Help Reversal

Okay, so I have a lot of complications from the surgery (way too many to go into on a message without it beign a book) but the main thing is severe gastroparesis that has caused me to need a feeding tube to support nutrition permanently. So now to the problem. I had my yearly appt with my surgeon and he is thinking it is time to seriously consider reversing my RNY and maybe going to lap band or restricted anastomosis (really hard to explain but I would go lap band). He is worried that by just reversing the surgery, I would gain weight and so he would liek to consider a lap band cause then we can fill and defill it as needed. I have severe nausea that causes me to throw up daily and he is hoping by putting my stuff back together, it might reduce the nausea and therefore the throwing up. He is afraid if I continue down this path, I will not have an esophagus left as my teeth are already going to hell from it. He hopes that by putting the stomach back and the intestine I could absorb more easily because I would have the 5 feet of intestine back and with the lap band he could leave the stomach a little bigger therefore helping to eleviate my nausea or at least reduce it. Now for what I was told as statistics. I have a 65% chance of this actually doing any good and a 15 % chance of it completely curing the problem. I am afraid to do this big of a surgery and have it do nothing!!!!!! I am scarred to have the reversal. So what I need from you. Any advice at all from anyone who has had a reversal and anyone who had a lap band cause I don't know as much about that one. Also, I don't know if the odds are worth it or not. I know, no esophogus bad, but I just don't know if there is a better answer out there and it just has not been found yet. Anything would be great, I am just at a lost and a little scarred (okay ALOT scared). Thanks

alannah

So Sorry you have to go thru this!  As far as reversal back I would go to http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/complications/ and ask the question there as that forum is more likely to have someone who has been in your shoes.  I would also add that if this is life threatening to stick with the RNY that you would be best to have it reversed~ that's what I would do in your shoes anyways.  BUT YOU HAVE TO make that decision along with your doctor.  Best to you and keep us posted!

I know that it is probably best to do the reversal since it has been brought up by every dr I have ever seen but I just wonder if something simpler is out there and it just has not been found yet. They are watchign it for now doing it when my esophagus shows signs of wear.

Thanks

I would go with what your doctor recommends... I think he knows your biology better than any of us. If you have time, I'd also get a second opinion perhaps.

It sounds like a reversal may cause more problems than a band... if I am not mistaken?  I mean in terms of weight problems I guess.

Sorry I am not much help. I have the band and love it... it's a simple process and works well if you work it.

I will definitely send up a prayer that you find the best path for yourself!! I am so sorry you have to go through this.

He wants to do both the reversal and the band and the reversal can cause alot of problems yes. The reversal would put everything back like I never had Gastric Bypass surgerya dn then he would put a band on so that if I start to gain weight, the band can be ajusted. Thanks for the reply, I just am a little lost

alannah

HI Alannah~
I'm so sorry to hear that you are still having troubles.  You've had one hell of ride with your gastric bypass.

I have no suggestions for you; my prayers that you and your doc will make the best decison for you, and that you will be able to have a relatively normal life.

(((HUGS))
**SUE**

Thanks for the reply, it just feels never ending. No one knows how I get out of bed in the morning but what do you do.

Hello there Alannah,

Sorry your journey has been so difficult.  It sounds like having a reversal/revision is the only way you'll be able to eat food again.  I'd be appropriately afraid, as this is a big step.  What ever you decide you have my support.  I recall your journey as being one I've watched throughout my own. I'm sending healing prayers. 

Please keep posting, and know that we're all pulling for you.

~Lara

I do eat some now but the throwing up sucks. This feeding tube sucks. I just don't want to go through the big surgery to have it not fix anything. I just worry what complications this surgery could bring. I will post as I know more.

Thanks

Who is your surgeon?

My recommendation would be for you to get a second opinion from Dr. Henry Buchwald at the UofM Fairview. He is the MOST skilled surgeon with zero complication rate when it comes to risky revisions. Please consider this.

The next recommendation is to do what Sandie suggested, visit the complication forum and also the REVISION forum.

Time to do your homework. Get educated on what your reversal or revision would entail and what the outcomes would be or could be, along with any complication possibilities. You need to get your health back!!!

Please keep posting!