Question:
My Dr only does VBG, is there anyone who had it and then wished they had RYN?

Is it harder to lose weight with VBG and gain it back? Please e-mail me with any VBG expierences, regrets or encouragement.    — Nicole K. (posted on April 20, 2002)

April 19, 2002
There are many, many successes AND failures with VBG, just as there are many, many successes AND failures with RNY. I've lost 145 lbs in the 10 months since my openVBG. Regrets? No way! Do THOROUGH research and talk to your Dr. Don't base your decision on opinions!
   — Cathy J.

May 29, 2002
VGB was known as stomach stapling 15 years ago when I had my surgery. I never lost all the weight I had hoped and am now considering a revision to RYN. I vomit almost daily if I don't chew things into very small bites. I don't eat meat just fish because meat is hard too digest, for me. I can't eat anything fried what so ever or I vomit. I am considered a "light weight" BMI at 33 but am hoping my insurance will cover a RYN. If the insurance company doesn't cover the surgery because of a low BMI amd no comorbids I might as well get the staples removed and enjoy eating, and gaining weight till I meet the 40 BMI. Kathie
   — Kathi S.

May 29, 2002
Find another surgeon. All you have to do is scan this web site to see how many people are having previous vbg revised. You already got a very accurate post to this question, and they mimic my sentiments exactly. I had VBG done 4 years ago, lost 90, gained 50. Just had my RNY revision done last week. My own research on the medical web pages shows me that RNY has a higher percentage for excess weight lost, and a lower percentage of weight gained back. Also, VBG is generally considered (on the medical web pages) as a 6 month "window of opportunity" for weight loss, whereas RNY is 18 - 24 months. All of the testimonies on this site seem to support that. Good luck! Choosing the right surgeon is critical! If he is limited in this particular area, do you want him handling potential complications?
   — Karen F.

May 30, 2002
The VBG procedure didn't work for me.I couldn't be more long term. 15 years! Anyone else at 15 years? I feel the long term results are what really matter. If I were you I would research www.duodenalswitch.com That sight rates the various procedures. I believe they rate the VBG procedure as a poor choice for long term. Good luck in making your decision. Do what you feel is right for you but read anything you can find that will help you make an intelligent decision, so you won't need a revision, hopefully. Kathie
   — Kathi S.

May 20, 2003
I had a VBG 1987. It was the worst thing I ever did welling to my self.I had been heavy most of my life I had maney health.So i thought that the VBG would be the answer to my preyers. I am fraid that it wasn't. So now I ave to have a RNY because of the damage on my esophagus. I know have Barretts esophagus.that is precancer cells in the esophagus.And because there can be no presure on esophagus. i need to have the RNY bypass.Hell I thought they could take the band off and that would be that. But thats not the case. So think twice beforeyou do the VBG. What ever you do My preyers are with you, [email protected]
   — Gail P.