I only regretted it for about an hour right after I woke up from surgery. I wasn't in pain, just overwhelmed with the fact that I had a huge chunk taken out of a healthy organ. I swear I could feel the empty space inside me!

Really, the only regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner. But in the interest of balance, here are a few downsides of VSG:

One downside that hits you after WLS is when you're stressed (or whatever your trigger for eating is), and you can't soothe yourself with food. I still remember the first time that happened! You have to find other ways to deal with whatever is bothering you. Fortunately, before surgery, I made a list of things I could do to comfort myself other than eating, such as drinking a fancy herbal tea, cuddling with my cats, or curling up under the duvet. It's important to develop those strategies because before long you will regain the physical ability to eat unhealthy food, or to eat more than you should. You want to have good habits in place before that happens.

I think life post WLS would be more difficult for someone whose social life revolves around dining out with friends. Yes, you can find suitable food in most restaurants, but for the first year or so you probably won't be able to finish a side dish. And when you tell the server that you only want a side dish, or an entree without the rice, or whatever, they are naturally surprised and start suggesting substitutions (If you don't want the rice, would you like extra veggies? No, I won't be able to finish a normal portion, never mind giving me extra of anything!) Even if you're perfectly comfortable talking about your surgery, you may not want to have to explain it to every server every time you dine out. And if someone else is paying the cheque, you feel guilty that you ate less than half your food. These are minor annoyances compared to health benefits of losing weight, but I mention them so you'll be prepared.

Some people end up with a noisy tummy, although that seems less common for people who have VSG, and anyway it usually seems to settle down after a while for most people.

I have only heard of a couple of people *****gretted their surgery, and they both were unlucky enough to get one of the rare serious complications. It really is a safe procedure, as long as you have a surgeon who is experienced in this type of surgery.

Well vsgers it's officially been a year! Well if I'm being honest 13 months now. I wanted to post in celebration as I've had my ups and my downs but in 13 months my life has changed dramatically from the old lazy couch days to a more energetic activity filled one. At my highest weight I was a whopping 336 pounds, I struggled with self image, chronic pain and depression. I have now lost 122 pounds and while I still deal with daily pain from a bad accident it no longer is aggravated by my weight. I now have the energy to play with my kids, go walking and hiking and even go swimming. While my journey is still far from being over, I only have 49 pounds to lose before reaching my own personal goal of 165 ( I'm 5'8 and a half ). I also now have an appointment for skin removal surgery, tummy tuck and a breast lift in a few months, which I would have never dreamed of just a year ago. Anyone who is thinking about this surgery please read and ask questions as it may not be for everyone but if it's right for you don't let fear get in your way as you'll be a whole new person in just a year. It by far was the best choice I have ever made in my life

None whatsoever! My only regret is I waited so long to get the surgery. I've come to know more of my eating habits, good and bad, more from this than ever. Obviously don't have the surgery if you're not ready. Definitely not something to take lightly but again, I'm so happy I did it.

Glad you're feeling better.

I don't know where all everyone is from, but I'm in Alaska and I'm just looking to see if anyone else has had VSG up here. I'm consulting with Dr. Todd next month and am trying to find out as much as I can about him also.

Thanks again!