Question:
Has anybody had a reversal done?
I would like to hear from anybody who has had the reversal done or knows of somebody. This question is not for me but for a friend of mine who is six weeks out and is considering having it reversed. She has already gone back to the doctor (I went with her) and the doctor told her that it can be done, but that he wanted to see her in a couple of weeks and put her on Xanax to see if she can get over this hump of depression. I had the surgery 2 1/2 years ago and have been successful. My heart goes out to her. She is my best friend, but I can't seem to get her out of this slump. I've tried to explain to her that this is just a temporary thing and that her hormones are out of whack and that it does get easier. She is able to eat all types of proten and is able to drink. She has no issues at all. I keep telling her how fortunate she is, but I guess the mind is stronger (or perhaps weaker) and she can't see the end result. — Demetra (posted on September 21, 2006)
September 21, 2006
I think your friend is going to be out of luck. I know of one reversal
because this women got through the system and she should have never had the
surgery. Insurance companies will not pay for reversals from what I know.
This women lost around 268 lbs and just could not live with being thin.
She was Bi Polar and a number of other types of issues. She made it very
clear that she would kill herself unless the Doctors put her back. Well
they did however I don't think they will ever do that again. The surgery
in this town cost up to and beyond $50,000. Like I said the insurance
companies are fighting most everyone now for the beginning of there
journey, they are not going to do it a second time. I beleive you or your
friend should seek help asap. No matter what you still need to eat
properly, take all the vitamins, and drink. This is a life long process.
— Steve Cohen
September 21, 2006
Reversals are extremely dangerous and extremely painful. My surgeon
refuses to do them. And insurances probably won't pay for it to be done.
She needs to see a therapist and get on an anti-depressant or
anti-anxiety...or both. How did she pass the psych eval if she's acting
like this? She obviously knew what she was getting into. Psychological
help is needed asap because if she's rebelling against the surgery, that's
not good. She'll gain all her weight back if she doesn't eat right and if
she doesn't get in her fluids and vitamins, she's going to get seriously
sick. You're a good friend for helping her.
— platypus
September 21, 2006
I think she is in the 4 week depression. What I call them are 4 days, 4
weeks or 4 months. That's when the reality of LIFE HAS CHANGED hits ppl.
And you're right that once she gets out of it, she'll be ok. And the doc
is wise to make her wait, since once she gets out of it, loses 50 or 100
lbs, it's unlikely she'll want to undo THAT part. Also, she would need to
heal from surgery #1 before she could proceed to surgery #2. Again, wise
doc.
— vitalady
September 21, 2006
I to asked for a reversal. The reason that I wanted one was b/c I was so
sick for so long!!! I was sick and tired of being sick..When asked about
having a reversal I was told that it is very dangerous and should only be
done in extreme emergencies. They say it entails so much more. We all go
inot this knowing what can happen complications etc. My doctor was very
straight forward and as I said I was just tired of being sick. As I am
much better but still have some complications I am so grateful that I
couldn't have the reversal. Please have her seek some type of
counseling..Good Luck to you both. Dawn 225/160 4 months out.. :)
— drunyan
September 21, 2006
I think your friend needs an anti-depressant medication. I am an RN and
most people who go through life altering surgeries develope some level of
depression. It does pass!! Tell her not to give up. It will only get
better. I have also heard reversals are VERY dangerous and painful. Tell
your friend to hang in there and discuss her feelings of with her primary
physician or a psychiatrist. I wish her all the luck in the world!! Shannon
— shannonwaycott
September 21, 2006
Unfortunately it sounds like your friend wasn't mentally ready for the
change and might sabatage her weight loss anyway. The doctor is on the
right track, giving her some time. When you are morbidly obese, you strore
hormones in the fat and as the fat goes, the harmones are released causing
a rollercoaster of emotions. If given time, she will probably be glad that
she can have a life again.
— jk_harris
September 22, 2006
I doubt they will do a reversal on your friend when she's not having any
complications .... It is expensive and dangerous. She likely needs
counseling and anti-depressants to help her deal with her depression and
cope with the changes.
— peacefuldaizy
September 22, 2006
Reversals are very dangerous and the chance of there being leaks are far
greater. My surgeon just mentioned this at a presurgical seminar recently
that I was attending. He mentioned that a person should consider the
rearranging as permenant. She probably needs to get some professional help
in the depression department. Someone that is experienced with WLS and what
she is going through. Chris
— ChristineB
September 22, 2006
I believe she is in mourning. I went through a grieving period after my
surgery. I finally realized I had lost the only "me" I knew. I
lost my favorite foods, I lost my diet cokes! There are many, many changes
one has to make to be successful in this program. I hope she can find the
light at the end of the tunnel and keep a positive attitude. She may need
a medication for depression, she may even need therapy. She can get through
this if she gets the proper encouragement and support. It's wonderful that
you are such a good friend to her. I wish her the best!
— shar
September 23, 2006
Melissa Janci a member here, anmd personal friend wanted one insurance
wouldnt pay for it.Last I heard she was doing much better:) Her story
appeared in the now defunct rosie magazine...
She needs more time and professional mental health care!
— bob-haller
September 24, 2006
I was approached by my own team of doctors on 3 different occasions with
them offering me reversal as an only "possible" solution to
problems I was having maintaining acceptable weight. NOPE, no way...not
me...I'll just have to drink more "weight gainer" and eat more
frequently, but not going back to scale saying "One At A Time
Please" when I stepped on it :-) Tell friend hang in there, it is
VERY difficult physically and emotionally, but well worth the effort.
— PedalSteelGirl
September 26, 2006
hello this is not n answer but I also have thought about having a reversal
done. I have had some problems with dep ression and being menopausal. My
depression started a week or so after I got home. Just all of a sudden. I
so wish that I hadn't gotten this surgery. One do not like feeling like
this. Before the surgery I was happy and full of life. It has lifted some
but I'm still not where I was. I continue to pray for myself for
restoration of my full joy. I had my surgery 06-05-2006. I haven't had any
problems with the surgery which I'm soooooooooooooo! grateful about. well
someone just walked in my room. I am a teacher.
— november
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