Question:
Are revisions inevitable?

Does everybody sooner or later have a revision with WLS? I'm afraid that this surgery might be like my years of yo-yo dieting. I still want the surgery but I'm fearful of another weight loss failure. Any info is appreciated.    — Valarie M. (posted on May 9, 2002)

May 8, 2002
Not at all. There are thousands and thousands of people who have had WLS over the years and never had to have revisions. You hear the stories about the people who DO, because they are the exception, rather than the norm. You just don't hear much from the zillions who never do have to have one......
   — Cathy J.

May 9, 2002
Some surgeries have a higher rate of failure than others. Sometimes a good surgery doesn't come with a good "owner's manual" and it can fail because you don't have good instructions. Some surgeries are good ones, but they're not right FOR YOU. There are many reasons for revision. One should not EXPECT to be revised, but there is always the chance of "another" surgery after WLS. One hopes that it is just your TT and nothing more major. But I had to be revised. Of course, it took me less than a nano-second to make THAT decision.
   — vitalady

May 9, 2002
The possibility of needing a revision was a major concern to me before my surgery. I was so afraid that I would "burst my staples" or something and have to be revised. Since my surgery, I have been quite amazed how strong the surgery is. Even at 13.5 months post op, I can only eat about 6-8 oz. at a time and usually eat about 1200-1500 calories/day. I have lost 177 lbs. and have no fears about "bursting my staples" or having some other problem. My body feels as normal as it did before surgery, only now I get full faster and I have a ton more energy.
   — Terissa R.

May 9, 2002
Check with your surgeon to see if he transects (completely cuts your stomach in two) or just puts in a staple line. If he transects, is it impossible to disrupt a staple line. I have talked to several people who have had VGB's who have later been revised to RNY. RNY seems to be the most common, and with transection seems to be the least likely to need any revisions.
   — Dell H.