Question:
I am having an upper GI to determine if my staple line is still ok. I am not

transected but if I have to have a revision to correct staple line I am definitely having it done this time. I am a very slow loser. I have only lost 10 lbs since April. I haven't gained any but I exercise like an anorexic! My question is "Is the revision as difficult as the first operation?" Since the bypass part is still there, is just transecting as big a surgery? It must be open again as that is all my surgeon does.    — Marilyn C. (posted on August 31, 2001)

August 31, 2001
Marilyn, a revision is always riskier than an original surgery because of the scar tissue and problems if you have adhesions. There are also higher risks of complications. When I went in to have my revision from VBG to RNY they made me read about all the risks involved and the increased chances of problems like excessive bleeding and I have to admit it scared me but it didn't scare me half as much as returning to a morbidly obese state so I took the risks. I did develop a post-op infection when they removed my g-tube and ended up in the hospital an additional 5 days but I don't regret the revision for a second. I would imagine that if you do have a staple line disruption and they go in for a revision they would probably make your pouch smaller again if it has stretched and since you say you are a slow loser you might even get them to consider bypassing more intestine or putting a ring on your stoma to slow emptying (sort of a Fobi pouch type thing). Of course you will definately want the transection so you don't have to worry about another SLD. If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me. Good luck to you.
   — Kellye C.

August 31, 2001
AS Kellye said, revision does carry higher risk. BUT we are now lower risk at the lower weight. So, it's a mixed blessing. Predictably, as I got closer to my revision date, I was well beefed up on protein & the healing things, so except for the fatigue, my revision was uneventful. I like to say that I was to busy for anesthesia and needed to get back to work, but um, they made me take it anyway, and stick around the hospital as if I was NOT superwoman! It was MUCH easier than the original for me, because with my original, I didn't really have full use of my lungs (for breathing, not yelling! This time, I was in much better shape overall. And since you have been exercising yourself silly, you will also be in better shape than you were before!
   — vitalady