Question:
Is it possible to have WLS a second time just to aid in additional weight loss

I am 2 yrs and 4 months post-op and have stopped losing weight. I am able to maintain and eat almost anything I want. However, I would like to lose 50 more pounds and am having a hard time doing so. I know this may sound crazy, but I was considering having the RNY again to help me lose the rest of my weight. Is it possible to have the WLS a second time even if a revision is not medically necessary?    — TBarr (posted on January 15, 2004)

January 15, 2004
If not medically necessary, I think it would be difficult to find a surgeon willing to do so. They can go in and bypass more (from a proximal to a distal) to create more malabsorption, but I caution against that and the possible long term health effects. To lost the last 50, how bout cutting out a few hundred calories a day and upping the heart pumping cardio exercise? You may have already tried this, but if not, that would certainly help you to lose more. Many post-ops fall short of their goals, either because they set unrealistic goals, have fallen off the pouch rule wagon, aren't willing to work to get the rest off, or the few who do have mechanical problems.
   — Cindy R.

January 15, 2004
I have heard that some people are getting the lapband after they have started to regain (or quit losing) after having a RNY. But with only 50 pounds, and without serious medical problems, you would probably have to go outside the US... Just a thought...
   — Sheryl W.

January 15, 2004
As a person who had terrible complications, I can't recommand having RNY (again or for the first time) unless you are going to die without it. I went from BMI of 56 to 41. I still have 100 pounds to lose but I wouldn't choose an RNY at this weight. If you are exercising the required 3-5 hours a week and getting in 60-80 grams of protein, you should lose just fine without any revision.
   — mrsmyranow

January 15, 2004
I too have seriously considered having a second surgery. I had lost 137lbs. I stopped losing for a year. I got very discouraged. I just tried the Adkin's diet and have lost 13 of the 50 pounds I need to lose. It is really working and the advantage we have to regular people that are on Adkin's, is that we can only eat so much. Try it and good luck.
   — CHERYL R.

January 15, 2004
First my question is this??? Is there some reason that you think your pouch has been damaged or is not working right that you would want to do this???? Or have you just fell off the basic rules??? Go back to the basics and see what that does for you before you do this again. Go have an exray to make sure everything is still in tact and working properly.If it is sounds to me like you just need to follow POUCH RULES.I guess my basic question to you is why do you think you need to do this or that it isn't working properly??Just because you are not at goal??
   — Jonesin

January 16, 2004
This is the statement that concerns me: 'I am able to maintain and eat almost anything I want.' I'm not trying to sound all negative, but I think what you are eating needs to be checked. Being over 2 years out myself, I have noticed the abilty to eat ALOT more than what I have been used to. I guess this is why they say we have an 18 month to 2 year window. If I wanted to, I could eat an entire value mean from McDonalds. I don't,and it would be uncomfortable, but it is physically possible. My suggestion would be to check what and how much you are eating. It will be more difficult for you now than it would a year ago, simply because the volume can be greater. But I have faith that you can do it. It just won't be easy. Rebecca 10/03/01 265/140
   — RebeccaP

January 16, 2004
Its hard to give a good answer when you don't give any information on what your eating, how much water your drinking and if your exercizing. I don't think anybody would touch you if its not medically necessary. Get your 'mechanics' checked out if you think you have an SLD or stretched your stoma. IF you haven't, then you need to go back to basics. Plus, it sounds like you want this as a 'fix' when you could USE your tool correctly instead. I suggest writing down everything that goes into your mouth. Youll be surprised at how much it is and it can help you cut out the carbs, fat and sugar. I'm doing that myself since I'm over 2 yrs out and have gained 10lbs. I did slack off but I'm back to the basics and exercising again. Just hoping it works!
   — Kris T.