Gastric bypass revision/reversal/takedown

[sharkeatyou 5]

Has anyone had a gastric bypass revision? I have read (although not much is available) about gastric bypass revisions. I was wondering if anyone has had a RNY converted to a VSG. It would be similar to a duodenal switch procedure, but without the biliopancreatic diversion. I already have way too much malabsorption and do not want any more.

I have such severe postprandial pain and nausea, that I am developing an aversion to all food.

I see my surgeon tomorrow, but am up all night wondering/worrying about tomorrow (surgeon is great, but a bit of a meany)

[kidchick 43]

How did your appointment go today?

[sharkeatyou 5]

So it was AMAZING! I went in wanting the reversal and was given antibiotics to try first.
A year ago, when I went to a different gi specialist, I read something about small bowel bacterial overgrowth. I took some Probiotics and felt a bit better. But it returned raging (pain). When I spoke with the specialist about what I had done he responded with "that doesn't make sense at all".
Yesterday, I expected to be yelled at, dismissed again and tried to control my crying, but I felt so vulnerable that I began to cry again. Which like my mother, makes me angry and cry more. I am a very empathic person, and am very strong, but anger and fear always makes me cry.
That said, my doctor said he would do a reversal, but he is not convinced that is my problem. He said when he looked at my bowels, they were "perfect". However Constipation (not normal definition constipation- I poop ok) is always a problem. He said after almost 2 years and taking every bowel protocol on the planet I have experienced no relief. He came up with a heart is SIBO small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Which is very common after gastric bypass.
One thing happened today versus other times, he was certain my pain has begun since the bypass was initially performed. This wasn't the case. I made it clear that is wasn't until after the car accident. With that information, I thought I had made clear before but obviously hadn't, he was convinced that something is wrong with function and absorption and not anything to do with the bypass specifically. He was really surprised that I have no pain when I don't eat. I eat and am dying for hours afterwards. He palpated my stomach, and I could see the wheels turning. He wants to get another CT just to compare my previous and new to rule out bypass defects. When asked if I wanted to try the antibiotics first or do both, get a CT and abx.
I chose to wait for 10 days to see if the abx will work. I have had 6 CT scans in 2 years and the thought of gastrograffin again scares me. I do not tolerate that at all. I have to drink a litre of horrible stuff in 10 minutes. It takes at least an hour to eat 1/4c fluids. So I said, let's try the antibiotics first.
On the 2 hour drive home, I went back to research about SIBO and I thought, I already brought this up, but not to the right person. Non bariatric doctors should not treat bariatric patients. So I have 100 of 2 different antibiotics to take over the next ten days and will follow up on October 16th.
That said, I feel like this is the problem. However it is important to note that I am desperate for answers and anytime I get a new theory, I hold on to hope that "this is it". It does explain why labs come back normal and all my intolerances.
It was also so refreshing to have my doctor say "this could explain why you can maintain your weight and not lose on 600-900 calories per day". Every other doctor says "that's impossible".
I hugged him when I left, and felt so hopeful.
If it is SIBO, I will struggle with this for life and will have exacerbations. But all I ever wanted was a diagnosis. I can deal with anything thrown at me, but I cannot deal with being told it is in my head or being treated like a junkie.
I will get back to marathon running, and will begin my life again.

It is Day 2 today, and I feel different. I am only having to take 1/2 the pain meds as before. There are times when I still need the full dose. But I have hope. I have never lost my hope through all of this.

I have always been optimistic and don't plan to stop now. Even when I dealt with this, I was determined to get back to me and not give up. I am so glad he didn't give up on me.

[chasingpolaris321 214]

You have such a great attitude! I am so sorry you are going through this and am glad you seem to finally be getting some answers. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

[Rcv514 0]

I am also wondering if anyone has had thier gastric bypass reversed or taken down?

Did the antibotics help?

RCV