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Hi! I'm new here, I just googled "Weight Loss Surgery Discussion Boards" and this is the first site that popped up. I hope I'm in the right place... I had Open RNY GB in May of 2002. My weight the morning of surgery was 310lbs. I lost over 100 lbs in the first 10 months and got down to my lowest weight of 153lbs about 2 years after surgery. I was feeling fabulous! However, over the years, I was able to maintain at about 170-180lbs consistently, until I gave birth to my son in 2012. After he was born, I wasn't able to lose all of the weight I gained during pregnancy. I was around 200 - 205 lbs at my lowest after he was born. But, due to some other life circumstances and traumatic life experiences that happened to me in 2016, I have gained back over 100lbs and am now sitting at about 268lbs. I'm crushed. In May 2021 I decided to research revisions and found a surgeon in my area (St. Louis, MO) who specializes in revisions and I found out that I am a candidate for a revision to Duodenal Switch. After meeting with a dietician for 6 months, psychologist, primary care physician, etc. I'm finally having my revision next week... April 14, 2022!! I'm so scared and nervous this time around. I don't know what to do or where to go. I wasn't this nervous before my first surgery and I think it's because I didn't have as much to lose back then when I was 21. Now I have a 10 year old son who is everything to me and I'm terrified that if something goes wrong, he won't have a mom. Has anyone else in the forum gone through this and if so, can you please share your experience with me?

I had revision from the band to bypass 4 weeks ago and it went great but I have only lost about 12lbs and I just think that I should have lost more I only eating about 400 to 500 calories a day so what is going on

@@mattuti86 God bless!! I'm praying for your returned health. I hope they can revise you to the bypass rather than anything more drastic. I'm revising to the bypass from having the sleeve almost 4 years ago as well. Complications do occur that's true, but we have to stay strong so we can tell our stories of victory. Take care of yourself.

Found out I would have to go through a 6 week program and pay out around $300+ and then MAYBE my insurance would cover the revision surgery from band to sleeve. So I'm still on the fence about what I will do. I'm trying to buy a house and save money and then I'll have to move in October, so spending that kind of money right now isn't really ideal for me so I thought I might wait until next year as long as the gallbladder doesn't give me any more fits. I did get another fill in my band. I have more trouble with more foods now, but I'm losing weight, so I'm reluctant to say anything. I go back in a couple weeks anyway. I can eat solid foods, but not a lot and if I'm not careful it's painful I think when it's hitting the band and trying to pass through, but it is only a short burst of sharp pain. I just have to remember to be careful. This is the best I've done - as far as losing weight - with the band since the first week post op.

I haven't done my revision yet, but am 90% ready to book my appointment for November. Why am I switching? Because I hate my band. Right now I have acid in my throat and just finished yacking up a some pizza (I took 3 bites of a pizza). While last night, I was able to enjoy dinner (lots of it) at my parent's with out any problem. I also have a leak. My band is just so unpredictable and I'm afraid of the damage it is doing to me.

I was banded Oct 1, 2008. The complications started the day of surgery when a nurse held my ankles and made me reach above my head, grab the bedrails and pull my butt into the hospital bed. I had a shredding pain spread across my abdomen. No big deal they said, hit the pain pump. The next morning I woke up to an enormous bruise that was about 7" wide by 10" long across my abdomen under my port site sutures. I was scared. . .But was reassured that nothing was wrong with me. Fast forward 10 days, suture removal, the bruising has now spread to my side and down even further my abdomen. The port site suture could not be removed because of swelling. The nurse dug around in one of my lap sites to remove sutures, and she couldn't get them out. YAY. 2 weeks later, I had cottage cheese consistency, old blood spewing from the lap site, it's now the size of a lima bean, and I see all the way to the pink layers of my abdomen, right through the fat. The infection is now tunnelling through my tummy. YAY YAY. They didn't seem too concerned, just keep it clean. Okay, off I go, 6 weeks later, the little hole is now getting smaller, it closes one day, but to my surprise there was something growing behind it. LOVELY. Prescription of Levaquin should resolve that. . . I quit having restriction around Thanksgiving with a total of 2.5cc in my "band", in the tubing really. Was told to just stick to the diet, and to remember I am ahead of the game with 25lbs gone. December rolls around, not restriction, can eat more than I should, trying to be good. Called office about not having restriction, am told that it may take 25+ fills to get restriction and I need to accept it. REALLY? I'll throw out this and it maybe TMI for some. But, our sex life suffered substantially because the port area was so sensitive, sex was sometimes impossible. . . Even though my husband is the most understanding, loving, and supportive husband in the universe, I hated feeling that we could not be intimate because I hurt so badly. Okay, now fast forward end of Jan. Lost 1 pound in 2 months, YAY. I have a lot pain in my port area especially about my monthly cycle. Told surgeon, he looks dumbfounded. Manipulates the port for 15-20 minutes, I get 1cc finally. Thought I had restriction, yeah, not really. February, port pain is becoming more and more noticeable. And when I say pain, I mean pain level 6-8 on a daily basis. I go in for a fill even though they don't want to give me one, and he can't get to the port after 20 minutes of gouging around in my abdomen. It's swelling, bruising... I ask about the bleeding, and they finally agree to test me for R5 factor, reaction to Heparin. I am NEGATIVE. I received 5cc of heparin over a 30 hour hospital stay. Okay, March 3rd, went in for a fill under fluoro, yep port is flipped, he digs on me for another 20 minutes, 5 different sticks, and can't get it under fluoro. I'm devastated. . . I ask him "why do I hurt everyday?" his reply " I honestly don't know ". . . Hmmmm this is not good. 6 days later, I show up for another attempt under fluoro even though they tell me it is to be done the next week. He agrees to try again, I get to radiology, and he says " have I accessed the port since repositioning it?" Ummm I was just here 6 days ago, and NO you haven't repositioned my port. He chuckled and said "oh dear, I've forgotten your chart." The fluoro table is at a 25degree angle, he manipulates the port and is able to give me 1cc, and tells me "see ya in 60 days". . . And off he went. I left feeling like I was just ridden hard and put up wet. It was horrific. . . I called a week later and spoke with his nurse who proceeded to tell me " you haven't been happy since the beginning" I argued and said " No I haven't been happy since I have been ignored, and brushed off, and having complications that are trivialized by you and your husband." I told her I wanted my chart, and it took me driving down there and waiting an hour and a half to get my measley chart. She proceeded to tell me " you should of had gastric bypass like I told you". LOVELY. I am not sure if I would of been successful with the band, but I know that I am so glad that I am getting the revision. The PB, sliming,getting stuck on crystal light was just too much for me to tolerate. I followed the rules, I worked my butt off for that 1lb loss between Thanksgiving and January 22nd. I truly feel like I was set up for failure by my surgeon, and I am so grateful to have the approval that I need to have the band removed and revision to the sleeve in June. I was one of those ecstatic band patients until I had problems. Couple that with lack of concern and aftercare from my surgeon, I don't regret my choice for the band initially, I am sad it took me this long to get the hell away from my original surgeon.

Here are some questions that may help you in your research. I copied them from another post in the canadianlapbanders.com by Donna These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid calcium? chewable multi vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Hope they help

The band made me constantly sick. It was an easy decision as soon as I found out about the sleeve that I wanted that thing out of me as soon as possible and to have revision surgery to the sleeve. The sleeve is everything the band was supposed to be-small portions and no hunger. The band can completely ruin your stomach and esohagus so I wanted it out before it did so much damage that it could not be repaired.

Hi I'm Angie and new to this site. I got my VSG on Sept. 27,2013. As a revision. I'm excited with the support you all show each other. Look forward to the road ahead. My pre weight was 274 Pre-op weight 260 And today's weight 245 Down 29 pounds

I have retaken over the Compilation thread as of June 15th and just got it up to date. Please realize I had surgery June 4th and I'm still struggling a bit. If anyone sees someone post in the section that is outside of June mainly a thread called "Any June Sleevers" which is located in the preop section and not June section, please post their name at the end of this thread or direct them here. It will help me keep up. Unfortunately, I can't be online as long as I used to presurgery. Thank you so much. My prayers continue to go out to those that had surgery and to those that are coming up on their surgery. Best wishes for speedy recovery to all. June 1, 2012 BigGirlVee -- Dr. Coirin, Modesto, CA 2thenewme -- Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Mexico AChristie -- in Juarez SouthernDonna45 -- Dr. Alvarezta ta1020 and comfortably numb - Dr. Kelly June 2, 2012 Dizzle Ready2Bthin -- Dr. Aceves Mexicali June 4, 2012 ptprincess93 DcMak72 Furby036 -- Emma Patterson Portland,Oregon 6-4-12_sleever Karenb4729 Teasha1 -- dr. Ponce de leon, Mexico Tlaff79 -- Dr. Blaine Nease Angelakay2 -- Dr. Brad Waggoner IrishSoul -- waiting on okay from insurance Dkna2 -- Dr. Garcia, Tijuanna MamaM -- Removal/Revision Mina T -- Dr. Paul Stanish labubakari Ready for the new Lay-Lay -- George Woodman, Memphis TN Sallyincincinnati -- Thegoddesszili Calicolea June 5, 2012 shereebarb Chichis77 Bubblesbgood -- Dr. Michael Nusbaum Kstalvey -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano Miss scarlet Back­­~To~Amy -- Dr. Nick Nicholson from Plano ShannonK Aznoel -- Dr. Stephen Burpee New_Hope -- Dr. Stowers, Decatur, Tx. txdee -- Dr. Nick Nicholson Amom2twins -- Dr. Aviv Ben-meir raindrop Erica E Cat Scratch Fever Redbottoms82 IlyssaDel newnin - Abington, PA Dr. Fernando Bonanni June 6, 2012 Sunshine08 -- Atlanta, GA Kmaskery SylviaMom -- Dr. Aceves – lap to sleeve MadisonPA kfitch Soon2bhotmama -- Dr. Ryan Heider Pooh Krystina kiki green June 7, 2012 Giselle3264 -- Dr. David Kim, Dallas LULU TAT justsleeveme23 -- Dr. Minkin, St. Louis Lovingmeforever -- Dr. Almanza butterflylegacy -- Dr. David Kim MsYoYo -- Fl. Alp50 -- Dr. Kelly Debbiesclipper Bigzoe32 TCBunny - Atlanta GA Jennifer SoFla June 8, 2012 Mari6257 Cristal602 -- Dr. Jaime Kelly Jenz531 Crystalaine -- Dr. Kelly TinaP -- Dr Jose Rodriguez Moms3boys June 9, 2012 cissiesue June 11, 2012 PEvette Vanb0052 -- Dr. Svendsen, Methodist Hospital in Minnesota! Readytobeslimxoxox -- Dallas Blondeej Dr. Aceves, Mexicali -band to sleeve revision KamloopsMom -- Mexicali w/sister surgeries Healthy Mama Kat1 -- Dr. Garcia Pam2011 -- Dr. Orlando Icaza bogeydog blackdahlia -- Dr. Clark celticharpist -- Dr. Brock Borderlon Detroit_Tom cindyandhersleeve - Houston karrina-D cissiesue June 12, 2012 Eager12 -- Dr. Robert Wegner, Memphis Iwant2Bthatgirl need2change -- Dr. David Kim Dayo -- Dr. Robert Casillas Denalisa -- Dr. Wittgrove CRosa -- Dr. Pavlos Papasavas glsun0612 Wolfgirl1978 -- Dr. Keith Chung Joy00 Newme_38 - Dr Babak, Maryland June 13, 2012 Gene1970 JRoybal Slimwithin DuranFan1969 -- Dr. Christopher Hart, Atlanta New Orleans Lady -- Dr. James Redmann, Slidell / Covington, La SweetSusie1 -- Dr. James Davidson NJHANIBAL rherrera Kiloalphatango - Australia Wolf3749 - Dr. Patterson, Portland OR ZoobDude - Dr. Lopez June 14, 2012 Ssilian -- Dr. Anthony Terracina, VA Karma84 Finding Myself -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico Goofycathy -- Dr. Kelly in Tijuana Mexico thinmymind -- Dr. Kelly Estrovan - Dr. Bauman in Charlotte NC Pdubbaya23 - June 15, 2012 TLC223 HolyCow1234 Territravel -- June 16, 2012 june16 -- Dr. Jorge Daes, Columbia, SA June 18, 2012 ChrissyDeex3 VeronicaH Pteri -- Dr. Srinivasan at Emory innerme Naturals -- mommieof3 Kymwalla June 19, 2012 Sunshine25 -- DFW area DadTo2 -- Dr. Nicholson, Dallas, TX Littlebits Zoobdude -- Dr. Almanza Lehg520 - Dr. Kristin Noonan Katrina8l Katelynrose June 20, 2012 Ready! Set! Brandy Riggen nmg4unj5 JRoybal - Dr. Garcia jonamarie2012 June 21, 2012 Angie_Musgrave Skinnytata - Dr Le at Kaiser South San Francisco MDZNCSLIM June 23, 2012 MirandaK -- Dr. Almanza, Mexico June 25, 2012 Looking Ahead Ready Rudy Artichokes -- Dr. Lautz Brigham & Women’s in Boston Jubjub07 -- Dr. Aceves anais02 -- Dr. Garcia Skane10 -- Dr. Garcia Janedeaux3 Lose4good2012 -- Dr. Billy (may use spider surgical tool) aled carolinagirlz 136HereICome- Lawerance hospital in NY ChristianMomma7 CRichard1107 SMP1126 June 26, 2012 locoladi Trista1975 -- Dr. Almanza-reyes, Mexico JTmoas s.ledbetter17 -- Dr. Edwards and Lane – mcg. Nardelkn cherryseven chuckles -- Dr. Keith Gersin Misslorlor MsPerry 1920-Zeta tumblersmom glocks90 suzilouise rudekitty ShrinkingBellyKelly June 27, 2012 herewegoagain Edward Mun -revision GivingItMyAll pkehrer mcsleevy - Dr. Sherman Yu in Houston, Tx Joyce Ellis-joy686 - revision MoreganK Praldous - Saranac lake NY Dr.Hill Carlashooter- Aworkinprogress - spider single incision with Dr. Robert Marema Ris26 June 28, 2012 kkm23 -- Dallas Iwannabslim -- Dr. Jaime Ponce – sleeve revision Sleevertobe Mina05pit - Philadephia, PA Apricot111 ready4change79 June 29, 2012 EileenFrances -- Dr. Subhash Kini Robin33 -- Costa Rica tonibugg -- Dr. Rod Juarez SunnyCox - Dr. Kelly in Mexico TinaP - Dr Rodriguez June 30, 2012 lil lee -- Dr. Aceves in Mexicali Mrslittle -- Dr. Alvarez

Well, for me this wasn't actually my plan. I was sent to the bariatric center because my other doctor couldn't do an EGD (she couldn't get the scope down). Once this got started the surgery part became medically necessary. It was either take out the ring or take out the ring and do a revision. I kinda got thrown into this rather quickly. This has all happened since April or May. Then, once they started to set up a surgery date I only got 2 weeks notice! I freaked out that first couple days and ate a lot of chocolate, but have calmed down to just occasional ice cream and such. Lol Sent from my SM-N900T using the BariatricPal App

psych eval tomorrow then I wait for approval! so ready.

My Surgery date for revision is Aug 4th 2014.... So excited...

Now that I've chosen the RNY as my revision surgery it was reccommended by ladiesassie to ask about Protein shakes.... A person at work told me I should drink the already made Low Carb Slim Fast shakes- 20 grams of Protein and -0- sugar..... Is this something I can drink right out of the gate? would it be too sweet for me? Also what other types of drinks in powder form are GREAT tasting? I don't mind blending them up as long as they taste good. I really don't want to lose my hair ( My hair has already thinned out from the lap band) So it's important that I get in enough protein to keep what I have left :tongue_smilie: Any in sight would be very helpful to me. So let me know what your favorite high Protein Drink is- It must be sugar free though- I'm sure it will be difficult to find good tasting drinks that are sugar free.....:thumbdown: Hey you guys have a great Tuesday today!!!! Only two more working days left this week!!! :thumbup: Thanks again for your insight!!:biggrin2:

I had the lap band to sleeve revision surgery. Ever since I had the first surgery I've been experiencing a compression and cramping pain in the middle of my abdominal. If I sit on a chair it will get worse within the hour. The thing is I contacted my lap band doctor and he told me that there was nothing wrong. They did an upper GI and apparently there was nothing wrong with it. I have a feeling it has something to do with my abdominal muscle because I can feel it in my back sometimes also. I dunno what to do now because he didn't find anything and I may go get this checked out. I really don't think it is just my imagination because this doesn't feel normal.

I started with a gastric sleeve surgery done in July 2019 weighing just shy of 350lbs. I had a lot of issues and tough recovery and it required a revision to a gastric bypass at the end of February 2020. I do not own a scale in my home as I would obsess over the number and with the whole Covid situation I was not going to in person dr appointments but today finally I was able to go and I weighed in at 187lbs!!!! That number seems crazy to me. I was over 200 at the age of 12 and I’m now 46. I want to laugh and cry at the same time. This last year was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever been through and I am not back to being 100% healthy yet but I am so excited to finally be under the 200lb mark.

Hi. I am 57 thinking about revision to bypass from band. Many probs. how are you doing?

Of course the people who are posting in a "Gastric band to bypass revision" are people who had problems with the gastric band. That doesn't tell us anything about percentage of the total GB population who are/are not having problems. People who have no problems with their band are not going to see Dr. Rutledge complaining about their band, and probably are not posting in forums on revisions. The plural of "anecdote' is not "data".

I've seen the same thing. I think people become very defensive of their procedure. I think I know the exact thread you are referring to as well. I think a lot of doctors do call it a DS as it is a modified DS procedure. I had mine done by Dr. Jawad at Orlando Bariatric and Laproscopy. It was a robotic procedure to boot! The procedures offered were thoroughly explained at the info seminar and at the first appointment when you determine surgery type. The biggest advantages are the pylorus is intact reducing dumping syndrome, lessening the gas and diarrhea issues and because it is a bit simpler the the surgery takes less time, so less time under anesthesia and a quicker recovery. While it isn't really a "new" procedure it is kinda the new kid on the block. All WLS procedures were new at one time and doctors and researchers spend hundreds of hours improving them. My doctor's office no longer performs the lap band because the long term results on many require revisions.

Ok guys, I'm pretty much a newbie to the website, only joined a few weeks ago. I got my surgery date last week. It's September 6th, three weeks from today. I gotta admit, I'm getting nervous. I had Lap Band surgery four years ago (it failed, miserably) so this is a revision. It's the fact that they'll be cutting out 90% of my stomach that's freaking me out. Yeah, I know that's what I signed up for, it's just the procedure itself that's making me nervous. I had a client who had bypass surgery a few years back and when they went to make the connections her stomach/intestinal tissue was so fragile they could barely reconnect. She had tons of problems with leaks and almost died. So while my logical mind tells me that was a very freak event, my emotions are playing hell with me. I could really use some encouraging words from some of you guys who have been through this. Thanks!

when doing bypass revision how long so you stay in the hospital!!!

I am a band to sleeve revision also. Had the band out in Oct after having it for 10 years, and am scheduled for my sleeve Jan 13th. I feel the exact same way that you do. What if THIS doesn't work either? I am self pay, so have invested a lot, first in the band, and now the sleeve. I have looked at bypass and even sleeve with Duodenal switch. This last option is the "fail" safe one, but also the highest risk and long term issues with mal-absorption. I think I am going to be ok after sleeve. I know there are ways to "eat around it" but I am determined not to get in that rut, and am also hoping the surgery does away with the hunger issues as it's supposed to. Good luck with your journey.

I had a sleeve done in 2015. My revision to bypass is on 19th sept. I have developed something similar to a stricture and worsening nausea when i eat. I'm glad you posted this because I'm really interested in hearing about other people's experiences too. Sent from my SM-G950F using BariatricPal mobile app

My restriction is still there and working after 4 years. Statistics I've seen say revisions are rare. I have compassion for anyone who has had a large weight gain or complications. The sleeve stretching scenario leaves me baffled. Are the mental health evaluations identifying eating disorders pre surgery? Are surgeons offices/medical community intervening if someone is binge eating past capacity repeatedly?(stretching their sleeve) Do people confuse stretching their sleeve with grazing? It's not that the sleeve has stretched. Grazing is not eating past the feeling of restriction. Grazing: Consuming poor food choices and/or excessive calories in many meals over, over and over throughout the day. The amount of calories would be as if you never had surgery. The weight would come right back. any thoughts?

Wow. Almost nothing in this post is true. Sleeves are a lot more popular now, yes, but they are not "almost always" done over bypass, not even close. The data I found from the ASMBS indicates that the rate of bypass has remained relatively stable, while surgeons are performing far more VSG procedures instead of bands since 2011. Nothing I have read attributes the development of marginal ulcers in RNY patients to the bypass of the pyloric valve. According to Dr. Matthew Weiner, RNY patients rarely have a serious, life-altering malnutrition of any kind. When they do, it's usually iron. Any massive weight loss, surgical or otherwise, can induce hair loss. It's almost always temporary and usually returns by the 1-year mark. Plenty of VSG patients also experience hair loss. According to my surgeon, only 25% of RNY patients get dumping and sugar is not always the trigger. Additionally, over time the intestines usually adapt and incidence of dumping is greatly reduced. RNY has averages of 70-77% excess weight loss at 2 years with VSG at 68-70%. Big difference? No. Difference? Yes. The sleeve has plenty of downsides including greater risk of leaking (much longer staple line), complications like kinks, 33% chance to develop acid reflux or GERD, higher rate of revision, slower weight loss, lower AVERAGE percent of excess weight lost, as well as all the regular issues like hair loss, dehydration, etc.