Question:
Will I lose weight more slowly because this will be my 2nd WLS ?

I had the VBG in 1985 - loss over 100+lbs and gained 200+lbs! Incredible but true. I am now considering the DS because of its higher success rate. Can anyone who had the VBG (stomach stapling) and had a revision to a RNY or DS tell me if they loss weight more slowly and if so, how long was it. Did you ever make goal w/the 2nd surgery? Also, don't get mad about this, but in 1985 we didn't have nearly the education or support that we do now about WLS, but I feel that the VBG is almost a rip-off and should be eliminated as a WLS procedure. It just seems that there are so many more people that "regain" because of staple line failure after 2-5years. I want to say especially for those of us that were unaware of the high failure rate of this procedure in the earlier years. We should be allowed without any hesitation to have a 2nd chance at getting this right. (NO INSURANCE HASSLES) I hope I haven't offended anyone that is getting the VBG or that has recently had it done. I just hate to see their disappoint in years to come. Sincerely, Ali    — A A. (posted on October 31, 2003)

October 31, 2003
From one Ali to another, Hello! <p> I did have VBG in 95, it did disrupt 5-6 years later and I regained most of what I lost. I had revision to RNY in July 2002. The weight loss was slower. 6 pounds in the first 2 weeks, I was kinda upset. But I did some research and this is what I found (please don't ask where I found it, I can't remember!) The fast weight loss that most people see the first several weeks is due to the drastic restriction from the much smaller pouch. This is helped by the general post-op healing diet of clear and full liquids. Because in most revision patients, there is some sort of pouch still there (just not intact), we don't have the big difference in amounts we can eat. It takes a little while for the malabsorbtion to kick in to help with getting the weight off. Now with this said, everyone is different. This is how it worked in my case, but I only needed to lose 100-110 pounds. I lost 90 by my year anniversary and was working on getting to goal, but now I'm pregnant and I'm just not worried about losing weight right now. After the baby comes will be a different story! I kinda agree with you about the VBG procedure. I have said it in the past, but it would be OK if they could come up with a way to transect the VBG pouch the same way they do with RNY and DS. Less chance for disruptions.
   — Ali M

October 31, 2003
Regular readers of the Q&A pages know I post this information time and time again, but--please check out the Yahoo group for WLS revisions at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ossg-revision There are many VBG'ers there who are seeking, or have obtained, revisions to the BPD/DS or RNY. Best of luck to you.
   — Kay B.

October 31, 2003
Hi there...well, I didn't have a revision but had the VBG in March of this year. I am down 92 lbs and only have 18 more to lose to get to goal. I feel that whatever surgery you have that YOU have to make it work for you, it is a tool and will not do all the work for you. I have a good friend who is over 3 years out from the VBG and has lost over 200 lbs and maintained her weight for over a year now. Good luck with everything :)
   — Michelle M.

October 31, 2003
Hi Ali, Have you found the DS_Revision Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Revision/ ) yet? I'll bet you'd find a wealth of helpful knowledge there. They're a great group of people. I'm not a revision, but I did travel to Spain with a friend who had her revision from failed VBG to DS. I have another friend who is there right now, actually, who was just revised on Wednesday, too! I know lots of VBG post-ops who have been through heart-breaking struggles with quality of life and regain. It stinks big time. In answer to your question - yes, any 2nd time out WLS will lose slower than the first time out. Make sure you seek out a surgeon who is an EXPERT at doing a conversion (which is actually the correct term for it) from VBG to DS. Insist on a shorter common channel. The good news is that it's way easier to convert a VBG to the DS than an RNY - so the odds are in your favor. Have you got a surgeon in mind? Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 1, 2003
Ali, how heartbreaking, I'm so sorry! You will probably lose slower and may not lose as much as you hope, but you will not regain with DS. I want to second Dina's statement that you find a surgeon who is VERY experienced at revisions! I'm not sure whether Dr Elariny is or not; if not, Dr Baltasar or Dr Hess in Ohio would be excellent choices. There is a great website, duodenalswitch.com, that has all the info on DS, surgeons, personal stories, Q&A section, etc. There is also a chat you can join on Thursday and Sunday evenings, 6-8PT. Good luck to you.
   — Chris T.

November 2, 2003
I just want to thank everyone that responded to my query. I value the information and knowledge from people that have already experienced what I am about to embark on again. Again, for those that have had or still considering the VBG, I give you my warm wishes and best of luck. This surgery just didn't work for me. I have read where I am not alone in this either. Thanks to all of you that mentioned the yahoo sites. I will be looking into them! Sincerly, Ali
   — A A.