Recent Posts

Angel J.
on 6/16/10 1:36 am, edited 6/16/10 1:36 am - Troutdale, OR
Topic: RE: What is VBG? Im confused

I think that is what I have.. VBG...My DR removed most of my stomach...made it a "slim banana" as he calls it...and then put a medical grade non adjustable "band" around the top 3rd of stomach...The stomach still functions as a stomach..but it is 2 chambered so to speak... and I have 50 cm of small intestine removed....

In my opionion... this is a good procedure...but not as affective to achieve significant weight loss...I am 5 yrs post op have lost 110 lbs...regained 40....  

If I had the $$ I would get a revision and get something more affective... 

 


 Hello Angel!

(deactivated member)
on 6/15/10 1:11 am - Albany, NY
Topic: VBG vs VSG

What is the difference between Vertical Banded Gastroplasty and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy ?
Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Barb R.
on 6/12/10 2:21 am - Troy, MO
Topic: My Story
I have been posting on the DS board but decided to post this info here for anyone considerng VBG. DON'T

I was a thin person until my 1st pregnancy in 1970. Gradually continued to get bigger. Had a VBG in 1999 at a weight of 277 lbs. I lost about 75 of it over a eighteen month period and gradually gained it back. I am now at 280 lbs. I have a BMI of 45.2. 

I have terrible problems with stricture. Just taking pills or capsules that are not cut or crushed will get stuck. It can sometimes take 8-12 hours for them to go through. I eat a lot of foods that are not good for me, especially carbs. They go down so easy. I can not eat fruit or vegetables raw. They do not pass through at all and all meats are put in a food processor and vegetables are cooked until there mush. I have been scoped and dilated four or five times. I have been to emergency rooms at least 10 times. Usually all they can do is give me raglan,(settle stomach), pain meds (because it hurts so much), and ativan to help me relax (because it drives me crazy). I am tired of throwing up my food so I take the easy way and eat the carbs. Throwing up is a part of life and I am afraid it is doing damage to my esophagus and stomach. I have really had these problems since the surgery. The doctor who did the surgery said the opening to my stomach was the size of a straw.

I am now trying to get a take down done but, would like to also get it revised to a DS. Insurance will be a problem with the revision because policy state one bariatric surgery per lifetime no matter who the insurance carrier at time surgery, unless medically/clinically necessary to correct or reverse complications from a previous bariatric procedure. 
 
I am in this until I have exhausted every appeal I can. I am just like everyone else here and fight depression constantly because of my weight. Feelings of worthlessness, repulsion over the way I look, sadness for how I feel, constant exhaustion, joint pain (especially legs), back pain, breathless when I try to exercise or walk, and sick and tired of doctors telling me to diet and exercise!!!! I mean they have no clue how hard it is to even walk when you are carrying all this weight and how the hell can you diet when you can't eat fruit, vegetables, salad or any of the things you should be eating when you diet.

My health problems are high blood pressure (controlled with one med), high cholesterol, fibromyalga and arthritis.

                           Nightowl is My Angel
   BARB
         My Surgeon is Dr. Bernita Bernsten        BMI 47.1
 PRAYING FOR EASY RECOVERY FROM VBG REVISION TO DS
        
(deactivated member)
on 6/11/10 5:46 am - West Haven, CT
Topic: RE: 2 days post op - feeling hungry
Oh not problem at all, I re-read what I wrote and I meant to say why weren't you doing some protein! LOL that's what I get for typing so fast. Definitely reach out to your surgeon and nutritionist because they all vary with their directions. It is tough I'm not going to lie but since my surgery on 4/16/10 I have lost over 40lbs! I am so happy. I haven't weighed myself since 5/27/10 though. I like to use the scale in the office. But I may have to opt to get another scale because mine at home runs by a digital battery but it's dead. I'm going to send you a friend request. Keep in touch we all need to encourage and support each other!  :-)
exitrealtor4u
on 6/11/10 4:17 am - MD
Topic: RE: 2 days post op - feeling hungry
I spoke with my primary care doctor and she said that protein helps to curve the hunger feeling. I wasn't taking in enough protein, well any for that matter, and not enough fluids, so I was feeling week and extremely hungry. I read my surgery instructions again, and I'm using the protein as a supplement not as a meal, so it has curved the hunger. I'm able to drink more water. I have also found the 42g liquid protein tube to be WONDERFUL!

My journey began with a different surgeon. And they taught me to use the protein shake as a meal replacement, not as a supplement. Makes a world of difference.

Thanks for your recommendations and care. The support is more than needed and so greatly appreciated.


    
(deactivated member)
on 6/11/10 2:51 am - West Haven, CT
(deactivated member)
on 6/11/10 2:42 am - West Haven, CT
Topic: RE: 2 days post op - feeling hungry
I had the VBG 4/16/10, I didn't feel hungry for some time though. Can you have strained Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken soup? also as a snack I would have some chicken broth. I would warm it up made me feel like it was soup. Why have you started the proteing supplement? My Dr. allowed Ensure, and Myoplex during this phase. everything was 2oz.
Henry G.
on 6/9/10 5:37 pm
Topic: Biggest Loser Danny Cahill To Go Under the Knife
  Biggest Loser Danny Cahill To Go Under the Knife 
Thought that this was cool to know that people from the biggest loser end up having to get surgery also get excess skin removed after weight loss




http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/02/05/biggest-loser-danny-cahill-to-go-under-the-knife/



Check out the video clip from the doctors

                  
tempest2000
on 6/6/10 1:16 pm - new haven, CT
Topic: RE: VBG Sucess ????
thank you so much, i am using the gnc unflavored soy protein, i use the unflavored so you can add it to anything and you cannot taste it.   I make it in the morning with greek yogurt , blueberries and strawberries and skim milk and i also do the carnation instant breakfast  a couple of times aday.
Tammey
on 6/6/10 11:25 am - Ashford, CT
Topic: RE: VBG Sucess ????
I'm so sorry you are going through all that. Somebody needs to stop him from doing that procedure. I have been drinking the protein powder as well, even with the revision, because I can only eat about 2 tablespoons of food. What a cheap date!!!!   I'm afraid that without that powder I would not get enough protein. A hamburger minus the bun would feed me for 4 meals. Anyway what protein powder are you using? I have been using the whey chocolate. Even though it is good I am REALLY sick of choc.  Anybody have any different idea's that are tasty. My husband usually makes me a double in the morning and I sip it all day. If I win lotto I'll send you the money for the revision. I know how awful you feel and the frustration not to mention how snotty they are at the office.   Hang in there.  Tammey
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