I had VBG in 1993. AT the time I was told that I would need to take vitamins for the rest of my life, and be careful of Calcium, B, D, and protein deficiency. It has been words I've lived by, making certain that I take a multi vitamin , vitamin E and a baby aspirin, and be watchful of the other facts I was ingrained with. I've even had blood tests to check my levels to make sure I was OK.

After surgery, I ended up with a massive blood clot. I was told that my blood was thick because "I was so healthy." Though subsequent pregnancies, they have placed me on Heparin to be on the safe side.

In 2007 I was tested for a genetic disease, and found out I had Factor 5 Leiden, which makes you hyper clot, especially after major or traumatic surgery. I found out I was pregnant again and the doctor wanted my blood at a certain thinness level, instead of a maintenance dose, which was impossible to achieve, but at the end of the pregnancy, I was on nearly 20,000 units TWICE A DAY of Heparin! 40 days after my baby was born, I had a 8mm kidney stone hit me, and nearly kill me. 2 years later the other one that was seen up there decided to wreck my day, and again I was in the hospital. This time, the doctor discounted my F5 issue and I didn't go on thinners. 30 hours post surgery, I was in ER with clots in my legs.  The doctor sent me to a Neuphrologist to discuss why I had these kidney stones, and how to stop them in the future.

(WHEW, now that's explained...)            Which is where I have a REAL concern.

The doctor started by telling me that I don't need vitamins AT ALL, and I need to go on a strict low protein and calcium diet to prevent further stones. Also no citrus fruits. That the stones were Calcium based, and milk and cheese were no no's. Then he started in on the high oxalate foods, including re-fried beans, etc. that I had to eliminate or restrict to the point of maybe once a week. 

I backed up and explained to him that I had VBG and was told I needed vitamins, and he shrugged and said, well, if your doctor thinks you need it, OK, but no added calcium, limited vitamin C and you must still restrict protein. 

My diet is also monitored for vitamin k so my blood doesn't thicken too much. I understand that between the F5, Kidney stones, and VBG I have conflicting diets each specialist want me to follow.

I have been doing some research and found a suggested correlation between heparin sodium injections and kidney stones. (one doctor balked at putting me on it for the duration of the pregnancy, because it robs your body of calcium.) Since my dose was so high, my body could have just gone wild making stones.

I just have a BAD feeling about suddenly dropping 75% of the nutritional means that have kept me healthy and ALIVE for 17 years post surgery.  Especially when they directly are opposite of what I've lived for 17 years, and might be simply heparin induced.

I understand that this board is not for medical advice, but your comments would be truly appreciated. My regular doctor is on vacation this week, so I couldn't talk with her until After April.

Thank you!

 i,  threw up for 22 years and gained 180 lbs. I was 354 when I had it revised January 2009. I now have the Duodenal Switch (DS).  I know someone who had the band stretched out because of throwing up but she gained a massive amount of weight and ultimately had the same revision as me. I never had pain where the band and staples were. I just chronically threw up and kept gaining weight anyway. This is the most weight I have ever lost in my life. MY recovery was difficult because I had herniated in three area's and also my age (54) was a factor. I feel great now. Go to the DS board. There are a lot of revisions there from the VBG. It is good to hear about different experiences,Do your research and ask a lot of questions. a revision is always harder. make sure if you decide to do it the surgeon has a proven track record with revisions. Also make sure you get the surgery you want. It is your body!!!. Some surgeons do not do all types of revisions and they try to talk you out of what you want. Also not all insurance companies will approve a revision at the first request. Fight fight fight!!!! Best wishes JO

Hi,
I have seizures and have been told that i cannot have the gastric bypass due to them but was wondering if gastric sleeve might be an option...any thoughts out there from people who might be or have been in the same situation as I am?
Thanks

Hi,

I myself had VBG in May of 2001.  Went great, I lost approx 100 pounds the first year, that is all I lost, I actually gained back 50 of that and have been yo-yoing with that through WW.   I have also discovered I am having more health issues, including bad reflux, which I never had before the surgery.  So I finally in January went to see a dr about a revision, and mentioned something to him that was told me four years ago, about my staple line being compromised.  So he did an endoscope, found I have a paratial blockage at the ring, and then an upper GI, and they found yes my staple line is coming undone and the barium was leaking into the staple line.  So now I am waiting to find out what Insurance will say to the revision, but he is making more necessary to fix the problems.  He also said that my reflux is caused by my VBG. If approved they will be doing the Bypass on me this time around.  Just make sure you are fully preparred for this and I know here in my area as far as I know it is not widely used as it once was.