I don't get it?

I have been researching the VGB procedure, and am looking to have it done as oppose to the RNY. HOWEVER, some of the reasons I was looking into having it done seem to contridict themselves. I was under the impression that VGB patient absorb more of thier nutrients and vitamins better than RNYers. However it appears from some of the postings that VGB patience have most of the same problems as the RNYer when it comes to Malabsorption (hair loss, not enough vitamins etc..) If anyone can answer this question for me, I would greatly appreciate it, I am STILL researching, but it doesn't hurt to get other perspecitves. Thanks!

Hi Indie, We VBGers do experience hairloss, but most people don't have problems with vitamin deficiency so long as we take our supplements. We can eat just as little as the RNYers so if people don't take supplements it is possible to become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals because we eat so little. I hope this helps If you have any questions for me please feel free to email me any time! Hugs, Sara 356/276/175

Hi Indie, Hair loss happens for all sorts of reasons; vitamins, not enough protein, the surgery it's self can lead to hair loss (even if you do everything right). My choice to have a VBG was: 1. No malabsorption. 2. Reversable (I have a lot of cancer that runs in my family). 3. I am not a sweet eater or a big snacker, so RNY was too drastic for me. 4. I felt that changing the make up of my body that much was not natural (just for me, my opinion). Remember that when you are choosing which one to have to look at the emotional reaction you have to them as well. Not just the weight loss part of it. Hope this helps. Heather 294/240/151

I chose VBG because: 1. I found a friend from HS that was always heavy and had lost 183 pounds in a year and a half. (I used her surgeon.) 2. It is not a malabsorptive procedure. It is only restrictrive. You absorb the calories/nutrients you eat so as long as you are eating a balanced diet overall you should be fine. 3. I can eat anything I want just not as much of it. I still can eat hamburger, chicken, etc.... 4. It is reversible if needed. 5. I read that the less you mess with the digestive process (as in rearranging your intestines in the RNY) the less side affects there are. 6. I don't have to take a gazillion supplements...only a multivitamin. Actually, I don't take the vitamin half the time. I did start shedding hair around 3 months but it ended by about 5 months. My surgeon said it is usually stress from the surgery or malnutrition, however when he used to test patients they were never malnutritioned. My surgeon uses a gortex band instead of mesh (he showed me and said some surgeons use that). He said that if you use the mesh the stomach grows into it and it can be difficult to reverse. I am very happy with my decision and would do it again in a heartbeat. Two ladies in my office have had the procedure done with my surgeon and are also having great success. Good luck with your decision. Natalie 281/194/140/125

REMBER THE TUMMY IS MUCH SMALLER AND YOU DON'T EAT AS MUCH AS YOU USE TO SO YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR VITAMINS. AND THEN AGAIN EVERYONE IS NOT THE SAME. TAKE ME I DIDN'T HAVE ANY PAIN. I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE MY VBG.