Need Your Help - VSG vs. Gastric Bypass

After all the research and finally getting insurance that will cover weight loss surgery after waiting 5 years, I am now confused on which surgery I would benefit most from.  A few years agon I really
wanted the lap band but now I know that is not going to be the best option for me.
I currently weigh 235lbs.  My highest weight was 250.  My BMI is 46, I am borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, swelling in my feet, back pain and have no thyroid.  I would like to lose about 100lbs.  The Gastric Bypass is considered to be the Gold Standard of the Baractric Arena.  I am in my 5 month of the nutrition stage.  One more month, I will be done.  Anticipated surgery will probably be in August.

Why did all of you on this forum choose the VSG over the Gastric Bypass?
Do you now wish you gotten the gastric bypass instead?  If so, why?
What is the long term of the VSG?   
Do you still lose hair?

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.  I do not want to waste this great life changing opportunity.

I chose the sleeve because I didn't want to have my anatomy rearrainged.  I also didn't want the malasorpive issues with dumping.  I had the band and had to deal with the pain of having food stuck.  I just wanted to feel full, eat less but live like a normal human being.  I also didn't want to have to take a variety of vitamins.

I like that fact that I can eat what I want (just far less).  I choose healthy and protein rich foods.  Yes, Occasionally I have a bite of a dessert but that's about it. 

It will be 6 months since surgery in July and I am very happy with that.  I am 14 pounds from goal. 

My sister-in-law had gastric and has been very successful with it.  I think she is over 160 pounds down.  She looks amazing. 

I don't know if you are child bearing age, but look into that especially if you are considering gastric bypass.  There are people who are pregnant with the sleeve.

Good Luck with your decision.

I only have one more month and my surgery is estimated to be in august aswell. (: 

I chose the VSG because I don't want as many mal-absorbion nutritian defieincys as there are with the RNY. I don't like the idea of a 'phantom' stomach floating around inside me and how much they re arrange everything. Also its a longer procedure. like, longer operating time.

I think the VSG keeps the anatomy of your guts in line a bit more :P Haha. Not as many nutrition issues. (I"m 15.. I dont want to be on more vitamins than i alreadywill have to be on the rest of my life.. :P)

Also, I'm getting it done at a research hospital.. And cause i'm 15 I wanted to pick the procedure they do that did not have as much research done for it already.. Simply because for future generations of teenagers looking into wls, i want the research to be there.. I agreed to let them keep track of my labs and preop/postop stuff for one of their studies, and the information will be there with mine among other teenagers participating in it for future generations of teenagers wanting the surgery. Theres so much more out there for RNY and lapband.

so yeah. thats my reasoning. haha. (:

As for the hair thing, my dietitian said it should ahppen for about 6 months or so after surgery.. I alreaedy lose hair though, cause of such high doses of medications i'm on for insulin resistance, pcos, and hypertension, that i dont mind it as much... (:

I've researched this to death, honestly. i dont think theres one article on the internet i havent read. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you. (:

http://vimeo.com/user1985459/videos/sort:newest/format:video


TRUST ME YOU WANT TO SEE THIS

The gold standard has been tarnishing for a while due to the side effects and limitations experienced by patients and by its' so-so (at best) record on weight regain. The following was cross posted from the DS board a dozen or so threads down and offers the perspective of one of the surgeons as to why the bypass is losing favor these days, and is a good read on bariatric surgery in general:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/4416755/Must-Read-Transcript-of-Dr-Roslins-Presentation-to-ASMBS-on/

From my perspective the RNY was a never seriously considered - if I felt that I needed greater intervention (a more complex procedure, etc.) than the VSG then it would have been the DS rather than the RNY.  They both come with some baggage as relates to side effects and limitations, but the DS has a much better record for long term weight loss and maintenance along with generally less severe side effects and lifestyle restrictions. In short, it doesn't seem like the RNY has any real advantage over the VSG on performance but does have a much more significant downside.

In addition to everything else that's been said, I didn't like the idea that with RNY I would not be able to absorb any of the nutrients from food. The thought of having to be on all of those vitamins and supplements for life was a real turn off. I still have a normal functioning stomach, only smaller. And the dumping syndrome is not something I needed either. If I choose to have a dessert at some point down the road I do not want it to make me deathly ill feeling. I am training myself to look at eating in a whole new manner, not just to lose weight, but for life.

I also started out wanting the band, then realized it wouldn't be for me.  I would have probably settled for the RNY if my insurance wouldn't pay for the sleeve, but that was really what I wanted because it seemed to be the least drastic as far as rearranging how we're made.  When I was researching, the weight loss was similar to the bypass but with the side effects/surgery complications of the band.  It seemed to be the perfect solution, and for me it has been!

I'll be three years out on July 7th.  I'm not at goal but I haven't been working very hard towards it either.  I've really enjoyed these past 3 years of not having to "diet" all the time, and I look & feel great so I don't worry about it.  I'm not even sure my goal (150) was reasonable for my height of 5'9" considering all the skin I have left.  I was out of the hospital in less than 24 hours after my surgery, and never had a single complication!  But to answer your questions: No, I've never regretted getting the sleeve over the RNY & I recommend it as the 1st option to anyone looking into bariatric surgery.  My long term outcome has been incredible...still get full after just a little bit, and no health problems at all!  I don't lose hair like I did from 3-6 months out, but my hair does not grow very fast now at all.  But in defense of my hair, I'm terrible about taking my supplements, which would probably be a great help. 

My advice would be to do just what you're doing.  Ask around, keep looking into it, and do what is right for you.  You are the one who has to live in your skin, and with the day to day realities of the surgery you choose.  Make sure you know what those are going to be.  Good luck...the right thing will happen for you.  Congratulations on whatever you choose! 

*Angel

Thank you all for your advice and comments.  I pretty much agree with all of you, I just wanted to have my thoughts and concerns confirmed.  I am very excited about this life changing opportunity.  I must admit, I am very scared as well.  I have to order my medical records, the last surgery I had back in 2009, the anesthesia didn't agree with me.  I was very naseau and I had an headache that you wouldn't belive.  I couldn't rest because my head hurt so much.  I have to see what my other options are.  I don't like pain, but I will endure the sleeve pain if any because of the rewards at the end of the pain.  I'm just really hoping I can lose the 100-120 lbs I need to lose with the sleeve.