Question:
If your BMI is at 35 and you were successful with original surgery would you push for

   — carla C. (posted on May 19, 2005)

May 19, 2005
Good Morning! I don't want to sound dumb but I see a lot of people talking about revisions. What are they and what is their purpose? It seems that if the first surgery was very successful, why is there a possibility for revision? Is this something I will need to worry about? Dave
   — David B.

May 19, 2005
It depends on if you are wanting your insurance to cover the cost of a revision. Most insurances will require proof that there is a mechanical failure with your surgery, and that you were compliant on post-op lifestyle change, that you are eating correctly, exercising, etc. If you just want to pay for a revision yourself, you will only need to meet the criteria of the surgeon you select to perform your revision.
   — Shayna T.

May 19, 2005
David, it's not dumb for you to wonder about revisions. There are a number of different reasons why some of us are *inquiring* about revisions. From MLU (my limited understanding), the MAIN reason for having or requesting a revision is for SLD=Staple Line Disruption. Our bodies are different, so just because we have WLS does not mean it will affect each individual the same way. Some of us are non-compliant, some of us are gaining because of the bad choices we are making/have made, some because we REALLY don't know or have an understanding of what the surgery actually does or how it changes our life completely, some of us have *issues* that we needed to resolve BEFORE the surgery, and basically, some of us have done EVERYTHING by the book...and simply not satisfied with the results! I believe (and hope there are others that post after me to help me with your inquiry) that you can expect to lose between 70-80% or more of the excess weight. I just KNEW I wanted to lose 100% of what I was 'carrying around'. If I can ever get in touch with my surgeon, I'd like to let him know my concerns and why. I guess he's so busy...I dunno...Don't be afraid though, or even apprehensive. The WLS is the best thing in the world to have to improve your health and live a longer life!! As with ANY surgical procedure, there are risks and benefits. Look for the benefits, but don't close your eyes to the risks. I'm just being plain honest~~and above all, be reasonable in your expectations! email me if I can help answer additional questions and be assured if I don't know the answer(s), I'll refer you to someone that does. AMOS/WLS/ObesityHelp.com is the place you can get your questions answered and the support you NEED. You're welcome to read my story. At [email protected]. HTH (Hope this helps)! Proximal LAP RNY 9/3/02 5'2" 265/181/115-126, Hadiyah McCutcheon, a.k.a.~~
   — yourdivaness

May 19, 2005
Carla, didn't mean any disrespect, dear heart. I got so involved in trying to explain to David about the amount of posts inquiring about revisions, that I got sidetracked. I apologize for that. To answer your question: My BMI was relatively higher than yours. My "original surgery", I feel was most successful (with the exception of what occurred in the OR with intubation which was NOT the surgeon's fault), but due to a stricture that had formed in my esophagus-therefore making insertion difficult, and the anesthesiologist did not thoroughly review my medical history to know that I had a Barrett's Esophagus and GERD real bad. I'd like a revision because of some traumatic things I've gone through since December 2003, which, according to my therapist has *contributed" somewhat to the weight gain, medication(s) I've taken have contributed, seems like I can eat more...maybe my pouch/stoma has enlarged, I'm hungry ALL of the time, I drink my share of water and then some, protein is not a problem, and I can't exercize much right now, but the walking I do now, isn't budging the scales much at all. I've been through this before, and I'll tough it out for another 6 months. But if there are no changes, I may well opt to have a revision to either a DS or revision to distal. At this point, it's only a thought because the risks for a second surgery I hear are even greater. It took me about three years to finally get up the courage to have the WLS because I BELIEVE in doing my homework/research. I 'spose you can tell I'm somewhat partial to the RNY, but whatever works, with less discomfort is what I'd go with. The decision is really up to you and the best interests of your health. Discuss at length, with your surgeon. Don't take anything lightly, though. I'd like to hear from others thinking about revisions...
   — yourdivaness

May 19, 2005
I assume revision is what you were saying? But do you mean repair the surgery you've got or change? My answer is yes, if my BMI was 35, absolutely. I revised when my SLD and I had only gained 12#! My comorbs would've been back long before bmi 35.
   — vitalady