Question:
What is the average length of hospital stay after surgery to convert VBG to RNY(open)

I just read a post from one of the surgeons and he told that patient that she was lucking being home 8 days after revision from VGB to RNY. I am scheduled for revision in October and now I am WORRIED! I understand that revisions are often more time consumming because of adhesions, but is the post op course that much worse than for a first time open RNY? Thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on September 12, 1999)

September 12, 1999
I had a revison from VBG to RNY on Aug 20, 1999. I was in the hospital for 6 days. My surgeon told me before surgery he may get in there and not be able to do anything if there were alot of adheasions..... I worried about this till they took me in and my first question when I woke up was could you do it.... he said there were hardly any adheasions he was able to do a great job. I was only in there for 2 hours where it normally takes 1 1/2 hours. The only reason I was in the hospital for 6 days was because of the drains in my stomach and the distance for me to get home. 10 hour drive to my house. I had no complications at all. I got right up out of the bed and walked and walked and walked somemore. The more I walked the better I felt. I lost 15 lbs in those 6 days and another 17 lbs by the 17th day postop. My email address is [email protected] if you want to talk about this some more.
   — [Anonymous]

September 13, 1999
i had a revison from vbg to ryn in feb. 1999. i was in the hospital for 4 days. the surgery took 6 hours (mostly because i begged for the dr. to do lap if at all possible and i have had numerous other sugeries and he had a lot of adhesion to get through). i had no complications and am doing great at 6 months post op with a weight loss of 70 lbs. feel free to email if you have any other questions at [email protected]
   — Renee C.

September 14, 1999
Well I am that surgeon and as I recall the patients stated that she had been home for a few days already. That is doing pretty well. I think on average the conversions are about the same as a primary operation. Only occaisionally does the operation take longer and be more difficult.
   — Bruce B.

September 14, 1999
I had a revision from a Proximal RNY to a Distal RNY on Aug 25th. In addition to the revision they repaired two hernias, one about the size of a fist and another golf ball sized. I left the hospital 10 am on Aug 29th. My doc does tell me that it will take a little longer than the first time to really feel 100% again, because a revision is a little harder on the body. But I return to work part time tomorrow 9/15, 3 weeks post-op. Best wishes in your surgery and recovery!
   — Sherrie G.