Question:
Revision surgery:

I had a vertical banded gasticplasty 7 years ago and have started gaining my weight back. I am seriously considering having a revision, but I have no ideal where to start and which would be the best for me......or if it can even be done again. Please help w/any info. Thanks    — flojo (posted on January 18, 2007)

January 18, 2007
Florence, I believe the Duodenal Switch, which I just had, fits in very well with the VBG because the VBG, as best I understand it, is like the first part of the DS. You will want to go to a top notch surgeon, one very experienced with revisions. I suggest you read the Duodenal Switch Forum on OH and start asking questions there. best to you, Jane
   — Jane C.

January 18, 2007
Your surgeon seems to have a lot of experience and got a great education. I would make an appt. for a consult, after all he's the expert. Good luck with getting thr revision.
   — Sheri A.

January 19, 2007
Again, it appears as though at least one responder is confusing the vertical BANDED gastroplasty (VBG) with the vertical gastroplasty (VG). The vertical gastroplasty, or vertical sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, or vertical gastrectomy (so many names, no wonder people get confused) is the "top half" of the duodenal switch. It consists of surgical removal of the majority of the stomach. In the last few years, it has been used as a stand-alone operation. The vertical banded gastroplasty, or VBG, which the questioner had--and I'm pretty sure, given that it was seven years ago, that the VBG is indeed what she had--is not the "top half" of the duodenal switch or any other operation. It is, and always has been, a stand-alone operation. It consists of a non-adjustable band placed around the top of the stomach. It seems to be on its way out, as most people who want restriction only are now opting for the LapBand, which is adjustable--or for the vertical gastrectomy. To the original questioner: You won't find a good deal of information on revisions by posting a question here. You should check out the Revision forum (by pulling down the Forums menu, above), or the various Yahoo groups on revisions, such as http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WLSrevisionsupport and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Revision. It's harder to find a surgeon to do a revision and they are technically challenging, but many of the people who do revise to the RNY or to the duodenal switch do so after having had a vertical banded gastroplasty. Revision to the vertical gastrectomy might also be something to consider. Its small but unbanded stomach seems to be working well for many people. Good luck.
   — Virginia N.