Roux to ds revision

[tammy]

Hi everybody! My name is Tammy. I'm a 42 year old, married for 23 years, mom to three boys,mages 12, 14, and 16. Now that was a mouthful! I had a roux en y about 3.5 years ago. I have had many complications including 12 ulcers. I am going to have my surgery revised to the duodenal switch in the very near future. My highest weight was 325, and my lowest was 177. I'm currently about 212. I have a lot of stomach issues. I still throw up up several times a week and for the most part eating just hurts. During all this throwing up and such I managed to pack on about 35 pounds. I'm not sure where it comes from since I'm not eating very much and sometimes what I do get down doesn't stay there for long. Thank goodness for cottage cheese and other dairy products!

I was wondering if anyone else had their roux en y revised to the duodenal switch? I meet with my surgeon on 2/19 to get the ball rolling. Any comments or advice on what to expect after my revision would be great. Any insight as to what life is like after a ds would be greatly appreciated also. It so much more helpful to read what someone who has had the surgery is going through rather than an article that explains in theory what is going to change.

Thanks to everyone...


Read more: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/conversation/35567?page=1&scrollTo=30555#ixzz2qvwV1ndG

[brooklyngirl]

Hey Tammy!
There's lots of revisionistas here so I'm sure you'll get some good advice. Welcome!
Oh, lots of us found if very helpful to read all the back threads too, tons of info there

[Girlrocker]

Hi Tammy and welcome! I'm Sharyl, a fellow revisionista. I had my RNY revised to the DS in December 2011 (my RNY was in 2002)

There are indeed several of us here as this has become more common, the RNY doesn't have the metabolic reset capability that the DS does. Many lapband people have revised to the DS too. I have a thread on this board with my rececnt update and there are several links to former updates. I'd also like to recommend that you read the thread here by Dr. Roslin about if The Patient fails the Surgery or the Surgery Fails the Patient. Really good idea to page back and read as much as you can.

I'm very sorry to hear about the ongoing stomach problems and vomiting, that's not good! Can you add more info to your signature, it can be done by going to your Profile; or share now where you are located and who is your surgeon? Revisions are very complicated, and this particular one - RNY to DS - the most complex of them all. There are a few people who have gone to newer surgeons with great success and we hope of course more become expert in this very specialized field. We also have a list of 'vetted surgeons' on this board, and it's a good idea to have a look. Given that you have a lot of stomach issues, ulcers, you really need an experienced surgeon. It's very common for people to travel in order to this. Everyone has to make the best decisions they can factoring in all the variables. But I can't emphasize enough the importance of an experienced surgeon.

Hoping to hear more from you, please know you are not alone in this.

[tammy]

Hi Sharyl, thanks for your kind thoughts and concern over my upcoming change. My RNY was almost four years ago. I started out at about 325 lbs. and bottomed at 177lbs. Which, I know, is an incredible amount of weight to lose, but, I never made it out of obese range. I've had 12 ulcers, something I'd never had before RNY, and I still vomit a lot. There are more foods that don't go down than do. And even some of my old stand bys sometimes turn on me! I'm on a regular daily regime of carafate and omperazole(excuse my sp, I don't feel like going to get my bottles to check) to try to avoid getting ulcers, but I keep getting them anyway. I've had several endoscopes, and ct with barium. Even when I don't have an ulcer my doctor said that as he "pokes" around my pouch I show extreme discomfort. My regular doctor, whom I love, is Dr. Michael Hill, from Saranac Lake, NY. We've talked a lot about my needs and the weight regain and both come to the conclusion that the DS is what I need. He however is not the man to do it. He told me he has only performed 2 and has a 100% complication rate and a 50% mortality rate. He knows this is the wave of the future but he's not ready to open himself up for that again. He said he has to carry that woman's death around with him everyday and it's just too heavy. He mentioned Dr. Gagner to me and Montreal is only like an hour away. But, my insurance doesn't play nice with other countries, so he's out. I did more internet research and came up with Dr. roslin in NYC. I emailed him and was shocked to get back a response from him, himself, not a PA or something. At my next meeting with Dr. Hill, I told him about a surgeon I found in NYC. He immediately knew it was Roslin from Lenox Hill. Apparently he went to medical school with him and they still do some conference stuff together. He actually consulted with Roslin on his two cases. Dr. Hill said he'd be more than happy to talk to Dr. Roslin personally to go over anything he might need to check, he also said he would be more than willing to take on my aftercare so I didn't need to stay so long and travel back and forth so much. I have an appointment with Roslin on 2/19 for like a meet and greet and to get everything lined up.

If there is any other information you think I need, please feel free to tell me. This is a big decision. As I am a married mom to three young men, I'd like to stick around if at all possible. My husband says that after 24 years he's kind of gotten used to me so I might just as well stick around because breaking in someone new would be too much work! Hehe. My kids are 16, 14, and 12. Not that anyone would want to walk in to a procedure knowing there was a good chance of not coming out of it alive, but I'm really not ready to stop fighting yet. I seem to be the lucky winner as far weird stuff. Any little complication from my RNY and belt lypectomy, I got. That makes me nervous, but I don't want to stay like I am either. Although I do believe I could deal with being sick all of the time if the weight wasn't coming back on. It really scares the shit out of me...if I'm gaining weight with what I manage to get and keep down, what in the hell is going to happen to me when/if I can start eating normally again.

Anyway, thanks again and feel free to jump in if I'm missing something. Your thoughts are truly appreciated.

Tam

[Girlrocker]

Hi Tammy, Dr. Roslin is a great surgeon and absolutely top notch on the vetted list, so I'm relieved you've gotten to him. I take it you're on the east coast then?

Take you time with this, and if needed, get more than one medical opinion. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach with the DS and especially in a revision that addresses the myriad of issues you have. I'm also going to cross-post for you on the main DS board to drive some other vets here to weigh in. If you're able to discuss other options that might work for you - like traveling to California for a consult with two more vetted surgeons here - Dr. Keshishian in Southern California, Dr. Rabkin in Northern California - or somewhere else near you, depending on what that is? It's a lot to think about for yourself and yes, as the mom of three kids. But it sounds like you need to pursue this road, at least to get some answers regarding what you're dealing with medically and what options there are. Have you had a chance to page back, read stories here? One of the best things you can do, and I will come back and post some screennames you can research too. It's not an easy road a revision; but for all the reasons you are sharing, understand exactly why you are giving it serious thought, besides all the problems you're having. I couldn't stay below 190 when I had my RNY and it made me insane, and then hit 200 again. It was a lot to go through to still be obese, and I didn't care about being skinny, wearing a bathing suit or any of that. So totally get it.

I'll be back, ok, and keep reading, keep asking questions; and if you can, go to your profile and update your past surgery/dr info to go with your pic/avatar, and, do a signature. Then at a glance people can help answer even better. If you need help with that, lemme know!

Sharyl

[tammy]

Hi again, and thank you again.minlive in a little town called Chazy. It's in New York. I'm about 12 minutes south of the Canadian border and a little west of the Rouses Point bridge that connects NY to Vermont. It's a very rural farming community.

Yes, I've read some past posts, but there is still a lot left to read...so it's an ongoing process. It will take us about 6.5 hours to get to Dr. Roslin. I am very thankful that I'm as close as I am to such a wonderful surgeon. Besides his skill in the operating room he seems to be a very sincere and compassionate person.

I've had a couple hernias, a large fluid collection that needed surgery to address and a Petersens hole. Throw those in with all the other mainstream issues I've experienced after my surgeries and it makes this decision that much more difficult. I almost feel as though I have a ping pong match going on in my head. But, when it comes down to the nitty gritty, I just can't deal with my weight being over 200 lbs. again. I NEVER thought I'd ever be in the 2's again. Sigh.

How long were you in the hospital after your surgery to the ds? I'm still trying to find your original post about your surgery....

I welcome any and all comments, opinions, and questions from your forum.

[Taterweight]

Tammy, I just wanted to say welcome to the group! I haven't had any surgery yet - having the DS in two weeks - but there are lots of folks here with revisions. You have lots of reading material here that will help you! Hope you have an easier time of it from here on out - quality of life with what you've had just can't be good!

-Resa

[Girlrocker]

Jan 22, 2014 2:24:43 GMT -5 tammy said:

Hi again, and thank you again.minlive in a little town called Chazy. It's in New York. I'm about 12 minutes south of the Canadian border and a little west of the Rouses Point bridge that connects NY to Vermont. It's a very rural farming community.

Yes, I've read some past posts, but there is still a lot left to read...so it's an ongoing process. It will take us about 6.5 hours to get to Dr. Roslin. I am very thankful that I'm as close as I am to such a wonderful surgeon. Besides his skill in the operating room he seems to be a very sincere and compassionate person.

I've had a couple hernias, a large fluid collection that needed surgery to address and a Petersens hole. Throw those in with all the other mainstream issues I've experienced after my surgeries and it makes this decision that much more difficult. I almost feel as though I have a ping pong match going on in my head. But, when it comes down to the nitty gritty, I just can't deal with my weight being over 200 lbs. again. I NEVER thought I'd ever be in the 2's again. Sigh.

How long were you in the hospital after your surgery to the ds? I'm still trying to find your original post about your surgery....

I welcome any and all comments, opinions, and questions from your forum.

Good morning Tammy!

Wow, you're way up north then. Yes, you're in very good hands with Dr. Roslin. My heart goes out to you, I definitely know that feeling of being back in 2s, and feeling crushed. I worked so hard, was totally compliant post-op; and then found myself yo-yoing and battling my weight like I'd never had any bariatric surgery. I hit 180s for like a nano-second after I had some skin removal (panni, arms) but it didn't last, I hit 190s again fairly quickly and then 200, a battle to get under, stay under. That included doing a YEAR of bootcamp!

I know I don't have to tell you this, you have a lot going on in your GI area, and I'm so sorry for that. An RNY to a DS revision is difficult in the best of circumstances, and you will have a very unique set. As I said, the DS surgery in it's virgin form (no prior surgeries) is not a one-size fits all procedure, so it really has to be both tailored to your body, and, assessed if it's practical given other medical issues. And then, there's only so much they can see from the battery of tests, there can of course be 'surprises', changes, once they go in, as you know. That your RNY has failed you is very clear, and, is not your fault. Consider this the road to exploration of options and choices to further getting your health in control and for the long-term weight management you signed on for.

As for my revision recovery, it took about 8 weeks for me to think about going back to work and I have a sedentary-type job, but high pressure (and toxic, thanks to a 'bad boss' but that's another subject for another time!). I had a lot of adhesions and scar tissue, an a stapling for my pouch that was very difficult for my surgeon to undo. I was very fortunate in that my surgery went very smoothly, no complications at all, during or in recovery. I was 240 when I went in, no other co-morbids, actually very healthy, that's one big positive from my RNY. I was very anemic and my calcium/D was super low. All coming up now after the revison, but I have needed supplementation with iron infusions and Vit D, Vit A shots (my A tanked after my revision, so did my K) I had a feeding tube for 6 weeks (my surgeon is very cautious in that regard), initially thought YUCK, and but it wound up being a big help, took the stress off me worrying how to get in all my water and protein drinks. I had two drains, was in the hospital four days, released on the 5th day.

My Revision Annivesary post is here on this board, the link below, and the post has links with my 3mo-on post op updates.

weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/8520/post-year-surgiversary-rny-revision

It's good to read about other people's experiences to get perspective; just know yours will be unique. Other revision names you can research:

Smileyjamie
nyuboi - he had a pretty complex GI history too, very detailed multi-page thread with a lot of good advice. It got snarky in spots, tune out to that, he had a lot of difficulty making a decision and was all over the place. Invaluable information, medical advice:

weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/7138/ds-me

Prettygirlbounce
Maggiesara
MsVee
Paula
DeeDee484 (she's newly post-op)

mlleelise (and she lives in upstate NY, though not as far north as you, she had her revision from lapband, complications, eventually an additional surgery to tweak/fix, she's doing well)

kyal

The vetted surgeon list is on this board too, and most of the surgeons have websites, always good to read through those too.

Also, the best way to use the search function here on Proboards is to choose the section on the bottom right (they offer four sections) called "Who to Search"

By at least one of the members - put username

except posts by the members - put username

in threads created by - member

Hit search and you'll pull up their threads. You can also then click directly on their user name to see all their postings.


Read more: weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/search#ixzz2r9XIgvYe

[tammy]

Wow again Sharyl, thank you so much for all the time you've put into my replies. I'm very touched for a complete stranger to want to take up so much of their valuable time to help me. I'm honored.

Yes, I am way up north! It is a beautiful area, and other than our frigid winters and short summers, I love it. I was raised on my family's dairy farm so being outside and having lots of green and not so much cement is very important to me. I am way physched for spring and am getting the itch to start my seeds. I was totally blown away at my one year anniversary for my RNY at how much easier it was to weed and crawl around in the dirt. Especially after I got rid of 9 inches and 20 lbs. of skin attached to the front of me. It was like being reborn. Even after all is said and done, I'd do it again in a heart beat. I regret not going for the DS from the get go. The professionals were I was going to classes for the surgery really did not push that surgery and really pushed me towards the RNY, so that's a regret.

I will continue to keep reading everything you suggested. I just wish my appointment would hurry up and get here already! One thing I forgot to ask is what did you have to do for surgery prep for the revision? Feeding tube after sounds yucky but if I really think about it, I think I would actually prefer that. Getting in liquid and all those supplements is like torture.

Thanks again.

[PrettyGirlBounce]

Hi Tammy!

Welcome to the boards! My name is Lisa and I am also an RNY to DS revision - almost 1 year out. I would like to reiterate everything that Sharyl has told you and welcome you to read my back-story. You will see that I also had severe complications including infinite ulcers. I am really excited for you to be taking this step towards exceptional health and happiness. That is what our goals are after all, right?

Please remember that my "introduction" post was written when I was a fresh post-op and still struggling with a difficult recovery in a very dark place. Keep in mind that I am now (finally) healthy & happy. My new DS life is EXACTLY what I had wanted and expected to get from my previous WLS's (but never did) and I am thrilled with my results thus far, to say the least. Here is the link to my story. You will need to scroll about 3/4 of the page down to find it.

weightlosssurgery.proboards.com/thread/106/introduce?page=11

I am glad you found us here. This site and the people that have supported me on this journey mean the world to me and I hope to be able to offer the same knowledge and support to you. Any questions...please ask away!

*ETA: Redundant statement.

[tina9999]

Hi Tammy,

Welcome to the boards. We're glad to have you!

[Girlrocker]

Hey, this is what a support community is all about! I know personally I had a lot of help along the way, starting with my RNY, all the complications and then all the steps I had to take to make my revision decision. This community was my lifeline, besides my surgeon. A lof of us can really relate to the feeling of upset not having the DS first, me included. But I know I made the best decision I could with the information I had at the time, and I have learned with the help of many to take myself off the hook. You will too. So stay here, post as often as you want/need, keep us updated on your appointment progress.

[leelee]

We seem to have a lot in common. I am also a mom to a couple of young men. I started ~350, had an open RNY in 2006 and got down to 175 (164 after the skin removal), and I am not a constant 233 for about a year or so now. I finally found a new surgeon (mine retired and his remaining staff were NOT helpful). I was seeking a revision, but he seems to be more focuses on my vomiting and wants to remove my rings, which will most likely cause weight gain. He said in another 6-12 months after the rings are removed we can talk about revision surgery.

After researching, I really want DS. I live around Albany, so your surgeon is my closest option too. He does not take my insurance and I don't know where to begin to overcome this hurdle. I really don't want my rings removed, but my doctor doesn't seem to want to talk revision until that is done. I have been looking for information as to whether this is typical protocol (remove rings first, revision surgery later), but I haven't had much luck in finding any information.

[historytracker]

Hi Tammy:

I know where Chazy is. We have a house in St. Albans Vermont and boat on Lake Champlain. Are there any Canadian surgeons that you might be able to take advantage of?

I was revised RNY to DS just 5 weeks ago so my experience is too new. Good luck to you in your research and your quest for the DS.