I had the VBG in Aug 1999. In the past two years, I have regained all the weight I lost. The x-rays show that my anatomy has returned to normal. I am now going back in for the RNY. For me, it is important to dump and have those side effects. It is still a tool but once you notice you are able to eat more than normal, resist and resist.

Hello, Please take a look at this site: www.gr-ds.com and go to the comparison of WLS. I had the VBG in 1985 and it was revised to the DS in 12/2003. Lyric

Send pictures to... [email protected] Hi Dianne, I would resend the photo to them -- If I recall correct you need to give them your user name and password as well so that they can put it into your profile. Best Regards, Sharon

Heather- Don't be so hard on yourself! You are doing fine. First off I noticed you said you eat almost nothing so it could be that you're actually not eating enough. Also, I can eat bread but I usually choose not to because you can't eat much of it (seems to take up a lot of space). The good news though is that something toasted I can eat more of. I think if you ate slowly and chewed your toast real well you could have some. I don't know about you, but I can usually tell from the first bite if something is not going to go down right. As for wehn you can eat your other foods...I was only on liquids for a week and then I was told I could start solid food, but just to chew well and take small bites. I ate peas then. I don't recall when I first had them, but I eat nuts and popcorn. My surgeon told me there was only one thing I could not have which was fat-free cheese because it doesn't break down right or something. I know some surgeons are really strict though. Also, I started walking a day after I got home which was really hard at first but got a lot easier really fast. I walk 1 1/2 to 2 miles an average of 5 days a week now. So, if you can walk in your neighborhood or at a mall (or even Wal-Mart) I think that would help you. Good Luck! Natalie 281/211/125 p.s. Don't worry about your plateau...I've been on one for a week.

Hi Heather! Are you getting your water in? I think that is really important. Also your protein. I've noticed that I'll hold at a weight for a week or so and then the scale will move again. I do think it's important to drink the water. I don't know about the foods you asked about, they scare me! I have overcome some difficulties with vominting, and am just about 8 weeks out. I don't want to push anything. I am enjoying the Atkins shakes, sometimes for breakfast and lunch, then try to eat a meal with my family at dinner. I do have white toast, one piece, and it goes down fine. I worry about whole wheat toast just yet. Since I did have trouble with vomiting, I have tried to stay away from a lot of fiber to begin with. It seems to be helping! Keep up the good work, and don't lose faith! It will come off. I know there are days I worry about it, and then days I feel good about it. I think this surgery has given me an emotional roller coaster. I loved dining out and hope that one day I will enjoy it again, right now when I go out with family and friends I just take little bites off everyone else's plates. I guess we shall see what the future brings, we are both new to this! Take good care, Theresa VBG w/sleeve 11/18/04 240/198/???