Gastric Bypass Failure

Hey Everyone, I had gastric bypass surgery in June 2002. Before surgery I weighed 240lbs... I started loosing the weight just like I thought I would, returned to work and life was really clicking along....doing the protein thing, working out... Well, even though I was on Birth Control (DepoProvera) I got pregnant six months post surgery. Pregnancy was rough. I was on IVs and ate a lot per my doc. Baby was born healthy and strong. After his birth, I weighed 195. I got back on birth control, however, this time tried a different type (Patch). Well, I was doing good health wise. I wasn't loosing weight quickly or anything but I was happy. Well, within ten months, I GOT PREGNANT AGAIN!! Ok...so here we went again... Through this pregnancy, I was able to gain about twenty pounds..which my doctor was excited about since last time I was struggling so much..I was encouraged by my doctor to continue eating..Therefore I ate... NOW, my youngest baby is one year old. I can now eat about a normal size meal and am not loosing weight. I weigh 230. I'm miserable. I feel like a total failure. HAS ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE GONE THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE THIS? Is there ever a possibility for a revision or REDO of the surgery? I've since had my tubes tied..so, I don't know... Believe it or not, I feel like I'm a lot more together now and in control of outside situations TODAY then when I first had surgery... HELP!

Shannon, You're not a failure. Your body when thru ALOT in a very short period of time! I'm sure it was all worth it to have those beautiful babies! I don't know much about revisions, but I do know that it can be done. Although you might not need anything that drastic. You said you can eat a normal size now~I feel at 18mths post op that I can eat a normal size now too~its what I eat that's important, not necessarily how much I eat. So, I'm wondering what you're eating on a daily basis??? Have you tried going back to basics~pushing protein firs****er water water and what about your exercise routine? I've listened to alot of longgg term post ops that have gained weight back and were still able to lose at 5 and 6yrs post op~this gives me hope for my future in case I'm ever in the same boat! I wish you much success!!! Hang in there and don't give up!!!! Hugs Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Hi Tracy! Thank you for responding to my post. You know what's frustrating...I've always been REALLY active...I bike ride with my family and walk my dog and play on the Sheriff's Activity League....I need more though.... You know, I do really need to examine my dietary intake...I can't eat dairy or sweets since my surgery but I think I'm consuming too much white floury products..this morning when I did my market shopping, I picked up the protein powder and such...BACK TO BASICS is a great reminder to me...Thank you.. I will see my doctor on August 15 and I can't wait to hear what he says. I would love to have that chance again without all the pregnancies interfering with the surgery...I'm still at the same BMI as I was post surgery (well, minus one point now..) Anyway, Tracy you're beautiful and congrats on all your hard work paying off!! Shannon

My first suggestion is to go back to your surgeon and find out if there is a mechanical problem with your pouch. More likely, though, it's a compliance issue, though, as Tracy said, the type of food more than the amount that's giving you the problem. No reputable surgeon will do a revision if the problem is compliance. Go back to the basics, not drinking with meals, protein first, etc., ditch the 'bad carbs', step up the exercise, and see if that doesn't get things going again. The pouch should still work if you follow the guidelines. Good luck to you. Connie -147#

Hi Connie... Thank you very much for your response..I want to have the pouch looked at definately. I hope that my doctor will look into this on August 15 when I go in. If it is a compliance issue (which is possible) then I need to really examine what I've done wrong...essentially from the very begninning...ugh...I just feel so lost..I never had that big weight loss experience like everyone else seems to have...I feel like I'm still where I started at ... Thank you so much Connie for your advice. Shannon

It's true that your pregnancies basically "robbed" you of your honeymoon phase of weight loss. You had to eat more and more often in order to nourish your babies. That has to be tough. I hope things work out well for you. In the meantime, keep hanging around here, there are lots of folks with lots of wisdom to share. Hugs, Connie

What could cause a mechanical problem in the pouch? What would be the symptoms?

A staple line disruption would be an example of a mechanical problem. In the first years of RNY they didn't transect the old stomach away from the pouch, and sometimes the staples would come undone and allow food into the old stomach. The person would then be able to eat large amounts like a "normal" person. They are no longer done that way. As I mentioned, the vast majority of "failures" are not failures of the pouch itself but of failure of the owner to follow the guidelines. I hope I'm not coming across as harsh, but I think people (especially newbies) should be aware that long-term success takes constant work, such as exercise and making good food choices, etc. It's still calories in versus calories out. After the honeymoon period is over, it becomes more difficult. It was still the best decision I ever made for my health, but it is no walk in the park at this point. Connie