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Topic: RE: VBG revision
Hi!
I had a VBG in 1988 at age 20. I was 5'10" and weighed over 250lbs. and it was the best thing I ever did. I watched 75lbs. melt off my body in 6 months then plateaued. I did Jenny Craig and lost 20 more lbs. I didn't exercise at all. Of course, as per usual with VBG, certain foods and large pills would get "stuck" from time to time and I'd have to purge.
By 1994 I was back up to about 180lbs., then started walking 2 miles a day and drinking fruit smoothies and by late 1995 was down to 140lbs. I was also in an emotionally abusive relationship and didn't eat much for a few years. At one point in early 1998, I actually got down to 121lbs. which I LOVED but even I recognized it was "too thin" and unsustainable.
I then gained back to a healthy 140lbs. where I stayed without effort, and could eat anything I wanted. Until 2006. With no change in diet or activity level, I suddenly gained 25lbs. and nothing I did enabled me to lose them.
I am now 41 years old and have gained 50lbs since December (it is now 7/09) and am at a shocking and depressing 210lbs. despite cutting down portions, cutting out fried stuff, and exercising. Food no longer seems to get stuck and it's freaking me out. I take two daily "horse pills," a vitamin and an amino acid complex, that would have had me stuck for days in the past, and now they slide right through.
I am concerned that my band has broken down and don't know what to do about it. I have been unemployed and uninsured since September 2007 so I can't afford to consult a bariatric surgeon. Has anyone else had experience with band breakdown and/or stubborn weight gain that, even with herculean effort, refuses to budge?
I appreciate any information anyone has to share, especially if there are any surgeons online who might be able to advise. Thanks so much and good health to all!
I had a VBG in 1988 at age 20. I was 5'10" and weighed over 250lbs. and it was the best thing I ever did. I watched 75lbs. melt off my body in 6 months then plateaued. I did Jenny Craig and lost 20 more lbs. I didn't exercise at all. Of course, as per usual with VBG, certain foods and large pills would get "stuck" from time to time and I'd have to purge.
By 1994 I was back up to about 180lbs., then started walking 2 miles a day and drinking fruit smoothies and by late 1995 was down to 140lbs. I was also in an emotionally abusive relationship and didn't eat much for a few years. At one point in early 1998, I actually got down to 121lbs. which I LOVED but even I recognized it was "too thin" and unsustainable.
I then gained back to a healthy 140lbs. where I stayed without effort, and could eat anything I wanted. Until 2006. With no change in diet or activity level, I suddenly gained 25lbs. and nothing I did enabled me to lose them.
I am now 41 years old and have gained 50lbs since December (it is now 7/09) and am at a shocking and depressing 210lbs. despite cutting down portions, cutting out fried stuff, and exercising. Food no longer seems to get stuck and it's freaking me out. I take two daily "horse pills," a vitamin and an amino acid complex, that would have had me stuck for days in the past, and now they slide right through.
I am concerned that my band has broken down and don't know what to do about it. I have been unemployed and uninsured since September 2007 so I can't afford to consult a bariatric surgeon. Has anyone else had experience with band breakdown and/or stubborn weight gain that, even with herculean effort, refuses to budge?
I appreciate any information anyone has to share, especially if there are any surgeons online who might be able to advise. Thanks so much and good health to all!
Topic: RE: Why so negative about the VBG?
If only things were so easy! Good for you to be so disciplined with chewing! I need to take a lesson! I sometimes forget, but the band reminds me a little later! I didn't do the support group either because the nearest one is an hour away. I do enjoy exercising, though! I found that I'm kinda OCD with exercise, meaning I need to keep changing things up, or else I get bored, stuck in a routine, and quit. I dabble in a bunch of things, and actually found that doing triathlons is my greatest joy! You might want to check out some nearby "drop-in" classes or activities to see if you might like something. Exercise is what keeps me sane, and keeps my weight steady. I'm not as gung-ho about it as I used to be, simply because I don't want to get as light as I was. I was too light at 160 lbs for someone 6'2" tall! Very comfortable around 178-185. Can't wait for warmth to get running!
Topic: RE: Why are you doing this? xpost
Realize that her experience is true and valid for her. To be honest, the vast majority of people who have WLS of any type have a very successful, uncomplicated experience. That said, some people really struggle and when you enter in to this you need to be aware of the seriously potential pitfalls. You are likely to do very well and not have any significant complications. Remember that the surgery that this woman had was 21 years ago. Things have changed a great deal. There are now more safeguards in place ... Now there are centers of excellence that have comprehensive programs and that assure that the surgeons and practices have signficant levels of experience.
Wishing you all the best,
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Topic: RE: Why so negative about the VBG?
Good to see people have success. VBG Oct 03. No complications. No big loss. Wasn't really given any real rules either. I was supposed to go to support classes after, but didn't. Probably a contributing factor to my lack of loss. It was just a hassel though. I am a suburb girl, and the classes required me to go to downtown and do the whole parking ramp thing. Just a hassel. I am visiting "the rules" now though, so hopefully I will have better progress.
I can understand how people would have problems with the meat thing. I am kind of lucky though. I was never much of a meat eater. I'm not a vegetarian, I just don't care for meat that much. I do miss salads. The VBG doesn't allow you to eat a large variety of healthy things. if you do, you have to chew like hell. If I can't chew it into nothing I spit it into a napkin. I have never thrown up. NEVER. But I am pyscho about chewing.
I didn't know about the no water for an hour before, or no water after, of no water during. I will try that and see what happens. I think my problem is, I just don't like to excersize. I don't eat much at all. I drink tons of water.
Ive looked into the RNY, was actually supposed to have that one. Changed mind at last minute- with hospital gown and IV in. RNY is no cake walk either.
I just need to excersize. It's that easy! right!?
I can understand how people would have problems with the meat thing. I am kind of lucky though. I was never much of a meat eater. I'm not a vegetarian, I just don't care for meat that much. I do miss salads. The VBG doesn't allow you to eat a large variety of healthy things. if you do, you have to chew like hell. If I can't chew it into nothing I spit it into a napkin. I have never thrown up. NEVER. But I am pyscho about chewing.
I didn't know about the no water for an hour before, or no water after, of no water during. I will try that and see what happens. I think my problem is, I just don't like to excersize. I don't eat much at all. I drink tons of water.
Ive looked into the RNY, was actually supposed to have that one. Changed mind at last minute- with hospital gown and IV in. RNY is no cake walk either.
I just need to excersize. It's that easy! right!?
Topic: RE: Why are you doing this? xpost
Hi you sound so positive and great! I am Pre Op. I just read the most teriffying post about this woman who had VBG WLS and has been in pain sick for 21 years because of it. I want the WLS for all the reasons you listed and then some but I have to say that really freaked me out.
Topic: RE: Puree Recipe Ideas
You can do Chunky style soups (not the kind with rice or pasta - just meats and veggies) and throw them in the blender. You should water them down a bit and puree them up.
Creamed soups - 98% fat free or "low fat" versions (but avoid tomato soup due to acid)
Jello Sugar Free pudding (I think some people recommend adding protein powder to pudding for the added protein intake)
Yogurt WITHOUT fruit chunks (I think some people recommend adding protein powder to yogurt for the added protein intake)
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Protein shakes that give a minimum of 15-20 grams protein, maximum 5 grams of carbs and less than 130 calories per serving
Apple Sauce - unsweetened of course (there's lots of unsweetened flavors out there)
Muscle Milk (You can get these pre-mixed in lots of flavors and they can be a meal replacement)
These are all suggestions from my surgeon's pre-op information package. Hope it helps - I am so worried about not being able to get creative enough during the initial "liquid & soft" stages!
Michelle
Creamed soups - 98% fat free or "low fat" versions (but avoid tomato soup due to acid)
Jello Sugar Free pudding (I think some people recommend adding protein powder to pudding for the added protein intake)
Yogurt WITHOUT fruit chunks (I think some people recommend adding protein powder to yogurt for the added protein intake)
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Protein shakes that give a minimum of 15-20 grams protein, maximum 5 grams of carbs and less than 130 calories per serving
Apple Sauce - unsweetened of course (there's lots of unsweetened flavors out there)
Muscle Milk (You can get these pre-mixed in lots of flavors and they can be a meal replacement)
These are all suggestions from my surgeon's pre-op information package. Hope it helps - I am so worried about not being able to get creative enough during the initial "liquid & soft" stages!
Michelle
Topic: RE: Had surgery yesterday
Thanks so much for posting right out of surgery!! My hubby and I are going to see Dr. A. in March for our sleeves and it's great to hear your account so soon after coming off the happy juice! You're too cute by the way!! Anyhow, glad to hear you're up and about and feeling not too bad. Keep us posted on your progress and how you feel when you get the time. All of us pre-sleevers want to know what it's like....
Wishing you a comfortable and "easy" recovery
Michelle
Wishing you a comfortable and "easy" recovery
Michelle
Topic: RE: VBG HAS BEEN A 21 YEAR NIGHTMARE
Krista , I had my surgery 7 years ago and agree with you. I don't have to tell you what it's been like. Just recently looked into revision. I'm serious about it. However I just stared taking meds to get rid of the H pylori in my small intestine. Then I will be making a decision with my new bariatric dr about the best way to go. I'm interested in what you had. I gained back 50 pounds and feel like the first surgery was a waste of time and all the bad things that go with it is a big what for. My dr suggested the Stomacphax. What do you think. Rusty
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