Question:
OMG!!!! I'm so confused!!!!! sleeve or Rny

I have to chose one...research research research that all I've been doing this past week in my free time. Some people say the RNY is horrible and no way to live..some people say it's awesome and would do it over again. I want the Rny.. I have already failed at the band and I am scared that I will fail at the sleeve because it just rescriction. Doc says the sleeve is safer when doing a revision...I have two kids and I need safer...but this is my last shot at surgery and the insurance paying for it...i just think I'd do better with the Rny...SO CONFUSED :0(    — SWESTMOR1 (posted on June 24, 2010)


June 24, 2010
Hi. I had the RNY August 2008. I am very happy with it. Yes, there are a ton of restrictions but they all have restrictions like you have never "had" to follow before. If I had been able to do the Sleeve, I would have tried that without a doubt because I don't think it entails taking all of the supplements I need with the RNY. That is what I was told. However, my insurance would not cover the sleeve because it was too new for the insurance companies to approve. In spite of that, after having the RNY, I do not regret a day of it. Yes, it is a tough adjustment but then so are the results of any of these life-changing surgeries. Look into the supplement requirements for the sleeve, think long and hard and keep asking questions. No matter what you decide, good luck to you and God bless. Kathy
   — KathyStarling

June 24, 2010
I understand your confusion....but you said it yourself you think YOU will do better with the RNY. If you need to have the threat of dumping and your weakness is sweets or fats. Then that might be the best for you. As you know there are risks with any surgery. Are you used to taking vitamins already?? If you are then I wouldn't worry about absorbtion issues. I had RNY and my DH had the Sleeve. Both are wonderful procedures but only you know YOUR eating habits/weaknesses. I think its great that there are options available. Go with what you think is best for YOU. Are they going to take the band out for a couple of months and then do the other procedure?? I don't know that much about revisions but maybe you can talk to your surgeon again about the risks. Good luck,
   — ToniLee

June 24, 2010
I know my honey is having a revision from a failed lap band to RNY in August... and I believe the surgeon is planning to do it all on one day. The removal of the lap band is apparently usually not a complicated procedure. As for which surgery, it is a very personal decision... other people's reasons may not be your reasons... but I'll tell you I chose RNY because of my BMI. I was "super-morbidly obese," more than 230 pounds over my "insurance weight" and just about 200 over my personal goal weight, what I weighed in college. In other words, RNY has more "support" for your changed lifestyle than the sleeve, because of the added malabsorption from the intestinal portion of the procedure. As for those who say RNY is "no way to live," I would ask... what is obesity? Is that any way to live? Not that RNY is the only answer for anybody, but for many many people RNY has changed their lives for the better when nothing else had. And... my support group tells me that most of them can eat smaller portions of just about any food they want, once they're a year or so out from the procedure (some people do get "dumping syndrome" eating sugar and that stays with them). Of course, the whole point is that we need to change our lifestyles and NOT eat the stuff we were eating before that got us up to being wayyyy too heavy. So... just a reminder again that this procedure (or any successful WLS) is as much or more about your head and your heart as it is about what a surgeon does to your stomach and intestines. You have to commit to the beastly difficult process of changing your habits, and the surgery helps you do that.
   — Greg K.

June 24, 2010
I HAD RNY 15 MONTHS AGO AND HAD NO COMPLICATIONS . I HAVE HAD WEIGHT PROBLEMS SINCE I WAS A KID . THIS WAS THE MOST AMAZING RESULTS I'VE EVER HAD . I DO HAVE RESTRICTIONS AND I HAVE DUMPING SYNDROM , ALSO WITH THE DUMPING AND THE GAS COMES PRETTY BAD ODORRS . THESE ARE THE BAD THINGS . THE GOOD PART IS I'VE LOST 204 LBS. AND 22 PANT SIZES IN 15 MONTHS . I NO LONGER TAKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION OR HAVE TO SLEEP WITH A CPAP MACHINE . I CAN WALK AND RUN LIKE I'VE NEVER DONE IN MY LIFE . BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS I TRULY BELIEVE I CAN NOW BEAT MY WEIGHT PROBLEMS LONG TERM . MY CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF IS SO HIGH I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW GOOD I FEEL . I'M VERY HAPPY WITH MY RNY AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEART BEAT . ANY NEGATIVES I'VE HAD OR STILL HAVE ARE MINOR TO THE GREAT RESULTS I'VE ACHIEVED . BOTH SURGERYS ARE GOOD BUT THE RNY HAS WORKED SO WELL FOR ME . THESE ARE MY RESULTS STUDY BOTH PROCEDURES VERY CAREFULLY BECAUSE THIS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DECISIONS YOU'LL EVER MAKE . RNY GAVE ME BACK MY LIFE AND I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THAT . GOOD LUCK ON YOUR DECISION JUST DO WHATS BEST IN YOUR HEART ...........ROGER.
   — ROGER COTE

June 24, 2010
Hello Friend, My two cents worth is this.... I investigated both methods and decided to go with the RNY. My reasoning was this, ( I am a patient, not an expert ), with the sleeve there is a possibility of slipping which means they have to go back in to re-place it. I chose the RNY too, because I deemed it more permanent and in a manner of speaking I wanted to stamp my committment on what I was doing. To me changing our anatomy takes a committment and in some way say there's no going back. Like the adage goes; in for a penny, in for a pound. (no pun intended). I have not had one single day I ever regretted doing what I did. I had mine done August 5, 2005 and I am alive and well. Before I had the surgery I wasn't sure how long I was going to be able to say that. I'm 53 and younger now than I was at 40. Whichever way you choose, I'm rooting for you. Please keep me posted and I will be there if you need me. Best, Ray
   — Arl3rd

June 24, 2010
I almost forgot. There is a link with good information if you need it. I used this to help me decide. TTFN Ray http://www.webmd.com/diet/gastric-bypass-operations
   — Arl3rd

June 24, 2010
I just wanted to say that I had the sleeve done 2 years ago this month. I have lost 80 pounds and maintained the weight loss. But please realize that NO surgery is going to work a miracle for you at keeping the weight off. With ANY weight loss surgery, we can gain back the weight IF we return to our poor eating habits over time. But what the others have said here is oh so true. YOU have to do what is right for you. And somewhere in your heart of hearts you know what is right for you. Think about what your surgeon has discussed with you, think about your fears, your concerns. Make a list of the pros and cons of each surgery and then the answer that brings you peace or makes you feel secure...that is what is right for you. NO surgery is worth risking our health for so be wise in your decision. Listen to your doctor's advice and let God take care of the rest. If you use wisdom and you follow your doctor's advice and eat healthy, take your vitamins, etc...you will be successful with either surgery. I love my sleeve and thank God every day for it. In the beginning I had researched about the lap band for 3 years and I was convinced that I was going to do the lap band until 1 week before surgery, I felt this fear inside that it wouldn't work for me and that my body would have problems with it. I discussed my fears with my surgeon and the week of my surgery I changed to having the sleeve. I am so glad that I did. So, what I'm saying is...don't be persuaded by others opinions. Consider the risks, know your own habits....abilities...etc, what made you fail with the lap band? Was it difficulty in controlling your own appetite? Maybe discuss that with your surgeon...You will know inside what will work for you. No one knows you like YOU do. Don't over think it or you will stay confused and that will make you feel afraid to make the decision. Just decide within yourself and then you will know. God bless you on your journey. Jodi
   — Jodi L.

June 25, 2010
I had the sleeve done 2 years ago next month, i have lost 120 pounds and have kept it off...i feel great!! I dont understand about what someone(Arthur) i think said about the sleeve slipping, that is not possible, it is what it says, you get a sleeve looking stomach and the rest gets cut and thrown away. I just hope you can decide what is best for you!! I have heard about so many failures of the band, I don't understand why they are still doing that, but all in all, best of luck to you. I have a niece that had the sleeve and a daughter in law that had the rny, I think for them, being younger, the rny would be the way to go....just my opinion.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 25, 2010
Go to this website I have provided for you with the instructions on how to get to it. It is the hospital that did my surgery. This is a comparison chart that tells you all the pros and cons of each surgery. GO TO WWW.LAPSF.COM, ON THE LEFT SIDE BLUE BOX CLICK "WEIGHT LOSS AND REVISIONAL SURGERIES" THEN CLICK "INTRO-WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS", SCROLL DOWN TO WHERE YOU SEE THE PICTURE OF A STOMACH-CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE "SURGERY COMPARISON CHART". PRINT THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS. I have it in my profile, but it is hard to read unless you zoom it in and put in another program to be able to zoom and reprint it. It is very helpful. Don't hesitate to email me if you can't get to it and I will send it as an attachment. I have had several people ask for it. take care
   — Kristy

June 25, 2010
Go to this website I have provided for you with the instructions on how to get to it. It is the hospital that did my surgery. This is a comparison chart that tells you all the pros and cons of each surgery. GO TO WWW.LAPSF.COM, ON THE LEFT SIDE BLUE BOX CLICK "WEIGHT LOSS AND REVISIONAL SURGERIES" THEN CLICK "INTRO-WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS", SCROLL DOWN TO WHERE YOU SEE THE PICTURE OF A STOMACH-CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE "SURGERY COMPARISON CHART". PRINT THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS. I have it in my profile, but it is hard to read unless you zoom it in and put in another program to be able to zoom and reprint it. It is very helpful. Don't hesitate to email me if you can't get to it and I will send it as an attachment. I have had several people ask for it. take care
   — Kristy

June 25, 2010
You need and should weigh all your options with your surgeon. Some people do not qualify for certain surgeries depending on several variables such as; BMI, health issues, etc. This is a helpful comparison chart http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html however, this should be throughly discussed with your surgeon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 25, 2010
You need and should weigh all your options with your surgeon. Some people do not qualify for certain surgeries depending on several variables such as; BMI, health issues, etc. This is a helpful comparison chart http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html however, this should be throughly discussed with your surgeon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 25, 2010
I had the VSG and its different restriction than the band because the large part of your stomach is removed. That's the part with the hunger hormones in it. I'm not as hungry as I used to be. It's been 1year and 3 months for me and I have lost 95 lbs. the first 90 was easy and now if I just workout some and make an effort to watch what I'm eating I lose weight easily again. All of these surgeries take effort to be completely successful. I think the sleeve is fantastic and would recommend it to anyone because I know I'm not putting my health at risk. I have had mild dumping syndrome when I eat too much sugar and my sleeve makes it difficult to digest rice, pasta, breads and potatoes which is good because I shouldn't be eating those anyway. I had a friend that wanted RNY and the doctor convinced her to have the VSG for health reasons and she has had fantastic results. She has lost over 120 lbs. in less than 11 months. She is very happy she ended up getting the VSG. I hope you have great success and good health not matter which surgery you choose.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich

June 25, 2010
I was lucky when making my decision. My doctor would not give me a band bacause I was diabetic. I don't know the reasoning for that, but the answer was, just don't even ask. Diabetics cannon have a band. Okay, what about the RNY? Well, I wasn't eligible for that because I am arthritic. If you have to take NSAIDS for any reason, you must go with the sleeve. You can never take NSAIDS for pain again after you have RNY. Your pouch is just too small, and is susceptible to ulcers. So I had a Sleeve. Since I HAVE to take NSAIDS several times a day, my surgeon left me slightly larger stomach to cope, and it has worked wonders. I love it. The other thing to keep in mind is that if the sleeve stops working for you, there is a second follow-up procedure that is easy to do, and practically guarantees success. Apparently however, most sleeve gastrectomies dont ever need to go on with the second procedure. Whatever your decision, good luck and congratulations for making this important and life-changing decision.
   — pshock

June 27, 2010
I have come to the conclusion that it is you and your doctor decision, he also know what is best for you. All WLS has one thing in common they are tools that we have to work at.and all surgery is taking a chance. But it is also a chance to stay in the condition that we are in with being heavy and causing damage to our bodies and health. So to me it is a choose life decision. I will have my surgery on August 18th i am having RNY,I also did a lot of research and with my doc help this one is best for me.So pray and know that which ever one you chose,that will be the right one for you. It only get better from here. Take care Dorothy
   — [Deactivated Member]




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