Question:
The surgeon I am going to does VBG

and I am getting feedback on other sites that itis NOT the procedure to use. I would appreciate anyone responding who has had VBG already and who can give the pros and/or cons regarding this procedure.    — Jeane L. (posted on October 19, 2002)

October 19, 2002
I had an open VBG on Sept. 24th and am down 30 pounds so far. I went with the VBG because this procedure allows your digestive system to stay in tact, making it a somewhat less evasive surgery. It works by reducing the amount of food you can eat rather than your body's ability to obsorb food. On the negative side, with a VBG you usually do not experience "dumping syndrome" so you can still eat sugar and may not lose weight as quickly as with the RNY. Your best bet is to research each procedure thoroughly and discuss them with your doctor. Each one could work great depending on you and your individual needs.
   — Cheryl B.

October 19, 2002
I had VBG 02/06/02 and I am now 24 lbs. away from my personal goal. The going has been slower than some. I was a light weight to begin with and it is true that you don't get dumping with the VBG, so your on your own with the sweets. But I chose the VBG because it does nothing with the intestines causing malabsorbtion (which can lead to permanent problems with hair loss and vitamin deficiencies, which there are ways to combat this, but I didn't feel I could take that on)AND because the stomach is left in tact and not separated which means that if I need to have the 'old' stomach looked into for any reason, they will be able to. With the Roux en Y, the 'old' stomach cannot be scoped. Since I'm young, a light weight, and I know myself pretty good, I figured the VBG would be a good choice for me. It doesn't mean it's right for you or that the Roux en Y is bad. I had relatively mild complications. I have a ventral hernia from the open incision and I have a problem with lower intestinal gas that is just the most foul stuff known to man (namely, my husband). But that's is usually only if I have indulged in something high in starch, like rice or potatoes, etc. AKA:not on the diet plan anyways. Other than that, things have been hunky dory. Good luck.
   — Carolynn J.

October 19, 2002
My surgeon specializes in revising VBGs to RNYs. He says 80% of VBGs fail because its hard to eat good nutritious food but junk food goes down easy plus theres no malabsorbtion. I encourage you to look into the Lap Band if you dont want a RNY or other surgery. I wish you and all VBGs the best. My comments come from hearing the sad failure stories at our support group meetings.
   — bob-haller

October 19, 2002
Hi Jeane, I hate to be on the down side. I had a VBG in '93 at 235 and went down to 170. I eventually regained it all back within about 5 years and now weigh 250. I did not receive good teaching or aftercare. As Bob said it was hard to get good nutritious food down (at least for me). Maybe the surgery is better now. I am in the process of trying to get a revision to an RNY. I have been researching for over a year. Physically, I'm not sure what went wrong. I had an EGD (a scope) done and I have 2 openings into my stomach, I also now havae GERD and a hiatal hernia. Also I had chronic erosive gastritis which has been treated with medication. Maybe I am an exception. I must admit that now I am doing this with the right attitude of wanting to be healthy and not of just looking good. Please research and good luck with your decision.
   — Kathy B.

October 20, 2002
To learn what the post-VBG lifestyle entails and what you'll need to do to succeed with it in the long term, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vbg. To hear from many people who've tried with the VBG and are now seeking the RNY or the BPD/DS surgeries in order to achieve their weight-loss goals, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Revision and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS-Revision. Good luck.
   — Kay B.

October 20, 2002
Hi, definitely go to the yahoo group for vbg. They are very supportive and will be honest about anything you ask. I am so grateful I found them. I had no idea how many folks here are seemingly anti-VBG until recently. I support anyone who chooses whichever surgery suits them the best. I chose VBG(originaly was going to do the RNY) because of the absorption issue but other issues as well. Perhaps I am losing slower than an RNY patient from the same day, but I know I can succeed if I put my mind to it. This tool will help me.<br>Regardless of what you decide, I wish you the very best! Make sure you do all your research and get answers to all of your question.
   — Helenjean P.

October 22, 2002
Whoever said that people on this site are anti-VBG is just giving their opinion. I am not anti-VBG, but I can relay my experience with VBG. I had it done in 92 when I was 18. I am now scheduled for a revision to the RNY. My staples have disrupted from my previous surgery and I have a diaphoretic hernia. I am not blaming all my problems on VBG. I did well for about 5 years. There are 2 downsides to VBG (in my opinion)...1. the band they put at the top of the stomach is too small. If you eat a bite that is too big, it will get stuck causing you to throw up. 2. It doesn't keep you from making the wrong choices as with the RNY and "dumping syndrom". I was able to learn to re eat and make wrong choices like soda. Remember, obesity is a disease like alcholism. You can say you will never go back, but you can be 100% sure. I swore I would never get over 200# again. I am 290#. Just research wisely and make sure that whatever choice you make, you can make it successful. Good luck to you. Stephanie Teal
   — Stephanie T.

October 23, 2002
I had the VBG done on April 10, 2002 and as of last week I have lost a total of 91 pounds. I look at this surgery as a tool, not a cure all. You do have to watch what you eat. It does take some work on my part to stay away from sweets and sodas, which I have been doing pretty good so far. It is easy to revert back to your old eating habits, but you have to have will power and determination. Good luck with your choice.
   — CAROL C.