Roux en Y or sleeve?!?!?!?!?!?

I am new to this site and am currently in the process of trying to get surgery! I am trying to decide between the rny or the sleeve and was wondering if anybody would be willing to tell me why they chose the procedure between these two, to help me figure out which one is the best for me!? anything is appreciated!!!

 I did not choose RNY, the sleeve was not available.  I will tell you why I am glad I had RNY.  After four years, I eat pretty much anything I please and my body does not fully absorb it, so my weight does not go up.  

thank you for the response the doctor keeps saying there is not much difference but people i talk to say there is so i am trying to figure out which one to do!! so thanks

Hi there.  Use the search feature as this question has been asked many times on the VSG board with many great responses.  Best of luck to you!

There is a HUGE difference between those surgeries.

If he REALLY said there isn't much difference, I'd run away as fast as I could.  That is DANGEROUS information.

There are major differences that you should know about. There are individual message boards for each procedure on here that you can read up on. There are four main surgeries. VSG, DS, RNY & Band

Of the two you mentioned, the sleeve reshapes the stomach to resemble a banana. There is only a restrictive component, so there is no malabsorption and the actual functioning stomach is left intact. The extra part of the stomach is removed.  With the sleeve, you can eat pretty much anything you want, just in much smaller quantities.  Of course you would be given a doctor recommended diet for post-op success.  

With the RNY, the stomach is formed into a very small pouch and the remainder, including the pyloric valve is disconnected, but left in the abdomen. A section of the small intestine is bypassed and the pouch is connected further down, giving the malabsorption component. So, for 18 months to 2 years, some of the calories ingested aren't absorbed. However, this also means that essential vitamins and minerals are malabsorbed and this does not change over time. You have to be on a strict vitamin regiment for life with this surgery. Because of the extra part of the stomach still inside, you cannot take any NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin for life.  There's also a 30% chance of dumping syndrome with certain foods, especially carbs and sugar.  (Some see this as a benefit, though.)  Both have benefits. Both have downsides.

There's also the DS that you should read up on. It's the sleeve with a malabsorption component. It also has pros and cons. READ. READ. READ. Also, if you haven't already, look into what your insurance will cover. Decide what is right for you before choosing a surgeon. Doctors who don't do certain surgeries will find a way to tell you that procedure isn't right for you. Only you can decide. Good luck!

Amber, its always so nice that you answer questions so thoroughly! Its a HUGE help! Thankyou!

Read Amber's response.  Great information.

I chose the RNY because I wanted a malabsoption surgery.  I didn't know about the DS until I had surgery and I wouldn't have had the lapband if it was my only option.

The sleeve might be my first choice today if I was just starting to research and plan for surgery.  I also recommend the DS be looked into as a very good, long term successful WLS to all looking into surgery today.

When I had the surgery my doc did not do sleeve.  If he did - that what I would have. 

if I was to do it again - I would choose sleeve.
One major things that I did not really considered when I had the RNY - is that I would not be able to use simple NSAIDs after the RNY.  We talking the pills that help with most pains: Advil, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.  You get cramps - you take it, right? you get headache - some thing.  Now with RNY - the only OTC is Tylenol....and that things does nothing for some of my pains (muscles, swollen ankle, back pain, cramps..etc).
Also - there is more vitamins and minerals malabsorption - and the calories malabsorbtion goes away after 2-3 years or sooner... and I am back on a restrictive diet not to gain weight.

Plus some other complications...

I had the Duodenal Switch (DS) wls.  I chose it because with all of the INFORMATION I read about many of the weight loss surgeries, the DS was what I felt would work best for me.  It has been almost 5 years (Iwas 53 at the time of my surgery) and am in better HEALTH than anytime in my adult life!

In MY SIGNATURE LINE below, are several LINKS (including a man who had the DS 23 years ago and is well into his 70's or 80's).  

Please do yourself a favor and RESEARCH, RESEARCH, and then RESEARCH some more; then you will be able to make an INFORMATIVE decision on what wls is best suited for you.

Good luck to you.