RNY Regrets

I spoke to two different people this weekend who had RNY (one was 5 years ago and the other was 10). Both of them have regrets over the RNY and both wish VSG was available in the US when they had it. I have been looking at the VSG since 2008 when I first read about it. Prior to that I was literally days away from having RNY when I chickened out. One of the people I spoke too (the one who was 10 years out) knew about VSG because they were doing it in Europe back then but could not get a surgeon here to do it for her. 

I believe VSG is now the new gold standard in WLS. When I first read about it it just made so much more sense to me than the RNY. No absorption issues, no rerouting. Removing the part of your stomach that produces hunger hormones. No dumping. You still have a pyloris to control how fast you digest.

For those of you who are questioning RNY vs VSG, find someone who had RNY 3 or more years ago and talk to them about it.

BTW, both of these people have gained weight back. You have to use your WLS as a way to change not only how you eat but how you live. If you lose all your weight and return to your old lifestyle you will return to your old, fat self too.

Officially now every lap band and RNY patient that I personally know has gained back most, all, or more of their weight. Not saying it can't or wont happen with VSG but it gives me an example of what not to do.

Thanks for sharing this anecdotal experience.  I'm very happy that VSG was already considered the superior surgery by my surgeon when I walked into his office last year.  I'd read just enough to think it was probably the best idea for all the reasons you state. Why wouldn't somebody want to keep their digestive system intact? It made no sense otherwise.

Reading the book STRANGER HERE convinced me even more.

It WAY can with VSG (I know severals VSGers who have) because bottom line it's about CHOICES and really being mentally prepared for life AT goal.  Like Elina said for those who have lost and regained before WHY did it happen.  The VSG limits for the most part how much you can eat in ONE sitting, but not what you eat and how often and crap food (which is what MOST people regain from) can be eaten in unlimited amounts the further you get out.

If I felt I needed malabsorption I would have chosen the DS in a heartbeat.

Ms Shell

RNY Is the gold standard in weight loss..ask any doctor and they will tell you the same. I know six people personally who have had RNY. 4 of them got it back in the 90's before there was lap. All 4 are skinny to this day. Now I know 2 who have had it in the last 5 years. One is skinny. The other one is 2 years post op with a lot of eating issues and is still struggling to lose all her excess weight. 

Not according to ASMBS last year! VSG has ONLY been legit since Jan  2010..a 3 year old lil baby!!....n gainin on you guys...in lightenin speed...RNY what 60 years old? My surgeon predicted in 2008 VSG would be the gold standard in WLS ...I think he's a gad dang prophet! 

I believe that is the generally accepted position in the medical community right now. I do not think it will be for much longer. There are many long term complications with RNY that simply do not exist with VSG. The amount of weight lost with VSG versus RNY is about the same and it depends on the person. My step father-in-law was 550lbs when he had RNY, lost 120 lbs and has now gained 70 of it back, all in less than 2 years. I had VSG 7 months ago and have lost over 140lbs. I have not absorption issues, I was completely healed in a couple weeks and my digestion is the same as it was before. It doesn't get any more gold standard than that.

My brother in law had the RNY a few years ago and is sitting at about a 10 pound regain.  For him though, that is the level that triggers him going back into weight loss mode.  The few times he hit that point he chewed it back down, so I consider his maintenance to be very successful overall.  I bet you could find vsg patients with a lot of regain as well.  Both surgeries are good, just depends on what fits the needs the best.  

I read that there is even a newer WLS coming out soon...they are doing trials in Brazil.

I did some searching today and it sounds like gastric plication. My surgeon does it in Mexico. I considered it but I did not feel like I would get the benefit of reduced ghrellin production from it. My problem was before that I was always hungry, even after I ate. 

I agree with you Keith, I think the VSG will become the gold standard among the doctors pretty soon.  I think any surgery can work but I know far more RNY'ers, even the "still skinny" ones that have so many side effects and health problems (with hypoglycemia etc.)  I almost had the RNY back in 2000 and just couldn't accept the idea of having my intestines re-routed.  I am SO glad I didn't.

I think because you have to be more vigilant with the VSG from day one as far as how you eat (watching carbs etc) due to the fact there is no malabsorption to help you that it makes it easier to change your habits and lifestyle for the long run.  Once the honeymoon period is over, you are better equipped to keep the weight off.  I personally think it's the healthier option too.