Question:
What about Vertical Silastic Ring Gastroplasty

I recently had a consult with a surgeon. He suggested RNY but I'm leaning towards Vertical Silastic Ring Gastroplasty. I'm not sure which I just like VSRG because it's less invasive and my BMI is 41. The vomiting concerns me with VSRG. I'd like to hear from those who had it done. Thanks!    — Karen V. (posted on August 31, 2000)

August 31, 2000
Hi Karen, I had the VBG with silastic ring (which is what I think you are referring to). My stomach is stapled and then banded at the end of the pouch. Mine was done on 3/27/00 and I have lost approximately 74 lbs to date. I have very little vomiting, only when I over eat or eat too fast. I would do it over again. I have had no complications and it has gone quite well for me. Good luck in you decision!
   — Laura P.

August 31, 2000
I had this procedure in 1984. It worked great for two and a half years. I found out the staple line disrupted and the silastic ring failed. I had a revision to RNY 4/26/2000 and have lost 83 lbs to date.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 1, 2000
I had my operation on 5/31/00. I have vomited only twice in the three months post-op. Once was from taking medicine on an empty stomach (which would have made me vomit even before the surgery) and the other time was when I ate some dry Bran Chex cereal too fast: they continued to "swell" after I got my "full" signal and there was nowhere for them to go except "up". I haven't had any problems at all and have lost 59lbs. I chose my VBG for similar reasons that you mentioned; but it is an individual decision. So far, I'm glad I did it. Best of luck with your decision.
   — BethVBG

September 1, 2000
If you are not sure, just keep researching and asking questions. I had VBG with silastic ring 3 years ago. I lost 120# in the first year, gained 13 the second year due to candy and chips but got back on track and have lost about 20# since then. YOU have got to choose your surgery you want. Any of them are a life changing experience. Good Luck!
   — Cindy G.

October 29, 2000
I had the VBG silastic ring done 7 years ago. I lost 110 lbs, and have no gained back 90 lbs of it. I must patcially blame myself, I eat as soon as my pouch empties and eat what I call "sliders", the things that are easy to send through, like chips, cookies, ice cream, most any junk food. I vomitt almost daily due to overeating. If I could do it all over again, I would consider a different procedure. I know its "all in your head" theory, does have some merit. But I would go with the RyN or something different. I am going now for a revision, if approved.
   — amy H.

January 23, 2009
I had VSRG done in 1997. By BMI was 40 at the time. I weighed 300 lbs. I lost down to 240 pretty rapidly with minimal complications. However, I now weigh 295. Over time the pouch has stretched and the weight came back. I am now looking at the RNY as an option. My research has shown that long term weightloss is greater with RNY than VSRG.
   — mdye32514