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Help... I'm so confused which surgery to choose...

wendy1974

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wendy1974    3

wendy1974
Posted

After speaking to a nurse at one of the WLS seminars I went to, she told me that the sleeve doesn't work on women as well as men long term? Also, I have type 1 diabetes and she said that the sleeve would be 'no good' for me? I am so confused. I actually went to two different seminars, at two different hospitals, and at the other seminar the nurse coordinator told me there was no difference between the two surgeries based on my diabetes. My BMI is currently at 42, if that helps. I was really looking forward to the sleeve because the thought of 're-plumbing' my insides kinda disturbs me.... Oh, and I have BCBS of MI so I should be able to be approved for either surgery. I haven't actually talked to the surgeon yet, but I'm hoping to get in for an appointment next week.

HELP ME MAKE UP MY MIND PLEASE!:blink:

Wendy

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new_beginnings_    16

new_beginnings_
Posted

Hi Wendy,

I just went through the same argument myself and also posted a topic about it. I had a band that did not work as I thought it would so I was faced with either gain my weight back and have nothing to show for that stupid band or have a revision surgery. I fought with myself for a few days because I was also told that the sleeve might not be a good choice for me since I was unsuccessful with the band but I just could not imagine having the RNY knowing that I want to have children in the near future (even though they say it would be fine). Also I personally know several people that had the bypass and some were successful and some were not. I decided that the RNY would be my last resort since the sleeve can easily be changed to the RNY. Once you have the bypass, that's it. Most doctors won't even atempt to reverse it so I wanted to have the sleeve so that I can try to have a somewhat normal life after the weight loss and not have to worry about dumping syndrome or Vitamin deficiencies (as bad). After scouring these pages and lots of advice from people on here, friends, and family, I made my decision to go with the sleeve. I was sleeved on 4/6 after only a short wait because my current insurance did not require me to do anything. So far I am really happy with my decision. The first few days after surgery were hell but it gets better everyday. Only you can decide what decision is best so research and make an educated choice. Good luck and best wishes! :D

Monica

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Tiffykins    673

Tiffykins
Posted

I replied on OH as well, but if you check this one first.

1) It's total B.S. about men being more successful long term with VSG. B.S.

2) Check out the OH revision forum, go back through about 5-8 pages and see just how many people are looking to revise their RNY because of 1) Regain 2) Complications with their pouch/stoma combination

3) Resolution with diabetes happens with the sleeve all the time.

Here is a study for Type II Diabetes resolution with VSG and RNY

http://www.springerlink.com/content/f135104x27461498

Here's another research link on Ghrelin Plasma levels for VSG vs. RNY, it specifically shows that VSG gives longer lower levels of Ghrelin (the hunger hormone)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18376181?ordinalpos=12&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

I have tons of research links, articles in my blog if you'd like to review them, along with my reasons for VSG instead of RNY for my revision from the band.

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wendy1974    3

wendy1974
Posted

Thanks for responding... First, congratulations on your sleeve. I never imagined it would be this hard to decide what to do.... But everything you said made complete sense. I'm about 98.9% I'm gunna do this. Unless the surgeon says I have no other choice beside RNY... Like you said, in the future I could always take it one step further if I really had no luck with the sleeve. Sure it wouldn't be ideal to have more than 1 WLS, but once RNY is done it's really done....

Take care! I hope you have an easy recovery!

Wendy :D

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wendy1974    3

wendy1974
Posted

Thanks Tiffykins! I appreciate you taking the time to reply to both sites.. I wanted to get as much input as possible, I figured better too much, than not enough, right? :rolleyes:

Also thanks for pointing out the pouch/stoma issue. Unfortunately, in my experience, if there is a complication to be had, I'll find it. I had my wisdom teeth pulled when I was 22... ended up with a numb lower lip cause they hit the nerve (well, half my lip). I had my tubes tied after my 2nd was born, one grew back together (almost completely back together) and Now I have baby #3!!! I am really taking a careful look at the complications for this one, cause I want to do this to make improvements in my life, not more trouble! :lol:

So thanks again!

Wendy

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new_beginnings_    16

new_beginnings_
Posted

Thanks for responding... First, congratulations on your sleeve. I never imagined it would be this hard to decide what to do.... But everything you said made complete sense. I'm about 98.9% I'm gunna do this. Unless the surgeon says I have no other choice beside RNY... Like you said, in the future I could always take it one step further if I really had no luck with the sleeve. Sure it wouldn't be ideal to have more than 1 WLS, but once RNY is done it's really done....

Thank you and your not alone in this; it was a very hard decision for me too seeing as I already 'failed' with the band so I wanted to make sure that I was not setting myself up to fail again. It's true that people loose alot of weight quickly with the bypass, but I would much rather loose it a bit slower and keep it off. I don't really see a reason why your doctor would tell you that the RNY is your only choice. If he does, I would definately get a second opinion if you make up your mind to go with the sleeve. Keep us updated and good luck!

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meggiep    57

meggiep
Posted

I myself believe the sleeve will become the surgery of choice. Aside from not thinking it great to have my intestines rearranged, I find the malabsorption aspect of the RNY really undesirable. Though removing part of your stomach is extreme, I like the fact that the route from mouth to colon is the same. That is a BIG thing to me. The lack of dumping is a big thing too- I have a lot of physical issues and I don't need that. I am the kind of person who does a lot of research before doing anything and I chose the sleeve.

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 2 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
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    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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