Any Dr. Valin Patients that had VBG?

I'm looking to talk to some of Dr. Valin's Patients that had his "New improved" VBG/Lap-Band Surgery. He calls it something else, but basically it's the VBG but improved his way...

HI Homeuser,

I had the "new improved" VBG done in April 2009, Dr. Valin was my surgeon also. I did a lot of research because every time I looked up VBG the information was really negative. After talking with Debbie, my husband, then Dr. Valin, I decided the VBG was what I wanted. I did not want the maintenance of the lap band and the nutritional deficits related to the bypass so this was what I decided would work for me.  I have done great but I was determined to follow the guidelines. It hasn't always been easy but I wanted this more than anything so I worked hard at eating the right things, exercising 4 or 5 times a week etc. I have gone from 265 lbs to 160 lbs, most of which I lost in the first nine months. I have been maintaining since the beginning of the year. I would like to loose another 10 lbs but that is up to me. I need to get back to the plan of eating high protein, low carb and I have not been doing that as well as I should. I tend to calorie count more than carb count so I am sure that is why I am staying in the 160 range.  Even this is a blessing to me. I never thought I would see this weight again. If I had to do it over again I would not hesitate, it saved my life. 
If you want to talk just let me know. Good luck to you!

Thanks for the reply! and Great news! I 'm glad you had good luck with it. I too, found negative things about it as well and figured I would find out about His style before I made my decision.

i am two years out today and dr valin was wonderful, i had the vbg but i dont know if it was the new and improved one, and yes everytime i came on here before my surgery everything was negative and i thought for sure i would fail, but i am down to 168 after being at 242 and i have nothing but wonderful things to say about it.  they say that he is one of the best something was said to me the morning of my surgery that i will never forget because i made the anthestegioligist repeat it to me "you are dr valins patients i just want to tell you that i am honored to be working with you and dr valin he is the best in southern new england and rest assured you are  in good hands" that calmed me so much you have no idea..  good luck wish i saw this sooner

Debb

Thanks Deb, I am going in Sept 20Th.....I also, read a lot of negatives, but on the otherhand, a lot of postives with Dr. Valin's way...

Well I also had vbg in December 2008 when I was 298 and now I vary from 204-211, depending on what time of month it is being a woman, lol. I have a goal of 188 but honestly I haven't been pushing myself to reach it but recently have been focusing on reaching my goal by the new year.

When I was doing my research vbg wasn't popular nor were many people opting for this procedure. What I liked most was that my insides weren't moved around and it was one of the less invasive surgeries. I wasn't looking to loose too much weight and gastic really scared me. I'm happy where I'm at and if you every need support let me know! Good luck! Heide

Thanks! Congrats on your achievements! keep trying to reach your goal. I also, didn't want to do the Gastric....I'm 298 now and was up to 325 at one time, I would love to be at 200...and will be doing this surg...

ughhh!!! yes dr. valin way of the vgb is actually to seperate and make a small stomach with staples, and a band to prevent leakage, however doing research i havent heard good things.. and im actually starting to get nervous now.. i need and want to loose the weight though... nov 1 is when i go in...