Thank you all, so much for your response. I was hoping this would be a place to come for support and info and admittedly I may had judged Diana too soon, so I do apologize. It just surprised me that the first thread that caught my eye, as it was describing exactly what I am going through, was met with such a harsh reply.
I know this will not be a breeze and have been researching this revision for quite sometime. I am 47 and my prayer is that before 50, I will be a much healthier me. I am in Tennessee, so I was thrilled to find that Dr. Boyce is in Knoxville.
Again thank you all do much.
First of all, my post to the OP came AFTER a PM conversation in which I had already said something similar - and my message is still the same - weight loss is SECONDARY to health, especially for the most dangerous revision of all (RNY to DS). If the weight loss per se (i.e., appearance) is the goal, I really think you are starting out with the wrong attitude. It is likely going to be a very high price to pay to suffer through the operation, recovery, high likelihood of complications, etc., for weight loss, especially if you are one of the majority who is NEVER going to get to or maintain goal weight long term. Are you going to feel it was "worth it" if you end up having to deal with stinky gas, taking a metric buttload of supplements, and weigh 190 lbs/BMI 32? Because it is highly likely you'll end up in something like that situation.
On the other hand, you're also likely to end up with most if not all of a cholesterol level in the mid-100s; triglycerides <100; fasting blood glucose < 100; low normal blood pressure. If THAT is your primary goal, then you are likely going to be OK, and not disappointed.
I have the cash to self-pay for the reconstructive surgery I "need." I won't do it. I had one procedure (partial facelift and brachioplasty) in 2009 and the misery of that procedure was enough to convince me it was not worth it to suffer that much just to look better. I had the time and money to do it (I had been laid off with pay for three months while my company was acquired, and stock option money in hand), and the surgery schedule set up, recovery house and everything. I backed out after that first procedure because it wasn't worth it - and the next procedures (circumferential body lift and thighplasty) would have been 10 times more painful. I wasn't going to give up months of my life (and possible death) to that misery, just to look better.
SO true @robs477 I was lucky enough to finally meet Larra in person at our hotel in Burbank after my revision surgery and she is a sweetheart to whom I owe a lot. These two ladies, and Liz are fantastic and help so many people.
Awesome Rob. She is such a super ladyScott, I was lucky enough to finally meet Larra in person also and you are 1000% right again! An absolute wonderful Lady, just like she is here.
@Tallula.Belle You and your Family are obviously facing a LOT of challenges, for sure….and I’m sure you will overcome them all. We are all really extended Family here and welcome you with arms wide open and appreciate all that you can bring us as well!
BTW….I only mean this in the most respectful way that a gentleman can say, but if that’s you in the pic, you are a very beautiful Lady! Jus sayin…
Aww, you guys! Thank you both.
@Tallula.Belle it sounds like you and your DH both have some good reasons for surgery. And you know by now that this won't be a walk in the park. Many of the people we've seen with RNY to DS revisions have had serious complications, needed more surgeries, long recoveries, etc. It really is a tough operation to get through. Regarding your DH's need for hip replacements, yes he'll still need them, but his recovery and use of those new hips will be a lot better if he's at a lower weight, and the new hips will also last longer.
I hope you are able to jump through the insurance hoops without too much trouble. Do you have a RNY to DS revision surgeon lined up?