VSG to RNY - The Good & The Bad

[NovemberSleever 20]

I’m scheduled for a revision from VSG to RNY on 10/4 (VSG 2016, HW 246, LW 186, CW 233). Hoping to resolve my reflux and regain. I would love to hear some experiences from others who’ve done the same revision. I’m looking for all the good and bad info! I’d especially like to know:

1. Any side effects or complications?

2. How much weight did you lose and how long did it take?

3. If you had reflux or GERD, did the revision resolve it?

4. Any regrets with having the revision?

Thank you!

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

I was revised 10/31/18 for severe GERD. I was about 20# from goal weight at that point.

1 - complications - one of my incisions got infected, but it's the same risk for any surgery.

2 - I lost most of the remaining 20# over the next 4 months but found it very difficult because I had much less restriction with RnY than I had with the sleeve. (My sleeve was VERY restrictive and I liked that). My surgeon says that "revised" RnYs are not as restrictive as those done on a "virgin" stomach. I also found it very hard to redo all the post-op food phases because I had just "been there-done that." (My sleeve was Feb. 2018.) After the sleeve, I had never progressed past soup/stews so I had never gotten to the real "lean protein" stage. I can now eat regular meats.

3 - GERD - Yes, the procedure fixed my reflux issues.

4 - No regrets. I was on the maximum prescription-strength omeprazole, 2x/day plus TUMS as needed. I couldn't keep waking up at night with acid up my nose and in my mouth. It was going to destroy my teeth and esophagus. Gotta play the hand you're dealt, right?

[NovemberSleever 20]

2 minutes ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

I was revised 10/31/18 for severe GERD. I was about 20# from goal weight at that point.

1 - complications - one of my incisions got infected, but it's the same risk for any surgery.

2 - I lost most of the remaining 20# over the next 4 months but found it very difficult because I had much less restriction with RnY than I had with the sleeve. (My sleeve was VERY restrictive and I liked that). My surgeon says that "revised" RnYs are not as restrictive as those done on a "virgin" stomach. I also found it very hard to redo all the post-op food phases because I had just "been there-done that." (My sleeve was Feb. 2018.) After the sleeve, I had never progressed past soup/stews so I had never gotten to the real "lean protein" stage. I can now eat regular meats.

3 - GERD - Yes, the procedure fixed my reflux issues.

4 - No regrets. I was on the maximum prescription-strength omeprazole, 2x/day plus TUMS as needed. I couldn't keep waking up at night with acid up my nose and in my mouth. It was going to destroy my teeth and esophagus. Gotta play the hand you're dealt, right?

Thanks so much for this feedback!

[Macy6 356]

On 08/20/2019 at 19:56, NovemberSleever said:

I’m scheduled for a revision from VSG to RNY on 10/4 (VSG 2016, HW 246, LW 186, CW 233). Hoping to resolve my reflux and regain. I would love to hear some experiences from others who’ve done the same revision. I’m looking for all the good and bad info! I’d especially like to know:

1. Any side effects or complications?

2. How much weight did you lose and how long did it take?

3. If you had reflux or GERD, did the revision resolve it?

4. Any regrets with having the revision?

Thank you!

I had VSG 8/27/13, my RnY was 6/4/19 (so I can only give you about a 3 month update)

1. None, it’s been great.
2. My weight loss has been percentage wise better than my sleeve.

I was 322 when I was sleeved, had a low of 242 with that. I was 248 with my RnY and am currently 213. At the 3 month mark I had lost around 24% of my excess body weight with the sleeve. I am around 38% down of my excess body weight with my RnY. (From my heaviest to now including both surgeries I am down 65% of my EBW)

I lose 2-4# a week. My restriction is better than I had with the sleeve. I have no real intolerances. I had bad stomach cramps when I tried tuna and haven’t tried that again but otherwise I eat fresh fruits and veggies, meats, dairy etc.

3. Mine was done for GERD and it seems to be gone. I cut to half on my protonix post op and should come off it in a couple weeks at my next appt.

4. None. I’m very happy. Any issues I have are in my head (fixating on the scale stuff like that. It’s hard to slow down and enjoy the journey.

[NovemberSleever 20]

6 hours ago, Macy6 said:

I had VSG 8/27/13, my RnY was 6/4/19 (so I can only give you about a 3 month update)

1. None, it’s been great.
2. My weight loss has been percentage wise better than my sleeve.

I was 322 when I was sleeved, had a low of 242 with that. I was 248 with my RnY and am currently 213. At the 3 month mark I had lost around 24% of my excess body weight with the sleeve. I am around 38% down of my excess body weight with my RnY. (From my heaviest to now including both surgeries I am down 65% of my EBW)

I lose 2-4# a week. My restriction is better than I had with the sleeve. I have no real intolerances. I had bad stomach cramps when I tried tuna and haven’t tried that again but otherwise I eat fresh fruits and veggies, meats, dairy etc.

3. Mine was done for GERD and it seems to be gone. I cut to half on my protonix post op and should come off it in a couple weeks at my next appt.

4. None. I’m very happy. Any issues I have are in my head (fixating on the scale stuff like that. It’s hard to slow down and enjoy the journey.

This helps a lot. Thank you so much!