Question:
Gaining weight back after only 1 year post-op? Whats up with this?

I had a VBG in April of 2001. I had lost 90 pounds at 1 year, but since then, I have gained about 14 pounds back. I have days when I can actually eat quite a bit. I even get actual hunger pains. I don't really get that "full feeling" anymore. I talked with my roommate from surgery. She is going through the same thing, but has gained close to 25lbs. back. I called the hospital and they would like to do an upper G.I. on us both. Is it possible that our stomachs have stretched this soon after surgery? Anyone else delt with a similar situation? It is very unsetteling!    — Dina P. (posted on September 29, 2002)

September 29, 2002
Sadly my surgeon says 80% of VBGs fail. I guess he knows since he does so many revisions to RNYs. What kind of food choices are you making? Our support group is full of VBG revisions and they say its hard to eat good food with the VBG ring. So they gravitate to milkshakes and other easy to eat high calorie junk type foods. You also lack the malabsorbtion of the RNY, that helps keep the weight off. See what your surgeon can do but if all else fails its not your fault. Move on and get a revision. You will do GREAT with a rny.
   — bob-haller

September 29, 2002
Please click my name to read my profile! I have the "Pouch Rules for Dummies" on there. It deals with your issues and will give you some tips! Best of luck!!! Stacy
   — Stacy C.

October 1, 2002
Jenice, you can't just make blanket statements like that. Not all people who have had revisions from VBG to RNY are lazy. I had VBG over 7 years ago, my staple line disrupted. This happens, it is called a mechanical failure and nothing I did caused it. My stomach, over time, just rejected the staples. This can also happen to RNYs that do not have a transected stomach. I know that there are long term VBGs out there that are successful and whenever I tell my story I emphasize that fact along with the disclaimer that this is just MY story/opinion. Try not to be so judgemental and negative. Some people put a lot of stock in the statistics and the stats say VBG have a higher % of staple line disruptions and late regain.
   — Ali M