VBG Is it the same as the stapling done in the 1980's

Hello Everyone,

I need some answers please. I had my stomach stappled back in 1982 and it did not work for me. I still have the staples in place but I guess they have some what tore away anyway I can eat and I am 200 lbs overweight. My question is do they repair these surgeries or do you have to have a by-pass? Can a band be put in place with this old surgery.

I also have a slight problems I just found out about today when trying to find a surgeon. My insurance policy only covers $60,000.00 for life on obesity surgery. So the surgeons office told me no surgeon would want to take me as the surgery will way exceed the $60,000.00 due to furture testing blood work and any problems that could arrise from the actual surgery.

Any suggestion???

VSG is definitely not the same as the old stapling surgery.  For one thing, most of the stomach is removed. The VSG creates a permanently smaller stomach.  I suppose it is theoretically possible for someone to eat so much that they blow out the staple line, but it would have to be really soon after the surgery, because after that the cut ends of the stomach grow together, which, I assume didn't happen with the older surgeries because they were supposed to be "reversable" --  but not like yours was reversed!  :)  And, from personal experience, any urge to eat too much is counteracted by extreme discomfort. 

Check around on this site and read about the various kinds of surgeries available today.  VSG is one option, so is the duodenal switch, the lap band and the old stand-by, gastric bypass (RNY).  See what sounds good to you.  When I read about the VSG, I knew immediately it was the right choice for me.

Don't be discouraged about the lifetime limit on your surgery.  Do you have the same insurance company now that you had  in 1982?  "Lifetime" might mean for as long as you are with that company.  :) That's how my insurance company defines it. Of course, they are always looking for a way to avoid paying, but I would check that out before concluding that insurance won't cover you.  And talk to a different surgeon's office.  Whoever you spoke to sounds very negative. 

Good luck. You will find a lot of people here who's lives have been transformed.  I'm hoping for hte best for you.


 

Me again.  I just realized I had clicked the wrong forum and was in VBG so the first part of my answer aboved doesn't make a lot of sense. I don't donw of VBG is what you had -- very likely, but there are lots of new options and VSG is one.  Check them out!  :)

I had stomach stapling many years ago too. My Primary Care Doctor, Psychologist, Dietitian Have all told me that I have done a good job at keeping my weight down. That most people who had my type of WLS, have gained back their weight and more!

I am so upset about gaining about 40 pounds! Found out that my staple line came open and that it was very common for that too happen. that is why they do not do those types of WLS any longer.

First off,  if you have health insurance what do you care what they paid? ALL  health care insurance company have set rates at what they pay for what surgery...I did..

Your Surgery should be covered if it is in your policy. Call and ask.. Don't ask how much is covered! Find out what your co pay will be, and maybe what your % of what is not covered. You will need to see your Primary Care Doctor, Psychologist,  and a Dietitian. You may have to go for many test too.. Cat scan, MRI, Endoscope..To see what is going on with your old surgery...

Thank God I have done these already.. Now I Pray I do not have to repeat any of them.. I had all these test done with the first Surgeon I went too,  who changed his mind on doing my surgery because he never did  a revision surgery. 

I want RNY! Forget the Band For me!!!  I see too many people fail with the band. I am in Health Care...i would love to get the Sleeve but my insurance does not cover it yet..But I am sure it will be covered in a year or two... My New Surgeon told us that...I sure hope this helped you... I wish you all the best...  Alizka

I had my VBG done in the early 90s, and one of the reasons I had it done where I did was because I was told that they (University of Iowa) were one of the places where research was being done.  It didn't work.  I only lost a small amount of weight, and still can't eat enough to keep a bird alive.  I go to doctors for help, and they only make me feel very sad because they try to tell me that I just need to try harder, or try a different diet, or do different exercises.  I was really upset after visiting with my doctor yesterday.

To tell the truth, I regret having had my surgery done.

DustyLady