Revision after weight gain...

Hi all!  I'm Lauren.

I had the VSG 6/07.  I did really great with the sleeve and lost about 189 pounds from my highest weight.  My highest was 425 and my lowest weight was 236.  I have since gained over 100 pounds over the last 2 years.  I am a stress eater and consistently stuck with slider foods because I knew I could eat more of them.  I know my sleeve still works, but for some reason, I am struggling with losing weight again. 

I've been contemplating surgery again.  I've heard of the ROSE surgery to shrink my stomach again, but have really felt like I need something more to help give me the extra umph to lose the rest of this weight.  I am in therapy this time around to help me deal with my eating issues and I have found an exercise that I really enjoy and have no problems committing to it.  I feel like I have set myself up for success this time. 

I know people who have had the RNY and have done great with it.  Although most have regained some weight back.  So I know weight regain is a possibility for any surgery.  It comes down to the lifestyle changes we make and we have to commit to sticking with them for the rest of our life.  Not just while we are actively losing weight.

My new starting weight is 340.  Still a ways from where I used to be, but upsetting that it feels like I have to start all over again.  I'd like to hear from yall - especially if you've started around the same weight so I can get a feel of what to expect.

Thanks!!

I started out with RNY the same weight you are now.

There is some regain. I've seen very few folks, though, who have gained ALL their weight back. But I've seen enough for it to scare me straight. I toe the line of the rules way more than I should but I always come back to center on that fear of regain.

Good luck and welcome!

Thanks for responding.

I was just looking at your pics and you are TINY!!!!  I can only hope!  LOL!  I know where I went wrong last time.  I'm hoping that with the experience I have gained, it will give me a better chance at doing it right the second time around. 

= )

I think you need to continue with your therapist and conquer your diet issues. If you can't do that first then I don't give you good odds for changing after a second surgery. Sorry to be so blunt but I have to be honest. That is my opinion.

You might also want to consider a DS I'm going to butcher the spelling but it's like duenonal switch. The stomach part is just like a sleeve but they remove a large part of your intestines forcing malabsorbsion.

I've considered the DS before.  Only problem is finding a DR in my area who does it successfully.  There is only one that does it and he's about 1.5 hours away and all the reviews I've gotten about him from the DS board is to run as fast as I can!  I need to do more research and see if I can find someone else if I decide to go that route. 

I'm not jumping into anything right now.  I want to prepare myself in every way I can... and that includes continuing therapy. = )

I am so glad you are in therapy! Anyone who isn't going through this process I think stand a greater risk of having more issues such as regain. It might be in your best interest to continue on the path you are on for a while before planning a new surgery, just to work on some of your emotional issues. I can't help but think this will help you more in the long run.

Be sure to do your research on the Rose method because I've read it's not worth your time. I also agree with one of the other posters that the DS might be a better option for you, but you really need to be prepared for the follow up and maintenance post op.

There are very few doctors that do the ROSE around here.  I figured it was because of the lack of success.  My sleeve works really well when I stick to protein only.  But for some reason I'm just not losing the weight.  I'm exploring other options too.  I am insulin resistant so I have an appointment to see a specialist in the next few weeks to see what's going on there. 

I'm starting to truly understand the concept of how "tools" work now.  I can't build a house without a hammer and some nails.  Each of these things (surgery, therapy, monitoring meds) are all tools that will help me get to where I need to be.

I'm very big on research.  So I won't make any half informed or desperately rash decisions.

You're right about the tools.  And not only do you have to have the hammer and nails to build the house, you have to know how to use them and use them correctly.  If you keep hitting your thumb with that hammer, your house is not gonna get built and your hand is gonna really hurt.  If you're trying to drive the nails in with the wrong end of the hammer, it's not gonna work so well.

My personal opinion is that  you should continue in counseling and table the idea of a surgical revision (at least for a while).  You will only get about 18 months of malabsorption if your revise to the RNY (which will, admittedly, help you get the regained weight back off) but then you will be right back where you were 2 years ago -- having only restriction and your own eating habits, food choices, and willpower to KEEP the weight off.  If you have not conquered the psychological issues and behavioral issues, you will likely regain the weight again even after the RNY.  If you can get a handle on the issues, though, you can likely lose the weight without another surgery since you already have the restriction.

Lora