Question:
Several Questions

I am in the early stages in trying to decide if I want to have the Lap Band placed or have RNY...I have contacted several doctors and they are either reluctant or have told me they would not to take my case...I had Vertical Gastroplasty in 1985...I had a upper GI a few weeks ago which reflected that my stomach was normal, and no staple line showed up...so here are my questions/concerns... 1. Where did the staples go...and since they were stainless steel shouldn't they have shown up in the x-rays? 2. Has anyone had WLS surgery after the type of surgery I had? 3. The doctors I have talked to or concerned about the scar tissue...is this always a problem? Or will they to know until they get in there to look around? 4. And finally, for anyone who had the RNY procedure...what keeps the staple line where they divide your stomach from coming open...I know they staple it but it seems like it would come open if you over ate... Thanks!    — Deborah L. (posted on November 17, 2002)

November 17, 2002
Over time our bodies frequently reject and expell staples like they were food. The staple line is also sewn to prevent leaks and often transected cutting the stomach into seperate pieces. Scar tissue at the cut line heals and porevents leaks. You need a surgeon who specialoizes in revisions. They are more technically challenging and since the VBG was a failure I recommend the RNY, because the malabsorbtion will help you keep the weight off. The VBG and band are very similiar and my srgeon discourages failed VBG conversion to lap band.
   — bob-haller

November 17, 2002
What keeps the staples in with RNY? When it's done right, the stomachs are actually cut apart (each is sealed shut at the seam). The pouch is self contained with the intestine for an outlet. Your staples were stainless? Not titanium? They're tiny little buggers, smaller than a flea, so not likely you'd see them. My first RNY rejected a handful of staples, too. My pouch is sealed now, and in my case (personal history), my lower stomach is gone. Most docs leave the lower stomach in place, but sealed shut. I know hundreds of converted VBG's, and virtually ALL say they prefer the RNY life over the VBG life. Good luck.
   — vitalady