VBG Info?

Hello all! Just looking around and doing more research. What is VBG? I did not see an information section on this particular weight loss surgery like at the other forums. Any information would be helpful! 

The VBG is similar to the adjustable bands, except it is not adjustable. It is normally a Gortex band that is placed and stiched around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch the size of an egg. The opening into the large portion of the stomach is about the size of your pinky, so food must be chewed very well in order to pass through. It is a restrictive surgery, so food is intended to stay in the pouch longer to create the feeling of fullness. It is permanent, there are no adjustments needed. Food eaten by VBG patients get all of the foods nutritional values, good and bad, so food choices are key. Like any surgery, fooling it and making bad eating choices is possible. Unlike the RNY, supplements aren't as critical because our bodies absorb 100% of what is eaten. However, it is usually recommended that a supplement is added, at least in the beginning.  I had it 5 years ago and have had fabulous success with it.  I've never been happier with the decision and would do it over in a heartbeat!

My surgeon's website has a pretty good picture of it, if it's hard for you to picture.  

http://www.ct-obesitysurgery.com/index.cfm/PageID/5954

I had mine 18 months ago and am very happy with it.  Like Lois said, it's still all about proper choices.  Still a way to go before I get to goal, but this surgery never stops working.  Like every other surgery available, if you follow the plan, it works.  Good luck with your decision!

Kathy

Thank you for the information!

I am 4 years out this month. I have gad a successful journey. My sister is ten years out and still holding a 150 pound loss. I am happy and satisfied with my choice of wls.

I had the VBG 25 years ago by Dr Fobi and have maintained a 100 pound loss- tho I did maintain a 120 pound loss for 16 years. I am still tho 100 pounds overweight and am now condering a revision to the DS. My food choices havent been the best over the years and I ate whatever I could comfortably get down the best without coming back up. Meat was hard to eat but I did eat fish often but unfortunately I couldnt leave alone the sweets. I ate soups, chips & dips, crackers, sushi, smoothies most often.SInce this is a restrictive only surgery I feel I need the added malabsorption type surgery will get me all the way to thin. They didnt perform it in 1985 when I had it done. What I didnt like with the VBG is that I just couldnt do a lot of fiber whi*****luded fruits & vegetables. My labs were always good & I rarely took supplements as they bothered my pouch.

I had stomach stapling in 99 .I started gaining weight back so i went back to surgeon and found out that my band had eroded from stomach acid. I would not recommend this to anyone, I went through alot to gain it all back again and now i'm back at the beginning.

I am very new to this forum and have been trying to find some information on a few concerns that I have in regards to the LAP BAND vs. VBG.  In the beginning I was all for the Band and then received a call from an employee who worked at a facility in Mexico, which is where I plan on having my surgery since it is self pay.  I was wondering if by chance anybody could give some feed back on A.)  what are the complications of the gastric sleeve.  B.)  has anybody had any experience with Dr. Almanez Reyes?  C.) What is the death rate of the sleeve.  D.)  If any body had surgery in Mexico what was there experience like?

I have talked to one facilitator who says nothing but wonderful things about the band and her doctor and how dangerous the sleeve is.  When I talk to the other facilitator, she says wonderful things about the sleeve and how professional and wonderful her doctor is.  I do understand that these people are making a living by recruiting new patients but would like an unbaised opinion on what doctor is best and what would be the best procedure for me.  I know with all surgeries there is a risk no matter what.  Basically speaking, I am in very good health,  do not drink, smoke or do drugs.   Do not have high blood pressure, or diabetes, or any other health concerns with the exception of being 80 pounds over weight.  If anybody could shed some light on the above issues I would really appreciate you time and concern.

Sincerely,

LuLu