Has anyone had VBG surgery and if so do you have any regrets?

I am considering this surgery and was told that I should check out this forum before I made a decision.

Hi - I am sure that some help is better than none. I had vertical banded gastroplasty about 22 years ago. I had it twice - within six months and both surguries failed over short and long term. Now - things have really changed in 22 years and hopefully that surgery is much much more effective. My experience was not successful. Now I am trying to get approved for an open RNY. Good luck with your decision. Susan

Be sure to check into the DS as well...

I had VBG in 1995. Ended up with a staple line disruption (SLD) around the 5 year mark. Gained back almost 100 pounds over the next two year. I was revised to RNY in July 2002. I would very highly recommend not getting the VBG. If you do not want a bypass type surgery (RNY or DS), research the Lap Band. There is too high a chance of SLD with the VBG.

I had a vbg 3 years ago. Change your mind now. Its not worth going thru twice. Mine as failed and most others I have heard. I too went to the message board and did not heed the advise of others with more wisdom than I had. I just believed my surgeon who is now a jerk. I am seeing a doctor now. Dr Rodrigues in Louisville. He says that I am just a mess and a RNY is my only hope. Patty

I had VBG in 1983. I lost 150 pounds and got very thin. I wasn't able to take in anything but liquids for about 10 months. As soon as I was able to eat again, the only thing that really stayed down was ice cream and candy. I vomited virtually everything else. I lost a lot of hair. I'm now at the jumping off point for wanting RNY surgery.. I've gained back everything I lost. I've already filled out the paper work to get the RNY, but now my insurance doesn't cover it. I"m considering paying cash, that's how desperate I am. At only 47, I don't want to spend the rest of my life like this. And my ankles hurt.

I had VGB two years ago. It lasted 14 months before I had a SLD. I am now in the process of trying to get approval for RYN. My new doctor told me that 40% of VGB surgeries fail, and that is if you are lucky enough to find a doctor who has a support group. Mine didn't. I wish that I had gotten the RYN the first time.

I did and yes I regret it. I have a staple line disruption AND my band has popped off. I am now getting a revision to a DS. Please reconsider the VBG. ~LaKeitha

I too had the VBG in 1997 and had to be revised to the RNY in May of 2005 due to scar tissue forming around the ring area and almost closing off my top portion of my stomach. I was only able to eat soft foods....slider types that contain high calories or carbs. I would definitely give it more thought. Good Luck! Dawn

Hello. I had the VBG in 1985. It was a failure. My Doctor(not the one who did my surgery)told me that my failure was not my fault and that the VBG was not a good choice for permanent weight loss because the failure rate is so high. 5 year max. I am 57 years old. AT my age if I were to decide to go it again I would choose the Lapband. But if I were younger I would go for the RNY. The DS would never be my choice. Too many bad memories of when my Aunt had the surgery. Pray before you make a decision. Good luck & God Bless.. Bea