Recent Posts
Topic: RE: VGB
I had the VBG in 1991, and was similar to your experience. Lost 90lbs to goal in the first 5mths, then kept it off for 13 yrs, even with having 2 children, then the complications with food stuck started, limiting my food choices to sliders and back came the weight to my initial post op weight of 245lbs.
My staples came undone back in Dec. 2010 due to extensive vomiting, and was revised (by the same surgeon) to the VSG Gastric Sleeve (open surgery) back in May 12, 2011. I am now down to 167lbs, and have never felt better. I have wonderful restriction, never have vomited once since, no food stuck issues anymore and can now eat so much better with lots of dense protein (chicken, pork, fish, beef, anything goes, and doesn't have to drown in gravy or sauces to be able to swallow i)t, and fruits & veggies--nice crunchy veggies, that I missed for over 20 yrs. I lost a little bit of hair but not as bad as with the VBG.
I'm still losing, but it's slowed down now (we lose slower with revisions), so I am really picking up with the exercise to get back to my goal, 155-160 lbs would be nice at my age (42).
I haven't met many people who've revised from VBG to VSG, but if it's only restriction you need, this is a better surgery and the removal of grehlin is fantastic. I have lost that desire for carbs, sweets, and junk or sliders. I am finally back to eating to live, and feel normal again.
Best of luck with your journey!!
Coreena
My staples came undone back in Dec. 2010 due to extensive vomiting, and was revised (by the same surgeon) to the VSG Gastric Sleeve (open surgery) back in May 12, 2011. I am now down to 167lbs, and have never felt better. I have wonderful restriction, never have vomited once since, no food stuck issues anymore and can now eat so much better with lots of dense protein (chicken, pork, fish, beef, anything goes, and doesn't have to drown in gravy or sauces to be able to swallow i)t, and fruits & veggies--nice crunchy veggies, that I missed for over 20 yrs. I lost a little bit of hair but not as bad as with the VBG.
I'm still losing, but it's slowed down now (we lose slower with revisions), so I am really picking up with the exercise to get back to my goal, 155-160 lbs would be nice at my age (42).
I haven't met many people who've revised from VBG to VSG, but if it's only restriction you need, this is a better surgery and the removal of grehlin is fantastic. I have lost that desire for carbs, sweets, and junk or sliders. I am finally back to eating to live, and feel normal again.
Best of luck with your journey!!
Coreena
Topic: Do you have a swimsuit that is too big?
Hey Folks! In my quest to swim my weight off, I had a great idea: collect useable swimwear & distribute it among those who want to start swimming!
I haven't figured out how I can pull this off, but I will try to figure out how to pay the postage for swimwear to me, then anyone wanting a certain size or suit will have to pay the shipping to them.
If you have suits you are happy to part with & give another person the opportunity to swim, please contact me!
Brenda : )~
Hey Folks! In my quest to swim my weight off, I had a great idea: collect useable swimwear & distribute it among those who want to start swimming!
I haven't figured out how I can pull this off, but I will try to figure out how to pay the postage for swimwear to me, then anyone wanting a certain size or suit will have to pay the shipping to them.
If you have suits you are happy to part with & give another person the opportunity to swim, please contact me!
Brenda : )~
Topic: new to site - leg soreness, what to eat?????
I am 13 days post op, and tomorrow I get to eat food for the first time. I would love some suggestions besides non-fat yogurt. Also, I am getting a lot of leg soreness, in the front of my calves, in the back, and also in the front of my thighs. They are not muscle spasms per se, but sore. I typically work out and exercise quite a bit prior to my surgery. And I have walked around alot, but only walked very slowly on the treadmill for 3/4 mile.
Really early in this, and could use some support. Thanks!
Really early in this, and could use some support. Thanks!
Topic: RE: Question
VBG - Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is the creation of a "pouch" to reduce food intake. The pouch is created at the top part of your stomach using a special tool that staples 6 rows of staples simultaneously to block off the rest of your stomach, then a silastic ring is put into place at the bottom part of the row of staples creating a small opening for which the food to go through. This ring causes the food to stay in the "pouch" longer - thus you have the feeling of being full longer. The pouch created is usually large enough to hold about 6-8 oz at a time.
VSG - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - is the removal of the large curvature of the stomach, creating a much smaller stomach "sleeve" - everything is ALL NATURAL (except the staples). A tube called a bougie is entered into the patient's mouth and passed through the stomach into the duodenum. This bougie is used as a "guide" for the surgeon as he removes the outer curvature of the stomach, the tool actually cauterizes and staples the stomach as it removes the outer stomach. Once the outer stomach is all removed, the bougie is removed from the patient's mouth and they are left with a "sleeve" that holds about 6-8 oz. at a time.
Both surgeries leave your natural digestion intact. The band for the VBG is PERMANENT and cannot be adjusted. Likewise, once part of your stomach is removed, it can't be replaced - it is PERMANENT. Both surgeries can be revised if needed to Gastric Bypass or Duodinal Switch.
VSG - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - is the removal of the large curvature of the stomach, creating a much smaller stomach "sleeve" - everything is ALL NATURAL (except the staples). A tube called a bougie is entered into the patient's mouth and passed through the stomach into the duodenum. This bougie is used as a "guide" for the surgeon as he removes the outer curvature of the stomach, the tool actually cauterizes and staples the stomach as it removes the outer stomach. Once the outer stomach is all removed, the bougie is removed from the patient's mouth and they are left with a "sleeve" that holds about 6-8 oz. at a time.
Both surgeries leave your natural digestion intact. The band for the VBG is PERMANENT and cannot be adjusted. Likewise, once part of your stomach is removed, it can't be replaced - it is PERMANENT. Both surgeries can be revised if needed to Gastric Bypass or Duodinal Switch.
Topic: RE: VGB
I had my VBG in 1992, when it was done as an OPEN surgery - I lost 100lbs in about 8 months and kept it off for over 12 years. I do have to say that I was HAPPY with my VBG, until about 4 years ago when I started to gain the weight back.
I have had NO side effects, no heartburn, no problems WHATSOEVER...occasional vomiting if I don't chew well enough (still) -but that's my fault - not the VBG. I didn't even lose my hair like some people complain about.
The VBG is PERMANENT - it is NOT ADJUSTABLE. Similarly to the gastric bypass in that a "pouch" is created using a staple line and a band, but there is NO switch of the digestive tract, so no malabsorption problems occur. No dumping syndrome.
There are some foods that I STILL have problems with - and by problems I mean that I will USUALLY throw them up - so I stay away from them : Soft breads (I can eat toasted or grilled bread easily), Pork - I can't eat pork chops even if they are moist, but I can eat ham, some chicken if it's too dry. I have NEVER been a sweets eater - but I do have issues with peanut butter and chocolate - it's just too thick!
With ANY WLS - there just isn't long term information. I AM THE LONG TERM INFORMATION!
I kept in touch with my doctor at 5 years, then again at 10 years - and for all medical purposes that is a SUCCESSFUL SURGERY!! Now, I don't have health insurance - so I'm kind of stuck!!
I hope to revise to the VSG (sleeve) because of the removal of part of the stomach, the "hunger hormone" producing portion of the stomach is removed - which I want GONE!! I am a snacker, and addicted to carbs - and I just need that surgical tool renewed to remind me how to eat again!! I have gained back 80lbs in 4 years - I am positive that my band has erroded or something else - even though I STILL don't have problems or pain from it....
I have had NO side effects, no heartburn, no problems WHATSOEVER...occasional vomiting if I don't chew well enough (still) -but that's my fault - not the VBG. I didn't even lose my hair like some people complain about.
The VBG is PERMANENT - it is NOT ADJUSTABLE. Similarly to the gastric bypass in that a "pouch" is created using a staple line and a band, but there is NO switch of the digestive tract, so no malabsorption problems occur. No dumping syndrome.
There are some foods that I STILL have problems with - and by problems I mean that I will USUALLY throw them up - so I stay away from them : Soft breads (I can eat toasted or grilled bread easily), Pork - I can't eat pork chops even if they are moist, but I can eat ham, some chicken if it's too dry. I have NEVER been a sweets eater - but I do have issues with peanut butter and chocolate - it's just too thick!
With ANY WLS - there just isn't long term information. I AM THE LONG TERM INFORMATION!
I kept in touch with my doctor at 5 years, then again at 10 years - and for all medical purposes that is a SUCCESSFUL SURGERY!! Now, I don't have health insurance - so I'm kind of stuck!!
I hope to revise to the VSG (sleeve) because of the removal of part of the stomach, the "hunger hormone" producing portion of the stomach is removed - which I want GONE!! I am a snacker, and addicted to carbs - and I just need that surgical tool renewed to remind me how to eat again!! I have gained back 80lbs in 4 years - I am positive that my band has erroded or something else - even though I STILL don't have problems or pain from it....
Topic: RE: How is Dr Ramos Kelly's Facilities and staff?
hello, yes, I had surgery 12-5-11 with Dr Kelly. His staff and the facility was wonderful. No regrets here! I went with Dr Kelly because he is very educated and was a US Dr for 10 yrs, 8yrs as a organ transport surgeon and 2 in trauma residency in LA Trauma center. He also does alot of teaching at seminarians US and Canada for other weightloss surgeons. The big decision forme between Dr Alveraz and Dr Kelly was the difference in cost. Dr Kelly was $5900 vs $8000 with Dr Alveraz. Both are great It's but Dr Kelly was awesome and Such a sweet guy! You can read my initial post about my surgery in my profile page.
Topic: RE: How is Dr Ramos Kelly's Facilities and staff?
Did you have your surgery? I am trying to decide between Alvaraz and Kelly as well. Alvaraz is just 1 mile across the border - and a day's drive from my home - but Kelly is cheaper and I haven't ready anything negative on either one. Dr. Kelly did have a patient die - from a pulmonary emboli - since you are a paramedic - you know this can happen with any surgery and he was up front about it. If you had your surgery with Dr. Kelly - can you tell me how things went? Thanks Karen
Topic: RE: VGB
Hi. I had a VBG about 17 years ago and lost around 80 lbs. Kept most of it off until about 2 1/2 years ago. Found out I had thyroid cancer and after the surgery, radiation, and recovery, I've gained 90 back. I'm now working on approval for a revision to either a RNY or DS. Just my opinion, but VBG not as effective. I have a sister who also had a VBG after I did and she's had nothing but complications and can't eat hardly anything. She, too, has gained back every pound she lost (about 95lbs) and constantly struggles with malnutrition and anemia. I haven't suffered the problems she has, but I can hardly tell that I ever had a procedure done. Just thought I'd give you my 2 cents worth! Good luck with your decision.
Topic: RE: My WLS and my school project...
Danny- I just did your survey. It was pretty easy and did not take long. I also had my husband take it. I am a high school teacher and I always love it when people want to be more educated ! Good Luck on your dissertation (and your weight loss!) -Rosie
Topic: VGB
Sleeved on 26/02/12 By Doctor Al Taie in Dubai
Hi all. I am in the process of deciding between sleeve and lap band but came across VGB. what is exactly and is it reversibel. any information are highly appreciated. i have started looking on line as well but prefer real people experience. thanks
Sleeved on 26/02/12 By Doctor Al Taie in Dubai
Most Active
Recent Topics
