Question:
Please explain the concept of a revision, is it as serious as gastric bypass

I had a vbg in 2000 with weight 345, lost down to 211, had band removed due to difficulties with it. Am now gaining back weight very rapidly. Very depressed and anxious for a new start, can someone who has been through this give me some pointers?    — Sue W. (posted on February 11, 2003)

February 11, 2003
I had a vbg in 2000 with weight of 318, lost down to around 200, began to gain weight rapidly. Tests revealed no staple line. (who knows where the staples were) ane a widening of the band, up to about 2 inches, so food was slipping through there. On 10/31/02 I was revised from VBG to Open RNY-Distal. Now, grant it I'm not losing massively fast, but as of yesterday I am at the -60 lb mark. I was 304 pre-op this time, so you can see I nearly gained every pound of my weight back. I understand your anxiety and depression. Oh boy, do I understand!!! It is definately a serious choice to make. Higher risk the second time. I needed 5 blood transfusions because I had heavy bleeding while in recovery. I was very close to being opened back up the day of my bypass because of this and the need to codorize (sp) the tissues that were bleeding. Very scary. About two months ago or even maybe a month ago I would have told you I totally regret my decision and wished I could lose weight on my own beecause I was nauseated all the time, etc., but today I can tell you I am SO HAPPY I endured the pain and the discomfort and the mental strain because I am starting to look and feel so much better again. I feel certain this time I will not fail, though the surgery was a biggie in my vbg failure. Anyhow, if you have any questions don't hesitate to email me. :o)
   — Lindi R.

February 11, 2003
My story is similar to Lindi's. I had VBG in 1995 at 295#, lost 135, was down to 160#. Had a staple line disruption and gained back up to 240-250. Had revision to RNY in July and have lost back down to 180#. My recovery was pretty smooth. Surgery took about 1 1/2 hours, was in the hospital two nights, home by noon the third day. Went back to work two weeks after. Gaining my weight back was depressing enough, but at the same time I had a cousin that had the RNY and was losing all her weight - double depressing. But I have had no regrets with having the RNY done - just wish it had been an option for me back in 1995. Good Luck.
   — Ali M