Question:
Hypothetical ? Any one ever had a LAP RNY revised to a DS?

Just a 'hypothetical question'. IF, it's possible, has there been anyone out there that has had the same type WLS I've had and had it revised to a DS with greater results? I'm curious on the number of those of you that have and the outcome. I can't think about having it at this time anyway...I've got too much going on in my life right now. I would like to know. I'm having thyroid problems right now despite the fact that I am watching my portions, drinking so much water that I often hear it slushing around in my used-to-be-stomach, walking (honestly) 4-5 times a week for about 30 minutes, and getting...oh maybe about 60g og protein every day...I just don't understand. Had thyroid studies done, but seems like no one is listening or thinks it's not an issue to be concerned about. I see a "special nurse" monthly, who has knowledge of the way bariatric patients eat after WLS, but she is not a bariatric dietitian/nutritionist. Read my story...but I'm not at all pleased with this weight coming back. Please, no 'flamers', if you really have some worthwhile advice, suggestions or comments, I'm open to them. I've tried everything else. I'm a fighter, but I'm getting a little exhausted right now. Thanks in advance! ~~ Proximal LAP RNY 9/3/02 5'2" 265/178/115-126 ~Hadiyah, a.k.a~~    — yourdivaness (posted on May 5, 2005)

May 5, 2005
I have heard of that being done. I tried to read your story, but the last update says you're a size 6 so I don't know what happened since then. Post this question to the DS message board and they may be able to help you.
   — nursekuba

May 5, 2005
I believe it is impossible to revise it to a "true" DS as a DS has a 3-4 oz stomach and normal stomach function. My understanding is that over time the pyloric valve in an RNY will stop working and therefore you would never be the same as if you had the DS first. Also, unless you were not transected, I doubt most surgeons would want to sew your pouch back to your residual stomach and then make it 3-4 oz. <p>All this said, RNY's have been revised to a surgery similar to a DS. In most cases that I am aware of, the original pouch is left alone but the bypass is lengthened to something similar to a DS, which gives you lots of malabsorption. This certainly is a possibility but you need to fully check things out because the supplements needed for an RNY with a DS length bypass (which is called a common channel in the DS) are a ton. Because you do not have normal stomach function like a DS, you will never absorb some of the things they do. You will always malabsorb like an RNY plus the additional malabsoprtion of the long bypass or short common channel. There are a number of people on this board that have this situation, so I hope you hear from them.
   — zoedogcbr

May 6, 2005
Dr. Gagner in NYC. Excellent surgeon for rny, ds and all the different revision combinations.
   — Lynne C.

May 6, 2005
In many cases in fact that is exactly what is done -- the stomach is stitched back together like a normal stomach and then the stomach is reduced along the vertical axis like the DS is normally done. There is, of course, a significantly greater chance of a leak because of all the stitching that needs to be done, so it is VERY important to have an extremely skilled DS surgeon. The other risk is that the pyloric valve, after years of disuse, might not become functional again. I don't know how that is managed, but I know that it is taken into account. If you are interested, take a look at this paper: (http://www.)dssurgery.com/aboutus/Research/safeoperation.pdf
   — [Deactivated Member]