Anyone with a VSG then a Revision to a VSG (smaller)?

The only folks I know who have been resleeved are folks whose original doctors were "conservative" and their stomachs, X years out, were the same size as they had been originally.  When I can think of their names, I will come back and post.  Do you know what size bougie Dr B. uses?  I thought it was 32 or 34, which means (to my mind) that your risks of complications are extraordinary with the resleeving of a smaller stomach and possible scarring from your band.

Did you have acid issues with your lapband too?

Who is your new doc?  I really hope he can help you. 

Good luck, girlie.

Hi Brandilynn Wonderland, 

Let me first say, you are looking so good.......

I don't really know what size of bougie I have.    I had a lot  of acid reflux before the lap band.  When the LB doc did the surgery, he also repaired a heital hernia at the same time.  I was doing good for a while with no acid reflux with the LB.  No that I have my Sleeve and this has been happening just recently (about 2 months ago)  I have really bad acid reflux and that is why I'm going to see this new  doctor she specializes in Heartburn and Weight Loss.  I have reflux even when I drink cool aid and popcicles.  Been feeling really bad lately.....

Thanks for replying!

Thanks girlie..

I really hope you get to see your new doctor lady soon!  Reflux all the time is no good!! 

I worry for you girlie.  I really do want good things for you!  You deserve them!  Will you let us know if the new doctor lady is helpful?  I know some folks have worse acid after the sleeve and some have none, so its such a toss up, but that *is* worrisome that your acid has been worse lately.  BOoo!

Be good to you!  I look forward to hearing about you having less acid and some peace about stuff! 

Hello,

I'm a former VSG'er that was originally revised to VSG from a Lapband.  My VSG failed me as I had severe reflux and after months of discomfort and loads of testing the surgeon did what they call a "manometer test" This measures the pressure inside the stomach and my pressure was extreme so no matter what I ate or drank I got severe reflux.  I ended up with bleeding ulcers and was in intensive care for 3 days having blood transfusions for the amount of blood I lost.  I was not in a good way at all.  When the surgeon discovered the high pressure in my stomach it was decided the only way to reduce the pressure was to revise me again to an RNY Bypass which creates low pressure.  The amount of pressure in my VSG sleeve was so extreme I was on the verge of a stomach rupture.  At the time of my RNY I weighed 166lbs so I was not at a goal weight either.  I have gone on to lose a bit more weight now since I had my RNY Bypass and now weigh 149lbs.  If you can see you doctor and get them to do a "manometer test" or "Pressure testing" and just check if you have high pressure in the sleeve as this could be a reason you have severe reflux.

Take Care

Karin

PS I also got bagged out reall bad on another board as I was a llightweight to be revised to RNY. I'm lucky here in Australia as I have private medical benefits and have not paid a single cent for any of my surgeries.  It wasn't about weightloss for me to have my revision, it was life or death.

Hi Karin,

Bless your soul, you have been through a lot.  It's pretty scrary.  How did you know that you had bleeding ulcers?  I'm going to a new lady doctor that specializes in Heartburn.  I will mention this to her about the manometer test. 

Yes, everyone has their own opinion.  I must do what I must do for myself.  Thank you so much for sharing with me your own experience.   I suppose you are doing great now with the RNY.  Maybe my new doc will recommend it too for me.  

Thanks! 

I learn something new every day.

Did they tell you what was causing you to have such high pressure in your Sleeve? Was your Sleeve really tiny, or what?

hi, i really dont have an answer for you,but i am in the same situation. i had mine in 06 did not get to goal and gaining back what i lost. very discuraged about it. not sure if i should have revision or not.i also have VERY bad reflux,i never had before surgery, it wakes me up at night filling up my mouth with foam!sorry bout that!!  i also wondered if sleeve can be made smaller or adjusted. good luck! 

Well, I went to my new doctor yesterday.  She is going to do a procedure on me, a camera will go in my mouth down to my stomach, they are going to check on the sleeve,  and the hernia I had 3 yrs ago.  This way she can see what is going on.  My doctor also specializes in Heartburn, besides WLS.  I'm going to start there, with my acid reflux.  Then we will see if she can go in and fix the problem.  Maybe, I will  get an RNY, still thinking about that....  .  Some of you DSers, please don't get ugly with me and the RNY.   I can't get the DS because my BMI is to low. 

sweetsuzy,  I believe you should see a Heartburn Specialist as soon as possible.

Thanks for replying.  Best wishes to you honey!!!

I'm not a DSer but hoping to be so I want to put that disclaimer out there.

You've had a band and a VSG, I'm concerned about you going to an RNY because of the issues with dumping and reactive hypoglycemia.  You have to kick the carb monster before you go forward with any surgery, but particulary that one if carbs are an issue.

Not to harp, but did you ask about the DS?  Since you are a revision, there are different rules regarding BMI.  My BMI is about 36 and that doesn't seem to be the thing standing in the way for the DS approval.  Medicare is different, but again, revisions have different rules. 

I guess my suggestion here is to go talk to a vetted DS surgeon.  Just as a consult, as they typically do all the surgeries.  They will tell you straight up about ALL of the surgeries and which one is best.

I know that some of the vets on here seem salty, it's just because they get frustrated seeing people struggle when they have something that seems to be the better answer.   Believe me, every one of us has eating issues that are both physiological and psychological.  They see people with what seem to be severe eating problems all of sudden problem free after the surgery.  Because it's not just in your head, it's in your gut.  (ghrellin I think is the hormone - sp?).  They are honestly just trying to help, even though it may not feel like it.  Grow as thick skin as you can muster and take what they said at face value.  Then you can listen or discard, that's up to you.  But they know their stuff.

So just look into EVERY option so you can make the very best decision for YOU and your body.  But by not looking into the DS, you are doing yourself a disservice. 

Best of luck in your journey.

Hey darlin I remember you from our VSG days.  Glad to read you have seen the doctor and they are going to run some tests, to see where there are.  As far as the DS (my opinion) it's so much better in the LONG run then the RnY...unless you have the pressure issue that my other VSGer *****vised to RnY had...

Glad you are working on your white carbs and over eating issues, because regardless of what surgery you have THAT is what will undo ANY tool.  I've seen many a DS with carb issues who have gained, etc.

Be strong and well I just wanted to say hey.

Ms Shell