Long term VSGers? I am so desperate...

Hi Guys

 My name is Cat and I am a 32 yr old girl from Holland. I am around 350 pounds and struggeling with my weight for...well I guess at least 30 of the 32 years. I have been researching the surgery thing for about 5 years now and keep pushing the decision ahead, I am too afraid. Afraid to die (have 2 very young kinds), afraid for the nasty tests in hospital, afraid of complications, afraid of giving my life a totally different spin...

But I have tried and failed so many times on my own that I feel like a total failure.

I do think a VSG would be the thing for me. I do have BED and IBS, so I know that RNY is probably not the best for me. Maybe DS but I'd rather not do anything with the intestines,for fear of deficiencies and also because of my IBS.  Here they do the DS in 2 stages anyway, so I figure a VSG, and -if I REALLY need to for some reason later on- I can always add the DS part.

I am curious about long term VSGers, they are not that common to find :-)

How is the life longer term post op? Are there downsides to having to live with the VSG?

Are you afraid if you get a stomach ahce that your stomach is still OK?

How do you deal with the fact that there is not so much data on super long term>? (Or am I wrong there?)

What is a typical day of eating and drinking of you are longer term post op?

Do you have any tips for me to consider or think about?

Well, thanjks to anyone who answers me. I am just desperate about weighing so much and not being able to lose and keep it off. I do know I also have to work on my BED. I have done so many times but seem to slip back every time. Starting to feel like a total failure here. SIGH.

Thanks for letting me vent!!!!

You'll probably get a better response on the VSG board. Some of the long-termers still hang out there.

I've also saved some posts in my profile to threads where people talk about being 2, 3 or more years out.

There is currently data for about 5 years out but not much in peer reviewed journals. I've got some links in my profile with research about the VSG as well. However, the ones on my blog get updated more often. (Link to my blog is in my signature.)

Cat, I answered your note on the VSG forum, as did several other people.

I am 2 1/2 years post VSG.  It was, for me, the easiest surgery, with no problems afterwards.  Immediately after I ate about 2 ounces solid protein at a time.  I can now eat 3 to 4 depending on what it is.   I have maintained my weight very well.  I am struggling now with my old eating habits although I am within 7 pounds of my low weight.  I am eating too much yogurt and soft foods.  Also sugar..........DEVIL ON EARTH.   

Anyway, I have no regrets.  Is is normal to be fearful, but you have as much chance of dying from the weight than this surgery.  Of course that is an opinion not fact.    Go for it girl.    It was the best thing I ever did.