Question:
failed surgery

I recently found out that all of my staples have come undone returning my stomach to its original size. August 2002 would have been 2 years and I have begun to gain weight (20 lbs). I would like to ask if anyone else has had this problem and had the surgery again. Was the recovery the same, better or worse that the original. Any help would be greatly appreciated since I am struggling with this decision. I had major complications the first time (kidney failure) and my surgeon no longer practices. I have found another surgeon who will support any decision I make. Help is needed, thanks    — andrea C. (posted on July 29, 2002)

July 29, 2002
I had a revision 4 years after my original. I knew that the day before would be hell with bowel prep, and I knew the minutes would drag right after the surgery, and then I would have to do that first x-ray to make sure there were no leaks. I also dreaded the IV. These were very significant concerns to me, but nothing compared to the thought of not living life to its fullest by not having the surgery. I prayed a lot about it... I just had constant thoughts of the week after the surgery and how happy I would be. Pray about it, maybe you will get some guidance. It may come in the form of an answer from your doctor when you ask him "If I was your daughter, what would you recommend?" I have found I get a lot of information when I phrase it that way. Sometimes I get a complete reversal to what I thought they were recommending. Give it a shot. Let us know what you decide, please!
   — Karen F.

July 29, 2002
Hi Andrea, I came "undone" at 6 mos post op because I wasn't transected at that time. At 11 mos post op I had the pouch restapled and transected this time. Oh my goodness, what a difference that made! I have lost 110 lbs now and I have what I always wanted! The revision was a lot easier than the original rny and I didn't hesitate to have it done as I had lost 68 lbs and just couldn't stand to think of regaining it back. I had to be open again and go through the healing etc but it is so worth it! If you do have it over again, please make sure the new surgeon transects so it won't come undone ever again! If I can be of any help , just e mail me! Yours
   — Marilyn C.

August 20, 2007
I am only 5 months out and gaining weight, I don't feel like I eat any less than the average person. How did you discover that your staples came out? Barb
   — bjkgriffith