Re: gastroplastyforweightloss

In Reply to: gastroplastyforweightloss posted by RMBrymer on October 18, 2000 at 05:45:44:

I had VBG done in 1990. My mother also had it done (1987).
I would say you need to do MUCH more research on this.
My mother gained back ALL of her weight. I gained about 40 pounds back.
You still have to watch what you eat. Plus you usually get to have your gallbladder removed about 2 years after the VBG. Interestingly enough I am so much of an anomaly when I go to the hospital they always ask if they can bring students/residents etc in to see me, look at the scars etc...

Some of the bands are so tight, some patients can not swallow tylenol capsules. The pouch does expand with time. You will be able to eat more, then you will REALLY need to watch your food intake.

Also, if you are a person who doesn't mind getting sick (vomitting) this will not be a huge deal, I personally HATE it. Basically this is negative behavior modification, I know if I eat meat, butter, sauses I vomit, so I avoid those things. My mother eats them anyway and gets sick about 3/4 of the time. EEEWWW

Fortunatly I was able to keep about 50 pounds off. I am 5'4 and 190 in a size 16, I eat about 1/3 of what a normal adult would eat, and I do not lose an ounce. I suppose it saves on my food bill. :-)
So you see your metabolism is down to a crawl.

My mom says she would have hers reversed if she could. I think I must eat better than before, but I sure wish it was the "magic bullet" or at least more effective.

Anyway, I hope this helps you make a decision. I had head about another interesting concept. A Dr was putting a large band around the entire stomach rather than staples...sounds interesting. If it were a microprocedure (no 10 inch scar and rib spreaders... I would have wanted that one).