Question:
Has anyone with complications ever considered reversal?

I have been miserable after surgery. I vomit everyday. I have nausea 24 hours a day. I don't know how much longer I can go on like this. I have had every test and the Dr. can not find anything wrong. I get depressed because everyone else has had a wonderful experience with surgery. Has anyone reached my point where they have thought of reversal. I'm at my rope's end. I'm just sick of being sick. Is there anyone who is in my position? Has anyone ever had a RNY reversed. What are my options? Someone please help. I am so happy for the people who have had good outcomes with the surgery and would never discourage anyone from having surgery, because it helps so many other people. I beleive in this surgery, so please don't respond to this posting negativily. I just can't live in sickness anymore and this is just ME. I am only looking for help and I am in no way anti-WLS.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 18, 2001)

January 19, 2001
You don't say how long you have been post op, but you're not alone. I've heard a few stories of folks feeling the same way you do, with nausea and vomiting, and tests show nothing is wrong. What has been discovered, though, is that after surgery, the opening to the small pouch is VERY swollen and tender, thus the nausea and vomiting. It does go away after a few months, hang in there the results will be worth it!
   — [Anonymous]

January 20, 2001
All of the research I have done indicates that this surgery is not really reversible. If it is, it is extremely high risk surgery. You don't mention what your diet has been. It sounds like you need to give your stomach a couple days of rest. Drink clear liquids and ask your doctor about Prilosec or something to help with gastritis and nausea. Also, check the library on this web site and try eating something different. Also, remember to eat very very slowly. Good Luck!! Don't Give Up!
   — [Anonymous]

January 20, 2001
Yes, I know a lady who had the same experience as you with her RNY. She had a terrible time, for over a year, many endoscopies & more. She recently had her surgery revised. If you give me your email address, I will forward it on to her so maybe you can speak with her directly. Also, there is a mailing list for revisions where you might get some good support at: <a href="http://www.egroups.com/group/OSSG-Revision">Revisions</a>. I'm sorry you're having to experience this... Good luck to you... ---->>>
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 20, 2001
I'm sorry this has worked for you. I don't know if this helps, but I am nauseated when I eat fatty things, or most meats (which I loved before). But I understand the operation is reversible, and in fact my doctor has done at least one reversal.
   — KG B.

February 1, 2001
I am posting this from my husband's name. He could have written this. He had RNY on 10/2/00 and has been sick every day since. He is so depressed. He won't eat much for fear of vomitting. He has Barrett's Esophagus, a pre-cancerous conditon, and his GI doctor wants him to have a reversal. He feels guilty because everyone else seems to have had a wonderful experience with the surgery.
   — Jim K.

April 16, 2004
I am waiting for my Dr.s office to call now and let me know the date for my reversal of the VGB. I had my surgery on Feb 10 and have been sick non stop since the day I came home. I can't do it anymore. I have lot weght but have lost quality of life to go,with it. I can't live like this and I don't feel like a failure at all. I think the part when you fail is when you can't admit it isn't the going to work. I will find a way but this isn't it and my Dr told me either is reversable.
   — Pam J.

April 16, 2004
Pam, this question is a old one from 2001. Its terrible when someone like yourself has troubles. I have heard from other VBGers who had similiar experiences. I recommend you get a revision to a RNY, rather than a plain reversal. That tight band around your tummy will be gone and patients tend to do very well afterward. You may have to find a surgeon who specializes in revisions, but they are out there. My surgeon does them, our support group is filled with VBG to RNY revisions and the folks do wonderfully. I hope you will consider this option before giving up on weight loss surgery.
   — bob-haller