I'm 15 years post op and have lived a life of hell as a result of complications from the surgery. Excessive vomiting began about 7 months post op. Hardly a day has gone by without getting sick as a result of scar tissue growing around the band. I've had two procedures to repair the problem but the vomiting hasn't stopped and worse yet caused the staples to come undone. I've gained all my weight back yet I'm malnutritioned and have many other health problems. I have no doubt I've shortened my life as a direct result of the surgery. I would do anything to turn back the years and not have it done. There are so many healthy foods I can't keep down. The past 15 years of pain, shame and regret outweighs my pre-op days 100%

I am glad things have changes. But I don't know what all of us that have had vbg done mine in 1993 are going to do. I have gain all my weight back +, stomach infection, pain, staple line breakdown, and insurance BCBS of ill won't pay. they say 1 weight loss per life time but my pocily said that will pay for comp. But the critea has change and sence I never had any before care, and they are the 1s who make the choise of what is med. nessary. a revision for no matter what reason is a 2nd weight loss. I know that some have had no trouble getting aproved but from what I have found, insurance is changing and there are more that are wanting it done and they feel like we have had are chance. Most of us have had are dreams losts and a life of hell with med problems and no 1 to do any thing about it. A revision cost some were around 30000 up. And most of us I don't think have that kind of money. I feel like most of us just want to be fixed. I don't know maybe all of us will have to get together and do sme thing they will listen if there is several of us with the same problem.

Did anyone see the family on the Today show today who combined lost 500 lbs... Also article in People magazine. From what I can tell, they had VBG according to Today show...but also sounds like lap band... Anyone here know?

Tara Hello, I had my VGS on April 24, 2006. I had a hernia before I had my surgery tho. I go back to see my surgeon for my 3 month follow up at which time I am hoping to talkt o him about doing my hernia repair. Since I had lost some weight it is really starting to bother me now. Please keep us posted as to how you are doing. I totally understand about the pouching of the tummy. Mine starts at the top of my belly button and is going around the right side of it now. I can actually feel the muscle ripping now. Good Luck Melissa

i hope everything goes well for you, how much have lose so far? since april of this year i've lose 65lbs, and let me tell you, i feel great!!!!!! i just started the gym 3 weeks ago and it feels good working work again. if you can let me know how the repair went.