Recover Time for RNY to DS

[Girlrocker]

Hi Whit, and welcome!

I had my RNY to DS revision Dec 15, I'm just over 5 months out. This is definitely the most complex revision of all, so it can have different, slower recovery issues than either virgin procedure. On average, it's at least a 6-8 week recovery, and yes, there are many variables. Besides laproscopic vs. open, co-morbidities, vitamin deficiencies, any other health problems you might have. The most significant determination depends greatly on your RNY, how it was done, what it takes to undo it. That's what dictates how the DS portion is done, how complex it will be. There are a certain amount of elements they can determine in pre-op testing, but the rest they just won't know until they are 'in' there.

I don't know if you are aware, or have already posted about this, but just in case, I hope that you are also consulting with a vetted surgeon - there is a very very short list of who performs this revision, and hopefully one of them is near you. Many people travel to have it done, because it's that necessary:

US

Dr. Rabkin, northern California

Dr. Keshishian, southern California

Dr. Elariny, Virginia

Dr. Roslin, New York

Dr. Buchwald, Minnesota

Dr. Greenbaum, New Jersey

Dr. Stewart, located in Texas

Dr. Simper, locted in Utah


Out of the US

Dr. Gagner, Canada (Does most revisions in two parts) - note, there have been some issues with scheduling within his office, not the caliber of him as a surgeon.

Dr. Baltasar, Spain

Dr. Marchesini, Brazil

Also, recently we were privileged to have one of those surgeons - Dr. Mitchell Roselin - do an online keynote forum, where he addressed a multitude of these questions. I highly encourage you to read it if you haven't already:

weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=speaker&thread=3804&page=2#54888

I am dealing with some ongoing anemia/calcium deficiencies that I brought along from my RNY, but I had a very smooth process, and after 8 weeks started to feel 'like me'. I took an extended leave from work for other reasons, and if it weren't for the fatigue from the anemia/calcium problems, I'd have been 100% sooner. There are others on here who have had both big complications and longer recovery from surgery after affects (nausea, diahrrea, constipation, food/protein/fluid intolerance, etc)

Please feel free to ask questions! Also, if you can add your 'stats' (location, RNY surgery date, weight, height) to your signature, that helps get better responses, perspective.

Sharyl

[Paula]

Hi Whit,

Im 11 weeks out (if I did my math right) from my RNY to DS revision. It took me about 5-6 weeks to feel like I wasnt exhausted all the time, but my recovery has been fairly uneventful aside from a stricture that has developed (and reoccurred) at the top part of my sleeve. But even with this, things really havent been bad for me. I just had some labs drawn and things are looking good so far.

[smileyjamie]

Adding RNY to DS revision surgeons.................



Dr. Stewart, located in Texas

Dr. Simper, locted in Utah



Ungson DOES NOT do RNY to DS revisions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[smileyjamie]

I was also an RNY to DS revision. I had mine done December 29th. Almost 5 months ago. I had a bumpy recovery, but I say 6-8 weeks with the nausea/vomiting/diarrhea symptoms are about right.

You should count on at least 3-4 weeks off of work for starters. More, if you are able to get more time off from work!!!!

[MsVee]

I had my revision with Dr Keshishian. The recovery time varies by the individual. I think a general frame of reference is 4 to 6 weeks.

MsVee

[ginany]

Im almost 5 weeks out and still recovering.

[larra]

Whit, I hope you will find it in yourself to ask qestions at the meeting, either privately with Dr. Rabkin or Barbara (his nurse) or with the group. I do not think you would be judged or perceived as a failure. That perception is yours, and you need to understand and fully accept that it was the operation that failed, not you. Even though Dr. Jossart won't offer a DS for you, he has recognized that there are technical problems with your RNY that he could fix, so clearly that should tell you that your RNY is not functioning as it should. That is NOT your fault.
I think you are judging yourself far more harshly that how others will judge you, esp people who have struggled with MO just as you have. They will understand.

Larra

[Girlrocker]

May 26, 2012 21:45:02 GMT -5 larra said:

Whit, I hope you will find it in yourself to ask qestions at the meeting, either privately with Dr. Rabkin or Barbara (his nurse) or with the group. I do not think you would be judged or perceived as a failure. That perception is yours, and you need to understand and fully accept that it was the operation that failed, not you. Even though Dr. Jossart won't offer a DS for you, he has recognized that there are technical problems with your RNY that he could fix, so clearly that should tell you that your RNY is not functioning as it should. That is NOT your fault.
I think you are judging yourself far more harshly that how others will judge you, esp people who have struggled with MO just as you have. They will understand.

Larra

Whit, exactly! I think any of us who are revisionistas understand all too well the feeling of failure. But Larra is right - and you are in EXCELLENT hands being guided here by her. As Dr. K would say, not only are you not a failure, the RNY isn't even a failure - it just did the limited scope it can do as a truly effective malabsorptive procedure. I highly encourage you to continue seeking a revision to a DS. I'm not saying tweaks to your stoma, pouch etc won't give you some relief, but, honestly? It won't address the real issue of the problem for those of us who are chronically obese, have metabolic issues - and that's the type of malabsorption. Dr. Roslin really puts that in perspective in that keynote speaker link I shared with you.

I'm 51 years old and have been struggling with obesity literally, my entire life. Started inching toward 200 lbs when I was barely 18 years old, and by then, had already been on tons of diets starting when I as 12 It has taken me a long time to take myself off the hook. My only regret is that a) I couldn't have had the DS first b) had it when I was in my 30s.

What matters most is that you already knew you needed a tool to heal your obesity - what you deserve is one that really WORKS for you, with the work you're willing to do.

You can PM me, or any of us here any time, and/or post your questions here. You are safe, you are not alone!

[Girlrocker]

You have excellent options in both surgeons, keep us posted on your progress. There are people on here who live in Northern Cali who might be able to meet up with you in person, and there's a whole bunch of us down here in southern Cali who can meet you if you come here instead. Either way, you're here, in the right place and not alone going through this! Keep us posted!

[larra]

Whit, if you do end up going out of town, I might be able to help with your pet family, depending on what kind of pets we are talking about and what their needs are, and on how well they play with others.

Larra

[kargaro]

Add Dr. Greenbaum in NJ to the list.

I had my revision from an RNY to a DS two weeks ago and I am definately in major recovery mode. Having no trouble with getting things down but I'm exhausted and have had some minor bumps.

Karen