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 ;(

Surgery always has risks, but I fairly sailed through mine. I was so thrill to be getting it and looking forward to 3 whole weeks off works that my attitude was really good. That, I'm convinced, helps a lot.

I went horseback riding right after my two week checkup and got all my Protein and fluids in from day one. That also makes a huge difference. I drank those Isopure clear fruit things. Not the best tasting, but you do what you gotta do. Period.

catracks - I'm hoping I can get everything in I'm suppose too. I've heard you have to drink so many ounces every hour. If your napping did you wake up to drink or did you wait till you woke up?

Agree with Catracks, a positive attitude goes a long way. That said, read up on and prepare yourself for complications. They are rare, but knowing about all the what ifs helped me to know what all the possibilities were. I have had a great experience. I was very diligent in the beginning getting in all my protein and fluid and I think this helped my recovery. I was back at work with in a week and a half. I know you have decided on the sleeve, but quick add to the Rny vs sleeve discussion. I have been on and off anti inflammatory for a couple years. You can take these with Rny but there is a high risk of ulcer at the point they reconnect the intestines with these meds. This is why I went with the sleeve after my surgeon let me know of the risk. With your on-going back issues, you may be in the same position.

catracks - I'm hoping I can get everything in I'm suppose too. I've heard you have to drink so many ounces every hour. If your napping did you wake up to drink or did you wait till you woke up?

That's what they told me. but I never had problems drinking. I just sipped constantly and knew that I had to drink two of those bottles and another 24 oz. bottle of either Crystal light, tea or watered down juice or a combination thereof.

Measuring out ounce by ounce would have driven me nuts.

We I got back to my room after surgery, I would take one lap around the floor, stop at my door and get some ice chips, repeat, repeat, repeat ...

Then when they gave me fluids I would sip and walk constantly. I really didn't nap much if at all.

The only thing that bugged me was the catheter (they took that out the next morning I think), the monitors and the IV. The pressure cuffs that massage your legs so you don't clot are almost pleasant.

traceyc - That's one of the things I've looked at when it comes to RNY or Sleeve. I know with RNY you are limited to the types of meds you can take. I don't think that's such a great idea for me at this point! I'm 34 and have a long life ahead I'm hoping and with the back probs I have I don't want to me limited with the meds....just in case! I'm going to ck the thread out you mentioned though

Catracks - Wow!! So you walked most of the time after surgery??!! I've always been the type of person after having surgery that wanted to walk as soon as possible! I know the importance of that! It seems though from what you say you walked most of the time after surgery. That's great!!!!

I have another question...I could call the office but maybe one of you ladies knows.

I have done everything that needs to be done except the Nuti apt. That's at the end of Dec. After I do that is that when the dr send request to insurance company or do you think they've already done that?

traceyc - That's one of the things I've looked at when it comes to RNY or Sleeve. I know with RNY you are limited to the types of meds you can take. I don't think that's such a great idea for me at this point! I'm 34 and have a long life ahead I'm hoping and with the back probs I have I don't want to me limited with the meds....just in case! I'm going to ck the thread out you mentioned though <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Catracks - Wow!! So you walked most of the time after surgery??!! I've always been the type of person after having surgery that wanted to walk as soon as possible! I know the importance of that! It seems though from what you say you walked most of the time after surgery. That's great!!!!

I have another question...I could call the office but maybe one of you ladies knows.

I have done everything that needs to be done except the Nuti apt. That's at the end of Dec. After I do that is that when the dr send request to insurance company or do you think they've already done that?

My docs didn't submit papers until everything was complete. It took exactly 2 weeks to get my approval but I've heard others get quicker turn arounds! Best wishes!!

The sleeve is the first part of the the gastric bypass or RNY surgery. Drs usually do the sleeve part first,then the rerouting of the intestines. Patients would usually return for the second part of the surgery a few months later. Drs found that the first part of the process,the sleeve, was having such good results that they made it a stand alone surgery,so another option for anyone thinking of wls

The sleeve is the first part of the the gastric bypass or RNY surgery. Drs usually do the sleeve part first' date='then the rerouting of the intestines. Patients would usually return for the second part of the surgery a few months later. Drs found that the first part of the process,the sleeve, was having such good results that they made it a stand alone surgery,so another option for anyone thinking of wls[/quote']

The sleeve is the first part of the duodenal switch or DS. RnY does not remove any part of the stomach. The stomach is made into a pouch by closing off part of it with a stitch or staple line.

Can I ask why anyone would want a reverse surgery why would you wanna go back to the way you were isn't that pointless

Marie

We'll I would think obviously they would only reverse a surgery that was going all wrong. There are some serious health conditions that can arise from those RNY operations. I know a woman right now an LVN who went from pre diabeties to full blown diabeties if that isn't enough she has severe deficiencies and now she just found out she has lupus. She said she would have never gotten it done had she know that all these things could happen to her. Do your homework on this seriously because this woman didn't even know until she became a LVN after her surgery and then she learned about all the side effects up close and personal. She says every time she comes back with a new ailment they say oh yeah that can happen with the RNY. Not meant to scare you just inform you so if all these things were happening to me I would say reverse this if you can, please!! Yes everyone is different but just know what could be ahead so you are prepared. Wishing you the best in your decision.

I read that Sharon Osborne is getting hers reversed so that she can "learn to eat properly with a normal stomach" or something along those lines.

I think that you need to do some research on your own. I believe (I'm not a medical doctor) that your pro's and con's list is totally inaccurate. All the research I have read reports that the sleeve has a lot less complications than the RnY. It is one of the safer wls out there. From my understanding the RnY is not reversible and people do regain their weight because their pouches stretch. In fact for individuals that are extremely obese' date=' they would first do the gastric sleeve before the RnY procedure. I have a friend that had an RnY and she regained 40 lbs of what she had lost. Other people I have spoken with have had weight gain too. Plus there's a lot of dumping and malabsorption issues with RnY.

Your friend has good intentions but is grossly misinformed....... Please do the research.... I love my sleeve and would do it over in a heart beat.

BTW I have had no complications from my surgery. My problem is my head hunger and sugar addiction. If you have any questions, please ask..... [/quote']

I think u have hit the nail on head as far as rny vs vsg:)

Sorry for being MIA...all have been sick in my household the past month. So....I've done everything I need to do to get this ball rolling. Had my Nutri apt last week. Got lots of great info! I have a question...will my Drs office forward information to the insurance company or do I need to call to give the go ahead to proceed? Also....I'm starting to really get the worried questions/looks from the family mems that know about this. I've tried to calm their fears but not easy! I mean...here I am getting ready to have surgery so I need their support but instead I'm holding their hands through this :~/ Thankfully my hubby is my support but still...this is getting old with the rest. My mom went as far o say the other day...but our family always celebrates with food and that its a big part of our fams life. Also she's afraid its going to be too much of an emotional thing for me...when really I think its more of an issue for her. I told her...MOM...I can't keep living like this...I HAVE to do this! My dad hada heart attack at 42. My health has always been like his. Here I am 34 yrs old and fatter then he was at 42. She seemed to quiet down after I said that. UGH!!

Sorry for being MIA...all have been sick in my household the past month. So....I've done everything I need to do to get this ball rolling. Had my Nutri apt last week. Got lots of great info! I have a question...will my Drs office forward information to the insurance company or do I need to call to give the go ahead to proceed? Also....I'm starting to really get the worried questions/looks from the family mems that know about this. I've tried to calm their fears but not easy! I mean...here I am getting ready to have surgery so I need their support but instead I'm holding their hands through this :~/ Thankfully my hubby is my support but still...this is getting old with the rest. My mom went as far o say the other day...but our family always celebrates with food and that its a big part of our fams life. Also she's afraid its going to be too much of an emotional thing for me...when really I think its more of an issue for her. I told her...MOM...I can't keep living like this...I HAVE to do this! My dad hada heart attack at 42. My health has always been like his. Here I am 34 yrs old and fatter then he was at 42. She seemed to quiet down after I said that. UGH!!

My doctor's office sent all of the information to my insurance company. I did call the insurance to verify it was received and daily check ups to find out if I had been approved yet. My family wasn't sure about me having surgery either, especially my husband. Now three months later and 40+ pounds down, my family and especially husband are glad that I had the surgery. I am 36 with a 3 year old and didn't want her to see me die. The emotional part of missing food is where I am at right now. Its tough but part of the journey. I will get a craving for a certain food, then cook it. By the time I sit down and have one or two bites I am done. I realize it wasn't something I needed or wanted. One of the best parts of VSG for me is not feeling hungry.

With the sleeve we have alot less problems than RNY. I had a perfect surgery, recovery and never threw up or anything bad along the way. I am surprised at how easy this has been. Now I am learning how to deal with the emotional aspects of why I overate.

Here is what I kept from another poster about this subject. Makes me happy I choose the sleeve, although I did consider other options. Went in for a band but doc suggested VSG. What? Never heard of that. Did my research and as my title states...love my sleeve, no regrets.

"I could have easily had RNY, but I fought to have VSG as my revision from the band. Some factors I considered in deciding on VSG. The pouch that RNY offers is similar to the pouch with the band. Least to say, a pouch sucks, I love having a normal tummy, just less capacity and still fully functioning.

1) No blind stomach left behind that can be difficult to scope yet can still get ulcers and cancer.

2) RNY - 2 years max on calorie/carb/sugar malabsorption, but a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. This process is called adaptation, and it happens with intestinal bypass surgeries.

3) I had a pouch with the band, and it sucked. I'm pretty fond of my pyloric valve and the sleeve let me keep it. I love having a normal functioning stomach, just smaller in capacity.

4) Regain stats and #of RNY patients seeking revision truly scared the poop out of me

5) I have too many friends in real life that struggle with Vitamin deficiencies post-RNY, and most of them either never got to goal, or have gained back a significant amount of their weight.

6) The long term complications with RNY were too numerous for my comfort level. Pouch or stoma dilation, strictures, vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, ulcers,

7) I researched gastrectomies that had been performed for stomach cancer and ulcer patients, and found comfort in the long term results and minimal complications of patients that had lost most or all of their stomachs had dealt with over several years.

8) I was a volume eater, and knew a restrictive only procedure would work for me. That was my thought process when I got the band, and I thought I could beat the odds on complications. Sadly, the band only lasted 8 months before I had to revise.

9) I did not want to have food or medication restrictions. I chose WLS to have a "normal" life, and I think it's normal to eat a couple of Cookies. With RNY, I wasn't willing to go through the possibility of dumping if I wanted to have a couple of cookies, or a slice of cake on occasion. The big scare for me is medication restrictions for life. NSAIDS and steroids are a NO GO for life with a RNY pouch. I realize that I may never be diagnosed with a condition or disease that requires steroid use, but it is possible. I want the best long term results with the least amount of complications. Malabsorption is not anything to play with in my mind, and I was not willing to take that risk.

I lost all my weight in my ticker with the exception of 7lbs with the sleeve, and I did it in 10.5 months. The 115lbs fell off the first 6.5 months, and then the rest I lost as I was getting into maintenance over another 4 months.. It's been a fabulous journey, and I'm easily maintaining with zero issues for nearly a year at this point. I want to add that every WLS regardless of your choice will require discipline. Only a percentage of RNY patients dump on sugar/fat, pouches and stomas stretch, then you have the medication restrictions. I'm not trying to convince you, but these were my concerns when I knew I had to revise from the band.

Again, this is not me, but I couldn't have said it better. Again, I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

Best wishes to you in what ever you decide is right for you!