Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

5 years post op and have huge REGRET!



Recommended Posts

Hello,

I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.

This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.

I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.

So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.

Heather

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Very unlucky sorry to see what you went through

RNY worked amazing for me

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had heard horror stories about RnY surgery. Regarding issues further down the road like Vitamin issues. One of major reasons I chose Sleeve. I hope you get everything fixed! Thoughts and prayers that you can start eating and drinking like normal.

when I had sleeve, my doctor removed my gall bladder as I had stones and also did hiatal hernia repair then.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can’t believe they waited so long and you haven’t been given the option of an RNY revision. Everything you’ve said sounds like be minus the extra surgeries and time. I’ve had GERD pretty bad for the last 5 months (Pepcid and protonix with tums) and a new hiatal hernia (had one repaired with my sleeve in December 2019) and my revision surgery is in 9 days. I definitely think you need a second opinion for sure!

Sorry you’re in so much pain. I really hope you get answers soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No issue at all here with RNY but only 9 months out

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't think this would apply to most people who have VSG because you've had A LOT of surgeries that most people don't have - and won't need to have. I'm very sorry this happened to you, but other than the GERD (which about 30% of VSG patients experience, from what I've read), the rest of this is pretty rare. Most people have no issues with VSG - or only minor ones.

and yes - it sounds like RNY might be an option - I don't know about the other things you have, but it should improve - if not cure - the GERD part of it.

again, I'm very sorry this happened to you. Sounds like you're one of the very few unlucky patients...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, GingerStylz said:

I had heard horror stories about RnY surgery. Regarding issues further down the road like Vitamin issues. One of major reasons I chose Sleeve. I hope you get everything fixed! Thoughts and prayers that you can start eating and drinking like normal.

when I had sleeve, my doctor removed my gall bladder as I had stones and also did hiatal hernia repair then.

horror stories about RNY are about the same as with VSG - i.e., they're very rare with both surgeries. It sounds like they're more common than they actually are because people are more apt to post about them - to get support or advice - than they are if their surgery went off without a hitch. People don't usually broadcast that they had a surgery that went great with no issues - but they do if they've had serious complications. Major complications with either surgery are very rare.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, escape_pinacolada said:

Hello,

I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.

This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.

I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of Water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.

So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.

Heather

I didn't think you could live without a Pancreas?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You certainly have been through the wringer on this, and for that I, too, am sorry to see your struggles.

It does seem that a revision of some sort is called for, and a second opinion (and even third...) is certainly called for in cases like yours (or really for any revision.) My suggestion is to find a surgeon from the DS (duodenal switch) world for another opinion, as the DS is a more complex bariatric procedure that most surgeons don't offer, DS docs tend to come from the top of the class, and as the DS uses the VSG as its basis, they tend to be the most experienced surgeons around when it comes to sleeve problems as they have been doing them a lot longer than most bariatric surgeons.

My first choice for discussing a problem such as yours would be Dr. Ara Keshishian, who is down in the LA area. People come from all over the country to see him on complex revisions and other bariatric problems, so he is used to doing virtual consults (at least the initial one) so you don't have to travel to get an idea as to what solutions there may be for your problem. A bit close to you would be Drs. Rabkin, Jossert or Cirangle, all in different practices in the SF area, but all from the DS world and well experienced with sleeves.

It is good to hear that your doc has tried a Nissen; while not particularly new, it is somewhat unusual with the sleeve as there isn't much fundus left to plicate, so many bariatric surgeons go straight to an RNY revision as they don't know how to do the Nissen on a sleeve. I have a small hiatel hernia and talked to Dr. K about it, but it isn't appropriate for my situation, but since my symptoms are mild, it is a wait and see situation - I'm not eager to go to the RNY as it's something of a surgical dead end that removes a lot of options once you go there (but it generally works well once you do.)

Good luck in working this through....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, mattk53 said:

I didn't think you could live without a Pancreas?

I think you can, but you automatically develop diabetes since you can no longer produce insulin?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah I'm confused how you could do a nissen on a sleeved stomach, as there's like nothing at the top of the stomach to work with. Regardless, hope you can get a Roux and feel better soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, colormehappy said:

I think you can, but you automatically develop diabetes since you can no longer produce insulin?

Ok, thanks for the info. I guess I was thinking about Pancreatic cancer witch is almost always fatal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I personally chose the RNY as my first and only surgery and it has worked flawlessly for me

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, escape_pinacolada said:

Hello,

I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.

This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.

I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of Water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.

So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.

Heather

I'm not sure if you had the Fundoplication yet but if not, ask your surgeon if the RNY conversion with hernia repair will provide a better long term outcome with fewer surgeries down the line.

2nd and 3rd opinions are also an option.

Good Luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I’m not talking about complications with surgery. I’m talking about Vitamin malabsorption and other issues. With RnY you are completely moving everything around and rerouting. Everybody I spoke to about before I made my decision has had issues plus it does have a higher rate of failing as well. I had been looking at this as an option for about 15 yrs. I spoke to people who had different surgeries. Not every case is the same. To me the the sleeve had the least amount of risk and changes to your system as you are only removing part of the stomach. People also need to understand that what may be good for one is not good for all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×