Hi Tammy, I have been to support group here a few times. (very few) There are people there who are several years post-op and have`nt gained their weight back. Anyone can, no matter which surgery they choose. But I`m not telling you anything you don`t already know. I am thinking about going to the one next month. I`m curious as to what it will be like without Dr. Hall. I am so glad when I see you on this board. We will be successful no matter what the naysayers think. Hang in there! And may we all run the good race without growing weary. It is so worth it!

I concure with everything that Sara said. I however did experience slight hairloss for a couple of months (but it all grew back). My personal experience has taught me that it is necessary to be ready mentally before undertaking WL surgery as this is certainly not the "easy" way out. There are a lot of adjustments to be made so make sure you are in the best mental state before undertaking this journey. I think that success hinges on it. Another surgery that sounds promising is the DS (something like doudnel switch?). I am not certain of the mechanics of the surgery but it does sound like it is less restrictive and therefore easier to live a normal life with AND still have amazing weight loss. I would certainly recommend that you check into this surgery. My other piece of advice would be to pick the best possible surgeon you can find. If that means you have to wait a year before having surgery than wait. You want the best surgeon, not the quickest. Pick the surgery that makes the most sense for YOU and your lifestyle. Each of us has different reasons for picking a surgery. I believe there are pros and cons to each surgery; weigh them out carefully so you can choose your surgery wisely! Best of luck to you as you continue on your journey to WLS. Best Regards, Sharon Chute Open VBG 10.28.03 start/now/1st goal/2nd goal 340#/220#/190#/175# -120#

Hi Heather, I just had the VBG a little less than 3 weeks ago and I feel great! My original plan was to have the RNY but my small intestine was too short making the RNY dangerous for me, so my surgeon opted for the VBG. At first I was disappointed,but then I found great support at this forum and on other groups on the web. VBG stand for Vertical Banded Gastroplasty. Basically a small pouch is made using staples and a silastic ring at the base where the food will empty into the larger portion of the stomach. The food you eat is completely absorbed because the intestines are not rearranged in any way. The procedure is solely restrictive and has no malabsorptive factor. This means no dumping syndrome will ever occur with the VBG, but also the risk of vitamin or nutritional deficencies is nearly eliminated and I hear we get to keep our hair even during the rapid weightloss period. Hopefully you will get more responses from longer term VBGers who can give you that perspective as well You may read a lot of negative publicity about the VBG, but most people lose at the same rate as the RNY patients during the honeymoon period. I have heard that it is more important for VBG patients to truly change our lifestyles and relationship with food because we can eat sugar without the negative side effects some get who choose the RNY. Exercise is really important for long term success, but VBG patients can be just as successful as any one who chooses another WLS option. It is truly a personal decision as to which procedure to choose, but if you have any questions I will do the best I can to answer them Best of luck to you on your journey!!! Hugs, Sara 364/334/175

I have been just trying to research different WLS and was wondering if someone could exlpain what VBG is exactly.

I will say a prayer for you and for an uneventful and speedy recovery!!! Let me assure you that it's great being a big loser I am a little more than 2 weeks out and this is the best decision I ever made!!! Hugs, Sara