Heidi, Please hang in there. I'm 1 year and 5 months post op. I had the SRVG (like the VBG), and I've lost 84 lbs now. I lost 65 lbs in the first 6 months, and then quit losing. I also quit exercising and following the rules. I can eat way more than I should be able to. Then I gained 20 lbs back. I was so angry at myself. I got angry at my doctor too and was going to see him and make him explain. But his policy is that before I can get an appointment, I have to keep a food diary for two weeks. Boy what an eye opener! I could see where I had gone wrong, so I cancelled my appointment. I got out my instruction book and went back to the basics for a while. First I went back and re-read every thought I have ever written down. I had been keeping an on-line journal, and it helped me to remember why I did it in the first place. It re-motivated me. I didn't go back to liquids, but I did go back as far as pureed foods for about three weeks. It was hard! But I challenged myself again. Then I gradually added different foods. I continued to keep the food diary to keep myself in check. I monitored carbs, protien, fat, and calories. Then I started reading the Atkins book, and now I only monitor carbs. I know that right now Atkins in highly controversial, but it does work. I've had many family members and friends lower their cholesterol levels and even completely come off of medications because of the Atkins plan. One friend of mine who had the lap band and is diabetic, and who had to take three insulin injections per day, follows the Atkins plan and is completely insulin-free now. If you read the book, you'll understand why. I am now down 84 lbs. (19 lbs doing Atkins). I started out at 334 pre-op. I love the way I eat, and I am NOT craving anything. I am walking again, and loving the positive feedback I am getting. I hope what I have said here helps you. Get angry and take control again once and for all. Becky

Wow, you are doing great!!!! I only hope that is me after 1 year. Rhen

I am glad you took the first step in getting your bracelet, please get it engraved asap.......and make sure others in your family are your voice when you can't speak for yourself........ good luck, P.s. just a update: it's been almost 6 months since my ordeal and I am about back to normal. My blood work is almost normal with my kidney-liver functions and I am feeling great. I hope someone is helped by this message thread and no one else ever is at risk.....thanks for passing the message on to others.

I would also recommend a Medical Alert Bracelet. I got one at CVS and am planning on getting it engrave with the pertinent information as soon as I have a chance.

Wow Calvin, That is so amazing. Congratulations to you! I agree with you, this website has really been a wonderful tool I have used. Everyone here is so helpful and friendly. Congratulations again and good luck on your upcoming surgery. Jodi