Question:
I heard that some people have revisions after a few years--what exactly is a revision

I'm now worried that I will have to have another surgery in a few years for a 'revision' or I will start gaining weight back again.    — DeeDee B. (posted on October 25, 2002)

October 25, 2002
Certain surgeries, VBG and lap band, for example, have a fairly high revision rate. Most folks who need to have a revision do so because of mechanical problems: Can't keep the food down or can't keep the weight off for one reason or another. My dr no longer does the VBG because he did so many revisions. With the VBG the problem seems to be that foods you shouldn't eat are the easiest to tolerate and the foods that are better for you often make you nauseated or cause vomiting. (Of course not everyone has this problem.) With the lap band, it seems to be more related to the experience of the surgeon. The more lap bands they have done, the better their statistics. A few people have had revisions of RNYs from proximal to distal. This would be the case if you had a lot of weight to lose and your surgeon was too conservative in the amount of intestine bypassed.<p>The bottom line is do your research. Ask lots of questions when you talk to the surgeon, including revision rates for their patients. If you are having RNY, chances are you won't need a revision: Most revisions are from other surgeries to RNY. Hope this helps!
   — ctyst