Question:
How (and how much) does a prior gastroplasty complicate surgery?

I had a gastroplasty in 1982. I have since gained back all of the 80lbs that I lost, which I have been told is not uncommon. I am considering having gastric bypass surgery, but am concerned about it's long-term effectiveness and the additional risks due to my prior surgery.    — Martha M. (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 15, 2003
I had a gastric bypass in 1979 and went well for 3 years but then had complications of constant diarrhea and ulser so they changed it to a gastroplasty and I gained all my weight back. I am 5 days out from an Open RNY and am hoping this will be the solution, You will have to get an upper GI with and make sure the Surgeon has both the written report and the film so he will be able to tell you if the revision is possible. My surgeon said the surgery went very well and there was a great deal of scar tissue from the previous two surgeries but no surprises. Hope this helps.
   — Michael K.

February 16, 2003
I have not been in your shoes, but I do know that I have seen quite a few posts from people who are having revisions to the surgeries that were done 20 years or so ago. I would certainly want to make sure that the surgeon is experienced with revisions, but I do know that many who have had them are pleased with the results of their new surgery. Actually, one of the reasons the RNY was developed was that the earlier 'stomach stapling' operations did not work well since the staples often failed and there was also no malabsorption involved. Good luck! You might want to look up revisions in the library to find out more.
   — garw

February 16, 2003
I had VGB in 1992. I too gained all the weight back that I had lost, plus lots more. I had the Open RNY 4/10/02. I am now ten months post op and have lost -142 pounds so far. I was told by my surgeon at my consult that I should not expect the same results as someone who has never had any WLS. Currently, I am only about 5-10 heavier than the lowest weight I got to with VGB. I would like to lose about 40 pounds more. I am happy with my weight loss thus far, but I do know that WLS is not fool proof. I know that you regain the weight. Knowing these things, I has made me work harder and be more aware of what I do. If you have any more questions, email me. [email protected]
   — bevewy

February 16, 2003
I had gastric bypass in 1981. I am considering having it done again, due to the fact that I kept all the weight off until a few years back, when I reached 50 yrs old. Got lazy, work at computer all day. I think the first surgery provided me with a healthy longer life and would do it again if possible.
   — camae P.

February 16, 2003
Hi Martha, I had VBG in 1995, was revised to RNY in July 2002 after a staple line disruption and gaining back most of my weight. The revision was done by my original surgeon, it lasted about an hour and a half. I did have quite a bit of scar tissue (adhesions) from the previous surgery that he had to clean up, but he was expecting it and was prepared. I stayed one night in ICU, but everyone of his patients do that. One night in a regular room and was home by noon on the third day. I was back at work after 13 days. My recovery was uneventful, I was very sore, but no real bad pain. I was 21 for my VBG and 29 for my RNY. so my age probably has a lot to do with how quick I bounced back. Good Luck.
   — Ali M