I had my VGS with Dr Verboonen 8/1/12. A roller coaster of emotions. There was minimul lingering discomfort for a few days but I did not take the prescribed pain meds. Frankly what stands out as the most discomforting was the sore throat from whatever tube they put down. A week later the soreness is gone but my normal deep voice has changed considerably. After being awoken after surgery I asked for something to help my throat pain but my requests were ignored. I feel some throat logenzes would have been of relief. I have no idea if I was an exception for I have seen no other comments about sore throats. VGS surgery greatly plays with your emotions (myself anyway) for if you loved to dine out & socialize with good food & friends that takes some major adjustments. In any case I am just relaying my recont personal experience. Good luck to you all