Question:
Hi everyone I will be having a open VBG on 2/5/02, I am getting scared of the pain

post op? I am seeing everyone talk about RNY but I want some insight on open VBG. I keep reading that you don't loose as much weight and it is not as successful. HELP :))    — Bridgett H. (posted on January 22, 2002)

January 21, 2002
There are LOTS of successful VBGs out there. The failures typically come from choosing easy to eat ice cream and other high calorie liquidy foods. YOU will have to be motivated to follow the rules, or be prepared for a disappointment, and revision surgery in your future. Myself I wanted LAP, and waited longer for it with the RNY. I could of had a open VBG at my nearby hospital where my wife works. I liked ice cream and milkshakes TOO much, and knew I would be a VBG failure. Plus I like the mal absorbtion of the RNY. Its a decision that depends on YOU! If your a volume eater rather than a sweets eater your VBG will likely be more successful.
   — bob-haller

January 21, 2002
Hi there, I had open rny on December 21, 2001 and so far have lost 28 lbs. As far as pain, I really didn't have much, a little uncomfortable in the hospital moving around in the bed, but to be honest no pain. Just a little uncomfortable. Of course you will have a pain pump, or enough pain meds to help you through the first couple of days. I went home and didn't need any pain meds at all. Just have to learn how to use your arms and legs to pull yourself up and try not to strain your abdominal area. My appetite is very minimal, just hoping to get enough protein etc. I was lucky in the respect that I was on regular foods right out of the hospital, no puree, liquid diet, just small amounts of real food. Chewing very thoroughly and sipping my water. It was hard at first, now one month out I can drink a bit easier and am trying all different types of healthy foods. Rarely get cravings, did the first couple of weeks, but you find you just can't eat what you think you can. Good luck with your decision.
   — laflagal

January 22, 2002
Hi Bridgett! I had an open SRVG (silastic ring vertical gastroplasty) which is basically just a form of open VBG on Dec. 11,2001. I had no complications at all and still have not had any 6 wks. later. I had a PCA pump (that stands for "Patient Controlled Anesthesia" which means you push a button and give yourself a dose of Morphine or whatever narcotic your doctor orders), a NG tube and a foley catheter into my bladder while I was in the hospital. I was very sore of course the first few days but they stopped my Morphine on the second day (that evening) and I only took pain meds by mouth for a few days. I came home Dec. 14 and the last dose of pain meds was the PM of Dec. 16 so I could sleep. The NG tube was a nuisance but necessary, they took it out the next AM and the catheter out of my bladder the next afternoon, I had no trouble emptying my bladder on my own. You are sore after any surgery but this has not been nearly as bad as I thought it would be. As far as food, the first 4 wks. I could only have liquids and at the end of that time I was about crazy!! The hardest thing for me so far was the first two weeks dealing with "head hunger." I was so used to eating what I wanted when I wanted it and you can't do that anymore. You aren't really physically hungry but your head is trying to figure out what's going on! Sometimes now I have to literally remind myself that I need to eat, never thought I'd see that! I eat 2-3 ozs. at a time and don't drink anything for 30-40 minutes after I eat. I avoid sweets (I was a BIG chocoholic) but have had a sugar free fudge bar a few times to deal with my craving and that has satisfied me. Otherwise I don't keep sweets in the house anymore, nobody in my family needs them anyway! I also avoid carbonated beverages because water is better for me and I also avoid gum, too afraid I might accidently swallow it! My incision is about 5 inches long and has healed well, it's not even tender. I am down 31 lbs. and think it would have been more but I did not start walking until a week ago. I am NOT an exercising type person! You will be so glad you had this surgery! My life is so much better in just 6 wks. I am off all my medications (I was on 5 before the surgery) and am only taking vitamins. Feel free to e-mail me if you have anymore questions. Good luck to you on Feb. 5th!!!
   — esthjb

January 22, 2002
Hello. I had open surgery and I'm 6 days post-op. Today was my first good day. I don't expect everyday to be as good as today I am certainly feeling more normal today.
   — Janice P.

January 22, 2002
I had open RNY, but would just like to answer the pain part of your question. The pain is only really bad the first day and you are really out of it so it is not unbearable.
   — Julie S.

January 22, 2002
I am a real whimp when it comes to pain and had never had any type of surgery before. So I was terified. When I came to in ICU I thought I was dying cause they were moving me from the gurney to the bed and they had to sit me up to take a chest xray. But the pain was only about 5-10 min max and now it just seems like a dream. Because of the drugs the rest of the time it was more discomfort than actual pain. I am 12 post op and 22 lbs lighter and I'd do it again. Hang in there and just pray, it was my guardian angels that brought me thru it. You will be fine. Take care and good luck, I will say a special prayer for you.
   — shirl

January 22, 2002
Thanks to everyone for the quick responses. I love this website. I totally apprecitate every answer Thanks again:))
   — Bridgett H.

January 22, 2002
There are successes and failures with ANY type of surgery. You HAVE to use it as a tool and use it correctly. I had open VBG on 06/11/01 and have lost 122 lbs in seven months...hmmmm....didn't get the word that I wouldn't lose as much, I guess! (lol!!) The pain is a part of any surgery and people tolerate it in different ways. No one can really tell you how it will be for you, BUT - you can handle it!
   — Cathy J.