared!

Scared of what?  Of the revision surgery itself?  That's appropriate -- it is much more dangerous than a virgin DS.

Scared of having a DS per se?  I'd be happy to answer your questions, and/or refer you to the DS Forum, where there are of course lots of DSers, but also quite a few DSers who were revisions from other surgeries.

Thanks.  I am scared of the revision aspect making it so much more risky.

I plan to make my way to the DS forum.  I am just getting back into the swing of things here.  I was a regular poster back in 03 when I had my GBS.  This is a greta place.  Thanks for your help!

Hello!!  I would definitely research the DS and the DS board.  I think you will find that it has a lot to offer.  Just take your time and make sure you make the best decision for yourself.

Best wishes!!

It's alright to scared.  We all are.  I am in the process of getting a revision from band to the DS.  I found out the hard way that the band is not for me.  I don't want RNY because then I will still have a pouch.  That is why I want the DS.  I feel that the sleeve part will be better for me and I won't have to go through all of that vomiting and gagging I did with the band.  There are so many folks that have gotten the revision to DS and are really happy with it.  So be afraid, very afraid.  Being afraid is what make us think twice about something before we make the leap.  We will make that leap together and come out happier.