VBG Sucess ????

Hi, i had  vbg done in 2006. I lost  147 lbs, i could not get rny done because of a medical condition that i have.  So far i am doing fine except  even tho i had a very rocky start.  I do know you have to watch what you eat, i cannot eat meat (fish only) so i learn to love veggies and i do whey unflavored protein powder mixed with carnation instant breakfest(no sugar added).    i work out 4x a week to keep my weight down.  would i recommend this? no, due to the very bad stomach issues, but for me, i know what i have to do to keep the weight off.   If you have any questions please ask.

Dear Von, I had the VBG done in june of 06. Started at 250 lost a whopping 23 pounds then have vomited for the past four years. Dr. Valin did the surgery at St. Raph's in New Haven. I ballooned up to 300 afther the initial whopping loss of 23lbs. I finally have had a revision done on the 26th of April this year by Dr. Tishler in Hartford after trying to convince the insurance company of the reasons why. Post op the doc told my husband he "couldn't fit his smallest tool throught the opening, hence all the vomiting. The medical community has stopped doing the VBG as this is the classic that happens per medical folks. I personally wouldn't send anyone to Dr. Valin. I was readmitted one month after surgery as my belly was so distended and the pain was so bad I thought I was going to die. (I can withstand alot of pain). Went back in and he accused me of being there for the drugs. Yep thats right I drove in the pouring rain 58 miles with ice packs tied all all arounf my belly with a diagnosis of gastroperesis just for the drugs, and left my three young children with a sitter. What an a-hole. When I got to the emergency room his lovely wife told me she would call ahead and order a CT scan. When I questioned the nurse, the response I got was "No way I'm not calling her". Anyway I suggest very seriously that you not do the VBG. I had the revision done on a monday came home on wed and had a great birthday party for one of my children. Dr. Tishler and the whole practice is tops in my book. No further vomiting, wonderful follow-up and I can't count how many times he stood up for me to the insurance company. The whole practice rocks. Good luck to you. PS. I am down 40lb. since 4/16/10 and I have never felt better.  Tammey

hi tammey, i agree with you, the after care sucked and you do get sick alot.  I lose as much as i did dur to the vomiting and not able to eat much, that is why i do the protein powder.  i want to see dr. bell at yale, but due to my insurance i have a 1,000 co-pay that i cannot afford right now.  I'm glad everything worked out for you.

I'm so sorry you are going through all that. Somebody needs to stop him from doing that procedure. I have been drinking the protein powder as well, even with the revision, because I can only eat about 2 tablespoons of food. What a cheap date!!!!   I'm afraid that without that powder I would not get enough protein. A hamburger minus the bun would feed me for 4 meals. Anyway what protein powder are you using? I have been using the whey chocolate. Even though it is good I am REALLY sick of choc.  Anybody have any different idea's that are tasty. My husband usually makes me a double in the morning and I sip it all day. If I win lotto I'll send you the money for the revision. I know how awful you feel and the frustration not to mention how snotty they are at the office.   Hang in there.  Tammey

thank you so much, i am using the gnc unflavored soy protein, i use the unflavored so you can add it to anything and you cannot taste it.   I make it in the morning with greek yogurt , blueberries and strawberries and skim milk and i also do the carnation instant breakfast  a couple of times aday.

Dear T, I went to see Dr. Tishler last week and I was telling one of his medical assisants about the conversation we had and she suggested that you contact them. I told her about your high co-pay and the vomiting. It is worth a try. They are the nicest people I have ever met. Still trying to win lotto so I can help you!!!!!     It is called the Connecticut  Surgical Group.   Good luck and CALL!!!!     Tammey

Thanks for all of the helpful info on this procedure. I have recently changed my mind on this procedure and I'm going with the sleeve instead. My insurance just started covering it so I'm hoping for the best.
Thanks
Von

Good for you. I wish you the best of luck. I was really afraid of having the revision done, but it is the best thing ever. I commend you on looking at all the different options available to you!!! Good luck, keep us posted.  Tammey

I had my VBG in 2003 best decision of my life. Started at 280lbs lost 135lbs so I can't complain.  Although I do a lot of vomiting if i'm not careful I'm very happy with the results.

Good luck and remember choose whatever you feel is going to work for you.

Marisol