Does anyone have one, and if so, what does it say? I've only seen posts about this in the RNY forum, and I imagine the VBG one is different. ~Lauren

Hi Jessica, I had surgery a little over 9 months ago and I have thrown up a few times, but nothing serious. It is not at all like being sick sick. I do get a warning that its coming (watery mouth feeling), so I have never been embarassed in public or thrown up in the car or anything. It usually happens to me when I am eating too fast and not chewing my food enough. I think this has been a blessing for me and really taught me to relearn how to eat. I haven't been sick after eating for a couple of months now. I think getting sick is part of the process and it is not something to be fearful about, but I do understand your concern 100% because before surgery I was worried about it too. If you have any additional questions about this or anything else please feel free to email me directly. Best of luck to you! Hugs, Sara 356/244/175

You have to learn to drink water, water, water. When you want sweets just try to eat fruit. Sometimes I take unsweetened fruit and freeze it a bit to give it a litle zing. I even take cottage cheese and add some Equal (I actually use the Wal-Mart brand as long as it is in the blue packet) and mix with some fruit to get my sweet fix. It is a matter of mind over stomach.

TODAY I am 4 years post-op open VBG. I have lost over 115 pounds. I did have about 15 pounds of regain which is normal according to my surgeon. I realized I was gaining and put on the brakes. I increased my water intake and STOPPED EATING SWEETS. The pounds came back off. We can learn to eat around our pouches so it is important to weigh weekly. When you see the scales go up more than 4 pounds in a couple weeks you will know it is time to re-adjust your eating patterns. It is possible to keep the weight off. VBG is a tool and it is up to us to keep it well maintained.

Well, I have been reading these posts for almost 3 months and didn't know there was a board for the VGB people! duh! haha Anyhow, hello to all, and so glad to run across those that have had the same surgery that I have had. Had my sugery April 4th this year, and have lost 57lbs as of last Thursday. Am trying to weigh only once a week, but I love those scales! I am really trying to stick close to the eating plan, and when I venture away just a little, or eat too quickly, or don't chew good enough, then up it all comes. My own fault, of course, and am still learning every day. I have heard some really negative things about how alot of people gain back the weight they have lost before getting to goal. I sometimes have to ignore the negative, but it is good to hear it sometimes just to remind myself how important it is to follow the program. My husband asks me if I am sorry that I did this, and I tell him NO WAY! I have had a really easy time with this, but boy is it ever alot of work! Hope you are all having a great weekend, and best wishes to you all! Carol