Question:
Has anyone ever had the procedure reversed?

I am suffering from malabsorbion of iron, b12, my thyroid meds. I was told by my endoctrinolgist to consider haveing the surgery reversed. I am hoping to get my regular GP to refer me to a doctor here so i can at least consult with him. I had surgery 10 yrs ago. I have had 2 children since then. I have also gained back 60% of my weight regardless of how little i eat (part of the problem). I am suffering little or no energy at this point in my life. Anyone out there who might be able to offer advice??? Im looking for advice both ways , either working on keepng it the way it is or reversing.    — Carrie M. (posted on May 3, 2002)

May 3, 2002
I know some who have had it reversed, then rebuilt into a working WLS. They didn't know (or their doc) didn't know they could go to a revised model. Can you come to the US? Even for a consult?
   — vitalady

May 3, 2002
It would be interesting to know what kind of surgery your had and the length of bowel, if any, that was bypassed. Ten years ago was a long time given the advances that have been made. I would suggest you seek a consult with a competent bariatric surgeon who will evaluate whether you need a reversal or revision. For you to have gained back 60% despite how little you eat doesn't sound like malabsorption to me. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

May 3, 2002
HI. First of all, Merri, I dont' think she said she was malabsorbing food but only certain vitamins the same as I am basically. Carrie, what kind of surgery did you have? Revisions are definately possible and actually, I too am looking into that somewhat if I can get my iron levels up alittle and my BP also. I am trying to get my common channel lengthed so I can absorb more iron and vitamin D. I know exactly what you are talking about being so tired. I can't stay awake for more than 2 hours without a nap. It has definately hindered my life. I have absolutely no idea about the weight gain but I would certainly certainly see another doctor about all of this. Hugs and best wishes to you.
   — Barbara H.

May 3, 2002
Carrie & Barbara too: I'm guessing you had proximal RNY and that your pouch is no longer intact (if it ever was properly constructed) leaving you with all the disadvantages (no functioning stomach or duodenum for vitamin absorption but limited malabsorption of food). You certainly need to be evaluated for a revision (the RNY usually cannot be completely reversed since they may have permanently surgically altered your stomach). You need a surgeon who offers ALL types of surgeries (BPD/DS as well as RNY)and is expert at doing revisions as this is very complex, patient-to-patient type surgery. Don't just grab the local RNY-mill surgeon for this one. I don't know where you live, but there are genius surgeons on the east and west coast who CAN help you. But revisions are complex and you will need expert, state of the art surgical intervention. But it can be done. My old college roommate had her 15 yo VBG reversed this year and is losing weight great. Best luck. Barabar (HI): Glad to hear you are considering having your common channel reversed. You've suffered long enough and your weight loss was so good that you're a perfect candidate I would guess. One of the geniuses of the DS is that it is easily and completely revisable when necessary. I only know of one person who needed to have her channel lengthed, but it was an easy surgery and completely successful. With all WLSs they can only guess at the average patient (which is why they aim for 80-85% of excess weight loss, so they don't actually aim for 100%) but since some of us are not average, occasionally a patient will do better with a longer or shorter channel. I know you weren't happy w your first surgeon, but there are others who should be able to do the job easily as this surgery is NOT a complex one. We can't have you napping your life away. You go girl!
   — Jill L.