Question:
I had VBG 2 years ago and gained all my weight back, what next?
I had VBG in 1997 and lost 97 lbs initially. After about 8 months of weight loss, I quit loosing. I did not gain anything back for about 8 more months. In the past year I have managed to gain all my weight back except for 15 lbs. I definately eat less than I did before surgery. I even still throw up at least once a week. I'm going through all the pain of having wls...but no weight loss. I am so frustrated!!! I am also becomming depressed about the whole thing. Any suggestions on what to do next would be appreciated. I weigh 285 and am 5'6. I have been told that the surgery cannot be redone. I am scared to have the RNY because I want to get pregnant within the next few years. I live in the Houston area. Somebody please help! — [Anonymous] (posted on June 22, 1999)
June 22, 1999
Just a thought ..... Have your Thyroid checked.
— lynnfodor
June 22, 1999
Oh my poor dear,
I've not posted much to this list lately but.....
Your post just pulled at my heart strings ! I can relate
with you as far as experiencing the failed weightloss
results and subsequent weight regain after VBG surgery.
My surgery was in 1991 and I too still throw up at least
once a week if I eat too fast/too much or don't chew well
enough or drink fluids too soon after eating....Like you
said, all the pitfalls of VBG surgery but none of the glory.
I am now 20 lbs heavier than my pre-op weight !
I wish to talk to you futher by personal post...please
contact me at: http://[email protected]
In the mean time...Big Big hugs to you girl !!
Karen from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
— Kaushia
June 22, 1999
You can get pregnant after RNY. It is recommended that you
wait until after your major weight loss period has passed,
at least a year to two years after surgery.
— dboat
June 22, 1999
A gal in my support group had the RNY about 3 years ago, and just gave
birth to a healthy boy 3 weeks ago. She gained a total of 6lbs during her
pregnancy, and lost 9lbs when she delivered. She was thrilled. One more
thing...I had WLS 14 years ago, and am having the RNY next month. It CAN
be redone. I suggest that you see another surgeon.
— Peggy51
June 22, 1999
Have you had an endoscopy yet? It's very possible you have had a staple
line disruption. You'd still be limited in your intake, still have the
small outlet, but some of the food would be flowing past the
"guards". We've now seen several successful pregnancies with
even distal RNY. Why would you be afriad, especially since your revision
would most likely be a proximal? With proper nutrition, you should be
safe! I've never heard of a VBG being revised into a new VBG, so the RNY
would be the logical choice. What has your doctor said about that?
— vitalady
June 24, 1999
I'm not surprised your VBG failed. Most, eventually will.
I'm encouraged that you still have some element of fullness
after eating, which means that your staple line is still
partially intact but most likely the Vertical line has
broken down, allowing you to eat more than is acceptable.
You may wish to cosider seeing a weight loss specialist and
try Orlistat. It may be just enough for you to control you
weight. As an alternative, your surgery can be converted to
a more modern version of WLS, namely the Roux-en-Y (RNY)gastric
bypasss. This is possible, with substantially more risk of'
complications and failure than a new RNY oparation. This is
a personal choice and one which you need to make very carefully
after discussions with an experienced (>100 cases) bariatric
surgeon in your area.
— Helmut S.
July 6, 1999
I read your posting. I am in somwhat the same boat. I had Vgb in 93
started gaining weight two years ago andf in the past year I have
gained all but 35 lbs but still gaining. I am very very depressed also.
Trying desperately to find a doctor to do revision to bypass.
I'm scared but I don't know what else to do. I'm still sick
when I eat and fat too. Doesn't seem fair does it? Pleaase email me.
I would love to know how you make out.
— Jennifer M.
July 29, 1999
I would get the gastric bypass. My sister-in-law has vertical banding, and
has the same trouble you're having. I have gastric bypass, and am having
the best luck. Go in for the rou-en-y it will work much better! Good Luck
— Kyle C.
January 25, 2000
Being able to get pregnant later was my #1 concern with RNY but you can
have a baby after 18 months to 2 years depending on your personal progress!
Good luck and do more research on RNY and you will be able to see people
who have had children after surgery! marian
— Marian P.
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