I am new to posting here...but I do come to see what has been going on since I was told about this board about a month ago. A little history on what happened~I had VGB 7/17/05 and almost died from post-op complications due to smoking. The first few months were so-so with losing and then I got pretty discouraged and just stopped seeing the surgeon as I felt like I was disappointing him with no loss. I had the surgery due to back issues that are non-operable and my back issues weren't improving, either. This last Feb I noticed a lump on the incision line and had to go back to my surgeon and had to have hernia repair done in early March. When I went back for this post-op visit, DH, Dr and myself started discussing the issue with my not dropping weight and he suggested I check my meds for pain management. That same day, I sat down and did not get up from my computer until I had read everything I could find on everything I was on. Then I went and spent a few hours with my pharmacist(live in a small town and we have gotten to know each other well over time! ) When I saw my pain care mgt doctor the following week, I let them know in no uncertain terms what I felt about being over-medicated and what I wanted to be weaned from. I saw surgeon this past Friday and in the 3 weeks since I stopped taking 3 of the meds I was on, I was able to FINALLY start losing weight. It was only 9.5 lbs but that was a HUGE amount for me to drop since I had the VGB!!! Thanks to all of you that have been a source of inspiration to me, without knowing it! I am so glad someone told me about this board! It has been a godsend!

Hi! I had not even thought of doing the VBG until after speaking with my Doctor. I was totally sold on going with the Lapband but my husband and I decided this was best for me....We saw the doctor and already have the date scheduled for May 31st WOW that was super fast. In a way I wi**** were sooner so I would be able to stop thinking about all I have to do before then. I've got a bunch of tests to do and was able to call and set some of them up. I'm self Pay OUCH!!! but thats what's making it go faster.... Im very excited & scared..... I have the surgery the 31st as I said the next week I have 3 things I need to do Daughters 8th grade graduation, her Bday (she will be 14 am I really old enough to ahve a 14 year old Geez I still feel 21!!) and I my husband leaves for Surgery on the 10th to Syria ( I want to take him the airport about an hour away)...Do you all think Ill be able to do all that right after surgery? The graduation and Bday I dont have to do that much for but would love to take him to the aiport on the 10th. How's the recovery? Ive had a c-section and I would think this would be easier. Any thoughts? My husband will be gone for 40 days ..i wonder if I will loose any weight by the time he comes back..It would be nice to see a difference. I would love and suggestions or thoughts you all have to offer..... Thanks Jamie C

This is what it says in a book I was given before my surgery, I also had VBGB. It involves the creation of a stapled pouch of about 1 to 2 ounces. The very small size of the pouch is maintained by placing a silastic ring at the outlet between the pouch and the small intestine. The maintenance of the small size of the stapled pouch is designed to keep consumption very restricted in order to promote better weight loss and maintenance. The book this information is in is Living a Lighter Lifestyle, I think you can get it at the OHbookstore or maybe the nutrionist you will have can get you one. It also has a picture of what your stomach will look like after. I had this procedure in Feb. of this year and am down 55 pounds. Hope this helps. Tammy

Can anyone give me some info on a combination procedure called VBG-Gastric bypass.I can find info on just VBG surgery but not as a combination surgery.This is the surgery that my Dr.recommends.

Here is my situation. My husband is going to get new insurance. Either Cigna: covers Lap Band but requires the doctor supervised weight loss program (which they may or may not cover and I understand is probably too much money for me to afford,) or Blue Cross: which doesn't cover lap band, but DOES cover bypass (which I don't want) and VBG, which I might consider. Their plan just requires nutritional counseling and they may cover a nutritionist. Sounds more affordable. I really would prefer the lap band because there isn't any organ-cutting going on, but I am starting to wonder if my resources will allow it. Any thoughts on the above?? Thanks guys, Beverly