Question:
I am trying to decide between a VBG or RNY.

I would like to hear from people who have had a VBG. I would like to hear about your experiences and complications and whether you would do it again. I have found a lot of info on RNY surgery but not as much on VBG. Thank you    — Jasmine L. (posted on January 2, 2002)

January 2, 2002
I had VBG on 5/31/00 and have lost 141 pounds, within 5 pounds of my "dream weight" goal. I've been very happy with my surgery choice and I haven't had any complications. My aunt had a VBG almost twenty years ago and has kept her 150 pound weight loss off all these years. There isn't a large group of VBGers on this site, you will find more support for RNY here as a general rule. The bottom line is that you have to have the procedure that YOU feel is right for YOU. Remember, you are not a statistic. All surgeries have positives and negatives. Make sure to do as much research as possible so that you are comfortable and confident in your decision.
   — BethVBG

January 2, 2002
Roux-en-Y Divided Gastric Bypass (RYDGB) This is the procedure we favor due to the low complication rate and the proven long-term results in achieving weight loss. This procedure combines a gastric restrictive operation with slow gastric emptying and reduced food absorption. It has the highest long-term success rate with low incidence of mortality, complications, and failure. We are convinced the Roux-en-Y Divided Gastric Bypass is currently the "gold standard" in the surgical treatment of clinically severe obesity. This procedure carries a national mortality rate of about one percent and an operative morbidity (complication) rate of five to ten percent. The effective loss of fifty to seventy five percent of excess weight is established this procedure. In most cases, this is enough weight loss to reduce the life threatening dangers resulting from co-morbid conditions. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) This is the other of the major types of procedures recognized by the NIH Consensus Report for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. It is a purely restrictive procedure with no malabsorptive effect. This operation is commonly performed in this country and is a suitable surgical procedure with a very acceptable rate of complications and operative risk. The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) limits food intake by creating a small pouch (1/2 ounce) in the upper stomach with a narrow outlet (1/2 inch) reinforced by a mesh band to prevent stretching. The pouch fills quickly and empties slowly with solid food, producing a feeling of fullness. The biggest disadvantage of VBG is that it usually results in less weight loss than does the RYDGB. It does not restrict intake of high calorie liquids (sweets) and the pouch can stretch with overeating. As a result 20% of people do not lose weight and only half of people lose at least 50% of their excess weight with a VBG.
   — Paula H.

January 2, 2002
Here's a comparison chart to see the differences:...[http://www.gr-ds.com/Comparison_Table.htm]. You may also want to check the Revision lists and see which procedures are having revisions down the road...[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Revision/?yguid=76811202]--and here's another--[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Revision/?yguid=76811202]--All the best to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 2, 2002
You will get tons of info about RNY here, and as well as tons of misinfo about VBG and misconceptions. To get an unbiased account and accurate info about VBG, please join the hundreds of successful VBGer's at www.yahoogroups.com (VBG)..... (my open VBG on 06/11/01 - I've lost, as of today, 119 lbs...started at 340)
   — Cathy J.

January 2, 2002
If you have reflux the VBG won't cure it, but the RNY will.
   — ZZ S.

January 2, 2002
You have another option now too - its called Adjustable Gastric Banding. Go to www.bioentrics.com to read all about it. You can also get a list of surgeons who are performing this "new" surgery in your area. It was just approved by the FDA in June of this year but has been performed in Sweden, Mexico, France and Italy since the early 1980's. A short description of this surgery is: It is a band that is placed laproscopically around your stomach (no stitches are used to attach it to the stomach as in the VBG), a tube leading from the band with a port is placed just under your skin around your waist area (some people have it placed between their breast) it is soft so it can be felt but usually not seen, the band creates restriction so you eat less. The port is used when you start to plateau, they can give you a "fill" thru the port to make your band tighter therefore creating more restriction. Most people receive two or three fills throughout their weight loss. Side effects are the same as VBG - you still have to eat slow, small bites, etc...rate of complication is MINIMAL. The biggest problem I see with this type of WLS is that it so "NEW" that insurance companies may consider it experimental still. It took me several months to find a surgeon in my area who performs the AGB and it took me several more months to get my initial appt. I am blissfully awaiting my surgery date. I DO NOT have presurgery jitters as so many with the RNY get. I know the rate of complication is minimal and not life threatening! I can hardly wait!!! I am so glad for my decision. You need to find the answers for yourself. Take your time! BE SURE!!!
   — [Anonymous]

January 2, 2002
I had a SRVG (silastic ring vertical gastroplasty) which is a version of the VBG on Dec. 11th and so far have lost 25 lbs. I know people who have had the same surgery as me and also several who have had the RNY. Both surgeries are only a tool, your success depends greatly on how you use them. My surgeon did not give me a choice on surgeries but I really did not want to have my guts rerouted anyway. Nothing against RNY though, it is a wonderful surgery,..but not everyone want a bypass. You are doing the right thing, lots of research! Good luck!
   — esthjb

January 3, 2002
You might ask your doctor about the VBG-Gastric Bypass. It is a combination of the VBG and the RNY. The upper stomach is banded, lower stomach transected. The intestines are re-routed as in the RNY, which will give you the malabsorption side, as well as the dumping associated with too much food or bad food choices. This is the only type of surgery my surgeon does. I'm having it on March 5 and keeping my fingers crossed that it is truly the best of both worlds.
   — Katy B.