Gastric bypass reversal, how prevalent?

[Briswife15 890]

Twice yesterday I read posts by folks fairly far out from RNY who were experiencing illness and desired to have their surgeries reversed. I was alarmed by how sick these folks sounded. I have not yet had my RNY and am hoping for December or January. However their posts gave me pause.

How often do people get seriously ill from bypass and need it reversed? Is it very rare? Thanks!

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[Matt Z 4,139]

10 minutes ago, Briswife15 said:

Twice yesterday I read posts by folks fairly far out from RNY who were experiencing illness and desired to have their surgeries reversed. I was alarmed by how sick these folks sounded. I have not yet had my RNY and am hoping for December or January. However their posts gave me pause.

How often do people get seriously ill from bypass and need it reversed? Is it very rare? Thanks!

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Major complications are extremely rare. Reversals are also extremely rare.

The rate of severe complications has dropped drastically in the past 10-15 years as newer medical technologies have come into play. Don't let someone's issue sway your decision. Being overweight typically has more complications than the surgery does.

[Briswife15 890]

Thanks, Matt Z. I was pretty freaked out and don't want to get majorly ill from bypass. I do have tremendous confidence in my surgeon though. And most folks on here are really positive about the experience. Appreciate your post.

[Matt Z 4,139]

2 minutes ago, Briswife15 said:

Thanks, Matt Z. I was pretty freaked out and don't want to get majorly ill from bypass. I do have tremendous confidence in my surgeon though. And most folks on here are really positive about the experience. Appreciate your post.

For me... finally getting the bypass was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I really do wish that I went with the bypass back in 2011 instead of doing the band first.

[Briswife15 890]

You're such an encouragement!

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[MarinaGirl 609]

Gastric bypass reversals are VERY rare. Some of what you’ve read may be Internet trolls, fear mongerers, patients that had issues pre-surgery, didn’t follow post-op instructions, have other health issues but are blaming them on their GB, or that didn’t have a very good bariatric surgeon.

Again, serious issues are very rare so try not to let that derail your decision to have GB surgery.

Note that some post-ops lose a lot of weight, get to normal BMI, but then their family/friends tell them they’re too skinny/malnourished, even when that’s not the case at all. People in your life may not be used to seeing you thin, or be jealous of your new look/lifestyle and tell you untruths. Unfortunately, some of those patients may then think they need a reversal when they don’t at all.

[Briswife15 890]

Thanks, MarinaGirl! I don't think those two who posted were "regular" posters, or had even been on the forum before. They just appeared out of nowhere, and maybe have disappeared too. I appreciate your post, and encouragement.

[Shan E 1]

I haven't had any complications 7 months out and wish I would have done it sooner. Also, this surgery is not reversible! 80% of my stomach is gone. I would question anyone who said they've had it reversed as that's not possible!

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[Briswife15 890]

What surgery did you have? I believe in gastric bypass they don't actually remove the stomach, but bypass it, so even though it is complicated it can be reversed. Ask Matt Z. I believe he knows of someone who did have it reversed. Anyway, I was more concerned about how terribly ill these folks sounded who claim to want a reversal. They were 7 years and 16 years post surgery. I was afraid of long term complications, but i have had my fears allayed. Thanks for your post.