Newbie from UK

[libra98uk 0]

:tongue_smilie:Hi there folks, it's Lynn from Darlington, UK. I had a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty in 2004. In my first year I dropped from 26 stone(364 lbs), to 17 1/2 stone(245 lbs).

In that year I was still only on liquids and mush.

In the following 4 years I managed to get back onto 'normal' food, but my weight has crept up.

I now weigh 22 stone 5 lbs(315 lbs) again.

It is still fluctuating, up more than down.

I can still only eat approximately one small cupped hand of food. Most solids, like meat, are rejected by my stomach, so I am mostly vegetarian these days.

I find it hard to reconcile the fact that I do not eat much in quantity to my old diet, but am still putting weight on. I have had no follow up from my surgeon for years, it only lasted the first year. I had no counselling before or after and i only saw the dietitian half a dozen times in the first year. That was almost pointless as they did not have any idea about post op diets for VBG patients.

Has anyone else experienced this post op weight gain?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I'm so sorry; I don't know much about VBG, except to be glad I never had it. Have you found any VBG sites, boards, or online support groups? Can you go to a different surgeon or specialist? Sounds to me like you're only living a half life and it sounds pretty miserable. I wish I could help you!

[libra98uk 0]

Thanx for a quick reply. Just found this site 4 years on. A half life? lol. Not even that really. I will start looking in earnest for VBG specific sites. All the threads on this site are for bands with fills? I did email a Dr S Somers in UK. Hoping he will have some answers for me. Lynn

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Can the VBG be reversed? If I were you I'd consider that. Once you heal from that, you can see where you are and what you want to do.

[libra98uk 0]

Thanx for the thought, but my op is irreversible. Its a done deal. xxx

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I'm so sorry. I hope you find some support, and a doc who can give you some guidance!