Question:
Am I making the right choice?

I had my first appointment with Dr. Chua and based on the fact that I am not a sweet eater or a grazer, a lap VBG or banding would be best for me. He's done hundreds of VBG's and said the success rate is lower because you can cheat but he's only done 3 bandings. I was more comfortable going with the VBG but I'm getting so discouraged based on what responses I've seen about it. Please give some advice. Thanks.    — Amy E. (posted on June 29, 2001)

June 29, 2001
I had a VGB April 12. My doctor recommended it because I am not a sweet eater or grazer either. The risk factor is just so much lower than the by-pass. I've been happy with it. I've lost 48 pounds in 10 weeks. It is pretty much what I wanted which was to eat about anything I wanted, just not very much. I can eat about 3 or 4 oz.. I've had several people call or e-mail me and I tell them that if they aren't prepared to use their will power or cut out sweets and grazing, they should go for the by-pass. A chocolate milkshake would go down pretty easy, but I have to say no!
   — Lesley K.

June 29, 2001
Well, I can understand this is a very touchy subject for you and you've heard a lot of negatism. I personally have had the vbg done twice and both times regained my weight. That doesn't mean that everyone will. You really have to know yourself and ask yourself why are you heavy in the first place. For me it always comes down emotions, I get depressed I eat, I get bored I eat ect.... Now if you truly don't eat sweets and graze then maybe this will work for you. I honestly thought that I'd be able to make it work for me the second time but I got pregnant and the baby took over, lol. I had a third revision on 5/14/01 and have lost 44 lbs, this time I had the roux en y done. So I guess what I'm saying is be very careful in your decision, either surgery that you have is only a tool anyway, so in the end it is up to us and our willpower to make it work. I wish you luck and success on your decision.
   — Lisa B.

June 29, 2001
If your considering a VBG you should look into the Lap Band, it just received FDA approval. Its done lap, is reversible, adjustable thru a port buried under the skin that is filled with saline a few times during the first year by your doctor. If anyone wants info on this feel free to email me. I am not able to paste with aol6.0 and this computer. Lap bands are expected to make VBG obsolete because of the ease of surgery. I was going to get a lap band but the milkshake issue was just too easy....
   — bob-haller