Question:
site for reversals and revisions?

Hi, I may be the only one on here who wants this but, what about having an area for those of us who have had problems and had to have reversals or revisions? Why? Because I think that it's hard for preops to find us otherwise by our profiles. I know that they want to know everything before going into surgery. I also realize that I may be the only one who thinks this is a good idea but, I know that if there was an area where we knew we could post our stories without repercussions (which there are very little of here I know), it might help others to "come out" like I have. Most people with problems post to me privately because they don't want to seem weird or be bashed. I just thought this might be a good idea. Thanks all for the good wishes since my reversal. I wish you all the best of luck.    — Barbara H. (posted on November 16, 2002)

November 16, 2002
I think your suggestion is a good one, Barbara, meaning that a clearly-labeled subsection of this site covering revisions (of which there are a significant number) and reversals (of which there are few, but then again, as you say, who knows exactly?) would be very helpful. It's great to read about successes, but a well-informed patient wants to know the worst-case scenarios, too, without judgments -- just facts. Plus, as a post-op, if I started having troubles like you've had, I'd want to know there's somebody knowledgeable I could reach out to for sound advice. I think this site is great, so it's asking a lot for the volunteers who run it to set aside a spot for revisions and reversals, but it certainly seems worthy of consideration.<P>Another thought would be the OSSG groups on yahoo.com (obesity surgery support groups). I haven't looked to see if they have one just for revisions and reveresals, but if not, maybe you could start one! I have found their "OSSG graduates," "protein perverts," and "vitamins" groups to be invaluable sources of information.
   — Suzy C.

November 16, 2002
Barb I was under the impression you had a revision leghtening the common channel and not a reversal. Please tell us more.
   — bob-haller

November 16, 2002
There is a WLS group on yahoo.com that has some folks who've had revisions and takedowns. It's called "WLS_uncensored".
   — Margaret K.

November 16, 2002
Bob, I had a complete reversal. Sorry if I confused you. When the doc got in there there was nothing to do but reverse the whole thing. I had blind loop syndrome which most likely would have happened again in the future. My anemia is still here but all of the other problems ei:malnutrition, diahrea etc are gone. I have gained 30 pounds but as I said, I needed to gain about 20. Now I have to watch myself so as not to pork out again although I feel it might be inevitable given the fact that I couldn't do it with diet alone before WLS. I'm gonna try though. If anyone has any questions please let me know. I would be happy to answer whatever I can for you. Reversals are not done too often, needed sometimes, and there isn't much info on them to be honest. My best wishes Bob, go to you and yours.
   — Barbara H.