I hope this isn't inappropriate, but I've been giving some serious consideration to the Restrictive Vertical Gastrectomy, but I do not know anyone who has done it or even knows someone who has done it! lOl

Has any bandster checked it out? It seems ideal in that there is no change to the intenstines and the issue of malabsorption is nonexistent.

I'd appreciate any comments!

Kelli

Is this the same thing as the Vertical Banded Gastrectomy? If so, I've heard that procedure is less popular due to ineffectiveness over time and potential complications. But I've never heard of the one you cite.

Is this the same thing as the Vertical Banded Gastrectomy? If so, I've heard that procedure is less popular due to ineffectiveness over time and potential complications. But I've never heard of the one you cite.

Same here. If you're talking about the vertical band, I read that the highest risk is that you'll pop the staples and wind up with your stomach the original size.

There is a non-adjustable band involved with the vertical banded gastrectomy/gastroplasty. Complications include erosion of the band and staple line dehiscense.

http://www.womenfitness.net/vertical_gastrectomy.htm

http://www.ddw.org/user-assets/documents/PDF/session_handouts/2004/books/Tuesday/Tues1415Farraye.pdf

Kelli-

Dr. Feng tries to talk everyone into the VG. It's his favorite procedure. I would advise against it. Part of your stomach is removed permanently, and I feel pretty certain that once more of these procedures are performed we will see a higher incidence of complications and deaths.

The best thing about the band is that the procedure is completely reversible and the slower weight loss is better for your body than a really rapid weight loss. I cjose the band over the VG because I know that if I ever had complications, I could get this thing removed. I also felt more comfortable knowing that when I get pregnant again I can have my fill removed and be able to sustain enough nutrition to have a healthy baby.

If there is the smallest chance that you want to become pregnant in the future, don't do the VG!!

Heather,

I wonder why he does that? It couldn't be all about the money...I just don't get it. He seems like such a sincere guy, he must think that is a truly good procedure. I don't have the guts to do it anyway, but I was thinking about it.

Did you by chance have your procedure at the Greenbrae Surgical Center? That is where mine is on THURSDAY. Geez, I cannot believe it's almost here! :hungry: LOL

Kelli

Congratulations, Kelli!

I had my surgery at California Pacific Medical San Francisco. I was very pleased with their service.

One of the reasons Dr. Feng likes the VG is because it's a lot less work for him. You don't go back for fills, so it saves him a lot of time. Also, LapSF participates in a lot of studies and statistics and they really like their patients to show drastic rapid weight loss. That doesn't happen with the band.

I believe the reason that they push it is because they believe (as do I), that it has fewer complications (both long term and short term) than RnY. There are always LONG term risks with foreign bodies being implanted in somebody, I mean LOOOONG term...20 years or more. Obviously, the band can be removed if you happen to develop problems.

I'm not positive if the VG will provide less long term risk than the band, but I believe that it will definitely provide less long term complications than the RnY.

Also, from what I've heard, the VG does cut hunger quite severely... Something that my band has never done. I guess I'll find out in the next few months (I'm having a VG on 3-1-06).

The evidence does seem to suggest that there is greater long term weight loss with the VG versus the band, but it will take long term research to bare this out.

Anthony,

Please let us know how you are fairing with the VG.

Hope all goes well!

Kelli