Question:
Has anyone had wls before and hed it successfully revised? .

I had gastric stapeling in 1982. A small pouch was created leaving an opening into the lower stomach. I lost a lot of weight but have now gained it back plus. I saw a surgeon agout Roux-en-Y and he said it would be too risky. He did not have experience in re-dos. I live near Phila. If anyone has had a doctor successfully re-do a procedure please let me know. I am totally devistated at the posibility that I will not be able to do something. Help!    — Cheri P. (posted on September 14, 2002)

September 14, 2002
Cheri, I had WLS in 1983 and had a revision in May of this year. Except for the pain being so much more intense, I did great. No complications. My surgeon said it was the easiest revision he's ever done. He had told me the surgery would last several several hours but was thrilled that it only took 2 hours from start to finish. So far I've lost 54 pounds - that's 19 more than I lost the entire time I had the previous WLS. Also, I threw up every day for the past 19 years after the first WLS. Since revision to RNY I've thrown up only three times and they were always my fault. Remember, revisions tend to lose more slowly than "virgins" so don't get into the guilt trap like I did and think you're not doing well. Besides, it's better to go slow for the skin elasticity factor. Good luck.
   — Vicki H.

September 14, 2002
My surgeon dr philip schauer in pittsburgh specializes in revisions, most of which are done LAP. These folks do very well. Dont dispair. the failure wasnt your fault and if you dont find someone closer pittsburgh isnt that far/
   — bob-haller

September 14, 2002
Cheri - talk to the people up at HUP (that's where I had my surgery done). Drs. Raper and Williams are among the best around. They've had experience in doing revisions as well. The phone # for appointments is 215-614-0382. It may be awhile before you can get in for a consultation (I had a 7-month wait), but it's worth the wait...JR (open RNY 7/17 -74 lbs)
   — John Rushton

September 14, 2002
Cherie, I had a stomach stapling back in 1984, and had a revision on rny lap on 9/27/01/ I lost about 80 lbs w/first surgery and yo yo'd through the years until when I finally had rhe revision I had regained all but 10 lbs back! I have done great this time, my 1 year anniversary will be coming up on the 27th and I am 7 lbs from goal! It is true than revision people lose slower, but as long as it comes off, who cares? my beginning weight was 258/ w/ my goal at 154/ I am now at 161 and a size 8! I can eat real meals, not like w/previous surgery, and I don't throw up! if I can help anymore please feel free to e-mail me at: [email protected] I wish you the best!
   — peppermintp

September 15, 2002
I had a VBG in 1997. Didn't lose but 40 lbs, at most. Gained back almost to what I was at the time of the VBG. In 2001, I decided to look into a revision. I would throw up about 3 or more times a day ever since my VBG. Well, turns out the opening was only 8 mm instead of a typical 15 mm (which explains the throwing up). Any time I tried to eat anything healthy, I would throw it up. Anyway, in July 2001 I had a revision to RNY with a different surgeon. I have lost 100 lbs, I feel great, and just had a tummy tuck in July. A revision is definitely possible with the right doctor. I had two doctors turn me down before I found the right one. I had had major complications with the VBG and it seems they didn't even want to touch me. Look for a doctor with experience and you should be fine.
   — Michele :.