Question:
Do previous stomach/esophogus surgeris cause issues.

I have had 2 nissen fuldoplication surgeries(for reflux) 1 lap /1 open. Could heavy scaring around the stomach and liver be a problem?    — jmcgurt (posted on September 17, 2004)

September 16, 2004
Jim, I think it just depends on the surgeon's skill. I have not had a nissen, but I did have a VBG back in 95 and was revised to RNY in 2002. Both were open and there was a lot of scar tissue, but my dr. was able to complete the RNY. I would consult with several different surgeons and see what they say.
   — Ali M

September 16, 2004
Jim, I had VBG with Nissan in 9/97 and was revised to RNY in 5/2000. Both surgeries were open. My second Dr. said that the scar tissue could be an issue but he got in there and revised me in record time with no complications other than a nasty post-op infection. Just make sure your surgeon is skilled with revisions even though it sounds like this is your first surgery. Good luck. It can be done!
   — Kellye C.

September 16, 2004
I had VGB back in 1986 which was an opened procedure. My scar was huge. I was revised in March 03. My surgeon was able to complete it lap, but said that he had never seen anyone with as much scar tissue as I had, and he had performed alot of surgeries. The skill of your surgeon is a huge benefit.
   — Sue F.

September 17, 2004
Hi Jim, I too had the VBG in 1985 and was revised to a DS in 12/03. Both of my surgeries were open and I read my PO report from the DS and it showed that more time was taken on the scar tissue than on the op itself. The others that have posted and said that the skill of the surgeon is important I feel has hit the nail on the head. So far everything has been just fine. I am down 148lbs as of today and I am enjoying a much healthier life! Hope all goes well with you. Lyric
   — Lyric

September 18, 2004
I had twelve surgeries in my abdomen, especially around a year before my lap RNY. <br> The biggest concerns my surgeon had were scar tissues and adhesions that would get in the way. He did an ultrasound to check first, but even then, told me at every appointment, and even the morning of my WLS, that I could wake up with something unexpected. He might either have to open to do the RNY, if he'd already started, or he might not be able to do it at all. It was a longer-than-normal procedure, but I had the lap.<br> Doing diagnostic test before hand is the best way to go.<br><br> Good luck to you! -shelli k
   — kultgirl

September 18, 2004
Previous surgery is always a concern for revision especially with previous manipulation of the upper stomach as you have had. All current weight loss surgeries accepted by the ASBS involve dissection of this critical area. Not only does it make surgery more difficult and sometimes longer, the risks are higher for leak, blood loss, and infection or the procedure may be aborted if too difficult to proceed. If attempted laparoscopically make sure your surgeon has the training or experience. There is always a greater chance that you may be converted to an open procedure and some surgeons with less or early laparoscopic experience may only offer it open with safety in mind. The short answer to your questions is yes they always present potential issues. Your best option is to find a surgeon with not only a large amount of experience but also good outcomes from revision. Good luck.
   — selwynca

September 20, 2004
Hi Jim, I am a be a bit late to respond to your question so thought I would e-mail you directly. I had a lap nissen done in 1999 and because of that my surgeon told me up front that she would have to do an open RNY. AS you know, they have to 'take down' the nissen to do the RNY as they need that part of the stomach back to make your new pouch. Anyway, I came through with flying colors and I am so glad the Dr. did the open procedure as it made the surgery easier for her and minimized the possibility of complications. I did have a small bowel obstruction at 1-1/2 years post-op, a piece of scar tissue wrapped aroung my small bowel and was strangling it. Same Dr. did that surgery, she is awesome, and told me that the scar tissue could have been from the RNY or any other prior surgery (tubal ligation and Nissen). It was quite far down in the abdomen so my vote goes to the tubal ligation. That's all I have to share, feel free to write if you have any other questions. Oh, the one thing I would recommend is make sure your surgeon has done the Nissen 'take down' before in conjunction with the RNY. If not, try to find one, it makes a huge difference in what you have to go through if they have done it several times before. Good luck! Blessings, Anita [email protected]
   — ALF

October 5, 2004
Hi Jim, I tried to email personally but it wouldn't go thru. I had a Nisson in Aug. 2000 before WLS. My surgeon wouldn't due an RNY on me because he felt That FOR ME it was potentially more life threatening. I even researched with other surgeons who said my surgery was too big for them to handle. My surgeon felt the risk of death FOR ME was greater in taking down the nisson. His concerns were potential tearing, leaks, bleeding out and the pouch being smaller due to the above problems. So, I had the DS and 3.5 yrs later all's wonderful. Best of luck
   — Linda M.