should I be as upset as I am?

I'm so close to surgery!  Last week I attended the nutrition class at TWH and then met with Dr. Jackson on Friday (after  waiting 3 hours).  I didn't mind the wait but I was getting nervous about my car being towed as it got closer to 4 o'clock.  That was ok and the car wasn't towed and that is not what I am upset about.

When I saw Dr. Jackson and he reviewed my medical records, (I've had a few operations) he was concerned that he may not be able to do the RNY because of an over abundance of scar tissue....he wouldn't be able to separate the bowels (sorry tmi) because of the scar tissue, but said he may be able to do the sleeve, but wouldn't know until he got in there.  Of course for the past year I've been doing on my research on the RNY and didn't even look at the sleeve info.  I have just this weekend, started researching that.  He suggested that it may not be as effective but it was still a tool for wl.

Any opinions or advice.  I now need to go for a cat scan and scope.  I don't mind that but I am concerned about the sleeve.  Thanks.
Linda G

Hi Linda

I believe the biggest difference between the two surgeries is RNY has malabsorption - the sleeve does not...

There are plusses and minuses to this.....the malabsorption really assists in weight loss the first 6 - 18 months.....so you might have to be a little more diligent with the sleeve to lose all the weight

HOWEVER - a big plus for the sleeve is since you dont malabsorb, you wont need to worry about de

Deficiencies for your lifetime - you will also be able to take NSAIDS for pain....another plus for many people

Both surgeries reduce the size of your stomach - or called a pouch for us RNYérs.....so you will be limited to quantity ...

There are many very successful VSG patients on this site and I am sure they will chime in....

Remember you can be very successful with both surgeries.....the key ingredient is yourself and your commitment..

Good luck

Barb

Hi Barb
Thanks for the response.  I feel a little more encouraged after reading your comments
Linda G

 Linda, What type of surgeries did you have in the past that made him fear that there might be too much scar tissue?

Personally (and I mean this with no disrespect to the Rny'ers on this board) - my feeling in your position would be "I won the lottery!!".  The sleeve is a bit tough to get in Ontario these days- and for many it is their surgery of choice. 

I often hear people posting that Ontario surgeons tell them the sleeve isn't as effective.  I say HOGWASH.  I have been part of this group and a very active local support group for 3 years.  I've seen many successful sleevers, and also many Rny'ers that struggled to be successful. And Vice Versa.  

I don't think either tool FAILS in most people, those that fail, fail the tool.

Birdie girl gave you the big pluses to the sleeve.  The post-op diet is the same.  YOu CAN eat sugar (but you shouldn't - particularly while in the weight loss phase).  You do need vitamins - but not to the extent or worries that some with malabsorption.  You don't need to worry about any kind of special medical care in any way - no drugs you can't take, no issues with scans or scopes, or tubes. 

I lost 145lbs in under a year, reaching a healthy BMI (and size 6) with my "Sleevie".  Best thing I ever did.

I had my sleeve done on October 21st and like yourself all the info I had was based on having a RNY. Right now at my clinic post-op routines are the same as RNY. My surgeon said in the long run the difference in weight loss may be a difference of 10 or 20 lbs. I agree with what Erica had to say, it is how the tool is used not the tool itself. I'm very happy that I was able to get a VSG so that I can take NSAIDS for my migraines.

If I had qualified for the VSG, I would have chosen it over RNY.  I have chronic pain and am having to find alternatives for NSAIDS.  Even if you don't have pain issues right now, being able to take NSAIDS as you age is a definite benefit of the VS

Which ever surgery you have, you will be successful if you follow your clinic's guidelines.  Good luck!

I had my surgery July 26th, 2010 at TWH with Dr. Penner and with Dr. Jackson assisting.  I had to sign for both the RNY and the VSG before going into surgery.  I came out with the VSG because of scar tissue from previous bowel surgery.  I knew the scar tissue was going to be a problem ahead of time, just like you; however, the nurse practitioner warned me at the beginning of my journey that this was a possiblity so I researched it waaaay before I met with the surgeon.  I was happy that I came out of the surgery with some kind of tool as I was warned that I could possibly wake up with nothing at all.  I am not disappointed with the outcome.

Good Luck!
Barb

 I absolutely love my VSG and got to goal in 10 months.  Many people are fighting hard to get one and aren't getting their choice.  

I had very severe scarring in my abdominal cavity, and surrounding areas.  I was initially told that surgery wouldn't even be an option.  I was luck enough to have had Dr. Hong in Hamilton as a surgeon and he was able to do four surgeries at one time (Adhesion and scar removal, Lap Band removal, Hernia Repair and RNY) all at the same time.  Not that there weren't a few 'hiccups'..... but nothing that I wouldn't change now.