Question:
What's better: gastric bypass or gastroplasty?

I am trying to determine which procedure to have. From the research I have done, it seems gastric bypass is better. But I'd love to hear from REAL people who have had EITHER surgery done. If you could, would you go back and have the other procedure done? THANKS!!!!!!    — Robby E. (posted on January 9, 2002)

January 9, 2002
I'm very happy with my vertical banded gastroplasty. You can check out my profile for my results. Also, if you want more info on VBG, sign up for the VBG group on yahoogroups.com
   — BethVBG

January 9, 2002
I had the gastroplasty in 1991... lost 170 then over the course of the next 8 years gained it all back plus 40 pounds. I just had a revision to the bypass on November 15th. If you think you might even hint at having compulsive eating or might turn to junk food... avoid the gastroplasty. This is how I gained it all back. When I couldnt eat real food junk food went down great. With the bypass I wont let sugar pass my lips due to the dumping and other cramps and pain associated with sugar. This is a good thing. I have lost about 50 pounds 7 weeks post op. Email me is you have any further questions. I had both and would NOT recommend to anyone the gastroplasty.
   — Pamela W.

January 10, 2002
Also check out the Duodenal Switch. The resulting stomach is smaller than normal but retains the pyloric valve and duodenum so it operates as a 'normal' stomach. No dumping (and it's resultant deterrent to sweets). Like the RNY there is a malabsorbtion component due to a partial intestinal bypass. A lot of information available and a good one to start with is www.duodenalswitch.com.
   — Phil M.

January 11, 2002
I had an open SRVG (silastic ring vertical gastroplasty) a form of VBG, on Dec. 11th. I had lost 25 lbs. when I saw my surgeon on Dec. 20th and have lost more (I hope) but don't want to get on a scale until I see him again Jan. 17th so don't know exactly how much. My surgeon did not offer a gastric bypass and I really didn't want one. Not that they are bad, heavens, I have a dear friend in Alabama who had a lap RNY 7/6/01 and has lost 120 lbs.! I just personally did not want my intestines rerouted. Both surgeries are tools not instant cures and will work only as well as you use them. My surgeon warned me that a VBG pt. can "eat their way around" the surgery if they consume high calorie sugary foods. I know that people who have the RNY procedure have the "dumping syndrome" as a strong deterrant not to eat sweets so if you are a serious sweet eater that would probably be a good choice for you. My insurance did not cover my surgery, I was a self-pay pt. I am going to do my very best to get this fat off me and if I EVER gained it back I think my whole family would chase me down and beat me to death! Do lots of research, talk to your surgeon, ask lots of questions. Good luck! :)
   — esthjb

January 12, 2002
I had intestinal bypass in 1977 reversed in 1980. RNY in 1981 gained all my weight back plus 50lbs. I am now 14 days post of of VGB Things change over time. Surgery is a tool you much change your eating no matter which one you choose. I like the VGB because it was the close to how I was born.
   — Donell D.