Question:
Ability to keep weight off after surgery(post op 5-10 years)

I have heard that after several years patients tend to gain their weight back. I have heard that this happens frequently with the Roux en Y surgery?? Can anyone tell me if this is true?? Or is it nay weight loss surgery?? As a patient who is trying to decide which surgery to pursue, and comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Michelle Ahamed    — Michelle A. (posted on April 4, 2001)

April 3, 2001
Well, there are two major differences between a BPD/DS and RNY: It isn't just the length of the 'bypass': First, the post-op stomach is different. In the RNY, the stomach is either stapled or cut horizontally to create a small upper 'pouch' and the bottom portion remains in the body but is non-functional. A part of the intestine is then re-routed and attached to the stomach wall. Food passes out of the stomach via the 'stoma' or opening between the upper 'pouch' and the intestines. In the BPD/DS, 2/3 of the stomach is actually removed --- it is a 'sleeve gastrectomy' in which the stomach is cut lengthwise, removing the fundus (which stores food) and leaving the pyloric valve, etc. intact. The post-op BPD/DS stomach is actually larger - it can hold about 4-6 oz immediately post-op. The intestinal portion is also very different: in the RNY, the small intestines are actually bypassed. In the BPD/DS, about 5 cm of duodenum remains and then the intestines are cut and two limbs are created: One carries only pancreatic/bile juices and the other only carries processed food until the last 50-100+ cm of 'common channel' where they meet and then nutrients can be absorbed. The DS is similar to the distal RNY only in the fact that there is a high degree of malapsorption, but the stomach is totally different and the intestinal 'wiring' is different. :) All the best, ([email protected]),
   — Teresa N.

April 4, 2001
This was my concern, as well. Some people are concerned with lap vs. open, or hair loss, or scaring,etc. My concern was late regain of weight. A good place to research this is at the Yahoo list for Revision surgeries. People who have had failed surgeries and are seeking revisions. Here's the address: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Revision (copy & paste). Good luck in your research! ---->>
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 25, 2002
Humns can defeat any surgery! I regained 100 pounds after having a gastric stapling done in 1980. I'm ashamed of it but my present surgeon says I'm not totally to blame.(He's a sweetie!) Anyway, I lost just over 90 pounds, kept it off for 5 years...no problem, then gradually I noticed I got hungry more often and could eat more and more.<b>I could have curbed it, but didn't. My fault.</b> You can bet that next time around, I'll maintain LIFETIME vigilence over what I eat.We all need to.
   — Georgianne Faith W.

February 1, 2004
I am almost 3 years postop, I had lost 165 pounds in a year, now that I am almost 3 years and have changed jobs from a physical job to sitting behind a desk, I have found myself gaining weight. I have gained 13 pounds in 5 months, well this girl is not going to get heavy again. I have joined a gym and decided to do something about the gaining weight. I know I can get myself back to 155 pounds, I don't like the weight gain but at least I am doing something about it before it gets out of control. Good luck to everyone who is considering surgery and those who have already taken the journey.
   — JazzBear111