Question:
Has anyone been able to keep the weight off with VBG for more than 5 years?

May 4, 1999 I'm scheduled to have VBG surgery in Toronto at the beginning of July. I'm not a 'grazer' OR 'binge eater', so I suppose the VBG might be the only option offered, unless I insist on bi-pass. And I might insist unless I can hear from someone who has successfully kept the weight off for more than 5 years. In Canada, I have not heard of any success stories and this terrifies me. WLS itself is not the big worry, but having WLS and then not being successful IS A BIG WORRY! Please e mail me if you have a success story! Thanks! [email protected]    — Kathy K. (posted on May 4, 1999)

May 12, 1999
I am only 10 months out but my neighbor has been successful for 18 years. I never even knew she had weightloss surgery until I told her I was planning on having it.
   — Donna D.

May 21, 1999
I am interested in what you find out about your question about 5 years down the line (weight gain or not) I've been communicating with people in Oregon, but most of them are in their 1-2 year period. I am supposed to have the roux-en-y June 30 and would appreciate hearing from you about the responses you get to your question
   — [Anonymous]

November 21, 1999
I had VGB in 1993 .Started gaining weight in 1997. Now I have gained most of the weight back and fighting our new AHP insurance for approval for bypass. They have denied me twice. If I had been given a choice back in 93 I would of had the bypass. VGB has a 80% failure rate. You may be one of the lucky 20% who are able to keep it off. You must do what you feel most comfortable with.
   — [Anonymous]