Question:
i had vbg in 1996 reversal in1998 and now i really need help

i had vbg reversed after 7 months straight of being sick litteraly my pouch had formed a second pouch and resulted in getting sick every time i ate or drank i was very skinny and ugly malnouroshed we opted to un do the ring to save me and stop the insanity. now it is 2002 and i am weighing 270 more than i did before the surgery the first time. i am in such back +feet pain i cannot take another pound. the diets do not work no matter what i try they just take my money. i am so tired of this battle and also afraid of revision i dont want to be sick again my husband and kids need me what do i do ? should i go back to indianapolis or try btc in ypsalanti, mi. should i just be fat? has anyone else been through this nightmare ???????    — tina B. (posted on May 25, 2002)

May 25, 2002
I would try BTC in Holland. I had my surgery with Dr. Poplawski and loved him. If he can't help you at least he will be honest with you and tell you. He truly cares about you and not just getting your money.
   — livnliter

May 26, 2002
I will be having my surgery done at the BTC in Ypsilanti. I think that the best thing to do is to have a consultation with a surgeon. Maybe they can reslieve some of your concerns and answer some of your questions.
   — JLP9805

May 27, 2002
If you haven't already, please take a look at a Yahoo group for people who have had, or are contemplating, revisions to weight-loss surgery (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ossg-revision). You'll find many people there who share your experiences. Good luck.
   — Kay B.

May 27, 2002
Wow, what a difficult situation to be in. I had a VRG in 1995 and have been having problems with having to throw up just about everything I eat, for the past 5 years. I started at 260 and got down to 200 but in 96 got pregnant and when I delivered in july 97, I had only gained 30 pounds. Problem is, I could never loose that weight and am now around 225-228. I live on chips, popcorn and ice-cream. Foods that will go down that ring and not get stuck. I was wondering if I could live like this forever, when I began doing research on having the ring taken out. I had gone back to the original center and they are now doing the RNY. I researched further and discovered the duodenal switch. My reasearch has led me to decide on the Duodenal Switch as a revision when I have the ring removed. I am so tired of being overweight. I long so much to be thin. For you the decision is not an easy one. It will take much thought and discussion among family. What does your doctor suggest. I know the RNY is the most common WLS being done and from what I see, by this web-site is that it is highly successful. It seems all the past patients would do it again. I think you just need to make a list of the pros and cons of having WLS vs. not having it. I too was a bit overwhelmed about the whole process of hospitilazion, etc. but for me, losing weight, being healthy and getting this stupid ring out of my body were enough positive reasons to go ahead. My surgery date is 7/15/02. Good luck to you in what ever you choose.
   — Nanette H.

May 29, 2002
I had a VBG in 98. I have thrown up daily (at least) until last week when I had my RNY revision done. I have 3 little kids -- 2, 4 and 6. This isn't about choosing to be fat or not, it is about choosing to live for them. Find a surgeon you are comfortable with. Print out your question and take it with you. With appropriate follow-up care and a little of God's blessings, the revisions can be EVERYTHING you want them to be. I have found in the last two weeks (bless this web site!) that some people out there are performing the surgery, some are creating success stories. Choose your surgeon as though your life depends on it. Find out if there is a support group in your area and chat it up. The sickness is not inevitable. It can be a side-effect successfully addressed (check the balloon question from two days ago, I think). A good surgeon and diligent communication can make all the difference. It does NOT have to be like it was last time. QUIT DIETING NOW! That is obviously not helping you. Build up your iron and your strength and your courage, and find a doctor. Good luck. Karen Fisher
   — Karen F.