Just had the VBG 9/17

Hi Everyone, I had my surgery on Friday and the surgeon discovered that it would not be safe to perform the RNY on me due to some problems with my intestines that may have caused a leak if the RNY was done. So basically he did the VBG and my question is....what has your experience been like with th3e VBG? I am flying blind because I expected the RNY and most of my research focused on that procedure. Please help me!!! Thank you for your help and support. Hugs, Sara

Hi Sara , I had the same thing happen to me too except I also had a takedown of intestal by pass anyway there are many good things about the VBG like no dumping and no need to take B-12 under the toung in fact you will get all your vit from your food calium too but I take a mit vit and calium any way just to be on the safe side. I do think the weaight loss is slower but I think we look better than the people who have the rny I was like you realy ready for the rny and was lost as to what to do and expect the people he are few but very helpful . also if you look under the resureing your surgery you will find all the kinds of surgery the pre and cons it was very helpful for me anyway welcome allyson harris VGB 6-30-04 -38lb from 268

Good Morning Sara, Sorry to hear that you did not receive the RNY you were hoping for. But keep your spirits up as you can be successful with this surgery too! My 1 year anniversary for VBG will be on 10.28.04. I have lost 117# so far. I started at 340#. I think the weight loss is slightly slower than with RNY. But I don't think it is by much. The basic thing to keep in mind about VBG is that it is truly a tool as there is no malabsorption of calories. Your success and continued success is always up to you. Because we are able to consume sweets we must choose not to. I have provided a "bookreport" version of my experiences with VBG closer to the top on my profile. Check it out if you would like. It's true that there are a lot fewer of us out here that had VBG. But we are a supporting group overall. I do visit the main messageboard on occassion as well. But mainly I come here to the VBG forum. In case you are wondering I would have this same surgery again tomorrow. Wouldn't change a thing! Best Regards, Sharon -117#

Congratulations, Sara, and welcome to the "losing side"! I had VBG surgery on March 16, 2004, and have now lost 62 pounds. I feel better than I have in 25 years! I agree with Sharon that VBG can be just as effective as the RNY, with a LOT fewer complications. As Sharon said, this is just a tool. It still requires hard work - not ever eating high fat, high calorie food again. And YOU MUST EXERCISE! It's as simple as that. We see ads touting: "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days with no exercise!" Now, come on, Sara, we all know that's just bull!! Now, when I see ads like that on T.V., I just tell myself that I will never EVER be exploited again! I skimmed your profile and it looks like you came to the conclusion that you were tired of being a fat girl and you had the guts to do something about it. Good for you!! I wish you all the luck in the world! Remember - chew, chew, chew - walk, walk, walk! Mary

I had my surgery on 9-28-04, I am home now. I have coughing spurts through out the day , does this end, because it hurts and I don't want to bust my stitches. What is a good vitamen to take? I am on clear liquids and and am not feeling hungry at all, I really have to remember to try to drink 4ounces an hour until I start on food. Surviving on S/F popsicles and apple juice.