VBG revision

Would someone please explain what a revision is?  I had a VBG about 10 years ago. Did not lose very much weight.  I still have a lot to lose.  Would a person with a previous VGB be a candidate for gastric bypass.  Please help

I had a simiilar surgery in 1990, much like the VBG (vertical silicone gastroplasty) and I am scheduled for a revision to the RNY next month.  Like a lot of people, I did not lose very much weight and had a lot of on-going difficulties (vomiting, can't eat red meat, etc.).  So, yes, this revision is quite common.  Just make sure you find a surgeon who understands and has done these type of revisions before.  My surgery will be a OHSU in Portland, Oregon.  Good Luck.

Wow! my friend had your same surgery 6 years ago and now she is going through the vomiting and not being able to keep anything down! It's horrible. Worst of all, her MD no longer does the surgery and won't return her calls. She's been through so many tests; colonoscopy, CT scans, upper G.I., and finally an endoscopy yesterday. Her weight has stayed off, but now she fears that the ring/band is causing ulcerations or corroded.
Have you heard of any other people with issues like this?  Thanks!  Darlene

Yes. that happened to me. The band is too tight and needs to be replaced or removed.

Had SRVG (silicone ring) done Jun 1995.  Lost from 299 to 201 1st year.  Maintained 70 of it for 3 years.  Had staple line disruption.  Gained back up to 275 over last 9 years. After much research I sought to have a revision to a DS.  I will switched to a DS this Thursday July 5th.   Seek a doctor that has experience doing revisions.  Do your homework and explore all your options.  Get the good, the bad and ugly on all the options.  Remember knowledge is power especially when it comes to insurance issues.

Your experience sounds very similar to mine. I, too, am interested in the DS.  I've read where the DS is more effective in long term weight loss that the RNY.  I know several people that have had RNY and have regained after a few years post-op. Is insurance covering your revision?  I've also read that revisions are more difficult to  gain approval that the original surgery.   Best of luck to you with your surgery Thursday.  Have a wonderful 4th!!

Yes insurance is covering revision.     -- get their policy for Obesity Surgery usually can get it from their web site  -- get all the documentation you need -- doctor visits, test . . . etc. -- have dr office code for revision not just a specific surgery. I had to prove I had been compliant I had a breakdown in my pouch Plus I had deveopled several co-morbidities. Pretty much I had to show I  had worked but off and still keep gaining back.  Most insurance companies realize that the VBG is not a very effective WLS.  Good Luck  -- Check us out on the DS Board.  Lots of helpful info.  Many revisions there.

Hello my name is Beverly Ward. I had a VGB Jan 2006 with lots of complications following the surgery. I have been referred to a bariatric surgeon out of network and I am waiting for the insurance to ok the referral. I want to know if the insurance is likely to pay for a  revision if I have lost all but the last 7 pounds. I had lot all but 7 pounds but Just regained four pounds. Please help me if you can. Beverly

Hello, I had a VBG in 1999, at that time I weighed 311 lbs., over a 3 year period I lost down to 167, was very happy. Then I started to gain and gain and gain. I had a complete hysterectomy in 2003 and started to gain even more. I currently weigh 315 and went to see a surgeon about a revision. They did the scope/camera test and went down my throat and into my stomach, what they saw was amazing, my band was now INSIDE my stomach! How did that happen? I have no idea, how am I still alive? I have no idea, the doctor said it was a miracle. So, needless to say the process for me has been very quick I have a date of Sept. 10th, all has happened within a months time. I will have the Lap RNY. I am anxious, nervous, excited, worried, scared, happy, and most of all ready to get my life back!!! I never had any problems with the VBG, the surgery went well, I could eat anything without having any ill side effects, overall it was wonderful until I started gaining my weight back. If I had it all to do over again I would have had a different surgery, I just hope I don't find myself saying the same thing 3 years down the road about the RNY. I have considered the DS, however, I am so worried about the malabsorption that I just can't bring myself to do it. I would be glad to answer any other questions regarding my WLS story that anyone might have. kreddicks

Sorry to hear about your troubles. i just thought that i would let you know that the rny is a malabsorption surgery as well as the ds. good luck!