VBG ... questions?

Hi everyone...I just started visiting this site about two weeks ago. I have applied to Upstate Medical Center Bariatric Surg. So, here are my questions... 1) Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Halverson? He is the only surgeon at upstate who performs just VBG. 2) Anyone out there had VBG? I would love any input...good experiences and bad! 3) VBG is less invasive, so why does it seem like most having surgery are having RNY? 4) If you had VBG, would you recomend it? Why? Why not? 5) Has anyone had to have VBG revised to RNY, and why? I really like the idea of VBG because it doesnt require any reconstructing of my intestines...but would hate to have it be a waste of time. I am currently 374lbs, 35 years old...and trying to diet and exersise again. I love to exersise once it stops hurting me. My problem is I never seem to feel full.... Any input is appreciated! Thanks Vivian

Vivian, Hun I am still Pre-op and having RNY because if I am going through all of this I am making sure it will work as best as it can. Meaning the RNY has a weight loss of 80-90% of your excess body fat. I also wanted to welcome you to this board.....great place to learn, ask questions and just vent at times..... Best of luck to you hun..... Take care, Debra P

http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/1078008.html?vc=0

hello there, Yes I had VBG 6 years ago and had it revised to RNY 2-2-05... my doctor, Dr. McKane of Horseheads ny, said they dont do the VBG anymore becuz they just dont work, he said all the revisions hes done from VBG to RNY most of them have gained all there weight back and then some, he said i was one of the very few he had saw to not gain back most of there weight... I started out at 316 pounds 6 years ago had the VBG Lap in hazelton PA Dr. Garhardt.. The first six months I lost 100 pounds. I was so happy , then in the next 6 months i only lost 20 more pounds I got down to about 195 or so.. I still couldnt eat a reg size meal... BUT i could eat tons of junk foods, like, chips, pretzels, popcorn, soda, candy sweets etc..... i gained back about 40 pounds back to 238, i dieted over the next 4 years and lost and gained... last year i decided i had to do something or i would be back to 300 pounds again and I didnt want that... So i looked in to the revision i went to cole and mckane in arnot health center horsehead they agreed to do the surgery.. I weight 230 when i got out of the hospital .. the surgery went well. no complations at the time... Dr. Mckane told me my when he went in to do the RNY the staple line in my pouch was rupted and when i would eat the food would just go into my pouch and run over into my old stomach he said it was a wonder i wasnt back to 300 + pounds over the years he said it had been that way awhile and the mess band was complete gone... the surgery failed me.. Since my RNY in feb.. i have lost over 40 pounds and now weigh 187 I am so happy i made this choice i just wish i did it 6 years ago.. I did want it, but the only surgerion i could find to even do this surgery was in hazelton pa and he would only do the VBG he said the RNY were dangerous.. well maybe 6 years ago they were but so much has changed and they have really improved on them.. I am hoping to get to my goal weigh of 120 pounds by my 44 birthday sept. 25.. i feel i have been giving a second chance... with WLS you usually only get one shot at it... so i feel lucky and greatful for the wonderful surgeon I chose.. He has done over 600 RNYs and 100 Revisions .. Hope this helps you. if you would like to know anymore plz email me Lisa, Waverly NY