ObesityHelp

I had my VBG in 1992, when it was done as an OPEN surgery - I lost 100lbs in about 8 months and kept it off for over 12 years.   I do have to say that I was HAPPY with my VBG, until about 4 years ago when I started to gain the weight back.

I have had NO side effects, no heartburn, no problems WHATSOEVER...occasional vomiting if I don't chew well enough (still) -but that's my fault - not the VBG. I didn't even lose my hair like some people complain about.

The VBG is PERMANENT - it is NOT ADJUSTABLE. Similarly to the gastric bypass in that a "pouch" is created using a staple line and a band, but there is NO switch of the digestive tract, so no malabsorption problems occur.  No dumping syndrome.

There are some foods that I STILL have problems with - and by problems I mean that I will USUALLY throw them up - so I stay away from them :  Soft breads (I can eat toasted or grilled bread easily), Pork - I can't eat pork chops even if they are moist, but I can eat ham, some chicken if it's too dry.  I have NEVER been a sweets eater - but I do have issues with peanut butter and chocolate - it's just too thick! 

With ANY WLS - there just isn't long term information.  I AM THE LONG TERM INFORMATION! 

I kept in touch with my doctor at 5 years, then again at 10 years - and for all medical purposes that is a SUCCESSFUL SURGERY!!  Now, I don't have health insurance - so I'm kind of stuck!!

I hope to revise to the VSG (sleeve) because of the removal of part of the stomach, the "hunger hormone" producing portion of the stomach is removed - which I want GONE!!  I am a snacker, and addicted to carbs - and I just need that surgical tool renewed to remind me how to eat again!!  I have gained back 80lbs in 4 years - I am positive that my band has erroded or something else - even though I STILL don't have problems or pain from it....

I can't wait for revision!  I just don't have insurance right now, and I am discouraged because the last quote I got was 9,200 CASH PAY - and that was in MEXICO!!   I will only have about $6,000 - I guess I'll wait to see if they have any "income tax return" specials!!!

I know this reply is coming really late because I just found this thread. Did you ever have any luck finding a surgeon? I know of Dr. Ramos- Kelly in Mexico who does the vertical sleeve for like 5300$ and he is highly rated among the patients that have used him. Also, Dr. Garcia in Tijuana has good patient reviews and his price is around 5000$. I think for a revision you might have to add 500$ or so but that is still in the price range you are looking at.

I just wanted you to know there are affordable and GOOD doctors in Mexico for around 5000-6000$. I hope you find someone to help you because we all know what it's like to struggle with weight around here. Best of luck.

I honestly hope you reply back that you found a surgeon already :-)

I had VBG in 1997. It was and still is one of the best things I've ever done! I had a loss of 130 lbs within 8 months. After 5 years was pretty much settled in at 110 lb loss until 3 years ago when I hurt my ankle really bad. Over the past 3 years I gained 50 lbs which is no fault of the surgery itself. Excerise was nearly none due to ankle pain, and also allowing some bad food choices back into my daily life was the problem. Over the past 3 months I have completely changed my eating habits and cut out all processed foods. It may suprise you as it did me but I have NO cravings at all for junk food! I am currently still down 88 lbs from my starting weight 15 yrs ago.