Question:
I am considering have the VBG but it seems many people are having this type reversed.

Have many people been successful with the VBG or should I have the RNY?    — CJ H. (posted on July 1, 2002)

July 1, 2002
Search the library on this site for more info. The question creeps up a few times a week. Specifically, though, we did not get it "reversed" -- we got it "revised". A reversal, in effect, leaves you with no WLS -- typically sought after by people who find out being thin and healthy is not worth not being able to eat a whole pizza in one sitting, or those whose complications prohibit them from continuing. Many of us have had revisions from VBG to RNY because VBG is very effective for "binge eaters" while RNY is effective with binge eaters, snackers and sweets and fats cravers. The losing window of opportunity for VBG is 6 months, when you may lose half of your excess weight. For RNY, it is 18 to 24 months when you may lose 75% of your excess weight. The long term success rates of the surgeries vary greatly, with RNY having far better stats regarding patients keeping the lost weight off. RNY involves bypassing a bit of the small intestine. This eliminates a portion of what you eat from "counting". The bad news is that some of what you eat would be good to absorb at 100% -- like protein, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the risk of nutritional deficiencies is increased with RNY. My opinion? I had the VBG 4 years ago, lost 90, gained 50. When I revised to the RNY in May, I was at a great disadvantage because revisers lose MUCH more slowly than first-timers. I say research the heck out of it, but my vote is to take the most current, statistically-effective surgery the first time through. There is also a DS surgery... I don't know much about it -- but some people here are VERY happy with it. How much do you have to lose? How is your overall health? Can you commit to vitamins and supplements? Do you snack? Is 6 months enough for you to get your habits realigned (diet and exercise)? For either: is improving your health and losing weight worth not being able to eat the quantity of food at the frequency you may be doing now?
   — Karen F.

July 1, 2002
I agree with the previous poster except the "window". My mom had the VBG 2 1/2 years ago and is still to this day losing weight. She has lost 159lbs and couldn't be happier. I had the VBG 20 days ago and have lost 20lbs. If you would like to talk to someone about it feel free to e-mail me.
   — LaKeAffy

July 1, 2002
Come join the many, many successful VBG'ers at www.yahoogroups.com for support and encouraging info about VBG! (By the way - I lost 146 lbs in the first 8 months after my VBG last June - 85% of my total desired loss!)
   — Cathy J.

July 1, 2002
You know, I am so convinced in my head that the VBG didn't work for me because it is a flawed surgery. Please take this bias into account when you read my previous post. When I went back in for the revision, and told the surgeon's assistant I was there for "round two" -- she said, "Oh, are you a snacker? This one is so much better for the snackers and sweet tooth patients" Finally, I did not use the surgery as a tool. I had minimal direction or follow up from my surgeon. I literally was eating regular puddings, ice cream and cream soups for meals as soon as I got home from the hospital. I did not exercise. I wasted the surgery, in effect. I was so happy with what I was losing and how fast it was coming off that I never felt it necessary to start some good eating and exercise habits for when I could not rely on the surgery exclusively. Keep that in mind. I am very biased on this because of my own experience. One year out, I was very successful. 3 years out, I was failing quickly. A previous poster said her mom was still losing at 2 1/2 years post. I would guess this is a very disciplined woman who watches what she eats and exercises. I lacked the maturity, discipline, knowledge and commitment when I had it done. And I got pregnant (with my surgeon's blessing) 6 months post. I drank (regular) instant breakfasts around the clock. Fine while you're pregnant, a bad habit to sustain after child birth... In summation: I am biased. Consider the success stories of VBG as well as the revisions.
   — Karen F.

July 1, 2002
I've been very successful with my VBG. I've lost to within 4 pounds of my goal weight (but I haven't had plastics yet, so anticipate getting there!). You can lose WAY past the 6 month mark, believe me! If you use your tool, you CAN lose all of your weight. Yes, all calories "count" with VBG, but RNY or DS are not miracles either. Some of the comments indicate that "snacking" is okay with the other procedures, well, that just isn't true. If you snack, or graze, keeping your pouch constantly filled up, you WILL stop losing weight and most likely GAIN IT BACK no matter what procedure you have had. Yes, there are risks of mechanical failures with VBG including disrupted staple lines, distended pouches and broken or erroded bands. However, there are mechanical risks with RNY as well,including stretched stoma, stretched pouch, enlarged small intestines which form a "secondary" pouch, fistulas, etc. Unfortunately, none of the procedures are perfect, and they ALL require work on the part of the individual. None of us, regardless of procedure are taking the easy road here. Ultimately, you have to make the best choice for yourself given whatever facts are available for you now. No one can tell you for certain what will work best for you, or even if you will be success long term. I wish you the best of luck with you decision and your journey.
   — BethVBG

July 1, 2002
There is no question that many published medical reports show a lower long-term success rate for the VBG procedure. If I were considering that procedure for myself, I would put first and foremost the track record of the surgeon. Look at the particular surgeon's statistics -- how many VBGs has he done, over what period of time, and what are his statistics with regard to weight lost, kept off for how long (a biggie!), revisions, reversals, and frequency of complications. I'd be wanting to assure myself that THIS surgeon has optimized his VBG series and can show proven long-term successes and and exemplary lifelong aftercare program. Without all of that, I would never seriously consider the VBG.
   — mmagruder

July 2, 2002
Hi, I had open VBG surgery on 2/5/02. I have been very successful. I started out at 278 and I am now down to 211. I have been exercising and watching my diet closely as we do not have the malabsortion part of it. I believe that you have to think more and this is more of a natural procedure to losing weight--eating sensible and exercising. I am very pleased with my surgery. I have gotten a lot of support from this website and do believe you have to follow a similar diet to the post op RNYs. I push higher protein and lower carbohydrates just the same and exercise 4-5times a week. Any questions feel free to email me at [email protected]
   — Bridgett H.