Hello My name is Stephanie and I'm new here. I"m looking forward to getting to know all of you

I've done everything I need to do except my nutrisionist apt which is scheduled for mid Dec. I'm planning on having surgery in Feb. We are going on a vaca at the end of Jan so that's why I've decided on waiting till we get back. At that point I can totally focus on myself and nothing else.

I have a friend who had the RNY several years ago. She is her surgeons picture perfect patient :/ She's been telling me that her surgeon doesn't even perform the Sleeve because of the major problems that come along with it. So of course this is scaring me to death and making me feel like maybe I should get the RNY. She's also telling me that if I ever got esaphgas or stomach cancer I'm pretty much screwed. I'm a cancer servivor so this is a concern of mine!!! She sent me the following pros and cons list.

Here are my list of pros and cons

Gastric Bypass

Faster weight loss

Higher complications

Reversible

Less likely to regain

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Slower weight loss

Less complications

Not reversible

Higher chance of regain

I'm getting very nervous and feel like I'm making a horrible decision in getting the sleeve. Although when I read this site I see a lot of good stories from people. I know with any surgery there are risks. I also know that there are also different outcomes for different people. I've done a lot of reading on RNY and Sleeve. I don't like the idea of having things rerouted but then again I don't like the idea of having my stomach cut out :s My surgoen does RNY but dosesn't like the Vitamin issues people tend to have after. That worries me too about the RNY. I worry about the long term issues with Sleeve. I know staying this way is a death sentence but we have a 3 year old little boy whose the light of our lives. I can't imagine not living a old life and not being there for him. Also we'd like to have another child but that's another story!

My husband is supportive but doesn't really talk too much about it. My parents are scared to death to say the least so I don't really feel like I can talk to them and they understand. So of course this friend I have talks to me about it but I feel like she's confusing me even more.

I've had 2 back surgeries with the last resulting in fusion. I've still got a lot of issues with my back going on so I'm unable to really get out and exersize at the moment cause of the pain I"m in. I know I need to do something about my weight because it's not going to happen on it's own and I can't seem to do anything that really gives long term results because of my disability.

Please can someone help me with my fears and questions??????????

I'm really confused, nervous and scared ;(

All I can go on is my experience & what I've been told. I decided to do VSG. My sister had RNY 3 years ago.

These are my own rationalizations...

RNY is hypothetically reversible. But WHY would you? The risk would be higher than doing it in the beginning. They create multiple stomas which are each a leak risk. So undoing them creates another risk. Additionally, while the pouch stomach is very small, it is made of the stretchy part of the stomach, which contains the gherlin-producing parts, & can (& has in many patients) restretch to astonishing capacity for how little tissue is used to construct it.

VSG is not reversible, but again, WHY would you want to undo something that worked to cure your obesity? Additionally, a sleeve is made if the less stretchy part of the stomach, so while it will probably relax over the years, it will never be able to stretch out to full size again.

Pyloric valve. And associated structures near it. With RNY they have to keep the pyloric valve & associated "tubing" so that certain chemicals, hormones, bile or what have you, can still be introduced into the GI system. With VSG, it's left alone, so it's not an issue.

The retention of the use of the pyloric valve, along with avoiding the malabsorption piece (I have had pernicious anemia, and chronic low bit D), are the main reasons that I'm choosing VSG. I know the rumor is that sleevers lose slower, bit that doesn't seem to really be the case based on what I see here & in local support groups. And sleevers seem to recover faster with less overall complications (although the complications they do have can be much worse).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 347*294/284/135 (*347HW/294SSW) | (twitter) @Mwrarr | mwrarr.wordpress.com

Being told ill never conceive and trying 13+ years' date=' we believed what the docs told us!!! It wasn't in the plan but she's coming and we're excited! I'm doing everything I'm told to do by the docs and I believe we will do just fine!

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Congrats on your pregnancy. You look great!

Vomiting was one of my biggest concerns when deciding on what surgery. I know several people who have had the bypass and frequently vomit. One woman who had a bypass over six years ago just had to have all of her teeth removed because they were ruined through constant vomiting.

I had VSG surgery 15 months ago, and I have NEVER vomited. I didn't even vomit while in the hospital. I am able to tolerate any food.

I also don't like the malabsorption issues that come with a bypass. I have arthritis in my ankle, and I can still take NSAIDS when I need to without worrying. I am also able to skip Vitamins once in a while and still get great results in my blood work. For instance, I never take Calcium vitamins, but my calcium levels are within the normal range. This wouldn't be true if I had the bypass.

Congrats on your pregnancy. You look great!

Thank you!

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Well' date=' I can tell you why I didn't think RNY wasn't for me!!!

1.) malabsorption (multiple Vitamins daily)

2.) rerouting of intestines (increased risk of leakages)

3.) rapid weight loss (loose skin)

4.) dumping (can't eat any sugars)

Those are just a few for me. I still wanted to have a normal life and eat in moderation and the sleeve has done that for me. I personally haven't had any complications but I've seen some on BOTH sides. I choose what was best for ME!! I take 2 vitamins daily ~ Calcium and Multivitamin. My labs have been SUPERB!!! I suffered from PCOS, PRE-DIABETES, snoring, shortness of breath ~ all of which are non existent 6 months post op today!!! I was even told ill never conceive ~ after years of seeing a fertility specialist and no success ~ I'm now 13 weeks pregnant! Me and my baby are both healthy right now!!! I still exercise, I've ran a 5K (NEVER could have seen this 6 months ago) I sleep and feel better about myself!

My advice, do your research for whats best for YOU!!!! You've heard both sides now....YouTube has a wealth of successful stories for both RNY and the sleeve. My channel is jmcbribe. Also I have a YouTube friend name Millaplus3 that had RNY and she looks BEAUTIFUL!!!! Ask questions!!!! Then make your decision!! Best wishes to you!

I started out at 283. I'm 186 today. (6 months...even though I lost slower than an RNY patient, I liked the fact it gave me a chance to tone my skin) But 90+ lbs in 6 months!!!! Who can do that without any surgery????

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U look great

Marie

There is a sleeve plication procedure that is reversible. The surgeon plicates the stomach and folds/rolls it back. My surgeon does them. This is a new technique.

life is a journey, not a destination; so, stop running -H.D. THEROUX

Don't let anyone sway you and don't rush into it. Both Roux N Y and sleeve are serious operations. At first I liked the idea of reversible surgery, but the reality is that RNY has more complications and yes it is reversible but insurance often doesn't cover the cost (very high) of the secnd surgery and it is a serious operation, not like removing a gastric band. Neither are perfect, sleevers loss almost as fast, and the dumping syndrome is less then RNY...They both take adjustment, commitment and knowing that there are no other choices. If you have doubts wait...

I decided on the sleeve for the following reasons:

1. No malabsorbsion issues that could lead to other health issues
   
   
2. No rerouting of the intestimes
   
   
3. Reduction in hunger hormones
   
   
4. I can still take NSAIDS and other meds (like Prednisone) that I need for my Rheumatiod Arthritis. The surgeon basically told me that I couldn't have RNY due to the RA.
   

I also know people who have had both surgeries. My brother had VGS 2 years ago and lost 150 pounds. He was 400 pounds and could put the food away. Now he is still very restricted in how much he can eat (stomach hasn't stretched), but he can eat/drink anything he wants. He hasn't gained anything back. Someone else I know had RNY about 6 months ago. She had well over 100 pounds to lose, but stopped at 60 because she can tolerate (and eats) ice cream and other things with no problem. Now her stomach is starting to stretch.

It's really a personal decision based on what is best for you. My surgeon has said that he is now doing more sleeves because insurance companies are starting to cover the surgery when that didn't before. Many people wanted VGS but got RNY because the insurance would cover it.

Congrats on your pregnancy I hope everything goes well !!!

Malabsorption issues was my biggest concern. So far, the only vitamin deficiency I have problems with is vitamin D. Now with that said, I had horrible a vitamin D deficiency prior to surgery, so the deficiency is not secondary to the surgery. I did a lot of praying. I received my answer. Learn about the process, research it. Get on boards and talk with people like you are doing now. Of course I am going to say get the sleeve! I am a success story , but I think you need to do what's best for you! Good luck!

Holland- good luck in whatever path you take. I'm sure after doing your research & talking with others who have went thru both surgeries you will chose what's best for you. I have had the sleeve but did a lot if research myself first. I spoke with people who had the band, RNY & sleeve. I watched videos of the sleeve procedure, found a great Dr to do the surgery. I am almost 3 months out & have lost 40 pounds. Best of luck & will see you on the loser's bench

Holland: How exciting! You have a 3 yr old son, you're going on vacation, you're going to lose weight (no matter which WLS you opt for).... I mean, c'mon! This is a really exciting period in your life! Even good stress is still stress so please remember to stop every once in awhile and do some deep breathing and relaxation exercises :-)

A few years ago I went to a weightloss seminar because I had managed to diet my way up to 360 lbs. At that time the only WLS available was the Lap Band or the Gastric Bypass. They both scared me and after much research and prayer, I opted out. I tried once more to lose the weight on my own through diet and, ha ha, exercise (I have had 3 knee replacements & a foot rebuild and exercise is just not happening). I finally conceded defeat and went back to the bariatric center's website to restart the process. Lo and behold, they now offered the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. woo hoo! It sounded exactly like what I wanted - something that would prevent me from eating too much but that would allow me to remain healthy and eat whatever I wanted to, just less. I still wasn't sure it would work for me because my metabolism is so messed up but, ta da!, it does work and is working and is exactly what I needed. I just wish I had been able to have had it done 30 years ago (I'm 56).

I think you will be very happy with a VSG.

Hi

Just my 2 cents.

My friend had RNY 15 months before I had the sleeve.

She got to goal in 6 months and stayed there for 8 before she started regaining.

She doestn eat a lot but she struggles with tummy ache and heartburn like mad.Solid Protein isnt something she even considers at this point.So her food is carb oriented.She eats small portions of mostly carbs.

Now mentally here is the crazy thing that makes people get sick longer term post op.Because she has regained about 25 pounds she is just not concerned about the Vitamins anymore.Cant be deficient,Im fat.She hardly ever makes 60g's of protein per day,she doesnt do shakes anymore (iM fat remember?) and she doesnt eat protein in any useful quantity.

She will get sick.She will have deficiencies,she will have too little total Protein.And because she is ashamed and disgusted with herself,she is defensive and will not talk about it.Calls people who are diligent about these things obsessive.

She wasnt like that earlier in this journey.She is an RN.Should know better.But we lose insight when we feel bad about ourselves.

And this is why I never considered RNY.My cousin,same age than me is dying of complications of the JIB they did earlier years and it is all due to lack of suficient protein and vitamins.She still refusing to have a take down even though she's had blood clots on her lungs (protein deficiency,kidney failure,Pirexia of unknown origin for over 2 years now and the list goes on and on)

Malabsorption,whereas you can gain weight back as the fats arent malabsorped for long and the dumping goes away for a lot,the Vitamin dificiency stays forever.

I do believe chances for regain is bigger with the sleeve.But that is the only neg. I can find.So,knowing that,I can work on not regaining and pray that when I do gain the first 5 pounds,I dont stick my head in the sand and refuse to acknowledge that I have to stop it immediately.Shoot,I've said in a nother post in order to prevent that I will nip and tuck until 20 pound regain will cause me to simply explode,so I wont be able to regain...lol

Good luck with your choice.I just feel so desperately sad for my friend as she has a lot of health issues to deal with now but she is still regaining her weight.At least I think Should I regain I will be healthier than my RNY counterpart.Who knows?

Hi Stephanie,

Pros and cons

Gastric Bypass

Faster weight loss - Not necessarily.

Higher complications - I would agree

Reversible - Yes, but I've never heard of anyone getting it reversed, only revised.

Less likely to regain - I don't believe this.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Slower weight loss - Not in my case

Less complications - Would agree

Not reversible - Agreed, but who would want to?

Higher chance of regain _ I don't agree

My surgeon really hasn't done a lot of sleeves for weight loss, only stomach cancer. I am the only sleever at the support group meetings. Most of them wish they had gotten the sleeve. My surgeon didn't think I could lose much weight without the malabsorbtion factor and fear of dumping.

I am a little over 10 months in, 18 lbs from goal with a weight loss of 98 pounds.

My SIL had RNY 10 years ago and lost weight yes, but she never lost much. She is still morbidly obese.

I wanted to have a REAL stomach and not a pouch. I want to eat sugar on occasion. I want to drink a soda on occasion. I want my pyloric sphincter.

Get the sleeve.

vsg30815 - I too have PCOS. We went through 4 1/2 years of infertility treatments before having our little guy So; CONGRATS!!! We'd like to have 1 more if possible but are totally happy with our sweet Luca if he's all we can have.

And sleevers seem to recover faster with less overall complications (although the complications they do have can be much worse).

Much worse complications?? Can you explain?

I'd like to thank everyone for all the support you've shown! I belong to other message boards and this by far has been one of the most supportive boards

I have done what some of you have said and checked out Youtube. We have very slow internet where we live so I had to do it when I was in a faster zone. It was nice to see different people go through different weightloss options and to see how they progress.

I've also responded to my friend...

I basically told her that I'm going through with the Sleeve. I said that I appricated all of her input but I had done a lot of research and have decided to go along with what my surgeon recommended for me. That I understand everyone has different reactions to the different options out there but that it came down to how people handle the tool they've been given. If you go into it with your heart and mind set to winning this race then you will win!

I've had major back problems. I'm actually on disabilty because of a injury in June of 2011. I used to be the person totally against weight loss surgery. Now I'm in the situation that I understand now why people decide on it. I also read once that if there's something out there to help people then why ignore it....do it to help your future. It would kind of be like not going through with heart surgery when you needed it.

My fear now is the surgery :'( I'd have back surgery any day over this surgery!! I'm so affraid!! Like I said...I have a 3 year old and a hubby who need their mama/wife. I can't leave them :'(

Can you all tell me what to expect??

Thanks again for all the support!!!!!

Steph