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Topic: RE: Staple failure?
Hi Sara! I would like to know the same thing. How does it feel to have a staple failure? My doctor never told me they could come apart, and I surely never even thought they would. I was also led to believe this was a reverseable surgery, and am now finding out that isn't really true. The first support meeting I went to a month ago was very eye opening, and not very encouraging. I am not giving up. I have lost about 78 pounds and am still working at it. I would also like to see those "pouch rules" that have been mentioned. Do you know of them? I still have a long way to go, and am hoping to continue to lose. I have been told this is a temporary fix, and will be okay as long as my eating habits have changed. I was told since the stomach is a muscle always moving that the staples will always work their way loose. OH NOOOOOO! The doctor that did my surgery said he wouldn't do the RNY because there were ALWayS complications down the line-no matter how good the surgeon was. So who is right? For myself, I think I will just work the rules of the diet as closely as possible, and hope for the best. How about you? Are you having any regrets or are you feeling okay about your surgery? Love to hear from you. Carol
Topic: Anyone have Dr Walid Abawi in Bowmanville Ontario????
Hello, i am having surgery the VBG Oct 26th 2005. i do my second appointment and my preop testing at the hospital sept 25th.. ia m getting soo excited.
i have a few questions to those that have had this doctor, i really liked him, he was informative and helpfull. but i fogot to ask if he does open or lapasopticly (sp) is it like having open heart surgery or is it down in the groin area were they open u up.
secondly i was wondering how u are doing with the VBG and weight loss. I have been reading up on it almost everyday. I did a lot of research before i went to see the doctor.. but now " i know" i am having it and have a date, i am reading more..... always great to get as much information as u can to know what to exspect.
Thank you for your answers.
I am in Windsor Ontario by the way.
Paula
surgery schedualed 10/26/05
334 wanting to be 160
Topic: Staple failure?
Hi everyone,
I was curious to know if any VBgers have experienced a staple line failure. If so is this something you could feel? How did this feel?
Any information that can be provided is appreciated!!!
Hugs,
Sara
356/232/175
Topic: RE: VBG Surgery...Failure!
Hi Sue,
I tried emailing you but it came back to me.....so here is the email i sent you.... 
Hi Sue,
Glad to hear from you! I would love to try the "pouch rules" if I had them! Mind you, i think my will power has dwindled to nothing. I am so discouraged! I feel very alone in my plight! Oh, my hubby tries to support me but it just does feel like I am alone! I agree with you, i failed me! My VBG is still intact. I know this because I just recently had a Barium Xray to see how my stomach is. I still get sick if I eat too fast or too much etc....The pouch still works, so to speak. BUT, I can eat anything I want now. I have absolutely no will power at all! I feel like I have been fighting my weight my whole life (36 years). I am very tired emotionally, physically, mentally! If you read my profile, and go to Yvonne's surgery support page, you will read all about me and how my life is and was! I had a very hard day yesterday. I had my yearly physical with my Family Doctor, trying to convince him to get on board with me to have a revision surgery, and he diagnosed me with Type 2 Diabetes, High cholesterol and still thinks that surgery is a "last resort". I am just so discouraged. 
He wants me to see a doctor in Ottawa that manages a Weight Management Program through the Civic Hospital. Man oh Man! Another program for me to fail at! I have been through the wringer Sue and I am just totally fed up! I feel like my doctor is ignoring what I want! 
Well, all I can do is take one day at a time! I sit here thinking, "Yup, i can do the pouch rules, or follow the program i mentioned",,...but i know in my heart of hearts, I can't. I have decided that I will look into the Overeaters Anonymous in my area. Frankly, if I wait for my doctor to refer me to a professional in eating disorders, etc..i will be dead! The waiting list is so long. I am very frustrated today Sue and i apologise! I am usually very up beat and positive but today I feel beaten down. No worries though. I will be fine. I have a full day ahead of me and plans for Labour day weekend. My brothers are celebrating their birthday's together this weekend and I will be there! yuppie! love a BBQ and a party! (I don't drink!) I love being with my family. I will let you go for now as I have to get my butt in gear! Take care Sue and I do hope to hear from you. Thank you for your support! It is soooo appreciated. Especially from a fellow VBG'er!
Keep Smiling!
Eve 
Hi Sue,
Glad to hear from you! I would love to try the "pouch rules" if I had them! Mind you, i think my will power has dwindled to nothing. I am so discouraged! I feel very alone in my plight! Oh, my hubby tries to support me but it just does feel like I am alone! I agree with you, i failed me! My VBG is still intact. I know this because I just recently had a Barium Xray to see how my stomach is. I still get sick if I eat too fast or too much etc....The pouch still works, so to speak. BUT, I can eat anything I want now. I have absolutely no will power at all! I feel like I have been fighting my weight my whole life (36 years). I am very tired emotionally, physically, mentally! If you read my profile, and go to Yvonne's surgery support page, you will read all about me and how my life is and was! I had a very hard day yesterday. I had my yearly physical with my Family Doctor, trying to convince him to get on board with me to have a revision surgery, and he diagnosed me with Type 2 Diabetes, High cholesterol and still thinks that surgery is a "last resort". I am just so discouraged. He wants me to see a doctor in Ottawa that manages a Weight Management Program through the Civic Hospital. Man oh Man! Another program for me to fail at! I have been through the wringer Sue and I am just totally fed up! I feel like my doctor is ignoring what I want! Well, all I can do is take one day at a time! I sit here thinking, "Yup, i can do the pouch rules, or follow the program i mentioned",,...but i know in my heart of hearts, I can't. I have decided that I will look into the Overeaters Anonymous in my area. Frankly, if I wait for my doctor to refer me to a professional in eating disorders, etc..i will be dead! The waiting list is so long. I am very frustrated today Sue and i apologise! I am usually very up beat and positive but today I feel beaten down. No worries though. I will be fine. I have a full day ahead of me and plans for Labour day weekend. My brothers are celebrating their birthday's together this weekend and I will be there! yuppie! love a BBQ and a party! (I don't drink!) I love being with my family. I will let you go for now as I have to get my butt in gear! Take care Sue and I do hope to hear from you. Thank you for your support! It is soooo appreciated. Especially from a fellow VBG'er!
Keep Smiling!
Eve Topic: RE: VBG Surgery...Failure!
Hi Ya Sue,
I can totally relate. I am looking for that post you read about "pouch rules". I have not seen that one. I to, did not have ANY follow up with my VBG surgery. I was given instructions, a diet and sent on my way. No support, no nothing! I believed in my doctors, not thinking for myself. I guess growing older makes you wiser! I realize now that doctors are human and can make mistakes just like anyone else. Would someone please tell me what the "pouch rules" are or point me to the post that has them....Thank you so much.
Eve
Hi Ya Sue,
I can totally relate. I am looking for that post you read about "pouch rules". I have not seen that one. I to, did not have ANY follow up with my VBG surgery. I was given instructions, a diet and sent on my way. No support, no nothing! I believed in my doctors, not thinking for myself. I guess growing older makes you wiser! I realize now that doctors are human and can make mistakes just like anyone else. Would someone please tell me what the "pouch rules" are or point me to the post that has them....Thank you so much.
Eve Topic: RE: VBG Surgery...Failure!
Dear Sisters:
I too am in the same boat- had VBG in 2001, lost 124 pounds then started gaining. I have been so frustrated 
and also feeling so guilty and so ashamed of myself for blowing this chance at normalcy. Then last week I came back to this site and read the posts (I had stayed away for a year or two- didn't want to read about others problems I guess.) Anyway I read the post about "Pouch Rules" and it hit me like a ton of bricks....I had never heard anything like that after my surgery! My post-op follow-up was next to nil. So I decided to try the rules- and lost 8 pounds in 6 days! I know a lot of that is fluid loss, but it has given me hope that I can get back on track and get some of this damned weight off again. My knees are so bad with arthritis from carrying all this weight- if I don't do something I will be in a wheelchair- and I am only 55.
So is there anyone out there who would like to join me? We could be great support for one another- we are all in the same boat.
Sue
and also feeling so guilty and so ashamed of myself for blowing this chance at normalcy. Then last week I came back to this site and read the posts (I had stayed away for a year or two- didn't want to read about others problems I guess.) Anyway I read the post about "Pouch Rules" and it hit me like a ton of bricks....I had never heard anything like that after my surgery! My post-op follow-up was next to nil. So I decided to try the rules- and lost 8 pounds in 6 days! I know a lot of that is fluid loss, but it has given me hope that I can get back on track and get some of this damned weight off again. My knees are so bad with arthritis from carrying all this weight- if I don't do something I will be in a wheelchair- and I am only 55.
So is there anyone out there who would like to join me? We could be great support for one another- we are all in the same boat.
Sue 
Topic: RE: ? Is VSG the same as VG?
No, I bet he was talking about the VSG, or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. He's one of the few docs who do this, and since she says he mentioned taking part of her stomach out...
Topic: RE: VBG anyone else have it done???? what were your results
I had VBG on 10.28.03. Almost 2 years ago now. I have lost 137# so far. I have to lose another 40-50# before having my anchor-cut tummy tuck. I am very happy with my choice to have this surgery. The end results for me have been very positive.
Sharon
Ms. Cal Culator
on 8/29/05 1:34 am - Tuvalu
on 8/29/05 1:34 am - Tuvalu
Topic: RE: ? Is VSG the same as VG?
I don't mean to be snippy, but I think you need to do A LOT more homework, on ALL the surgeries. Per your profile, you have a VERY experienced surgeon. He was probably discussing the 11 cm Inamed brand VG-style adjustable gastric band. In other words, the larger LapBand that, at one time, was called the VanGuard. The name they changed to was unfortunate.
Good luck in learning more about this big step!
Sue
Topic: RE: Is it too late??
I am sorry Liz you didn't receive my email. I did send one. Hmmm! Oh well, here is my email if you want. evie.randy @sympatico.ca. I will be happy to hear from ya! Take care....
Eve
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