I almost have a surgery date but don't know which surgery is right

[Hollyhock 62]

I began looking into WLS almost a year ago after completing 8 months of intensive outpatient treatment for disordered eating. The IOP included supported eating, where we eat as a group and learn to recognize fullness and hunger, and to cope with trigger foods; nutrition classes; DBT therapy, movement, etc. After a year, I had not lost any weight despite considerable changes in behavior. The dietician at the IOP recommended a surgeon in a nearby town. I met her and was very impressed with her entire program and staff. I followed all their directions, began losing weight and went in for an appointment expecting to be scheduled for surgery.

Unfortunately, I was informed that she had gotten into a tussle with hospital administration and quit. Staff informed me they were booting me from their program as I was very close to surgery and it would take them at least another year to start up again. I live in a very rural area. My insurance only covers one bariatric program, which is in another town a few hours away, but I don't mind because it has a good reputation and I like the doctor.

It took several months for me to get an appointment. I first had to track down all the various sleep studies, EGDs, psych evals, labs plus my records from the IOP and the first bariatric clinic and get them over to the new doctor. The first doctor only performed the gastric sleeve, while the second does both sleeve and gastric bypass. I don't really know which surgery makes the most sense for me.

The doctor told me I was the last new patient he is taking for several months. I still have to see the dietician, but he thinks she will clear me for surgery because I am already logging my food, eating three small meals and two to three Snacks, carrying my food with me for the day, and engaging in regular movement. I will probably be scheduled for December which works out very well for me as my husband and I both have time off of work. Also, my insurance coverage will be much better than if I wait till next year.

I am 245 lbs (5' 5"). I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. I have a sweet tooth but do not binge on large quantities of sweets. He said that if I were diabetic, he would recommend roux en Y, and that if I were consistently binging on sweets he would also recommend it because dumping disorder can be a helpful tool to eliminate excess sweet consumption. Finally, he said that on average, a woman of my weight, height and age loses 74 lbs from the sleeve after 18 months compared to 91 with Roux en Y.

I'd be very interested in hear from others about their experience. How did you choose your surgery and are you happy with it?

[Travelher 915]

I did a revision from a band to bypass. I chose bypass because it is tried and true and been around for decades and is successful. The sleeve was my backup plan because scarring might have prevented a bypass. I was worried about the sleeve for me because I developed reflux with the band and I've read it can be an issue with the sleeve and did not want a third surgery. Thrilled I got my bypass

[recreatingcate 132]

Hi! I'm still pre-op, but I can give you my thoughts so far - I chose the sleeve for myself, and I can tell you why!

Your stats and mine aren't too far off from each other. I don't know what your age is, but I'm 24, 249 lbs., 5'4. That makes my BMI somewhere around 43 now, I believe. I have PCOS, hypothyroid, and am borderline diabetic, but do not take medication for it. I picked the sleeve, and my surgeon also recommended it.

My doc said that for someone my age, and someone on the "lower end of things," weight wise, the sleeve made more sense. He doesn't feel comfortable rerouting my insides if he thinks I can have the same results with something less invasive. I don't think a ~16 lb. difference is worth the extra steps in surgery, IMO. I do, however, think and recognize that you've worked really, really hard to get to where you are right now. Picking the surgery that's right for you is also important. What does your surgeon have to say?

I have two good friends who both got the sleeve, and they have had incredible results. You're in a good place for stories and opinions, too! Take your time to think about your decision, talk to as many people as possible, and do your research. You'll be happy that you did! Good luck!

[WhtWdUGive620 58]

Congratulations on being so persistent and dedicated to your new journey! I just turned 60 and a few weeks before my birthday I got the sleeve. I chose it because it's less invasive, even though my starting weight was 361, which is pretty high on the spectrum, 5 months out now and I'm two pounds away from my 100-pound mark. Just keep asking questions and choose whichever surgery you feel comfortable with. I'm so glad I chose the sleeve but agree with one of the posters who mentioned something about problems with heartburn, which started in my sixth week, but has really gotten so much better. My doctor has me on famotidine which is less problematic for the future. I only take it when I really need it. Good luck!

Sent from my LG-H740 using the BariatricPal App

[mipookiebear 20]

I am 8 weeks post op. I chose RNY because I love sweets & wanted to control bad eating by dumping. I am not a big eater when it comes to regular food. I know that down the road I could graze on sweets between meals & gain my weight back. I have some health issues & need to get weight off & keep off. So far, happy with decision.

[teedsg 250]

@@Hollyhock I appreciate your hardwork and tenacity in your journey. I would like to recommend watching a Youtube video for both surgeries and even the Lapband if you want. I went to 3 surgeons, 1 recommended bypass, the other 2 recommended sleeve. I'm choosing to go with the sleeve because I want less invasive surgery and only want to use it as a tool to help me to eat right. I thought of doing the Lapband, but, I think I would actually feel the device in my stomach and I heard too many people have problems with finding the port, slippage, corrosion, and other issues.

[Hollyhock 62]

@@teedsg, @@mipookiebear, @@WhtWdUGive620 @@recreatingcate, @@Travelher

(I used to call my daughter pookiebear when she was a baby)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses. I have finally met all my requirements and been cleared by the Behavioral Health Specialist and Dietician, both of whom told me I was one of the best prepared individuals they had come across. I brought in "Show and Tell," a month's worth of food logs, the cute little monogrammed food bag I carry my stash in, and my DBT book and homework.

My final consult with the surgeon, at which I will be scheduled, is next week. I think I am leaning toward bypass because I do have an issue with sweets, and also, it eliminates cravings. I'd rather not have cravings undermining my progress.

But I'm really nervous now and doubting my decision. I guess this is normal.

Edited December 17, 2016 by Hollyhock

[teedsg 250]

@@teedsg, @@mipookiebear, @@WhtWdUGive620 @@recreatingcate, @@Travelher

(I used to call my daughter pookiebear when she was a baby)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses. I have finally met all my requirements and been cleared by the Behavioral Health Specialist and Dietician, both of whom told me I was one of the best prepared individuals they had come across. I brought in "Show and Tell," a month's worth of food logs, the cute little monogrammed food bag I carry my stash in, and my DBT book and homework.

My final consult with the surgeon, at which I will be scheduled, is next week. I think I am leaning toward bypass because I do have an issue with sweets, and also, it eliminates cravings. I'd rather not have cravings undermining my progress.

But I'm really nervous now and doubting my decision. I guess this is normal.

This is a good choice. I switched surgeons and went to the one who recommended the bypass. So, I'm a little nervous like you, but the extra reinforcement will help after surgery. I have a problem with sweets and Gerd. Keep us posted! I'm thinking my surgery will be in February.

[Travelher 915]

@@teedsg, @@mipookiebear, @@WhtWdUGive620 @@recreatingcate, @@Travelher

(I used to call my daughter pookiebear when she was a baby)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses. I have finally met all my requirements and been cleared by the Behavioral Health Specialist and Dietician, both of whom told me I was one of the best prepared individuals they had come across. I brought in "Show and Tell," a month's worth of food logs, the cute little monogrammed food bag I carry my stash in, and my DBT book and homework.

My final consult with the surgeon, at which I will be scheduled, is next week. I think I am leaning toward bypass because I do have an issue with sweets, and also, it eliminates cravings. I'd rather not have cravings undermining my progress.

But I'm really nervous now and doubting my decision. I guess this is normal.

@@teedsg, @@mipookiebear, @@WhtWdUGive620 @@recreatingcate, @@Travelher

(I used to call my daughter pookiebear when she was a baby)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses. I have finally met all my requirements and been cleared by the Behavioral Health Specialist and Dietician, both of whom told me I was one of the best prepared individuals they had come across. I brought in "Show and Tell," a month's worth of food logs, the cute little monogrammed food bag I carry my stash in, and my DBT book and homework.

My final consult with the surgeon, at which I will be scheduled, is next week. I think I am leaning toward bypass because I do have an issue with sweets, and also, it eliminates cravings. I'd rather not have cravings undermining my progress.

But I'm really nervous now and doubting my decision. I guess this is normal.

Sounds like the right choice for you. Good luck. Trust me it is so worth it.