Can you please help with WLS decision?

Hi All:

I've been lurking a little, reading here and there.  I've been researching WLS for a couple of years now.  I finally had decided I wanted to have the VSG and went through all the hoops that Kaiser wanted me to.  But once I met with the surgeon he said that they only do VSG in special cases where the RNY isn't possible.  I was approved for the RNY, but I haven't decided what to do yet.  It could be several more years before VSG is approved by Kaiser.

Can the RNY people here give me a little thought and insight on their experiences?  Would you do it again?  Are you concerned about future malabsorption issues as you age?  Has it worked as well as you had hoped?  How drastically has your lifestyle changed?  Anything and everything would be helpful in my decision making process.

Thanks everyone!

Terri

Only you can make this decision. But to answer your question...Oh, hell yeah I would have my RYN in a heart beat. My life has changed for the better 100% and yes malabsorbption does concern me but I feel it is worth the risk and if I do what I am told to do , such as supplement , annul blood work, protein and fluids I reduce the risk greatly. Don't let an one try to tell you one is better than the other, This is something you have to decide for on your own.

Good Luck and welcome to the Cali Board.

HUGS
JOY

Just do your research on all the different surgery types, RNY, VSG, lapband, DS and whatever else there is.  I am very happy with my choice but the choice is so subjective depending on so many different factors.  I would suggest, if you haven't already done so, to visit the different surgery type message boards and ask questions there.  I also suggest that you aske pointed questions, not just a general broad question.  I think you will get more responses that way.

Good luck in whatever you choose.  The best thing I can tell you is whatever choice you make, start seeing a therapist NOW to be able to adapt to the life style changes and to work on the issues that caused the weight in the first place.  If you don't, then you can most certainly be willing and able to battle those demons for the rest of your life.

Again, good luck!!

Jillie

The decision is yours, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

About 3 months ago I ran across 2 gentleman that were over 10 years out from RNY surgery.  They both have had zero problems, still love the surgery they had and would redo it again.  As would I.  I have had no reservations about having it done. 

The decision is yours, but here on this board, I don't know of anyone who is really unhappy with their surgery.

Good luck, Diane

Hi Terri,

I agree that you have to make the decision yourself, but it's good you're posting messages here asking for other people's experiences.  I say gather all the information you can.  I think it's important to know both the physical and psychological effects involved with any WLS.  I had an RNY 8 weeks ago and have had some difficult days trying not to overeat for my small pouch.  I've had to figure out how to talk to that voice in my head that seems to think muching out all day is a good solution for boredom or anxiety.  My lifestyle has changed a lot.  I am now going through my day and trying not to make food the high point of my existence.  I have lost 48 pounds in 8 weeks which feels really good.  
Before I had Gastric Bypass, I belonged to a support group for eating disorders and had one on one counseling for several years to deal with my food addiction.  If I hadn't had that experience, I would be a complete basket case now.  That doesn't mean you need to wait that long, but I knew I had to find out why I sought food out so much or else I wouldn't be successful at WLS.

Good luck in your decision. Keep coming back here and asking questions.

MsBlues

Terri,

I can't say anything different than anyone else posting prior to me has so eloquently said.  The decision is yours.  If you have a good PCP you might ask for their opinion as well.  When I began my journey, my husband and I sat down with our Dr (who we greatly admire and respect) and talked about the various pros and cons of each surgical procedure and decided RNY was the best for me.  I had done the research prior to that appointment, but his comments combined with my research convinced me that this was and still is the right choice for me.  I wouldn't change a thing and I am now medication free, diabetes free, high blood pressure free and haven't taken an inhaler for my asthma in over 4 months! 

Suggestion also besides reading the message boards, read the blogs of folks who have been there done that, they offer so much insight.

Best of luck on your decision and your journey, we are here with support anytime and are happy to have you join our soiree!

Hugs,
Barb

Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!  I do realize that the decision is ultimately mine and I have been researching both VSG and RNY for two years now.  But there's only so much information you can get from research.  I feel getting people's own personal stories, both good and bad, will be an additional form of "research" that will be helpful in my decision making.  Nothing beats real life experience.

I am going to start going to the WLS support group at our local Kaiser to hear and meet other people who have gone through the process.  I have also read several books on WLS and am currently reading The Emotional First Aid Kit - A Practical Guide to Life After Weight Loss Surgery.

Any other suggestions?  I am definitely the type of person who gleans information from every source possible. 

Again, thanks to everyone for your input!!!

Hi, Terri!
    It's great that you are doing your research. As so many others have said, only you can decide...but you should also know that you don't have to just accept what your insurer is willing to offer. You can appeal for the operation of your choice by going through the insurer's internal appeals, and then if they are still denying you your choice, you can do an external appeal through the DMHC (dept of managed health care).
    I will send you a pm with more details.

Larra

I am 2 years out and yes i would do it again and again and again. Bumpy road mentally for me personally but everyone is different and my problems were all in my head- more mental then physical. It's changed my life and the best thing i have ever done. You are from Hollister? We are close.

Good luck,
J

Wow Jaime, that's an inspirational "My Story".  I know for a lot of people the biggest issue is the head work we need to do to get the body we want/need.  It's sure true for me.

If you don't mind, I'd like to pick your brain late on some of the specific quesitons I have.

I do live in the sprawling metropolis of Hollister, so we are very close. 

Thanks!