Question:
VSGdoes food get stuck? nasuea? hair loss? regrets?

   — keentobelean (posted on May 22, 2009)

May 22, 2009
VSG. Food does NOT get stuck. Rarely is there nausea, and only for very FEW of the patients who have the procedure. It is not due to the procedure itself, but more due to the constitution of the patient. Some people do not do well with ANY surgery. SOME people experience hair loss with the VSG, but MANY less than those with the Gastric Bypass. There is no issues of Malabsorption with the VSG, so there is less likelihood of that kind of thing happening. It CAN, but not as often. Most of the hair loss is due to a lack of protein in the VSG. As long as you consume enough protein, the likelihood of hair loss is slim. Absolutely no regrets. Been out for over one year now, and have lost 115 pounds. I have about 30 more to go, and this is the hardest part. The first 100 fell off like CRAZY. The rest I had to work for. As a VSG patient, I do not have to worry about taking special supplements for the rest of my life. I do not have to worry about BLOOD TESTS for the rest of my life. My health has already drastically improved since I USED to be a diabetic, but I am not one any longer. I can walk for miles now, when I USED to have a difficult time walking around WALMART with a SHOPPING CART. My arthritis has GREATLY improved. My liver function is nearly back to normal. I do not have to worry about things like stinky stools or dumping syndrome. Whatever intestinal issues that I have are the same that I have had BEFORE the surgery, and in most cases have IMPROVED. I would highly recommend this surgery for MOST weight loss patients, but it would not be suitable for ALL. If not the VSG, I would go the route of the Duodenal Switch. It is the MOST effective weight loss surgery available today, but has SOME of the same issues as the Gastric Bypass. What it does NOT have is the issue of acid reflux from the intestines. This is one of the more common problems with the Gastric Bypass and is the cause of most of the ulcers that people with this procedure experience. Some even experience reflux into the esophagus, and the intestinal acids are even more powerful than the stomach acids. It will tear your esophagus UP if you experience this problem. I hope this helps. Hugh
   — hubarlow

May 22, 2009
I agree with most of what Hugh had to say. There are just a few issues that I would like to add to. And what I tell you is what my surgeon has told me. First, re malabsorption - yes, we still have our intestines intact, but we only have a small percentage of our stomach remaining. Pre-surgery, food sat in our stomach for a while, being exposed to digestive juices to help break the food down so that nutrients could be absorbed better in the small intestine - plus, some of the absorption of nutrients does happen in the stomach during this time. However, now the food is only in our stomach for a short period of time (no where for it to sit!) after surgery, so no gastric juices to break it down. That is one of the reasons it is so important to chew our food to the pureed state. He also states that it is virtually impossible for us to get the required nutrients and protein without some form of supplement following surgery, and for this reason he asks that we continue with one of the Bariatrix protein shakes (by Metagenics) every day for the rest of our lives PLUS a vitamin, iron pills, B12 pill, and calcium with D. We have our blood work done every 3 months post-op for the first year, and at 8 months out, I am off of all 8 of the prescriptions I was taking (for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain for fibromyalgia, thyroid, pain/anti-inflammatory for joint problems, etc.). He says my blood work is better than his - everything is in normal range including triglycerides, HDL and LDL, sugar levels - everything!). I am walking 3-4 miles a day most days. It was the best decision I could have made for myself. Yes, it isn't for everyone - and there are always people with any surgery that will gain their weight back (or not lose much at all) if they go back to their old ways. So, again, I agree with Hugh - the next best decision for me would have been the duodenal switch. I was 369 at my highest - 351 when I saw my surgeon, 336 after my pre-op liquid diet for 2 weeks, and am now down to 239. I still have 104 lbs to go. Again - Hugh was right on re food not getting stuck, no nausea, and the hair loss. (I did lose a small amount of hair about 3-4 months out - very little - but that was stopped by upping my protein from 60 grams a day to 80 grams a day.) Good luck!
   — Wendy M.

May 23, 2009
I just had my VSG surgery on March 25, 2009. I was 337 at highest lost 12 lbs in the pre op diet and am now down to 290 and it's only 2 months sincemy surgery. I have not gotten sick but if I eat too much or too fast I will feel sick and I have to wait and burp and then I feel better. My doctor told me to slow down. He did not tell me anything about food not staying in my stomach long enough becuase it does stay in there till it's digested because we have the bottom stoma on our stomach. I have plenty of digestive acid and actually need to take tums or an antacid from time to time. My body is still in adjustment mode but I am thrilled with the weight loss and how good I feel. I take a whole food supplement and some digestive enzymes but I don't need B12 or iron or calcium at this point. I have not lost any hair and it seems very healthy. I have not had any problems with food getting stuck but it is important to chew your food thouroughly and you learn this right away because your new tiny tummy is tender and needs us to help it do it's work by chewing well. If you have some more questions the VSG forum is a great source I asked some there before surgery and the people were very helpful. My doctor did tell me that since my starting BMI was 51 that I need to work out about 5 hours a week to get the results I want. He has me working up to 2.5 hours this month and then wants me to work up to 5 hours next month. Since I started working out 2 weeks ago I droped 14 lbs. The workouts help you tone up and get stronger and healthier. Well that's my story I hope you have great success and are happy with what you decide. Lisa
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

May 23, 2009
You will lose some of your hair starting about 3 months out, I lost quite a bit, and it wasn't from a lack of protein. My surgeon said it was from the stress of surgery, and in fact a lot of people will lose hair from any major surgery. My hair finally stopped falling out around 6 or 7 months out. I can see the new growth, it;s about 3" long I didn't go totally bald, however it got really sparse, but then again I have very fine thin hair naturally! :( Everyone has to make their own decision, I know that I made the right choice for me. I had the VSG on June 23, 2008, I've lost 150# so far, with about another 125 to go. I'm at a plateau right now, which is frustrating, but I have been losing inches, & I have a lap again! I am very grateful for the opportunity to have a life again. I wish you every success. May God Bless You Abundantly! Kathie
   — KathieV

May 24, 2009
Does food get stuck? No. During the healing process you may have some swelling and may have a little discomfort if you try to swallow to large a bite as it passes from the esophagus to the stomach. That will not last long. Most are not able to swallow large pills during this time, but you will be able to eventually. That's why we use chewable vitamins for a while. Nausea? Some do, some don't, but again, it usually gets better over time. I still have the rare occasion that I may get hit with a wave of nausea if I don't wait long enough to drink after I eat. It is a matter of learning what your limitations are. Hair loss? Many do experience some hair loss at some point. Usually anywhere from a few weeks to a few months out. Again, it is temorary. Just be sure you are getting your protein in. Regrets? Absolutly NOT. I
   — corky1057