Question:
I had wls 24 years ago. Will that affect having a different form of wls?

I had this surgery when they sectioned off the stomach, so only 10% was usable. At that time I had not received enough information on how much food I could take in so needless to say I regained the 80# I had lost.Plus, am now 45 years old and weigh around 350 and am having much trouble with my knees, feet, and just feel awful from not being able to do things that I'd like to do.I am very skeptical about having another surgery, since I made the statement once that I would never have another elective surgery, but am beginning to think this may not be so 'elective'.I have been on Phen-fen and lost 150#, gained it back after it was taken off the market. Need to do something soon, before I can't.I have been obese all my life, til I lost that 150#, Then it was like a slap in the face, when Phen-fen was taken away. I hate the way I feel now. I know I am not alone in this. I pray for an answer, hopefully this site will have it for me.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 2, 2000)

August 2, 2000
I can not really comment on having a revision done but I'd like to comment on the use of Phen-Phen. I was on it for about 3 months and lost 35 lbs (then gained it back). I hope you are aware of the problems that they have found w/ some of the people that took Phen-Phen. Some have developed problems w/ their heart as a result of using this drug long term, especially. My surgeon needed a test done to see if my heart had been affected by using Phen-Phen before he would do the surgery. I hope you get this checked out, if you haven't already. Good luck in whatever you decide to do as far as wls is concerned. I know what it feels like to weigh that much and have all your muscles and joints aching. I am just over 2 wks post op and w/ the wt I loss prior to surgery (at my surgeon's insistence) and the wt I lost after surgery, I feel pretty good, meaning that my knees don't hurt so much and I can walk w/o having to sit down within a few minutes. I feel like I have gotten a new lease on life!
   — kathy S.

August 2, 2000
I HAD A STOMACH STAPPLING 15 YR, AGE, I HAD MULTIPLE MYELOMA 2 YRS AGO. I REGAINED MY WT WITH CHEMO. I SURE HOPE I CAN LOSE AGAIN GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS
   — Shirley C.

August 3, 2000
I had an Open RNY in '96, and I should be having a revision within the next month....so, I feel like you would not have a problem having a revision. It is very much possible. With your stomach being sectioned off so many years ago, the part that has not been in use all these years may not be "useable" now, but they could surely make your common tract shorter which would cause malabsorbption, which in turn would cause weightloss.
   — Shelly T.

August 7, 2000
Hi there, I am hearing some shame connected with the last surgery, you can keep on living in the shame or get rid of it and make another important decsission for your well being, I would certainly go for it. What have you got to loose, but the old you and start fresh again. I am 58 years old, and lived in shame about every diet or proceeder I ever had, not anymore, for today, I am doing the best I can, with the new life I have been give back, I had surgery two years ago, and have dropped 230 lbs, and am holding at 156lbs. today, and would encourage anyone to keep going for the help that they need. So, I am encourageing you to go for it. Linda
   — Linda H.