Tina W.
I had the VGB in April of 2005. I am not 1 and a half years post op and am realizing that (possibly because I haven't lost all the weight that I had hoped for) that I am going to need to do more and that surgery is just a tool. I really wanted it to be the SOUL solution.
Feruary 2007
I am now nearly two years post op and having a difficult time with the surgery. I am thinking about next steps... possibly a revision. My life is getting more and more miserable with not being able to eat (or rather keep food down when I eat.) I want to eat healthy but am unable to do so with the restrictions from this paticular surgery. I am willing to eat healthy and wish too but am limited to what I can keep down. I would not recomend the VBG to anyone the restrictions are just not worth it.
March 2007
I am now officially seeking a revision from the VBG to RNY. My new surgeon has submitted the request to my insurance I should know about that by the end of next week.
It was a big decision but when I met with the new surgeon and discussed my current health as well as my inability to eat healthy foods due to the fact that the band around my opening from the pouch is way to tight and that is why I have been unable to keep food down... and has caused acid reflux thus causing a hiatal hernia... and the fact that even if I had the hernai fixed I will most likely have a reoccurance to the acid reflux... aparently it is very common with the VBG! This is one of the resons why my new surgeon no longer offers the VBG.
April 2007
I have a date for my revision!!! May 1st is the date pending insurance approval!!! That should be no problem and will be most likely by this Friday!
Wow!!!!
July 2007
I had my revision surgery May 1st and have lost another 49 lbs I am at a total of 100 lb weight loss since April 2005. I am feeling much better since the revision surgery. I have found that I absolutly an one that has to abide by the rules of the pouch... no drinking for an hour after I eat... I have to chew... chew... chew... eat small amounts, eat very very slow and eat foods that are fairly moist (I'm not sure if that last one is one of the "rules" but it is for me). If I break even one of these rules I am sick... so it is a new level of coniousness when it comes to food!!! I have to pay strict attention! But it is all worth it because I feel better than I did 2 plus years ago... heck I feel better than I did prior to the revision!
More later!
Tina.
